Identification of Bacterial Uropathogen and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns Among Patients with Diabetic and Hypertension Attending Dilla University General Hospital, Dilla, Ethiopia.

Background: Having a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a serious health issue which is caused by microbial colonization and proliferation in the urinary system. Patients with diabetes and blood pressure are more vulnerable to bacterial urinary tract infections because their host defense is compromised and their urine has a high glucose content. A proper and quick investigation of uropathogen and their antibiogram is key to patient treatment and infection control. Objective: Aimed to assess the identification of bacterial uropathogen and antimicrobial resistance patterns among diabetic and hypertension patients attending DUGH, Ethiopia. Methods: A Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to December 2022 among 158 diabetic and hypertensive patients using a clean catch mid-stream urine sample. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to collect data from study participants. Urine samples were taken and cultured on Blood agar, MacConkey agar and CLED Agar for the identification of uropathogen. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was done according to CLSI. Binary and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the association. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of bacterial uropathogenic among diabetes mellitus and hypertension patients was 15.2%. E. coli (29.2%), coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) (20.8%), K. pneumoniae 3 (12.5%) and S. aureus 2 (12.5%) were the leading isolated uropathogens. In our study, illiterates (AOR =8.1, 95% CI: (5.1-12.4)), participants with high blood glucose levels (AOR=1.81, 95% CI: (1.01-2.21)) and comorbid patients (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: (4.1-17.2)) were significantly associated with UTI. Both gram-negative and gram-positive isolated bacteria showed higher resistance to most of the commonly used antibiotics. Multidrug resistance was reported in 62.5% of the total isolates. Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of bacterial isolate and multidrug resistance. Therefore, continuous monitoring of microbiological and antimicrobial surveillance of UTI among DM patients is crucial for appropriate treatment and infection control.

Laboratory Findings in Different Disease Status of COVID-19 Admitted Patients at Dilla University Referral Hospital Treatment Center, South Ethiopia.

Background: Millions were infected and many were dying because of the coronavirus disease 2019, since its emergence. The patients experience asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe and critical disease with varying signs and symptoms. Decreased lymphocytes and abnormal liver and renal function tests are common among COVID-19 patients. Severe and critical cases show higher number of white blood cells, and neutrophils. However, studies showed different laboratory findings in different disease status. Therefore, this study investigated laboratory findings of COVID-19 admitted patients at Dilla University Referral Hospital treatment center, South Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective study design was conducted on 220 patients confirmed by real time polymerase chain reaction, and admitted to Dilla University Referral Hospital treatment center from September 2020 to July 2021. Data were collected from the patients' record, and analyzed by GraphPad Prism version 8.0.1.244 software. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the frequency while independent t-test was used to compare means of each parameter for each disease status. Results: Of the 220 study cases, 120 (54.5%) were severe, 89 (40.5%) were moderate and 11 (5.0%) were mild. One hundred forty (71.1%) of the 197 laboratory tested cases, 87 (77.7%) of severe, and 49 (64.5%) of the moderate cases had neutrophils above normal range. However, 134 (68.0%) of them, 82 (73.2%) of severe and 49 (64.5%) of moderate cases showed decreased lymphocyte level. Most of the cases showed an increased level of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and total calcium. There was statistically significant mean neutrophils (p=0.04), number of white blood cells (p= 0.02), and creatinine level (p=0.00) difference between severe and mild cases. Conclusion: Most of the severe COVID-19 patients showed increased neutrophils, liver function tests; and decreased lymphocytes; suggesting higher inflammation and lymphopenia. Therefore, patients with severe and critical disease status require close follow-up.

Assessment of Microbiological Quality of Indoor Air at Different Hospital Sites of Dilla University: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In both residential and hospital indoor environments, humans can be exposed to airborne microorganisms. The hospital's indoor air may contain a large number of disease-causing agents brought in by patients, staff, students, visitors, ventilation, or the outside. Hospitalized patients are at a higher risk of infection due to confined spaces, crowdedness, and poor infection prevention practices, which can accumulate and create favorable conditions for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the indoor air bacterial load in Dilla University Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the bacterial load in the indoor air at Dilla University Hospital. To determine the bacterial load, a passive air sampling technique was used. The settle plate method was used to collect data, which involved exposing Petri-dishes filled with blood agar media to the indoor air of the sampled rooms for 60 minutes. Result: A total of 72 indoor air samples were collected once a week for 2 weeks at 14-day intervals from 18 rooms in 8 wards, and samples were collected twice a day in the morning and afternoon. The mean bacterial concentrations ranged from 450 to 1585.83 CFU/m3 after 60 minutes of culture media exposure. The mean bacterial concentrations in the obstetrics, surgical, pediatric, gynecology, and medical wards exceeded WHO guidelines. A high indoor air bacterial load was found in 58 (80.6%) of the samples in this study. Gram-positive bacteria in the air were the most common 51 (71%) of the bacterial population measured in all indoor environments. Fungal growth was found in 65 (90.3%) of the samples. Temperatures (26.5°C-28.3°C) and relative humidity (61.1%-67.8%) in the rooms were both above WHO guidelines, creating favorable conditions for bacterial growth and multiplication. Conclusion: The majority of the wards at Dilla University Hospital had bacterial loads in the air that exceeded WHO guidelines. Overcrowding, high temperatures, inadequate ventilation, improper waste management, and a lack of traffic flow control mechanisms could all contribute to a high concentration of bacteria in the indoor air. To control the introduction of microorganisms by patients, students, caregivers, and visitors, it is critical to regularly monitor indoor air bacterial load and implement infection prevention and control measures.

Effective Handwashing Practice in Dilla University Referral Hospital; Duration of Hand Rubbing and the Amount of Water as Key Enablers.

Background: Ineffective hand hygiene in healthcare settings is a global challenge that is associated with a high rate of nosocomial infections. The study aimed to measure the effectiveness of handwashing at Dilla University referral hospital. Method: This study consisted of 2 parts; the survey work and laboratory analysis. A total of 63 participants were selected to take surveys using an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect the data regarding the socio-demographic and hand hygiene-related practices. A laboratory tests (swab test) was used to assess handwashing effectiveness from 63 participants by taking 126 swab test (63 before and after hand washing sessions). A swab test was collected from the palms of each participant before and after hand washing using a sterile technique. The cultures were then incubated aerobically overnight at 37°C, and examined for microbial growth. The bacterial load was reported as the number of colony-forming units (CFU). Result: The proportion of effective hand washing in Dilla University Referral Hospital was 82.5%. The mean colony-forming unit before and after handwashing were 55 and 2 CFU/ml, respectively with an average reduction of 94.6% in terms of CFU/ml. The mean amount of water used for effective handwashing was 336.03 (±219.46) ml. There was a significant mean difference in the amount of water used and duration of hand rubbing between effective and non-effective handwashing among the participants (P < 0.01). The bacterial load before and after handwashing indicated that there was a significant (53.3 mean CFU) reduction in bacterial load after handwashing practice which indicated that the handwashing intervention in the Referral hospital was effective (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The proportion of effective Hand washing in Dilla University referral Hospital was 82.5% with a 94.6% reduction in terms of (CFU/ml). The amount of water use and the duration of hand rubbing showed a significant difference in the reduction of the microbial load.

Associated risk factor of tuberculosis infection among adult patients in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem causing death among millions of people each year. Even though many of the World Health Organization recommended tuberculosis control strategies were implemented, there is still a major gap in tuberculosis case detection and treatment which resulted in rapid transmission of the cases in high burden countries. This study aimed to provide updated information on the contributing factors for the development of tuberculosis. Methods: A case-control study was carried out in Gedeo Zone from February to July 2021 to assess the risk factors of tuberculosis. Cases were confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients with age ⩾18 years, while controls were participants who were confirmed to be pulmonary tuberculosis negative with the same age. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the associated risk factor. Results: A total of 368 individuals (173 cases and 173 controls) were included in this study. Based on the multivariable logistic regression analysis, we identified six variables as independent risk factors for the development of tuberculosis after controlling possible confounders. Those were patients with income <1500 Ethiopian birr per month (adjusted odds ratio = 2.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-3.97), patients with no educational background (illiterate) (adjusted odds ratio = 2.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.17-2.51), patients smoking cigarette (adjusted odds ratio = 2.89; 95% confidence interval: 2.10-3.82), patients chewing khat (adjusted odds ratio = 2.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.28-3.79), patients in close contact with known tuberculosis cases (adjusted odds ratio = 3.63; 95% confidence interval: 2.24-4.46), and patients being positive for HIV (adjusted odds ratio = 3.01; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-3.52) who were found to be significantly associated with tuberculosis development, while Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination had a protective effect against the development of tuberculosis (adjusted odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.21-0.88). Conclusion: The priority should be given to the identified contributing factors through application of coordinated efforts on screening of patients suspected for pulmonary tuberculosis and all contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients and treatment of known tuberculosis cases, and appropriate control methods to reduce Mycobacterium tuberculosis cases.

Clinical Features and Time to Recovery of Admitted COVID-19 Cases at Dilla University Referral Hospital Treatment Center, South Ethiopia.

Background: Since coronavirus disease 2019 emergence, millions were infected and many were dying because of the virus. Clinical features and time to recovery of admitted clients vary across settings. Therefore showing clinical features and recovery time from COVID-19 in a different setting is necessary to design appropriate treatment and preventive measures. So, this study attempted to investigate the clinical features and time to recovery of admitted clients to Dilla University Referral Hospital treatment center, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective study design was conducted in 220 patients confirmed by real time polymerase chain reaction and admitted to Dilla University Referral Hospital treatment center from September 2020 to July 2021. Data were collected from the patients' record. Data entry was done by an Epi-Info version 7.2.1.0 and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 software. Descriptive statistics were used for clinical features, and median time to recovery was computed by using Kaplan-Meier. Results: Common clinical features were cough 209 (95%), shortness of breath 153 (69.5%), fever 133 (60.5%), headache 75 (34.1%), easy fatigue 68 (30.9%), joint pain 56 (25.5%), tachypnea 197 (89.5%), hypoxia 95 (43.2%), and tachycardia 83 (37.7%). The overall median recovery time for admitted cases was 5 days. There was significant difference between recovery probability of severe and moderate cases, severe and mild cases (p=0.00), who had normal body temperature and hypothermic (p=0.05), who had normal breathing rate and bradypnea patients (p= 0.014). Conclusion: COVID-19 patients frequently show cough, shortness of breath, fever, headache, easy fatigue and joint pain. Median time to recovery was 5 days. Having a normal body temperature, normal breathing rate, and severe disease status had statistically significant association with median recovery time. So, close follow up is required for client admitted with severe disease.

The prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using Gene Xpert among tuberculosis suspected patients in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease remains a major global health problem and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. Even though many of the WHO recommended TB control strategies were implemented; there is still a major gap in TB case detection and treatment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among presumptive TB patients in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 TB suspected patients in Gedeo Zone from February to July 2021. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Laboratory examination was processed using Xpert-MTB/RIF assay. Data entry was made using Epi info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 24. Logistic regression models were used to determine the risk factors. RESULTS: Out of 384 study participants suspected with TB, M. tuberculosis was isolated from 103 giving an overall prevalence of 26.8%. Males (AOR) = 1.95; 95% CI 1.56-2.65, P = 0.01) were more likely to develop TB than females. Study participants who were illiterate (AOR 2.10; 95% CI 1.17-2.51, P = 0.014) were more likely to develop TB than the educated ones. Cigarette smokers (AOR 2.89; 95% CI 2.10-3.84, P = 0.01), khat chewers (AOR 2.86; 95% CI 1.28-3.79, P = 0.01), vaccination (AOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.21-0.88, P = 0.02), close contact (AOR 3.42; 95% CI 2.24-4.50, P = 0.01) and being positive for HIV (AOR 2.01; 95% CI 1.07-3.52, 0.01) were more likely to develop TB. CONCLUSION: Despite implementation of national and international TB control strategies, TB still remains one of the major public health problems in the country especially in the study area. The high prevalence of MTB was reported different risk groups. Early case detection and management of TB should be given special attention to strengthen and an appropriate control and prevention methods to reduce the emergence and increasing of MTB cases.

The Magnitude of MTB and Rifampicin Resistance MTB Using Xpert-MTB/RIF Assay Among Tuberculosis Suspected Patients in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem causing death among millions of people each year. The new barrier that challenges the control of tuberculosis is the emerging and the increasing number of drug-resistant TB that becomes a world concern. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR-MTB) among presumptive TB patients attending Dilla University Referral Hospital, Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Dilla University Referral Hospital from January 2014 to December 2020. Sputum results were done using Xpert MTB/RIF assay and other necessary data were collected from the registration logbooks using a standardized data extraction format and analyzed using SPSS version 23 statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 17,745 presumptive TB patients were included, of which 62.2% were males. The overall prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was 11.8%, of which 5.1% were confirmed to have RR-MTB. Extra-pulmonary TB was reported in 1.5% of the study participants. The highest prevalence of MTB and RR-MTB was recorded in 2017 with a prevalence of 20.1% and 8.5%, respectively. All age groups were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of MTB (p < 0.036). TB patients with a history of previous treatment and HIV positive were significantly associated with MTB (P < 0.021), while RR-MTB was only significantly associated with patients with a history of previous treatment (P < 0.018). CONCLUSION: A high magnitude of MTB and RR-MTB was reported among TB patients with HIV and a history of previous treatment. Therefore, coordinated efforts should be applied to the improvement of treatment adherence of known TB cases, and appropriate control and prevention methods to reduce the emergence and increase of MTB and RR-MTB cases.

Prevalence of Work-Related Injury and Its Determinants among Construction Workers in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Construction is one of the highest risky jobs for accident-related fatalities and injuries globally. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of work-related injury and its associated factors among construction workers in Ethiopia. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed by using PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of work-related injury and its associated factors. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by using the I 2 test, and the presence of publication bias was evaluated by using funnel plot and Egger's test. Results: After reviewing 292 articles, we included 10 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria in the meta-analysis. The findings from the 10 studies showed that the pooled prevalence of work-related injury in Ethiopia was 46.78% (95% CI: 32.17, 61.38). The subgroup analysis of this study showed that the highest prevalence was reported in Addis Ababa with the prevalence of 55.9% (25.42, 86.4), followed by a study conducted in Oromia Region with a prevalence of 43.3% (33.3, 53.3). Lack of occupational safety training (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.76, 3.35), not using of personal protective equipment (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.80, 2.99), and male workers (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.15, 5.17) were the major factors significantly associated with the occurrence of work-related injury among construction workers. Conclusions: This study confirmed that construction is still a high-risk job with a high prevalence of work-related injury in Ethiopia. The modifiable risk factors such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of safety training, and gender were the major associated factors with injury. Therefore, a continuous safety training and awareness creation program on risk-taking behavior should be given to construction workers.

The prevalence of Listeria species in different food items of animal and plant origin in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Listeriosis is one of the important emerging zoonotic disease affecting human health following the consumption of contaminated food of animal origin. It results in serious clinical complications in humans with a high case facility rate. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of Listeria species in Ethiopia. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library. All identified observational studies reporting the prevalence of Listeria species in different food items of animal and plant origin in Ethiopia were included. Three authors independently extracted data and analyzed them using STATA Version 13 statistical software. A random effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of Listeria species in Ethiopia. RESULTS: After reviewing 122 studies, five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The findings from the five studies revealed that the pooled prevalence of Listeria species in different food items of animal and plant origin in Ethiopia was 27% (95% CI 25, 29). The highest prevalence of Listeria species was reported in beef meat followed by ice cream with prevalence rates of 62% (95% CI 50, 75) and 43% (95% CI 33, 53), respectively. CONCLUSION: The presence of Listeria species in different food items of animal and plant origin in Ethiopia is an indicator of the presence of public health hazards to the consumer, particularly to the high-risk groups. Hence, awareness creation on food safety and implementation of regulations is strongly recommended.

The magnitude of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- producing Enterobacteriaceae from clinical samples in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of resistance among extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is a serious problem around the world. It results in serious clinical complications in humans and has become a global threat. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in different clinical samples in Ethiopia. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library. All identified observational studies reporting the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae from clinical samples in Ethiopia were included. Four authors independently extracted data and analysed using R software version 3.6.1 and STATA statistical software version 13. A random-effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Ethiopia. RESULTS: Of 142 articles reviewed, 14 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the different clinical specimens in Ethiopia was 49 % (95 % CI: 39, 60). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the leading ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae followed by Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii with a prevalence of 74, 67 and 60 %, respectively. ESBL-producing isolates showed a high rate of resistance to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, Amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), ampicillin and aztreonam. The better options for the treatment of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae are amikacin and Imipenem. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in different clinical samples in Ethiopia is alarmingly high and represents a threat to human health. Hence, a coordinated effort needs to be implemented for the prevention and control of these Enterobacteriaceae .

Prevalence and associated factor of Campylobacter species among less than 5-year-old children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the significant reductions in under-five mortality, campylobacteriosis has emerged as one of the most common causative agents of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis in humans. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of Campylobacter species and associated risk factors among children less than 5 years of age in Ethiopia. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library. All identified observational studies reporting the prevalence and determinants of diarrhea among children under 5 years of age in Ethiopia were included. Two authors independently extracted data and analyzed them using STATA Version 13 statistical software. A random-effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence and the associations between determinant factors and campylobacteriosis. RESULTS: Out of 166 papers reviewed, 8 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Campylobacter species among children under 5 years of age in Ethiopia was 10% (95% CI: 7, 13). Contact with domestic animals (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.0, 5.1), illiterate mothers (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 3.8), consumption of animal products (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.7, 4.5), and status of mothers' personal hygiene (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.7, 1.8) were significantly associated with the prevalence of Campylobacter species. CONCLUSION: In our study, Campylobacter species among children under 5 years of age in Ethiopia were significantly high. Contact with domestic animals, illiterate mothers and consumption of animal products were significantly associated with prevalence of Campylobacter species.

Bacterial Isolates from CSF Samples and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns Among Children Under Five Suspected to Have Meningitis in Dilla University Referral Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. It causes an estimated 288,649 deaths worldwide per year, of which 94,883 death occur among children under 5 years old. Up to 24% of survivors suffer from long-term sequelae such as epilepsy, mental disability, or sensorineural deafness, especially when the disease is contracted during early childhood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess bacterial isolates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and their antimicrobial resistance patterns among children under 5 years old in Dilla University Referral Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect clinical data and CSF sample from children under 5 years old who were suspected for meningitis. Sediment of CSF samples was inoculated to blood agar plate, chocolate agar plate, and MacConkey agar for bacterial isolation and identification. Chemical analysis and cytological analysis were also conducted based on standard operating procedures. RESULTS: From a total of 287 CSF samples cultured, causative bacteria were detected in 38 (13.2%). From culture positive cases, the most frequent isolate was Streptococcus pneumoniae (13 (34.2%)) followed by Staphylococcus aureas (7 (18.4%)), Neisseria meningitidis (6 (16%)) and Escherichia coli (6 (16%)). Haemophilus influenzae type b was isolated in 4 (10.5%) children with meningitis. Another cause of meningitis was Streptococcus agalactiae which accounted for 10.5%. Cryptococcus neoformans was detected in 4 (1.9%) cases of meningitis. Of all bacterial isolates, about 42.1% (16/38) were multi-drug resistant. About 38.5% of S. pneumoniae had multi-drug resistance, while about 33.3% of N. meningitidis, 50% of H. influenzae, 57.1% of S. aureas and 40% of E. coli showed multi-drug resistance. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of bacterial meningitis and high rate of drug resistance were observed. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years old.

Fecal Carriage Rate of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Among Apparently Health Food Handlers in Dilla University Student Cafeteria.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae among food handlers is a public health concern and has become a serious world threat. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are the predominant ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolated from the stool of food handlers in the Dilla University Student Cafeteria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to September 2018/2019. A total of 220 stool samples were cultured on MacConkey agar and a series of biochemical tests were performed for the identification of bacterial species. Double-disk synergy method was used for the detection of ESBL-producing strains. RESULTS: The rate of fecal carriage of E. coli and K. pneumoniae among the food handlers of the current study was 66.4%, of which 81.5% was E. coli, while 18.5% was K. pneumoniae. Of the total bacterial isolates, 25.3% were confirmed to be positive for ESBL production, of which 19.9% was E. coli, while 5.5% was K. pneumoniae. ESBL-producing fecal carriage showed high resistance to aztreonam, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime, with resistance rates ranging from 88% to 100%, while the lowest resistance rate was observed against imipenem accounted <26.3%. In this study, 91.9% of ESBL-producers were co-resistant to ß-lactams antibiotics plus at least one of the non-ß-lactam antibiotics. ESBL carriers were more common among food handlers who used antibiotics repeatedly, drunk unpasteurized milk, and ate raw meat. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae fecal carriage is alarmingly high and a threat to human health. MDR to third-generation cephalosporins and non-ß-lactam antibiotics is more common among ESBL producers. Detecting ESBL-producing organisms has a remarkable importance in clinical decision-making. Hence, a coordinated effort should be implemented for the prevention and control of the disease.

The effect of coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV) during pregnancy and the possibility of vertical maternal-fetal transmission: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus is challenging the global health care system from time to time. The pregnant state, with alterations in hormone levels and decreased lung volumes due to a gravid uterus and slightly immunocompromised state may predispose patients to a more rapidly deteriorating clinical course and can get a greater risk of harm for both the mother and fetus. Therefore, this systematic review was aimed to assess the effect of coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV) during pregnancy and its possibility of vertical maternal-fetal transmission. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library until the end of April. All authors independently extracted all necessary data using excel spreadsheet form. Only published articles with fully accessible data on pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV, MARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 were included. Data on clinical manifestations, maternal and perinatal outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULT: Out of 879 articles reviewed, 39 studies involving 1316 pregnant women were included. The most common clinical features were fever, cough, and myalgia with prevalence ranging from 30 to 97%, while lymphocytopenia and C-reactive protein were the most common abnormal laboratory findings (55-100%). Pneumonia was the most diagnosed clinical symptom of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infection with prevalence ranged from 71 to 89%. Bilateral pneumonia (57.9%) and ground-glass opacity (65.8%) were the most common CT imaging reported. The most common treatment options used were hydroxychloroquine (79.7%), ribavirin (65.2%), and oxygen therapy (78.8%). Regarding maternal outcome, the rate of preterm birth < 37 weeks of gestation was 14.3%, preeclampsia (5.9%), miscarriage (14.5%, preterm premature rupture of membranes (9.2%) and fetal growth restriction (2.8%). From the total coronavirus infected pregnant women, 56.9% delivered by cesarean, 31.3% admitted to ICU, while 2.7% were died. Among the perinatal outcomes, fetal distress rated (26.5%), neonatal asphyxia rated (1.4%). Only, 1.2% of neonates had apgar score < 7 at 5 min. Neonate admitted to ICU was rated 11.3%, while the rate of perinatal death was 2.2%. In the current review, none of the studies reported transmission of CoV from the mother to the fetus in utero during the study period. CONCLUSION: Coronavirus infection is more likely to affect pregnant women. Respiratory infectious diseases have demonstrated an increased risk of adverse maternal obstetrical complications than the general population due to physiological changes occurred during pregnancy. None of the studies reported transmission of CoV from the mother to the fetus in utero, which may be due to a very low expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 in early maternal-fetal interface cells.

Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging Features of Patients with COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious disease, and its first outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China. A coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causes severe respiratory distress (ARDS). Due to the primary involvement of the respiratory system, chest CT is strongly recommended in suspected COVID-19 cases, for both initial evaluation and follow-up. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to systematically analyze the existing literature on CT imaging features of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Open Access Journals (OAJ), and Google Scholar databases until April 15, 2020. All articles with a report of CT findings in COVID-19 patients published in English from the onset of COVID-19 outbreak to April 20, 2020, were included in the study. RESULT: From a total of 5041 COVID-19-infected patients, about 98% (4940/5041) had abnormalities in chest CT, while about 2% have normal chest CT findings. Among COVID-19 patients with abnormal chest CT findings, 80% (3952/4940) had bilateral lung involvement. Ground-glass opacity (GGO) and mixed GGO with consolidation were observed in 2482 (65%) and 768 (18%) patients, respectively. Consolidations were detected in 1259 (22%) patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. CT images also showed interlobular septal thickening in about 691 (27%) patients. CONCLUSION: Frequent involvement of bilateral lung infections, ground-glass opacities, consolidation, crazy paving pattern, air bronchogram signs, and intralobular septal thickening were common CT imaging features of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Salmonella, Shigella, and Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factor among Food Handlers in Dilla University Student Cafeteria, Dilla, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Food-borne disease is mostly caused by unsafe food handling and processing as well as poor hygienic practice. Recently, it is a worldwide and local burden to the human health. It is estimated that about one-third of the world population is affected by food-borne diseases annually and become a global public health problem. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors of Shigella, Salmonella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers in Dilla University, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to September 2018/2019. A structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data on sociodemographic characteristics. Parasite and bacterial identification, as well as susceptibility testing, was done using standard parasitological and bacteriological procedures. RESULTS: Of the total 220 food handlers included in the study, 38.6%, 9.5%, and 3.2% were positive for intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species, respectively. A. lumbricoides (11.4%) was the predominant parasite isolated followed by E. histolytica (7.7%). From the total Salmonella isolates, serogroup D was the most frequent isolate and from the total Shigella species, Shigella flexneri was the predominant isolate. In this study, through irregular medical checkups, those who drunk unpasteurized milk and ate raw meat were significantly associated with intestinal parasites. Both Salmonella and Shigella species were highly resistant to ampicillin (81%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (>70%). Salmonella isolates are highly sensitive to cefotaxime and ceftriaxone, while Shigella is highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. MDR was recorded in 71.4% of all bacterial isolates. CONCLUSION: The presence of a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species that were resistant to the commonly prescribed drugs is a treat to the children and the community at large. Therefore, measures including health education, improvement of safe water supply, sanitation facilities, and continuous monitoring of microbiological and antimicrobial surveillance are crucial.

In Vitro Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria from Suspected External Eye Infected Patients Attending Ophthalmology Clinic, Southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Ocular disease with its complications is a major public health problem which has significant impacts on the quality of life particularly in developing countries. An eye infection due to bacterial agents can lead to reduced vision and blindness. This study was aimed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and biofilm-forming potential of bacteria isolated from suspected external eye infected patients in Jimma. METHOD: A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted on 319 suspect patients with external eye infections from March to June 2017 at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) Ophthalmology Department in Ethiopia. External ocular specimens were collected and standard operating procedures were followed to handle and culture throughout the study period. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Microtiter (96 wells) plate method was used to screen biofilm formation by ELISA reader at 570 nm. RESULTS: Out of 319 study participants with an external eye infection, the prevalence of bacterial pathogens was 46.1%. The predominant bacterial isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) (27.7%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (19.7%). Among Gram-negative groups, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.8%) was the leading isolate. Increased antimicrobial resistance was observed for tetracycline (64%), erythromycin (66.7%), and penicillin (77.1%). Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective drugs for external eye infections due to susceptibility ranging from 70 to 100% among both Gram-negative and Gram-positive groups. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) accounted for 13.8%. Multidrug resistance (MDR) accounted for 68.7%. The overall biofilm formation rate of bacterial ocular pathogens was 66.1%, where P. aeruginosa (40%), CoNS (34.1%), and S. aureus (31%) formed strong biofilm phenotype. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of bacterial isolates was high. Almost all bacterial isolates were resistant to at least one or more drugs. MDR pathogens were observed increasingly among biofilm formers or vice versa.