Kirti Nirmal; Krishna Sarkar; Deeksha Chaudhary; Shukla Das
Abstract
Background: ESKAPE pathogens pose a significant threat in healthcare due to their growing antibiotic resistance. Objective: This study, conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital, studied the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility trends of these pathogens in various intensive care units (ICUs).Methods: ...
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Background: ESKAPE pathogens pose a significant threat in healthcare due to their growing antibiotic resistance. Objective: This study, conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital, studied the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility trends of these pathogens in various intensive care units (ICUs).Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in various ICUs from January to December 2022. Blood samples from 742 patients were analyzed for ESKAPE pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer method.Results: Among 742 ESKAPE pathogens analyzed, Acinetobacter baumannii was the most prevalent, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, their distribution varied across ICUs, with the Neonatal ICU having the highest isolates (70%).Conclusion: The study showed concerning antibiotic resistance patterns. This emphasizes the urgent need for stringent antibiotic stewardship and alternative treatment strategies to combat these highly resistant pathogens effectively. Continuous monitoring of resistance patterns is vital to inform treatment and preserve antibiotic efficacy in ICU settings.
Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi; Aanuoluwapo Adeyimika Afolabi; Ayomide Esther Bello
Abstract
The African continent is a known malaria-endemic region. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19/malaria co-infection is of critical importance in Africa due to the similarities in the manifestation of their symptoms. To avert compromising the health status of individuals on the African continent during ...
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The African continent is a known malaria-endemic region. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19/malaria co-infection is of critical importance in Africa due to the similarities in the manifestation of their symptoms. To avert compromising the health status of individuals on the African continent during the COVID-19 pandemic, this commentary sought to examine the link between COVID-19 and malaria, outlining strategies for improving the diagnosis and prevention of COVID-19 and malaria in Africa. A scale-up of malaria-focused care should be considered to ensure adequate reporting of COVID-19 cases in Africa. Likewise, individuals who present for malarial testing should be linked to COVID-19 testing and treatment care in Africa. Also, surveillance activities should be scaled up to ensure accurate COVID-19 case reporting and improved case notification. Regular refresher trainings should be organized for healthcare workers to promote healthcare service delivery.