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- Anti-onchocercal properties of three medicinal plants against Onchocerca ochengi
- Genetic resistance factors and antimicrobial resistance phenotypes in methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates of animals and humans
- Ending future pandemics: An expert panel discussion
- Enhancing antimicrobial management: A 5-year retrospective analysis of urinary pathogen susceptibility at a tertiary care centre from January 2018 to December 2022
- The epidemiological trends of 40 national notifiable infectious diseases in China: An analysis of national surveillance data from 2013 to 2022
- Fecal shedding and transmission of vaccine-derived poliovirus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Global, regional, and national burdens: An overlapping meta-analysis on Staphylococcus aureus and its drug-resistant strains
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Shenyang Pharmaceutical University Journal editors visited Press office
Shenyang Pharmaceutical University Journal editors visited Press office
Shenyang Pharmaceutical University Journal editors visited Press office
One Health Bulletin editorial office attended the 5th Forum of Tropical Medicine, Tropical Medicine Alliance
One Health Bulletin editorial office attended the 5th Forum of Tropical Medicine, Tropical Medicine Alliance
The Editor-in-Chief of Cell Research and Cell Discovery share insights
One Health Research Foundation chairman engaged in scholarly dialogue at Press office
One Health Research Foundation chairman engaged in scholarly dialogue at Press office
Editorial team joined the 2022 National Forum on Development of Tropical Medicine Journals
Dr. Dirk Engels serves as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of One Health Bulletin
Dr. Dirk Engels serves as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of One Health Bulletin
Dr. Dirk Engels serves as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of One Health Bulletin
Thoracic Cancer Editorial Director visited the Press office for academic exchange
One Health Bulletin editorial team joined Inaugural Wildlife Diseases Symposium
Editorial team attended the Second Belt and Road Tropical Medical Alliance (BRTMA) Forum
Editorial team attended the Second Belt and Road Tropical Medical Alliance (BRTMA) Forum
Editorial team attended the Second Belt and Road Tropical Medical Alliance (BRTMA) Forum
Prof. Marcel Tanner joins the Editorial Board of One Health Bulletin
Prof. Marcel Tanner joins the Editorial Board of One Health Bulletin
Prof. Marcel Tanner joins the Editorial Board of One Health Bulletin
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Yan Cheng, Xueting Wang, Yingying Ma, Tao Chen, Luying Xiong, Pan Chen, Ping Lu, Erjia Zhang, Yonghong Xiao
2025,3,1, DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_68_24
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a serious threat to global public health. By 2050, AMR is estimated to cause 1.91 million deaths annually, with related mortality reaching 8.22 million. The challenges posed by AMR extend beyond the healthcare system to include animal health and environmental factors such as livestock farming, urbanization, and climate change. The “One Health” approach, an interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaborative strategy, integrates the management of human, animal, and environmental health. It is considered a crucial framework for addressing complex public health challenges and providing both scientific and preventive strategies to combat AMR. From October 12 to 13, 2024, the Second One Health Conference of Antimicrobial Resistance Containment was successfully held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, under the theme “Hand in Hand with One Health to Contain AMR”. The conference brought together experts from various fields to engage in in-depth discussions on AMR control, reaching a consensus to take action towards advancing the global health community. This conference strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration, promoted cross-departmental and cross-national cooperation, enhanced public awareness of AMR, explored control mechanisms, and provided both theoretical and practical guidance for mitigating AMR. It also called for increased investment and research and development efforts on AMR containment.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a serious threat to global public health. By 2050, AMR is estimated to cause 1.91 million deaths annually, with related mortality reaching 8.22 million. The challenges posed by AMR extend beyond the healthcare system to include animal health and environmental factors such as livestock farming, urbanization, and climate change. The “One Health” approach, an interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaborative strategy, integrates the management of human, animal, and environmental health. It is considered a crucial framework for addressing complex public health challenges and providing both scientific and preventive strategies to combat AMR. From October 12 to 13, 2024, the Second One Health Conference of Antimicrobial Resistance Containment was successfully held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, under the theme “Hand in Hand with One Health to Contain AMR”. The conference brought together experts from various fields to engage in in-depth discussions on AMR control, reaching a consensus to take action towards advancing the global health community. This conference strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration, promoted cross-departmental and cross-national cooperation, enhanced public awareness of AMR, explored control mechanisms, and provided both theoretical and practical guidance for mitigating AMR. It also called for increased investment and research and development efforts on AMR containment.
Oluwafunmilayo Elizabeth Olajide, Blessing Ifeoma Nwadike, Oluwatobi Omotosho, Ayobami Priscillia Oluwole
2025,3,2, DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_38_24
Abstract:
Objective: To detect the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in water from selected storage tanks in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: MacConkey agar supplemented with 6 μg/mL of cefotaxime was used to isolate bacteria. Pure isolates were identified through PCR amplification. The susceptibility patterns of the isolates to ceftazidime (30 μg/mL), amoxicillin/clavulanate (30 μg/ mL), tetracycline (30 μg/mL), cefotaxime (30 μg/mL), cefpodoxime (10 μg/mL), and ciprofloxacin (5 μg/mL) were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while the identification of beta-lactamase production was performed using the double disc synergy test. Results: A total of 19 isolates belonging to four genera (Citrobacter, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, and Serratia) were obtained from the ten water samples. Escherichia coli and Citrobacter spp. had the highest presence (30.0%). The antibiotic with highest resistance was observed to be cefpodoxime (100%) followed by amoxicillin/clavulanate (89.5%) and cefotaxime (89.5%), the least was noted with tetracycline (31.6%). Additionally, 10 (52.6%) out of the 19 isolates showed beta-lactamase-producing phenotypic properties with high resistance to cefpodoxime (100%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (100%) and ceftazidime (90.0%). Additionally, this study showed the link between bacterial strains identified by 16S rRNA and related human diseases, highlighting the importance of genetic identification in managing infections. Conclusions: This study highlights the prevalence of beta-lactam-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to address this issue.
Objective: To detect the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in water from selected storage tanks in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: MacConkey agar supplemented with 6 μg/mL of cefotaxime was used to isolate bacteria. Pure isolates were identified through PCR amplification. The susceptibility patterns of the isolates to ceftazidime (30 μg/mL), amoxicillin/clavulanate (30 μg/ mL), tetracycline (30 μg/mL), cefotaxime (30 μg/mL), cefpodoxime (10 μg/mL), and ciprofloxacin (5 μg/mL) were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while the identification of beta-lactamase production was performed using the double disc synergy test. Results: A total of 19 isolates belonging to four genera (Citrobacter, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, and Serratia) were obtained from the ten water samples. Escherichia coli and Citrobacter spp. had the highest presence (30.0%). The antibiotic with highest resistance was observed to be cefpodoxime (100%) followed by amoxicillin/clavulanate (89.5%) and cefotaxime (89.5%), the least was noted with tetracycline (31.6%). Additionally, 10 (52.6%) out of the 19 isolates showed beta-lactamase-producing phenotypic properties with high resistance to cefpodoxime (100%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (100%) and ceftazidime (90.0%). Additionally, this study showed the link between bacterial strains identified by 16S rRNA and related human diseases, highlighting the importance of genetic identification in managing infections. Conclusions: This study highlights the prevalence of beta-lactam-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to address this issue.
Moses Samje, Paulin Ngoufo, Napoleon Mfonku, Brice Tchoufack, Glory Mbah, Eduard Tiku, Fidelis Cho-Ngwa
2025,3,3, DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_43_24
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the filaricidal properties of three indigenous medicinal plants—Cassia alata, Zornia scabra, and Momordica (M.) foetida, in order to explore their potential as novel sources of filaricides for the sustainable management of filariasis. Methods: Nine crude extracts from these three plants were prepared and screened in vitro against the microfilariae and adult worms of Onchocerca (O.) ochengi. Viability of O. ochengi adult male worm and mf was ascertained by microscopy while that of adult female worm of O. ochengi was by MTT/formazan assay. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity were assessed in LLC-MK2 cells and in balb/c mice, respectively. Results: At the single highest concentration of 500 μg/mL, all the extracts were active on O. ochengi adult males while seven showed activity on adult females and microfilariae. The methylene chloride extract of M. foetida was the most active on O. ochengi with IC50s of 30.3 μg/mL, 40.3 μg/mL, and 44.2 μg/mL on males, females, and microfilariae, respectively. Selectivity indexes for the most active extract were 3.5 μg/mL (microfilariae), 3.9 μg/mL (females), and 5.1 μg/mL (males). There was no physical sign of acute toxicity and no hepatocellular injury to balb/c mice. Conclusions: Extracts of Cassia alata, Zheneria scabra and M. foetida contain nematocidal properties with the methylene chloride extract of M. foetida being the most active on the adult worms and juvenile stages of O. ochengi. These findings provide a base for the isolation of anti-filarial lead molecules from the extract.
Objective: To evaluate the filaricidal properties of three indigenous medicinal plants—Cassia alata, Zornia scabra, and Momordica (M.) foetida, in order to explore their potential as novel sources of filaricides for the sustainable management of filariasis. Methods: Nine crude extracts from these three plants were prepared and screened in vitro against the microfilariae and adult worms of Onchocerca (O.) ochengi. Viability of O. ochengi adult male worm and mf was ascertained by microscopy while that of adult female worm of O. ochengi was by MTT/formazan assay. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity were assessed in LLC-MK2 cells and in balb/c mice, respectively. Results: At the single highest concentration of 500 μg/mL, all the extracts were active on O. ochengi adult males while seven showed activity on adult females and microfilariae. The methylene chloride extract of M. foetida was the most active on O. ochengi with IC50s of 30.3 μg/mL, 40.3 μg/mL, and 44.2 μg/mL on males, females, and microfilariae, respectively. Selectivity indexes for the most active extract were 3.5 μg/mL (microfilariae), 3.9 μg/mL (females), and 5.1 μg/mL (males). There was no physical sign of acute toxicity and no hepatocellular injury to balb/c mice. Conclusions: Extracts of Cassia alata, Zheneria scabra and M. foetida contain nematocidal properties with the methylene chloride extract of M. foetida being the most active on the adult worms and juvenile stages of O. ochengi. These findings provide a base for the isolation of anti-filarial lead molecules from the extract.
2025,3,4, DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_55_24
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the prevalence, genetic resistance factors, and antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MRSA) from clinically healthy animals (horses, dogs, and cats) and their human handlers, providing a baseline for broader genes sequencing based on One Health studies to the emergence of resistance as well as guides regarding specific therapies, hospital antibiotic usage/stewardship, and target-specific infection control measures. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved both human and animals. S. aureus isolates derived were characterised for their antimicrobial phenotypes through antimicrobial susceptibility testing with PCR detection of mecA, mecC, and DNA sequencing of mepR, mepA, mepB, and sapep genes for correlation with their antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Results: Seventy S. aureus isolates from 149 human handlers, 240 horses, and 206 companion animals, including dogs and cats were studied. The prevalence of resistance was highest for penicillins (100.0%) and amoxicillin (94.3%), followed by erythromycin (87.7%), trimethoprim (78.6%), azithromycin (77.1%), imipenem (61.4%), and tetracycline (40.0%). Lower resistance prevalences were observed for ciprofloxacin (27.1%), chloramphenicol (20.0%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (12.9%), and gentamicin (2.9%). Twenty-six isolates had their DNA sequenced for mepR, mepA, mepB, and sapep genes for correlation with their antimicrobial phenotypes. Transcriptional profiling revealed that both animal and human MRSA isolates exhibited a gene cluster mepRAB (multidrug export protein gene), encoding a MarR-like transcriptional regulator (mepR), a M20/ M25/M40 metallo-hydrolase protein gene (sapep) encoding resistance to biocides and carbapenems, and a hypothetical protein gene of unknown function (mepB). Conclusions: This study demonstrated extensive multidrug resistance in MRSA, revealing similarities in the resistance patterns and multiple antibiotic resistance indices among the isolates. These findings suggest the potential presence of non-mec resistance mechanisms in MRSA, in addition to the mec gene mechanism
Objective: To investigate the prevalence, genetic resistance factors, and antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MRSA) from clinically healthy animals (horses, dogs, and cats) and their human handlers, providing a baseline for broader genes sequencing based on One Health studies to the emergence of resistance as well as guides regarding specific therapies, hospital antibiotic usage/stewardship, and target-specific infection control measures. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved both human and animals. S. aureus isolates derived were characterised for their antimicrobial phenotypes through antimicrobial susceptibility testing with PCR detection of mecA, mecC, and DNA sequencing of mepR, mepA, mepB, and sapep genes for correlation with their antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Results: Seventy S. aureus isolates from 149 human handlers, 240 horses, and 206 companion animals, including dogs and cats were studied. The prevalence of resistance was highest for penicillins (100.0%) and amoxicillin (94.3%), followed by erythromycin (87.7%), trimethoprim (78.6%), azithromycin (77.1%), imipenem (61.4%), and tetracycline (40.0%). Lower resistance prevalences were observed for ciprofloxacin (27.1%), chloramphenicol (20.0%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (12.9%), and gentamicin (2.9%). Twenty-six isolates had their DNA sequenced for mepR, mepA, mepB, and sapep genes for correlation with their antimicrobial phenotypes. Transcriptional profiling revealed that both animal and human MRSA isolates exhibited a gene cluster mepRAB (multidrug export protein gene), encoding a MarR-like transcriptional regulator (mepR), a M20/ M25/M40 metallo-hydrolase protein gene (sapep) encoding resistance to biocides and carbapenems, and a hypothetical protein gene of unknown function (mepB). Conclusions: This study demonstrated extensive multidrug resistance in MRSA, revealing similarities in the resistance patterns and multiple antibiotic resistance indices among the isolates. These findings suggest the potential presence of non-mec resistance mechanisms in MRSA, in addition to the mec gene mechanism
2025,3,5, DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_66_24
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing symptomatic and severe diseases among the adults aged 60 years and older, identify key risk factors that influence infection and severity, and explore strategies to enhance the protection for this high-risk group. Methods: A test-negative case-control study was conducted among individuals aged 60 years and older, comprising 300 COVID- 19-positive cases and 300 COVID-19-negative controls. Data on vaccination status and other variables were collected via telephone interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated as 1 minus the crude odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence interval (CI). Additionally, univariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity. Results: Among 600 participants, 13.7% (82/600) were identified as unvaccinated individuals. Multivariable analysis revealed that vaccinated status was the only factor determining both the infection of SARS-CoV-2 (adjusted OR 2.63; 95% CI: 1.57-4.41) and severity of COVID-19 (adjusted OR 1.85; 95% CI: 1.00-3.62). The estimated vaccine effectiveness was 68.0% (95% CI: 0.45-0.82) for fully vaccinated individuals and 59.0% (95% CI: 0.30-0.76) for partially vaccinated individuals. Of the cases, 22.0% (66/300) were identified as severe. The vaccine demonstrated an effectiveness of 73.0% (95% CI: 0.47-0.86) against severe COVID-19 among fully vaccinated individuals and 68.0% (95% CI: 0.44-0.83) for partially vaccinated individuals. Conclusions: The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among the adults aged 60 years and older is lower than anticipated. In addition to the administration of booster doses, other interventions such as using higher doses, adjuvants, and intradermal routes should be evaluated to protect this highly vulnerable group that is at the greatest risk of adverse outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing symptomatic and severe diseases among the adults aged 60 years and older, identify key risk factors that influence infection and severity, and explore strategies to enhance the protection for this high-risk group. Methods: A test-negative case-control study was conducted among individuals aged 60 years and older, comprising 300 COVID- 19-positive cases and 300 COVID-19-negative controls. Data on vaccination status and other variables were collected via telephone interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated as 1 minus the crude odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence interval (CI). Additionally, univariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity. Results: Among 600 participants, 13.7% (82/600) were identified as unvaccinated individuals. Multivariable analysis revealed that vaccinated status was the only factor determining both the infection of SARS-CoV-2 (adjusted OR 2.63; 95% CI: 1.57-4.41) and severity of COVID-19 (adjusted OR 1.85; 95% CI: 1.00-3.62). The estimated vaccine effectiveness was 68.0% (95% CI: 0.45-0.82) for fully vaccinated individuals and 59.0% (95% CI: 0.30-0.76) for partially vaccinated individuals. Of the cases, 22.0% (66/300) were identified as severe. The vaccine demonstrated an effectiveness of 73.0% (95% CI: 0.47-0.86) against severe COVID-19 among fully vaccinated individuals and 68.0% (95% CI: 0.44-0.83) for partially vaccinated individuals. Conclusions: The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among the adults aged 60 years and older is lower than anticipated. In addition to the administration of booster doses, other interventions such as using higher doses, adjuvants, and intradermal routes should be evaluated to protect this highly vulnerable group that is at the greatest risk of adverse outcomes.
I Ketut Agus Somia, Cokorda Agung Wahyu Purnamasidhi, Dewa Ayu Fony Prema Shanti, Giovanca Verentzia Purnama, I Komang Hotra Adiputra
2025,3,6, DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_48_24
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the potential of immature platelet fraction (IPF) as a predictor of increased platelets in dengue fever patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. We analyzed the medical records of confirmed dengue patients who were admitted to Udayana University Academic Hospital. Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between increased IPF and ratio of increased platelets in patients with dengue fever. Results: Between June 2022 and December 2022, 41 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 45.0 ± 18.5 years, with males comprising 60.0% of the cohort. The initial mean platelet count was 107.7 × 103 cells/μL at baseline and increased to 128.1 × 103 cells/μL by the end of the observation period. The mean IPF was 1.9 ± 1.6%. A moderate positive correlation was identified between IPF levels and the subsequent increase in platelet count two days after measurement. Conclusions: IPF reflects the rate of thrombopoiesis in patients with thrombocytopenia and serves as an indicator of recovery in dengue fever patients.
Objective: To evaluate the potential of immature platelet fraction (IPF) as a predictor of increased platelets in dengue fever patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. We analyzed the medical records of confirmed dengue patients who were admitted to Udayana University Academic Hospital. Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between increased IPF and ratio of increased platelets in patients with dengue fever. Results: Between June 2022 and December 2022, 41 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 45.0 ± 18.5 years, with males comprising 60.0% of the cohort. The initial mean platelet count was 107.7 × 103 cells/μL at baseline and increased to 128.1 × 103 cells/μL by the end of the observation period. The mean IPF was 1.9 ± 1.6%. A moderate positive correlation was identified between IPF levels and the subsequent increase in platelet count two days after measurement. Conclusions: IPF reflects the rate of thrombopoiesis in patients with thrombocytopenia and serves as an indicator of recovery in dengue fever patients.
2025,3,7, DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_75_24
Abstract:
The emergence of drug-resistant helminths poses a significant threat to public health and animal welfare. Currently, multidrug resistance among human parasites is particularly concerning in protozoans, such as Plasmodium and Giardia. However, in veterinary medicine, the emergence of multidrug-resistant helminths is a rising concern both in companion animals and livestock. A growing number of evidence of dog hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) being resistant to benzimidazoles, ivermectin, and pyrantel in the United States and Canada is reported[1-3]. Similarly, multidrug-resistant Haemonchus contortus, which exhibits refractory responses to benzimidazole, ivermectin, and levamisole treatments, has already been documented in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and certain African regions[4-7]. The emergence of multidrug resistance in veterinary helminths is attributed to the prolonged use of combination treatments[8]. Hence, the rising trend of combination treatments (e.g., benzimidazoles combined with ivermectin) for the control and elimination of soil-transmitted helminths may bring about multidrug-resistant pathogens in the field[9]. These issues threaten to undermine current drug-based control and elimination programs, which can result in prevalence rebounds and more pathologic consequences among affected populations.
The emergence of drug-resistant helminths poses a significant threat to public health and animal welfare. Currently, multidrug resistance among human parasites is particularly concerning in protozoans, such as Plasmodium and Giardia. However, in veterinary medicine, the emergence of multidrug-resistant helminths is a rising concern both in companion animals and livestock. A growing number of evidence of dog hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) being resistant to benzimidazoles, ivermectin, and pyrantel in the United States and Canada is reported[1-3]. Similarly, multidrug-resistant Haemonchus contortus, which exhibits refractory responses to benzimidazole, ivermectin, and levamisole treatments, has already been documented in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and certain African regions[4-7]. The emergence of multidrug resistance in veterinary helminths is attributed to the prolonged use of combination treatments[8]. Hence, the rising trend of combination treatments (e.g., benzimidazoles combined with ivermectin) for the control and elimination of soil-transmitted helminths may bring about multidrug-resistant pathogens in the field[9]. These issues threaten to undermine current drug-based control and elimination programs, which can result in prevalence rebounds and more pathologic consequences among affected populations.
2025,3,8, DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_74_24
Abstract:
Efficient prevention and control of biosafety risks is a critical guarantee for implementing the Hainan Free Trade Port construction strategy, and also the primary task for Hainan public health development. The unique natural environment, global flow of people and goods, and local weak public health foundation make the Free Trade Port face challenges of potential biosecurity crises, especially outbreaks of imported emerging infectious diseases at any time. The COVID-19 pandemic has promoted the innovation of global public health concepts. The Hainan provincial authorities attach great importance to the role of the One Health concept in construction of public health systems. The present article analyzes the biosafety risk factors of the Free Trade Port, the demand for public health talents, the research and development of One Health in universities, the advantages and disadvantages of talent cultivation, and proposes a public health talent cultivation approach that meets needs of Hainan Free Trade Port construction.
Efficient prevention and control of biosafety risks is a critical guarantee for implementing the Hainan Free Trade Port construction strategy, and also the primary task for Hainan public health development. The unique natural environment, global flow of people and goods, and local weak public health foundation make the Free Trade Port face challenges of potential biosecurity crises, especially outbreaks of imported emerging infectious diseases at any time. The COVID-19 pandemic has promoted the innovation of global public health concepts. The Hainan provincial authorities attach great importance to the role of the One Health concept in construction of public health systems. The present article analyzes the biosafety risk factors of the Free Trade Port, the demand for public health talents, the research and development of One Health in universities, the advantages and disadvantages of talent cultivation, and proposes a public health talent cultivation approach that meets needs of Hainan Free Trade Port construction.
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2021,1,1, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.329022
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2023,3,2, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.363564
Abstract:
Objective: This study aimed to determine the carriage of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes in third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) Escherichia (E.) coli from frequently contacted surfaces, wastewater and disinfectant-cleaning solutions of selected healthcare institutions in South-western Nigeria. Methods: Samples were collected over three months for the isolation of 3GCR E. coli on MacConkey agar containing 6 μg/mL of cefotaxime. 3GCR E. coli isolates were identified by detection of uidA gene and susceptibility to selected antibiotics was performed using disc-diffusion method. Detection of ESBL genes was done using primer-specific PCR. Results: A total of 22 ESBL-producing E. coli (11 each from the frequently contacted surfaces and wastewater) were obtained from the pool of 3GCR isolates in this study. No isolate was recovered from the disinfectant-cleaning solution. All the ESBL-producing E. coli obtained from the frequently contacted surfaces and wastewater were multidrug resistant, with complete resistance observed to ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, tetracycline and ertapenem. The ESBL genotyping showed that 54.5% carried blaCTX-M , 63.6% carried blaTEM and 9.1% carried blaSHV in isolates from the frequently contacted surfaces, while 63.6%, 9.1% and 18.2% carried blaCTX-M , blaTEM and blaSHV , respectively, in the isolates obtained from the wastewater. Conclusions: This study showed a high burden of multidrug resistance E. coli on frequently contacted surfaces and wastewater of the studied healthcare institutions, indicating the need for good hygiene and proper mitigation measures to prevent potential public health and environmental challenges.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the carriage of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes in third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) Escherichia (E.) coli from frequently contacted surfaces, wastewater and disinfectant-cleaning solutions of selected healthcare institutions in South-western Nigeria. Methods: Samples were collected over three months for the isolation of 3GCR E. coli on MacConkey agar containing 6 μg/mL of cefotaxime. 3GCR E. coli isolates were identified by detection of uidA gene and susceptibility to selected antibiotics was performed using disc-diffusion method. Detection of ESBL genes was done using primer-specific PCR. Results: A total of 22 ESBL-producing E. coli (11 each from the frequently contacted surfaces and wastewater) were obtained from the pool of 3GCR isolates in this study. No isolate was recovered from the disinfectant-cleaning solution. All the ESBL-producing E. coli obtained from the frequently contacted surfaces and wastewater were multidrug resistant, with complete resistance observed to ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, tetracycline and ertapenem. The ESBL genotyping showed that 54.5% carried blaCTX-M , 63.6% carried blaTEM and 9.1% carried blaSHV in isolates from the frequently contacted surfaces, while 63.6%, 9.1% and 18.2% carried blaCTX-M , blaTEM and blaSHV , respectively, in the isolates obtained from the wastewater. Conclusions: This study showed a high burden of multidrug resistance E. coli on frequently contacted surfaces and wastewater of the studied healthcare institutions, indicating the need for good hygiene and proper mitigation measures to prevent potential public health and environmental challenges.
2023,3,3, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.389607
Abstract:
Infectious diseases remain a serious concern all over the world due to its significant impact on public health and economic stability. About 30 new causative organisms have been discovered over the past few decades, most of which are zoonotic in origins. Thus, infectious diseases are now posing a never-ending challenge to human civilisation. As a result, constant awareness along with adoption of effective strategies to control infectious disease spread has now become crucial. This review gives valuable information on diseases that emerge and re-emerge every now and then. The paper also highlights challenges related to tackling of infectious diseases in present scenario and significance of employing strategies for effective control in near future against various deadly infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Infectious diseases remain a serious concern all over the world due to its significant impact on public health and economic stability. About 30 new causative organisms have been discovered over the past few decades, most of which are zoonotic in origins. Thus, infectious diseases are now posing a never-ending challenge to human civilisation. As a result, constant awareness along with adoption of effective strategies to control infectious disease spread has now become crucial. This review gives valuable information on diseases that emerge and re-emerge every now and then. The paper also highlights challenges related to tackling of infectious diseases in present scenario and significance of employing strategies for effective control in near future against various deadly infectious diseases like COVID-19.
2023,3,4, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.378589
Abstract:
Objective: : To determine the potential risk factor of COVID-19 severity and length of hospitalization, the association between multiple antibiotics administration and the risk of severe COVID-19. Methods: :A case-control study of 58 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (the case group) and 120 non-hospitalized home isolated COVID-19 patients (the control group) was conducted. Data were collected using hospital medical records and verbal questionnaires for the participants. Results: : Totally 89.2% of non-hospitalized mild COVID-19 patients received ≤2 courses of antibiotics/year, while 36.0% of hospitalized patients received ≥4 courses of antibiotics, 56.9% received 2-3 courses of antibiotics/year and only 6.9% of them were exposed to ≤2 courses of antibiotics/year. our study emphasizes that the usage of 4 courses or higher per year was a significant risk factor for hospitalization [OR: 17.5; 95% CI (2.596-118.263); P=0.003], while the usage of ≤2 courses was a preventive predictor for severity and hospitalization [OR: 0.072; 95%CI (0.006-0.900); P=0.041]. Furthermore, age was associated with 8.4% increase in the odds of severe COVID-19 [OR: 1.084; 95% CI (1.024-1.148), P=0.005], and females were 89.1% less likely to hospitalized than males [OR: 0.109; 95% CI (0.024-0.498); P= 0.004]. Our study shows that 70.4% of cases misused antibiotics and administered the antibiotics themselves without a physician’s prescription. Around 50.0% of cases never completed the ideal duration of the course in contrast to controls, of which only 23.2% did not complete the ideal duration. Conclusions: : Our study shows that antibiotics misuse and overuse may be a potential risk factor for COVID-19 severity and hospitalization.
Objective: : To determine the potential risk factor of COVID-19 severity and length of hospitalization, the association between multiple antibiotics administration and the risk of severe COVID-19. Methods: :A case-control study of 58 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (the case group) and 120 non-hospitalized home isolated COVID-19 patients (the control group) was conducted. Data were collected using hospital medical records and verbal questionnaires for the participants. Results: : Totally 89.2% of non-hospitalized mild COVID-19 patients received ≤2 courses of antibiotics/year, while 36.0% of hospitalized patients received ≥4 courses of antibiotics, 56.9% received 2-3 courses of antibiotics/year and only 6.9% of them were exposed to ≤2 courses of antibiotics/year. our study emphasizes that the usage of 4 courses or higher per year was a significant risk factor for hospitalization [OR: 17.5; 95% CI (2.596-118.263); P=0.003], while the usage of ≤2 courses was a preventive predictor for severity and hospitalization [OR: 0.072; 95%CI (0.006-0.900); P=0.041]. Furthermore, age was associated with 8.4% increase in the odds of severe COVID-19 [OR: 1.084; 95% CI (1.024-1.148), P=0.005], and females were 89.1% less likely to hospitalized than males [OR: 0.109; 95% CI (0.024-0.498); P= 0.004]. Our study shows that 70.4% of cases misused antibiotics and administered the antibiotics themselves without a physician’s prescription. Around 50.0% of cases never completed the ideal duration of the course in contrast to controls, of which only 23.2% did not complete the ideal duration. Conclusions: : Our study shows that antibiotics misuse and overuse may be a potential risk factor for COVID-19 severity and hospitalization.
2023,3,5, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.363563
Abstract:
Rabies is widely prevalent worldwide, and China is among the countries most affected. To achieve the goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, dog management and immunization must be improved and comprehensive prevention and control measures must be adopted. We analyze the epidemiological profile of rabies in China in the past 30 years to clarify the origins of China’s high prevalence, and propose a comprehensive rabies prevention and control concept based on “One Health” by drawing on successful international control efforts.Results: The Omicron variants had the characteristics of high insidiousness, rapid transmission, high infectivity, and short incubation period, which were consistent with the characteristics of outbreaks caused by Omicron in other regions in China and abroad. There were 568 978 asymptomatic infections in Shanghai from Feburary 26 to June 30, 2022, accounting for 90.73% of the SARS-CoV-2 infections in this outbreak wave. It’s significantly different from a total of 23 277 SARS-CoV-2 infections in China between March 31, 2020 and August 8, 2021, of which 41.97% of the cases were asymptomatic infections. Conclusions: Compared with previous outbreaks emerged in China, the Omicron outbreak in Shanghai was characterized by multiple point dissemination, wide coverage, a large number of close contacts of confirmed infections and asymptomatic carriers, and difficult source tracing. The lessons from Shanghai’s response to Omicron showed that the dynamic zero-COVID policy is still the most suitable response to the virus which can quickly find the infections and curb the transmission route.
Rabies is widely prevalent worldwide, and China is among the countries most affected. To achieve the goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, dog management and immunization must be improved and comprehensive prevention and control measures must be adopted. We analyze the epidemiological profile of rabies in China in the past 30 years to clarify the origins of China’s high prevalence, and propose a comprehensive rabies prevention and control concept based on “One Health” by drawing on successful international control efforts.Results: The Omicron variants had the characteristics of high insidiousness, rapid transmission, high infectivity, and short incubation period, which were consistent with the characteristics of outbreaks caused by Omicron in other regions in China and abroad. There were 568 978 asymptomatic infections in Shanghai from Feburary 26 to June 30, 2022, accounting for 90.73% of the SARS-CoV-2 infections in this outbreak wave. It’s significantly different from a total of 23 277 SARS-CoV-2 infections in China between March 31, 2020 and August 8, 2021, of which 41.97% of the cases were asymptomatic infections. Conclusions: Compared with previous outbreaks emerged in China, the Omicron outbreak in Shanghai was characterized by multiple point dissemination, wide coverage, a large number of close contacts of confirmed infections and asymptomatic carriers, and difficult source tracing. The lessons from Shanghai’s response to Omicron showed that the dynamic zero-COVID policy is still the most suitable response to the virus which can quickly find the infections and curb the transmission route.
2023,3,6, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.387693
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic of infectious disease characterized by significant morbidity, symptomatic manifestations, and severe outcomes. Vaccines have proven to be an effective means of impeding the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and have been widely employed globally. Despite breakthroughs such as mRNA vaccine, intramuscular COVID-19 vaccine still faces numerous chanllenges, such as failure to completely avoid infections, high cost, and difficult transport conditions. The mucosa is the primary site through which SARS-CoV-2 invades the body and may induce effective immune responses. In the face of the increasing immune escape capacity of the Omicron variants and the potential outbreak of a new round of epidemics, it is imperative to develop a new generation of mucosal immune vaccines to prevent infection, which is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract, along with its severe and fatal consequences. Probiotics have not only been used as safe raw materials for fermented foods but have also been developed as oral or nasal vaccine vectors for various pathogens in recent years, showing good mucosal and systemic immune effects in animals or humans. Although the antigen delivery technology based on protein anchoring on the surface of probiotics is rarely applied to COVID-19, probiotic-based vaccines aim at a new development direction for COVID-19 vaccines with low cost, high safety, and potential mucosal immune programs. In this review, we will discuss in detail the feasibility, advantages, and possible limitations of probiotics as a mucosal immune vaccine vector, which will be conducive to coping with the current situation of COVID-19.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic of infectious disease characterized by significant morbidity, symptomatic manifestations, and severe outcomes. Vaccines have proven to be an effective means of impeding the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and have been widely employed globally. Despite breakthroughs such as mRNA vaccine, intramuscular COVID-19 vaccine still faces numerous chanllenges, such as failure to completely avoid infections, high cost, and difficult transport conditions. The mucosa is the primary site through which SARS-CoV-2 invades the body and may induce effective immune responses. In the face of the increasing immune escape capacity of the Omicron variants and the potential outbreak of a new round of epidemics, it is imperative to develop a new generation of mucosal immune vaccines to prevent infection, which is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract, along with its severe and fatal consequences. Probiotics have not only been used as safe raw materials for fermented foods but have also been developed as oral or nasal vaccine vectors for various pathogens in recent years, showing good mucosal and systemic immune effects in animals or humans. Although the antigen delivery technology based on protein anchoring on the surface of probiotics is rarely applied to COVID-19, probiotic-based vaccines aim at a new development direction for COVID-19 vaccines with low cost, high safety, and potential mucosal immune programs. In this review, we will discuss in detail the feasibility, advantages, and possible limitations of probiotics as a mucosal immune vaccine vector, which will be conducive to coping with the current situation of COVID-19.
2023,3,7, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.374224
Abstract:
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and practice on malaria prevention among the residents of Ratuwamai Municipality in Nepal. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on Ratuwamai Municipality of Ward No. 8 in Morang District, Nepal. A total of 352 respondents with an age range from 15 to 70 years were interviewed from October 9 to October 31, 2022. Statistically significant differences between two or more categorical groups were measured using independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Result: Out of the total sample, 57.7% of the respondents were 24 to 50 years old with a mean age of (36.9±14.3) years. In the knowledge test, 82% of the responses were accurate. Though 98.6% of people had heard of malaria, only 48.3% said it was a communicable disease. In practice, 84.9% always cleaned the surrounding area and trimmed the bushes around the house; 75.9% used insecticide-treated bed nets or normal bed nets for sleeping; only 7.4% used mosquito repellent creams on exposed body parts while staying outdoors at night, working in fields, and sleeping. Conclusions: The majority had knowledge about malaria, but more than half had poor practice. We advise concerned authorities to promote the behavior change communication strategy to encourage individuals to adopt healthy, beneficial, and good behavioral practices.
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and practice on malaria prevention among the residents of Ratuwamai Municipality in Nepal. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on Ratuwamai Municipality of Ward No. 8 in Morang District, Nepal. A total of 352 respondents with an age range from 15 to 70 years were interviewed from October 9 to October 31, 2022. Statistically significant differences between two or more categorical groups were measured using independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Result: Out of the total sample, 57.7% of the respondents were 24 to 50 years old with a mean age of (36.9±14.3) years. In the knowledge test, 82% of the responses were accurate. Though 98.6% of people had heard of malaria, only 48.3% said it was a communicable disease. In practice, 84.9% always cleaned the surrounding area and trimmed the bushes around the house; 75.9% used insecticide-treated bed nets or normal bed nets for sleeping; only 7.4% used mosquito repellent creams on exposed body parts while staying outdoors at night, working in fields, and sleeping. Conclusions: The majority had knowledge about malaria, but more than half had poor practice. We advise concerned authorities to promote the behavior change communication strategy to encourage individuals to adopt healthy, beneficial, and good behavioral practices.
Hongrang Zhou, Xiaoling Wang, Guifu Li, Xiaoming Wang, Zhe Zhou, Wen Kong, Yinjun Pan, Xingxing Xu, Kaiyou Ye, Junfeng Pan, Ning Xiao
2022,2,8, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.362641
Abstract:
Objective: The study aimed to describe the characteristics and containment of the Omicron variants in Shanghai compared with the previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in China. Methods: We summarized the data retrieved from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission from January to June 2022 and the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China from March 2020 to August 2021. Epidemiological analysis was utilized to describe the differences among SARS-CoV-2 variants and the infection situation in the outbreaks in China. Results: The Omicron variants had the characteristics of high insidiousness, rapid transmission, high infectivity, and short incubation period, which were consistent with the characteristics of outbreaks caused by Omicron in other regions in China and abroad. There were 568 978 asymptomatic infections in Shanghai from Feburary 26 to June 30, 2022, accounting for 90.73% of the SARS-CoV-2 infections in this outbreak wave. It’s significantly different from a total of 23 277 SARS-CoV-2 infections in China between March 31, 2020 and August 8, 2021, of which 41.97% of the cases were asymptomatic infections. Conclusions: Compared with previous outbreaks emerged in China, the Omicron outbreak in Shanghai was characterized by multiple point dissemination, wide coverage, a large number of close contacts of confirmed infections and asymptomatic carriers, and difficult source tracing. The lessons from Shanghai’s response to Omicron showed that the dynamic zero-COVID policy is still the most suitable response to the virus which can quickly find the infections and curb the transmission route.
Objective: The study aimed to describe the characteristics and containment of the Omicron variants in Shanghai compared with the previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in China. Methods: We summarized the data retrieved from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission from January to June 2022 and the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China from March 2020 to August 2021. Epidemiological analysis was utilized to describe the differences among SARS-CoV-2 variants and the infection situation in the outbreaks in China. Results: The Omicron variants had the characteristics of high insidiousness, rapid transmission, high infectivity, and short incubation period, which were consistent with the characteristics of outbreaks caused by Omicron in other regions in China and abroad. There were 568 978 asymptomatic infections in Shanghai from Feburary 26 to June 30, 2022, accounting for 90.73% of the SARS-CoV-2 infections in this outbreak wave. It’s significantly different from a total of 23 277 SARS-CoV-2 infections in China between March 31, 2020 and August 8, 2021, of which 41.97% of the cases were asymptomatic infections. Conclusions: Compared with previous outbreaks emerged in China, the Omicron outbreak in Shanghai was characterized by multiple point dissemination, wide coverage, a large number of close contacts of confirmed infections and asymptomatic carriers, and difficult source tracing. The lessons from Shanghai’s response to Omicron showed that the dynamic zero-COVID policy is still the most suitable response to the virus which can quickly find the infections and curb the transmission route.
2022,2,9, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.343630
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the genetic mechanism and prevalence of antibiotic resistance among the practitioners of two bathing beaches in tropical China. Methods: Totally 259 strains were isolated from the rectal swabs of the practitioners and screened by MacConkey agar. A questionnaire survey was conducted. Kirby-Bauer test was used for phenotype, and double disc inhibition synergy test was used for extendedspectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), which was further confirmed by VITEKII instrument. The genotype was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and the similarities of ESBL-E were analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Results: The prevalence of ESBL-E was 13.1% (34/259), of which, CTX-M genes accounted for 44.1% (15/34), mainly CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-27. Moreover, 19.1% (4/21) of the isolates were homologous. The resistance phenotypes of ESBL-E to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ceftazidime, cefepime and gentamicin were different between two beaches(PCTX-M genes at the island beach, while a high prevalence of ESBL-E was found at the city beach and clone transfer occurred. Conclusions: ESBL-E-associated gentamicin antibiotic resistance risk may be greater for island beach practitioners. The city beach populations could face more potential risks owing to severe resistance and metastatic ability of ESBL-E. The environmental exposure mechanisms and transfer role of antibiotic resistance at public beaches with high density should be investigated.
Objective: To investigate the genetic mechanism and prevalence of antibiotic resistance among the practitioners of two bathing beaches in tropical China. Methods: Totally 259 strains were isolated from the rectal swabs of the practitioners and screened by MacConkey agar. A questionnaire survey was conducted. Kirby-Bauer test was used for phenotype, and double disc inhibition synergy test was used for extendedspectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), which was further confirmed by VITEKII instrument. The genotype was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and the similarities of ESBL-E were analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Results: The prevalence of ESBL-E was 13.1% (34/259), of which, CTX-M genes accounted for 44.1% (15/34), mainly CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-27. Moreover, 19.1% (4/21) of the isolates were homologous. The resistance phenotypes of ESBL-E to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ceftazidime, cefepime and gentamicin were different between two beaches(PCTX-M genes at the island beach, while a high prevalence of ESBL-E was found at the city beach and clone transfer occurred. Conclusions: ESBL-E-associated gentamicin antibiotic resistance risk may be greater for island beach practitioners. The city beach populations could face more potential risks owing to severe resistance and metastatic ability of ESBL-E. The environmental exposure mechanisms and transfer role of antibiotic resistance at public beaches with high density should be investigated.
Hongrang Zhou, Guifu Li, Xiaoming Wang, Zhe Zhou, Wen Kong, Jingfei Hu, Kaiyou Ye, Wenjiang Zhong, Xiaoling Wang, Ning Xiao
2023,3,10, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.374229
Abstract:
The COVID-19 vaccines provide a high degree of protection against severe disease, hospitalisation, and death. However, no vaccine claimed 100% effectiveness and it is expected that a small proportion of vaccinated individuals may develop a breakthrough infection due to individual differences, virus variants and other factors. We conducted an epidemiological investigation and analysis of an imported case who had finished four doses of vaccination, and in order to provide a relevant reference for regular epidemic prevention and control in the post-pandemic era.
The COVID-19 vaccines provide a high degree of protection against severe disease, hospitalisation, and death. However, no vaccine claimed 100% effectiveness and it is expected that a small proportion of vaccinated individuals may develop a breakthrough infection due to individual differences, virus variants and other factors. We conducted an epidemiological investigation and analysis of an imported case who had finished four doses of vaccination, and in order to provide a relevant reference for regular epidemic prevention and control in the post-pandemic era.
2022,2,11, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.346831
Abstract:
Objective: To review the characteristic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in mainland China, particularly post-Wuhan outbreaks, and to help design effective responses in the foreseeable future. Method: The data regarding COVID-19 outbreaks between December 2019 and March 16, 2022 were obtained from China’s publicly available databases. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Five outbreak stages were defined according to distinct epidemiological characteristics across different time periods over the past two years. Result: Since the 2020 Wuhan outbreak, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) local infections were confirmed in 37 995 cases as of March 16, 2022. We identified 285 isolated outbreaks in unrelated people that occurred in four additional distinct stages, over 57% of which had been imported, such as imported infected travelers and fomite transmission. The basic reproduction number (R0) of original SARS-CoV-2 was about 2.79, while the Delta variant was about 5.08 and Omicron was 7.0 or greater, resulting in the disease being more contagious during the fourth (Delta) and fifth (Omicron) stages than previous stages. Conclusion: China has experienced various COVID-19 outbreaks of different levels since the start of the pandemic in Wuhan, and local transmission is mainly caused by imported sources. If the “dynamic COVID-zero” policy is not appropriately followed, it will be difficult to contain the spread in China from overseas and to cope with the Omicron variant.
Objective: To review the characteristic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in mainland China, particularly post-Wuhan outbreaks, and to help design effective responses in the foreseeable future. Method: The data regarding COVID-19 outbreaks between December 2019 and March 16, 2022 were obtained from China’s publicly available databases. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Five outbreak stages were defined according to distinct epidemiological characteristics across different time periods over the past two years. Result: Since the 2020 Wuhan outbreak, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) local infections were confirmed in 37 995 cases as of March 16, 2022. We identified 285 isolated outbreaks in unrelated people that occurred in four additional distinct stages, over 57% of which had been imported, such as imported infected travelers and fomite transmission. The basic reproduction number (R0) of original SARS-CoV-2 was about 2.79, while the Delta variant was about 5.08 and Omicron was 7.0 or greater, resulting in the disease being more contagious during the fourth (Delta) and fifth (Omicron) stages than previous stages. Conclusion: China has experienced various COVID-19 outbreaks of different levels since the start of the pandemic in Wuhan, and local transmission is mainly caused by imported sources. If the “dynamic COVID-zero” policy is not appropriately followed, it will be difficult to contain the spread in China from overseas and to cope with the Omicron variant.
2022,2,12, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.345316
Abstract:
Objective: To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter (H.) pylori infection among the population of east coast of Borneo and explore the relationship between demographic factors, ethnicity and risk of H. pylori infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 211 patients who underwent elective oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in 2017. Demographic data, endoscopic indications as well as the results of the mucosal biopsy were obtained and analysed from the endoscopy unit registry. Results: A total of 211 patients from 14 ethnic groups were enrolled in the study, most of were Chinese (28.4%), followed by Dusun (14.7%) and Songgai (13.7%). Overall, the period prevalence for 2017 was 44.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an association between ethnicity and H. pylori. Bajau (adjusted odds ratio=5.612, P=0.005) and Dusun ethnic groups (adjusted odds ratio=7.359, P=0.001) were at a significantly higher risk of H. pylori infection compared to Chinese. However, the regression model only explained 11.6% (Cox & Snell Pseudo R2 ) of the prevalence of H. pylori infection. Conclusions: The period prevalence for 2017 was 44.5%, with certain indigenous ethnic groups having a higher risk than others. Clinicians should consider obtaining further history regarding the ethnic’s culture and dietary practice prior to starting H. pylori eradication therapy.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter (H.) pylori infection among the population of east coast of Borneo and explore the relationship between demographic factors, ethnicity and risk of H. pylori infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 211 patients who underwent elective oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in 2017. Demographic data, endoscopic indications as well as the results of the mucosal biopsy were obtained and analysed from the endoscopy unit registry. Results: A total of 211 patients from 14 ethnic groups were enrolled in the study, most of were Chinese (28.4%), followed by Dusun (14.7%) and Songgai (13.7%). Overall, the period prevalence for 2017 was 44.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an association between ethnicity and H. pylori. Bajau (adjusted odds ratio=5.612, P=0.005) and Dusun ethnic groups (adjusted odds ratio=7.359, P=0.001) were at a significantly higher risk of H. pylori infection compared to Chinese. However, the regression model only explained 11.6% (Cox & Snell Pseudo R2 ) of the prevalence of H. pylori infection. Conclusions: The period prevalence for 2017 was 44.5%, with certain indigenous ethnic groups having a higher risk than others. Clinicians should consider obtaining further history regarding the ethnic’s culture and dietary practice prior to starting H. pylori eradication therapy.
2023,3,13, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.376722
Abstract:
Objective: SARS-CoV-2 infection is an ongoing public health emergency of international significance. Considering that there is no specific drug and 100% effective vaccine yet, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 are crucial to prevent and manage the pandemic. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices toward COVID-19 prevention measures of graduate students at a university in northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted between September to December 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and KAP of 407 randomly selected individuals. The data were exported to SPSS version 23.0, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for analyses. Variables with P＜0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were retained into the multivariable logistic regression models. The values were considered to be statistically significant ( P≤0.05). The data quality control was tested by using 5% pretest. Results:Among 407 participants, 267 (65.6%) had sufficient knowledge, 239 (58.7%) had positive attitude and 189 (46.4%) had good practices toward COVID-19. Marital status (AOR 0.38; 95%CI 0.11-0.95; P=0.040) and student admission type (AOR 0.32; 95%CI 0.15-0.68; P=0.003) had a statistically significant association with knowledge of students. Residence (AOR 0.18; 95%CI 0.09- 0.34; P＜0.01) (AOR 0.16; 95%CI 0.07-0.36; P＜0.01), family size (AOR 0.45; 95%CI 0.23-0.87, P=0.017) (AOR 0.29; 95%CI 0.14-0.60; P=0.001), student admission type (AOR 0.11: 95%CI 0.04-0.29, P＜0.01) (AOR 0.01; 95%CI 0.00-0.05; P＜0.01) and monthly income (AOR 0.17; 95%CI 0.05-0.58; P=0.005) (AOR 0.08; 95%CI 0.02-0.32; P＜0.01) were significantly associated with positive attitude and good practices, respectively. Besides, good practices such as avoiding handshaking and physical distancing were performed in the least amount of participants. Conclusions: The scores of KAP among graduate students toward COVID-19 are low. It is recommended that university administrators reinforce proactive and effective measures to develop good knowledge, positive attitude, and better practices regarding COVID-19 for the students.
Objective: SARS-CoV-2 infection is an ongoing public health emergency of international significance. Considering that there is no specific drug and 100% effective vaccine yet, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 are crucial to prevent and manage the pandemic. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices toward COVID-19 prevention measures of graduate students at a university in northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted between September to December 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and KAP of 407 randomly selected individuals. The data were exported to SPSS version 23.0, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for analyses. Variables with P＜0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were retained into the multivariable logistic regression models. The values were considered to be statistically significant ( P≤0.05). The data quality control was tested by using 5% pretest. Results:Among 407 participants, 267 (65.6%) had sufficient knowledge, 239 (58.7%) had positive attitude and 189 (46.4%) had good practices toward COVID-19. Marital status (AOR 0.38; 95%CI 0.11-0.95; P=0.040) and student admission type (AOR 0.32; 95%CI 0.15-0.68; P=0.003) had a statistically significant association with knowledge of students. Residence (AOR 0.18; 95%CI 0.09- 0.34; P＜0.01) (AOR 0.16; 95%CI 0.07-0.36; P＜0.01), family size (AOR 0.45; 95%CI 0.23-0.87, P=0.017) (AOR 0.29; 95%CI 0.14-0.60; P=0.001), student admission type (AOR 0.11: 95%CI 0.04-0.29, P＜0.01) (AOR 0.01; 95%CI 0.00-0.05; P＜0.01) and monthly income (AOR 0.17; 95%CI 0.05-0.58; P=0.005) (AOR 0.08; 95%CI 0.02-0.32; P＜0.01) were significantly associated with positive attitude and good practices, respectively. Besides, good practices such as avoiding handshaking and physical distancing were performed in the least amount of participants. Conclusions: The scores of KAP among graduate students toward COVID-19 are low. It is recommended that university administrators reinforce proactive and effective measures to develop good knowledge, positive attitude, and better practices regarding COVID-19 for the students.
2023,3,14, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.371403
Abstract:
Objective: To determine the urinary tract infections (UTIs)-causing bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern for the proper and complete treatment of UTIs in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: We collected 300 urine samples from diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women at various gestational ages. After isolating and identifying uropathogens, we conducted an antibiotic sensitivity assay against fourteen commonly used antibiotics: amikacin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefixime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, levofloxacin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin. Results: Among the participants, 70% had DM but only 37.3% had positive uropathogen growth. Five gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., and Pseudomonas spp.) and 3 gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp.) were indentified. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacteria (57.1%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (19.6%). In the antibiotic susceptibility assay, we found 96.5% of the isolated organisms were highly susceptible to levofloxacin, 94.2% to netilmicin, 88.2% to nitrofurantoin, 85.1% to amikacin, 79.8% to gentamicin, respectively. On the other hand, 64.8%, 63.6%, 61.8% of the isolates demonstrated high-level resistance to ampicillin, ceftazidime and amoxicillin whereas 38.0%, 37.1%, 33.6%, 30.9% and 30.0% of the organisms were resistant to co-trimoxazole, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, cefixime, respectivey. Conclusions: Our results suggest that amikacin, levofloxacin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin, and gentamycin can be used as first-line treatments for UTIs, whether the patient has DM or not. Contrarily, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, azithromycin, and co-trimoxazole should be avoided in treating UTIs.
Objective: To determine the urinary tract infections (UTIs)-causing bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern for the proper and complete treatment of UTIs in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: We collected 300 urine samples from diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women at various gestational ages. After isolating and identifying uropathogens, we conducted an antibiotic sensitivity assay against fourteen commonly used antibiotics: amikacin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefixime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, levofloxacin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin. Results: Among the participants, 70% had DM but only 37.3% had positive uropathogen growth. Five gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., and Pseudomonas spp.) and 3 gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp.) were indentified. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacteria (57.1%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (19.6%). In the antibiotic susceptibility assay, we found 96.5% of the isolated organisms were highly susceptible to levofloxacin, 94.2% to netilmicin, 88.2% to nitrofurantoin, 85.1% to amikacin, 79.8% to gentamicin, respectively. On the other hand, 64.8%, 63.6%, 61.8% of the isolates demonstrated high-level resistance to ampicillin, ceftazidime and amoxicillin whereas 38.0%, 37.1%, 33.6%, 30.9% and 30.0% of the organisms were resistant to co-trimoxazole, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, cefixime, respectivey. Conclusions: Our results suggest that amikacin, levofloxacin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin, and gentamycin can be used as first-line treatments for UTIs, whether the patient has DM or not. Contrarily, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, azithromycin, and co-trimoxazole should be avoided in treating UTIs.
2022,2,15, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.348853
Abstract:
“One Health” perspective has now been upheld and advocated by many countries and international institutions such as the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the World Organization for Animal Health, and the World Bank Groups. At present, 19 countries, 5 international institutions and 4 regional organizaitons are working jointly to promote “One Health” perspective, with two important development trends. First, it should be put into practice with legal support, government will, and cooperation among multiple disciplines and departments; second, it not only covers zoonotic diseases, food safety and antibiotic resistance, but has now been extended to address environmental pollution, biosecurity, public health risks at ports and other fields. Taking the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, the world now is facing unprecedented challenges, urgently calling for an exploration into institutional innovation, agency innovation and means innovation from the perspective of “One health” so as to enhance the governance efficiency of public health management.
“One Health” perspective has now been upheld and advocated by many countries and international institutions such as the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the World Organization for Animal Health, and the World Bank Groups. At present, 19 countries, 5 international institutions and 4 regional organizaitons are working jointly to promote “One Health” perspective, with two important development trends. First, it should be put into practice with legal support, government will, and cooperation among multiple disciplines and departments; second, it not only covers zoonotic diseases, food safety and antibiotic resistance, but has now been extended to address environmental pollution, biosecurity, public health risks at ports and other fields. Taking the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, the world now is facing unprecedented challenges, urgently calling for an exploration into institutional innovation, agency innovation and means innovation from the perspective of “One health” so as to enhance the governance efficiency of public health management.
2022,2,16, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.347379
Abstract:
2022,2,17, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.356847
Abstract:
Objective: To determine the occurrence of multidrug resistant bacteria from the indoor environment of female hostels in a tertiary institution in order to provide epidemiological data. Methods: The bacterial quality of the three female hostels was evaluated using the settle plate method, where Petri dishes containing different types of culture media were opened in the rooms. Isolated bacteria were identified using standard microbiological procedures. Using disc diffusion method, the antibiogram of the isolates was determined and based on this, the multiple antibiotics resistance index was also determined. Results: The total heterotrophic colony forming units（CFU) for Hall A ranged from 2.09 x102 to 1.73 x103 CFU/m3 while that of Hall B ranged from 4.71 x102 to 1.10 x103 CFU/m3 and a statistically significant difference between the counts of both halls was observed (P=0.04). Microorganisms isolated included Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacterium sp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. All the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone. Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Corynebacterium sp. had the least multiple antibiotic resistance index with 0.2 while Staphylococcus aureus had the highest with 0.8. Conclusions: Female university hostels may become sources of exchange of microorganisms, especially in overcrowded rooms. A large percentage of isolates were multidrug resistant which could pose difficulty and increased cost of treatment of their resulting infections. Regular surveillance and control of the agents that encourage the growth of these bacteria present in indoor air is needed.
Objective: To determine the occurrence of multidrug resistant bacteria from the indoor environment of female hostels in a tertiary institution in order to provide epidemiological data. Methods: The bacterial quality of the three female hostels was evaluated using the settle plate method, where Petri dishes containing different types of culture media were opened in the rooms. Isolated bacteria were identified using standard microbiological procedures. Using disc diffusion method, the antibiogram of the isolates was determined and based on this, the multiple antibiotics resistance index was also determined. Results: The total heterotrophic colony forming units（CFU) for Hall A ranged from 2.09 x102 to 1.73 x103 CFU/m3 while that of Hall B ranged from 4.71 x102 to 1.10 x103 CFU/m3 and a statistically significant difference between the counts of both halls was observed (P=0.04). Microorganisms isolated included Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacterium sp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. All the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone. Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Corynebacterium sp. had the least multiple antibiotic resistance index with 0.2 while Staphylococcus aureus had the highest with 0.8. Conclusions: Female university hostels may become sources of exchange of microorganisms, especially in overcrowded rooms. A large percentage of isolates were multidrug resistant which could pose difficulty and increased cost of treatment of their resulting infections. Regular surveillance and control of the agents that encourage the growth of these bacteria present in indoor air is needed.
2022,2,18, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.350691
Abstract:
Maiada Mahmoud Hashem Shams, Ebthal Mamdouh Hamdy, Karim Atia Mohamed, Mai Othman Qwaider, Belal El-Agha, Sarah Abd-Alhamed Elmatary
2022,2,19, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.356988
Abstract:
b>Objective: To investigate the antibiotic utilization and prescription patterns as well as define its convenience to the norm in four North- Sinai hospitals, Egypt. Antimicrobial resistance is a universal health threat. The golden era of miracle antibiotics has ended and we have faced the challenge of being troubled by infectious diseases with no discovery of new antibiotics found since 1987. Antibiotic pressure, overuse, and misuse are important risk factors for antimicrobial resistance and hospital cross-infection. To combat antimicrobial resistance, Egypt started its National Action Plan (2018-2022) aiming to optimize the usage and consumption of antibiotics. Method: This multicenter descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to describe the pattern of antibiotic prescription and consumption at four North Sinai Hospitals related to the Ministry of Health and Population. We reviewed 309 medical records of the inpatient department; the samples were selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of the hospitalized patients in October, November, and December of 2020 by a paper-based method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result: The prevalence of antibiotic consumption is near 68.9% in the four hospitals indicating that two-thirds of admitted patients receive antibiotics. Approximately 52.1% administered antibiotics for no reason. Most of the admitted patients took antibiotics on the same day of admission, regardless of the different types of hospital departments. Furthermore, 98.7% of antibiotics were prescribed without culture or order for culture and microbiological tests. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were 90% of all antibiotics prescribed. A total of 18 types of antibiotics were prescribed, cefotaxime was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic representing 26.5%. Conclusion: Judicious antibiotic prescribing behavior slows down the nature of antibiotic resistance. To guarantee the best antimicrobial use in the hospitals, standard treatment guidelines, and the Essential Medicines List for infectious diseases should be carried out and revised at least every 2 years to be a clinical reference for clinicians. Continuous education and training of clinicians and healthcare workers can contribute to optimizing the rational use of antibiotics, which in return reduces the progress of antibiotic resistance. There is an urgent need for antibiotic stewardship and surveillance and their application in all hospitals.
b>Objective: To investigate the antibiotic utilization and prescription patterns as well as define its convenience to the norm in four North- Sinai hospitals, Egypt. Antimicrobial resistance is a universal health threat. The golden era of miracle antibiotics has ended and we have faced the challenge of being troubled by infectious diseases with no discovery of new antibiotics found since 1987. Antibiotic pressure, overuse, and misuse are important risk factors for antimicrobial resistance and hospital cross-infection. To combat antimicrobial resistance, Egypt started its National Action Plan (2018-2022) aiming to optimize the usage and consumption of antibiotics. Method: This multicenter descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to describe the pattern of antibiotic prescription and consumption at four North Sinai Hospitals related to the Ministry of Health and Population. We reviewed 309 medical records of the inpatient department; the samples were selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of the hospitalized patients in October, November, and December of 2020 by a paper-based method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result: The prevalence of antibiotic consumption is near 68.9% in the four hospitals indicating that two-thirds of admitted patients receive antibiotics. Approximately 52.1% administered antibiotics for no reason. Most of the admitted patients took antibiotics on the same day of admission, regardless of the different types of hospital departments. Furthermore, 98.7% of antibiotics were prescribed without culture or order for culture and microbiological tests. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were 90% of all antibiotics prescribed. A total of 18 types of antibiotics were prescribed, cefotaxime was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic representing 26.5%. Conclusion: Judicious antibiotic prescribing behavior slows down the nature of antibiotic resistance. To guarantee the best antimicrobial use in the hospitals, standard treatment guidelines, and the Essential Medicines List for infectious diseases should be carried out and revised at least every 2 years to be a clinical reference for clinicians. Continuous education and training of clinicians and healthcare workers can contribute to optimizing the rational use of antibiotics, which in return reduces the progress of antibiotic resistance. There is an urgent need for antibiotic stewardship and surveillance and their application in all hospitals.
2022,2,20, DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.362642
Abstract:
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