Molecular characterization of carbapenemase and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolates causing surgical site infections in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause a variety of nosocomial infections in humans. This study aimed to molecularly characterize extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter species isolated from surgical site infections (SSI). METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed among SSI patients at four hospitals located in Northern, Southern, Southwest, and Central parts of Ethiopia. The isolates were identified by microbiological methods and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using disk diffusion. The presence of phenotypic ESBL and carbapenemase production was detected by employing standard microbiological tests, including combined disk diffusion (CDT). ESBL and carbapenem resistance determinants genes were studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 8.7% Acinetobacter species were identified from 493 culture-positive isolates out of 752 SSI wounds. The species identified by MALDI-TOF MS were 88.4% A. baumannii, 4.7% Acinetobacter pittii, 4.7% Acinetobacter soli, and 2.3% Acinetobacter lactucae. Of all isolates 93% were positive for ESBL enzymes according to the CDT. Using whole genome sequencing 62.8% of the A. baumannii harbored one or more beta-lactamase genes, and 46.5% harbored one or more carbapenemase producing genes. The distribution of beta-lactamases among Acinetobacter species by hospitals was 53.8%, 64.3%, 75%, and 75% at JUSH, TASH, DTCSH, and HUCSH respectively. Among ESBL genes, blaCTX-M alleles were detected in 21.4% of isolates; of these 83.3% were blaCTX-M-15. The predominant carbapenemase gene of blaOXA type was detected in 24 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii followed by blaNDM alleles carried in 12 A. baumannii with blaNDM-1 as the most common. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of Acinetobacter species that produce metallobetalactamases (MBLs) and ESBLs that were found in this study is extremely scary and calls for strict infection prevention and control procedures in health facilities helps to set effective antibiotics stewardship.

Bacterial profile of surgical site infection and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Ethiopia: a multicentre prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, surgical site infections (SSI) are the most commonly reported healthcare-associated infections. METHODS: A multicentre study was conducted among patients who underwent surgical procedures at four hospitals located in Northern (Debre Tabor), Southern (Hawassa), Southwest (Jimma), and Central (Tikur Anbessa) parts of Ethiopia. A total of 752 patients clinically studied for surgical site infection were enrolled. The number of patients from Debre Tabor, Hawassa, Jimma, and Tikur Anbessa, hospitals was 172, 184, 193, and 203, respectively. At each study site, SSI discharge culture was performed from all patients, and positive cultures were characterized by colony characteristics, Gram stain, and conventional biochemical tests. Each bacterial species was confirmed using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI TOF). An antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) was done on Mueller-Hinton agar using the disk diffusion method. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations of dependent and independent variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analysed using STATA 16 software. RESULTS: Among 752 wound discharge cultures performed, 65.5% yielded growth. Among these, 57.9% and 42.1% were Gram-negative and Gram-positive isolates, respectively. In this study, a total of 494 bacteria were isolated; Staphylococcus aureus (31%), Escherichia coli (20.7%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.8%) were the most common. Rare isolates (0.8% each) included Raoultella ornithinolytica, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Alcalignes faecalis, Pantoea ecurina, Bacillus flexus, and Paenibacillus tylopili. Enterobacteriaceae showed high levels of resistance to most of the tested antibiotics but lower levels of ertapenem (32.9%), amikacin (24.3%), imipenem (20.3%), and meropenem (17.6%) resistance. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) frequency of Enterobacteriaceae at Debre Tabor, Hawassa, Jimma, and Tikur Anbessa hospitals was 84.5%, 96.5%, 97.3%, and 94%, respectively. Ages ≥ 61 years (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.02-7.99; P 0.046), prolonged duration of hospital stay (AOR = 4.15, 95% CI: 2.87-6.01; P 0.000), history of previous antibiotics use (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.06-2.80; P 0.028), history of smoking (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.44-3.83; P 0.001), emergency surgery (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.92-3.66; P 0.000), and duration of operation (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.181-0.392; P 0.000) were significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent isolates from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria across all hospitals were S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Many newly emerging Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were identified. Variation between hospitals was found for both SSI etiology type and MDR frequencies. Hence, to prevent the emergence and spread of MDR bacteria, standard bacteriological tests and their AST are indispensable for effective antimicrobial stewardship.

High seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Ethiopian healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has a devastating impact on the economies and health care system of sub-Saharan Africa. Healthcare workers (HWs), the main actors of the health system, are at higher risk because of their occupation. Serology-based estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HWs represent a measure of HWs' exposure to the virus and could be used as a guide to the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the community and valuable in combating COVID-19. This information is currently lacking in Ethiopia and other African countries. This study aimed to develop an in-house antibody testing assay, assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Ethiopian high-risk frontline HWs. METHODS: We developed and validated an in-house Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for specific detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies. We then used this assay to assess the seroprevalence among HWs in five public hospitals located in different geographic regions of Ethiopia. From consenting HWs, blood samples were collected between December 2020 and February 2021, the period between the two peaks of COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using questionnaire-based interviews. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the overall and post-stratified seroprevalence and the association between seropositivity and potential risk factors. RESULTS: Our successfully developed in-house assay sensitivity was 100% in serum samples collected 2- weeks after the first onset of symptoms whereas its specificity in pre-COVID-19 pandemic sera was 97.7%. Using this assay, we analyzed a total of 1997 sera collected from HWs. Of 1997 HWs who provided a blood sample, and demographic and clinical data, 51.7% were females, 74.0% had no symptoms compatible with COVID-19, and 29.0% had a history of contact with suspected or confirmed patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overall seroprevalence was 39.6%. The lowest (24.5%) and the highest (48.0%) seroprevalence rates were found in Hiwot Fana Specialized Hospital in Harar and ALERT Hospital in Addis Ababa, respectively. Of the 821 seropositive HWs, 224(27.3%) of them had a history of symptoms consistent with COVID-19 while 436 (> 53%) of them had no contact with COVID-19 cases as well as no history of COVID-19 like symptoms. A history of close contact with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 cases is associated with seropositivity (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8; p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence levels were observed in the five Ethiopian hospitals. These findings highlight the significant burden of asymptomatic infection in Ethiopia and may reflect the scale of transmission in the general population.

Challenges in delivery of tuberculosis Services in Ethiopian Pastoralist Settings: clues for reforming service models and organizational structures.

BACKGROUND: The End-TB strategy aims to see a world free of tuberculosis (TB) by the coming decade through detecting and treating all cases irrespective of socioeconomic inequalities. However, case detections and treatment outcomes have not been as they should be in Somali pastoral settings of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to explore the challenges that hinder the delivery and utilization of TB services in pastoral areas. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted between December 2017 and October 2018 among pastoralist patients with delay of ≥2 months in seeking healthcare, healthcare providers and programme managers. Data were collected from different sources using 41 in-depth interviews, observations of facilities and a review meeting of providers from 50 health facilities. The data were transcribed, coded and analyzed to identify pre-defined and emerging sub-themes. ATLAS.ti version 7.0 was used for coding data, categorizing codes, and visualizing networks. RESULTS: Poor knowledge of TB and its services, limited accessibility (unreachability, unavailability and unacceptability), pastoralism, and initial healthcare-seeking at informal drug vendors that provide improper medications were the key barriers hindering the uptake of TB medical services. Inadequate infrastructure, shortage of trained and enthused providers, interruptions of drugs and laboratory supplies, scarce equipment, programme management gaps, lack of tailored approach, low private engagement, and cross-border movement were the major challenges affecting the provision of TB services for pastoral communities. The root factors were limited potential healthcare coverage, lack of zonal and district TB units, mobility and drought, strategy and funding gaps, and poor development infrastructure. CONCLUSION: In pastoral settings of Ethiopia, the major challenges of TB services are limited access, illicit medication practices, inadequate resources, structural deficits, and lack of tailored approaches. Hence, for the pastoral TB control to be successful, mobile screening and treatment modalities and engaging rural drug vendors will be instrumental in enhancing case findings and treatment compliance; whereas, service expansion and management decentralization will be essential to create responsive structures for overcoming challenges.

Respectful maternity care and associated factors among women who delivered at Harar hospitals, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, approximately three-fourths of mothers do not deliver in health facilities. Disrespect and abuse during childbirth fallouts in underutilization of institutional delivery that upshots maternal morbidity and mortality. Thus, the ambition of this study was to assess respectful maternity care and associated factors in Harar hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 01 to July 01, 2017. A total of 425 women, delivered at Harar town hospitals, were nominated using a systematic random sampling technique. A pretested and organized questionnaire was used to collect the data. After checking for completeness, the data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22.0 for cleaning and analyses. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was computed to identify factors associated with respectful maternity care. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value of < 0.05. RESULTS: Data were collected on 425 women. Overall, only 38.4% (95% CI: 33.7, 42.0%) of women received respectful maternity care. Delivering at private hospitals [AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.07], having ANC follow-up [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.20], planned pregnancy [AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.24, 7.34], labor attended by male provider [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.77] and normal maternal outcome [AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.83] were significantly associated with respectful maternity care. CONCLUSIONS: Only four out of ten women received respectful care during labor and delivery. Providing women-friendly, abusive free, timely and discriminative free care are the bases to improve the uptake of institutional delivery. Execution of respectful care advancement must be the business of all healthcare providers. Furthermore, to come up with a substantial reduction in maternal mortality, great emphasis should be given to make the service woman-centered.

Intensive phase treatment outcome and associated factors among patients treated for multi drug resistant tuberculosis in Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is resistant to at least Rifampicin and Isoniazid drugs. The treatment success rate for MDR-TB cases is lower than for drug susceptible TB. Globally only 55% of MDR-TB patients were successfully treated. Monitoring the early treatment outcome and better understanding of the specific reasons for early unfavorable and unknown treatment outcome is crucial for preventing the emergence of further drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, this information is scarce in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the intensive phase treatment outcome and contributing factors among patients treated for MDR-TB in Ethiopia. METHODS: A 6 year retrospective cohort record review was conducted in fourteen TICs all over the country. The records of 751 MDR-TB patients were randomly selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested and structured checklist. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was undertaken to identify the contributing factors. RESULTS: At the end of the intensive phase, 17.3% of MDR-TB patients had an unfavorable treatment outcome, while 16.8% had an unknown outcome with the remaining having a favorable outcome. The median duration of the intensive phase was 9.0 months (IQR 8.04-10.54). Having an unfavorable intensive phase treatment outcome was found significantly more common among older age [ARRR = 1.047, 95% CI (1.024, 1.072)] and those with a history of hypokalemia [ARRR = 0.512, 95% CI (0.280, 0.939)]. Having an unknown intensive phase treatment outcome was found to be more common among those treated under the ambulatory care [ARRR = 3.2, 95% CI (1.6, 6.2)], rural dwellers [ARRR = 0.370, 95% CI (0.199, 0.66)], those without a treatment supporter [ARRR = 0.022, 95% CI (0.002, 0.231)], and those with resistance to a limited number of drugs. CONCLUSION: We observed a higher rate of unfavorable and unknown treatment outcome in this study. To improve favorable treatment outcome more emphasis should be given to conducting all scheduled laboratory monitoring tests, assignment of treatment supporters for each patient and ensuring complete recording and reporting which could be enhanced by quarterly cohort review. Older aged and rural patients need special attention. Furthermore, the sample referral network should be strengthened.

Delay in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis increases the risk of pulmonary cavitation in pastoralist setting of Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Delay in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) leads to severe disease, adverse outcomes and increased transmission. Assessing the extent of delay and its effect on disease progression in TB affected settings has clinical and programmatic importance. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of delay on infectiousness (cavitation and smear positivity) of patients at diagnosis in Somali pastoralist area, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2017 and October 2018, and 434 newly coming and confirmed PTB patients aged ≥15 years were recruited in five facilities. Data were collected using interview, record-review, anthropometry, Acid-fast bacilli and chest radiography techniques. Log-binomial regression models were used to reveal the association of delay and other factors associated with cavitation and smear positivity, and ROC Curve was used to determine discriminative ability and threshold delays. RESULTS: Median age of patients was 30 years. Of all, 62.9% were males, and 46.5% were pastoralists. Median diagnosis delay was 49 days (IQR = 33-70). Cavitation was significantly associated with diagnosis delay [P < 0.001]; 22.2% among patients diagnosed within 30 days of illness and 51.7% if delay was over 30 days. The threshold delay that optimizes cavitation was 43 days [AUC (95% CI) = 0.67(0.62-0.72)]. Smear positivity was significantly increased in patients delayed over 49 days [p = 0.02]. Other factors associated with cavitation were age ≤ 35 years [APR (95% CI) =1.3(1.01-1.6)], chronic diseases [APR (95% CI) = 1.8(1.2-2.6)] and low MUAC*female [APR (95% CI) = 1.8(1.2-2.8)]. Smear positivity was also associated with age ≤ 35 years [APR (95% CI) =1.4(1.1-1.8)], low BMI [APR (95% CI) =1.3(1.01-1.7)] and low MUAC [APR (95% CI) =1.5(1.2-1.9)]. CONCLUSION: This study highlights delay in diagnosis of pulmonary TB remained high and increased infectiousness of patients in pastoral settings of Ethiopia. Hence, delay should be targeted to improve patient outcomes and reduce transmission in such settings.

Prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Isolates, and Associated Factors of Urinary Tract Infections among HIV-Positive Patients at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.

Urinary tract infection remains a major public health problem in developing countries, where there are limited health-care services. Its prevalence is fueled by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is now widespread and poses a serious clinical threat. This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates, and associated factors of urinary tract infections among HIV-positive adult patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 randomly selected HIV-positive patients at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital from February to March 2016. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Clean-catch midstream urine samples were collected aseptically and examined using the recommended culture methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0. The logistic regression models were used to explore the predictors of the outcome. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection was 18% (95% CI: 15.34-22.63). Individuals with age 35-44 years (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.07; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.10), income less than 46.7 USD (AOR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.15, 6.07), and a CD4+ count less than 200 cells/mm3 (AOR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.73) had higher odds of UTI. Escherichia coli (38.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus (11.1%) were the predominant causes of urinary tract infection. E. coli was resistant to ampicillin (95.8%), ceftazidime (95.8%), cotrimoxazole (95.8%), amoxicillin (91.7%), ceftriaxone (87.5%), and tetracycline (87.2%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 46% of the isolates. The prevalence of urinary tract infection in this study was high compared to the previous reports in Ethiopia. Age 35-44 years, income less than 46.7 USD, and a CD4+ count < 200 cells/mm3 increase the odds of urinary tract infection. The most common isolates were E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus. Almost half of the isolates were multidrug resistant. Actions to help mitigate the further spread of resistance are urgently needed in the study area.

Maternal group B Streptococcus recto vaginal colonization increases the odds of stillbirth: evidence from Eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes a significant number of stillbirths. Despite this, there is little documented information on the association between stillbirth and pregnant women's GBS recto vaginal colonization in Sub Saharan Africa. As such, this study was aimed at identifying the association between stillbirth and pregnant women's GBS recto vaginal colonization in Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1688 pregnant women who came for delivery service in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia between June to October in 2016. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and checklist (which utilize clinical record). Group B streptococcus positivity of the pregnant women was confirmed by culture of recto vaginal swab using selective media. The association between GBS colonization and stillbirth was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. A statistical significance was declared at p-value ≤0.05. RESULTS: Of the 1688 pregnant women who participated in the study, 144 had stillbirths, representing a prevalence of 8.53% [(95% CI: (7.19, 9.86)]. Group B Streptococcus colonization at birth was detected in 231 women (13.68%; 95% CI 12.04, 15.32). Of these 144 stillbirths 59 (40.97%) were from colonized mothers and 72(59.03%) were from non-colonized mothers. Of these 59 stillbirth from colonized mothers, 32(54.23%) were intrapartum stillbirth, 27(45.77%) were antepartum stillbirth occur before exposed to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). After controlling for potential confounders, the odds of having a stillbirth were 8.93 times higher among recto vaginal GBS colonized pregnant women [AOR = 8.93; 95% CI; (5.47, 14.56)]. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a significant association between maternal recto vaginal GBS colonization and stillbirth. Efforts to reduce stillbirth need to consider prevention of GBS colonization among pregnant women. Maternal vaccination may provide a feasible strategy to reduce stillbirth due to GBS.

Characterization of the etiological agents of tuberculous lymphadenitis in Dera Woreda, North Showa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN) is a common form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis where lymph nodes particularly from cervical, axillary and inguinal sites are mostly involved, however, its diagnosis poses a major challenge in resource limited settings. OBJECTIVE: To identify the etiological species of Mycobacteria responsible for TBLN in Derra area, a rural district in Ethiopia, where the status of TBLN is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 153 patients who were clinically suspected for TBLN, between the periods of August 2004 and February 2005 were included in the study. Fine needle aspirates (FNA) were collected and processed from 145 participants and further analyzed using Ziehl Neelsen staining, culture, cytology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sets of primers, targeting the IS6110 insertion sequence and the pncA gene allelic variation at position 169. RESULTS: Out of the 145 FNA samples, 66 (45.5%) demonstrated growth on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium and 115 (79.3%) cases were confirmed as TBLN by a combination of results from acid fast bacilli (AFB) smear examination, culture, cytology and PCR. From the 145 clinically suspected TBLN cases, 108 (75%) were identified by PCR at complex level of which 107/108 (99.1%) were positive for M. tuberculosis and 1/108 (0.9%) was positive for M. bovis using pncA primers. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that M. tuberculosis is the major cause of tuberculous lymphadenitis in Dera area.