Detection of CTX-M-15 among uropathogenic escherichia coli isolated from five major hospitals in tripoli, libya

Objectives: Multidrug resistance [MDR] and emergence of extended-spectrum [3-lactamases [ESBLs] among uropathogenic Escherichia coli have been reported worldwide, but there was no information on the detection of CTX-M-15 in major teaching hospitals in Libya. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of CTX-M-15 [3-lactamases producers isolated from five teaching hospitals in Tripoli, Libya. Methods: A total of 346 urine samples were collected from hospitalized patients in five teaching hospitals with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection [UTI]. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBLs was confirmed by E-test strip; all ESBL-p reducing E. coli isolates were screened for the CTX-M-15 gene. Results: The distribution of ESBL-producing E. coli varied among the five hospitals

The highest proportion was identified in Tripoli Medical Centre [67.6%]

There were extremely high proportions of isolates resistant to ceftriaxone, cefepime, and ceftazidime [93.0-100.0%] among ESBL producers compared to non-ESBL producers [2.2-4.7%]. MDR was detected in 22.2% of isolates. The majority of isolates [85.9%] in which was identified were ESBL producers

There was a correlation [p < 0.001] between expression of CTX-M-15 and resistance to ceftazidime. Conclusions: The isolation of MDR ESBL-producing uropathogens expressing the CTX-M-15 gene will limit the choices clinicians have to treat their patients with UTIs. Continued surveillance and implementation of efficient infection control measures are required

Hepatitis B vaccination status among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital in Tripoli, Libya

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus [HBV] among healthcare workers [HCWs] in hospitals in developing countries is high. However, the vaccination status of these workers and its relationship with occupational factors are not well documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of HCWs to HBV infection in the representative Tripoli Central Hospital in Libya and prepare a practical guideline to protect HCWs from occupational exposure. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was administered to 2705 healthcare workers of a university hospital in Tripoli. The questionnaire included vaccination status. Compliance with preventive practices against HBV infection was also assessed. The overall vaccination coverage [anti-HBs] was 78.1%. Furthermore, 82.6% of HCWs had received at least one dose of vaccine, but only 72% reported that they were fully vaccinated. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen was 1.1%. The mean prevalence of hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc] was 17.3%. HCWs at hospitals are frequently exposed to blood-borne infections. Vaccines should be more readily available for Libyan HCWs, and current vaccination programs should be enforced