Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Escherichia Coli in Bagmati River, Kathmandu Valley.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance organisms in the peripheral communities of an environment can be predicted by the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli in that environment. The close connectivity between humans and water sources can facilitate the entry of antimicrobial resistant organisms into the human ecosystem. The aim of this study was to assess beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli from Bagmati river within Kathmandu valley. METHODS: In the year 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted on water samples collected from 66 locations along the Bagmati River. Coliforms were isolated by five tubes dilution method and identified by cultural and biochemical tests. Further Escherichia coli was isolated in eosin methylene blue agar at 44.5 °C. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion methods. Beta lactamase gene types were detected by using conventional multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A total of 615 bacterial isolates were identified among which 39 % (n=241) were Escherichia coli. Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli was confirmed in 16.6 % (40/241) of total Escherichia coli isolates. Among 66 sites this isolate was detected in 26 (40 %) sampling sites excluding upstream regions. All the Escherichia coli isolates were multidrug resistance showing higher percentage (>99 %) of resistant for penicillin, tetracycline and erythromycin antibiotics. There were significant differences in resistance rate for cefotaxime and ceftazidime by extended spectrum beta lactamase producing and non-producing Escherichia coli (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of multidrug resistance extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli in river streams suggests the chances of circulating within river system and hence transmitting in human community. KEY WORDS: Bagmati river; drug resistance; escherichia coli; human.

Epidemiology of dengue virus infections in Nepal, 2006-2019.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is one of the newest emerging diseases in Nepal with increasing burden and geographic spread over the years. The main objective of this study was to explore the epidemiological patterns of dengue since its first outbreak (2006) to 2019 in Nepal. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis that covers the last 14 years (2006-2019) of reported dengue cases from Epidemiology Diseases Control Division (EDCD), Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal. Reported cases were plotted over time and maps of reported case incidence were generated (from 2016 through 2019). An ecological analysis of environmental predictors of case incidence was conducted using negative binomial regression. RESULTS: While endemic dengue has been reported in Nepal since 2006, the case load has increased over time and in 2019 a total of 17 992 dengue cases were reported from 68 districts (from all seven provinces). Compared to the case incidence in 2016, incidence was approximately five times higher in 2018 [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-15.3] and over 140 times higher in 2019 (IRR: 141.6; 95% CI 45.8-438.4). A one standard deviation increase in elevation was associated with a 90% decrease in reported case incidence (IRR: 0.10; 95% CI 0.01-0.20). However, the association between elevation and reported cases varied across the years. In 2018 there was a cluster of cases reported from high elevation Kaski District of Gandaki Province. Our results suggest that dengue infections are increasing in magnitude and expanding out of the lowland areas to higher elevations over time. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high risk of dengue outbreak in the lowland Terai region, with increasing spread towards the mid-mountains and beyond as seen over the last 14 years. Urgent measures are required to increase the availability of diagnostics and resources to mitigate future dengue epidemics.

Use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance in Nepal: a nationwide survey.

Nepal suffers from high burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to inappropriate use of antibiotics. The main objective of this study was to explore knowledge, attitude and practices of antibiotics uses among patients, healthcare workers, laboratories, drug sellers and farmers in eight districts of Nepal. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and July 2017. A total of 516 individuals participated in a face-to-face interview that included clinicians, private drug dispensers, patients, laboratories, public health centers/hospitals and, livestock and poultry farmers. Out of 516 respondents, 62.8% (324/516) were patients, 16.9% (87/516) were clinicians, 6.4% (33/516) were private drug dispensers. A significant proportion of patients (42.9%; 139/324) thought that fever could be treated with antibiotics. Majority (79%; 256/324) of the patients purchased antibiotics over the counter. The knowledge of antibiotics used among patients increased proportionately with the level of education: literate only [AOR = 1.4 (95% Cl = 0.6-4.4)], versus secondary education (8-10 grade) [AOR = 1.8 (95% Cl = 1.0-3.4)]. Adult patients were more aware of antibiotic resistance. Use of antibiotics over the counter was found high in this study. Knowledge, attitude and practice related to antibiotic among respondents showed significant gaps and need an urgent effort to mitigate such practice.