Prevalence Of Carriage Research Articles

Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage among healthcare workers in South Asia in non-outbreak settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and sub-group-specific prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carrier rate among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) in South Asia. We considered prospective and cross-sectional studies published in the English language with participants ≥50 by searching different electronic databases to locate the relevant articles that reported the epidemiology of MRSA. The participants were healthy South Asian nationality HCWs (asymptomatic for any infectious disease) of any age and gender with a definitive diagnosis of MRSA carriage. The result was synthesized for the pooled prevalence of MRSA carriers among HCWs using 95% confidence interval (CI) with DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. The pooled prevalence of MRSA carriage among HCWs was 9.23% (95%CI; 6.50%, 12.35%) with a range from 0.67% to 36.06%. The prevalence in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh was 5.65% (95%CI; 3.65%, 8.03%), 8.83% (95%CI; 6.77%, 11.11%), 17.20% (95%CI; 10.70%, 24.85%), 22.56% (95%CI; 4.93%, 47.83%), and 4.93% (95%CI; 1.88%, 9.20%) respectively. The pooled prevalence of MRSA carriage among nurses and doctors was 8.90% (95%CI; 6.00%, 12.24%) and 6.53% (95%CI; 3.63%, 10.06%) respectively. The findings from our study suggests that if the propagation of MRSA continues, then it can lead to a situation of an outbreak. Hence, proper preventive measures are to be adopted to prevent this outbreak.

Prevalence of faecal carriage of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy Indian subjects from the community

PurposeFaecal carriage of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) has been extensively investigated in hospitalized patients, but limited data is available on the carriage rate in healthy individuals in India. MethodsA total of 1000 stool samples were screened for CPE from healthy individuals in Chennai (n ​= ​50), Hyderabad (n ​= ​184) and Mumbai (n ​= ​766). Diluted stool samples were cultured on chromID CARBA SMART plates. Growing colonies were screened for CPE by RAPIDEC® CARBA NP Test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of imipenem by E-Test. PCR was performed for confirmation of CPE genes. ResultsOut of the 1000 stool samples tested, 6.1% were positive for CPE. A total of 64 carbapenem resistant isolates (56 ​E.coli, 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3 Enterobacter cloacae and 1 Citrobacter freundii) were recovered from ChromID CARBA SMART biplate. Carbapenemase production was identified in 57/64 isolates by RAPIDEC® CARBA NP test. PCR analysis showed 28 blaNDM-1 and 33 blaOXA48. Three remaining isolates (2 ​E.coli, 1 ​K.pneumoniae) were negative for the tested carbapenemase genes. Interestingly, out of these 61 PCR positive isolates, 49.1% displayed imipenem MIC within the susceptibility range on the basis of CLSI interpretative criteria. ConclusionsFaecal carriage of CPE among healthy individuals was 6.1%. Comprehensive measures to improve the sanitation scenario and implementation of National AMR action plan are needed to prevent further generation and dissemination of carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE).

Meningococcal Disease and Carriage in the Philippines: A Review of Recent Data

This article reviews recent data on meningococcal disease and carriage in the Philippines. It aims to provide information on the epidemiology of meningococcal disease, its carriage, data on prevention, and the impact of vaccination on disease and carriage. The World Health Organization considers the Philippines as having low endemicity for meningococcal disease. However, current data underestimates the true burden in the country due to many factors. In recent years, data from the Philippines show a high case-fatality rate since only the septicemic form is being reported. Studies on asymptomatic meningococcal carriage rates are sparse, with one study by Gonzales, et al. investigating the prevalence of meningococcal nasopharyngeal carriage in Filipinos aged 5-24 years old living in an urban setting. The study showed that the overall prevalence of carriage was 3.7% and was highest (9%) among the 10-14 age group. Serogroup B was the most common isolate. Effective meningococcal vaccines are available. Although not included in the National Immunization Program, medical societies recommend giving vaccines to individuals at high risk of infection. Data on local epidemiology accounting for the disease and asymptomatic carriage are important to strengthen future programs on immunization and prevention of meningococcal disease.

Gastrointestinal colonization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria among children below five years of age hospitalized with fever in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

ObjectivesGastrointestinal colonization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) is of concern because prior colonization increases risk for subsequent infections. To date, the link between ESBL-PE faecal carriage and the risk of subsequent ESBL-PE infection has not been well established, and information on carriage of such pathogens among children with invasive infections such as bloodstream infections (BSI) remains to be explored worldwide. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among children under the age of 5 years admitted for febrile illness in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between March 2017 and July 2018. We used rectal swabs to screen for ESBL-PE using selective media, ChromID ESBL. Bacterial isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF. Blood cultures were drawn from all children. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using a disk diffusion method. ESBL alleles were identified by real-time PCR and sequencing. ResultsThe overall prevalence of ESBL-PE carriage was 56% (112/200) and was highest among children 4 to 6 months old (17/21, 81%) (P = 0.05). Children with BSI had high ESBL-PE carriage (78.4%) compared to those without BSI (53.1%) (P = 0.02; aOR 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.20–9.58). The most common isolate was E. coli (64/112, 45%). Sixteen pairs of ESBL-PE isolates (from the gut and from blood) had a similar antimicrobial susceptibility profile. We detected blaCTX-M gene in 97% of all phenotypically detected ESBL-PE; among those, blaCTX-M-15 was dominant (99%). ConclusionWe report a high prevalence of ESBL-PE faecal carriage among children with BSI in Tanzania. Colonization of ESBL-PE was a risk factor for ESBL-BSI.

Prevalence of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from dogs with skin and ear infections in South Africa

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP) is an important opportunistic pathogen, frequently associated with pyoderma and otitis in dogs. The emergence and rapid expansion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is problematic due to multidrug resistance and reduced treatment options. The aim of this study was to determine i) the prevalence of MRSP in dogs with pyoderma or otitis externa, ii) the antimicrobial resistance patterns of MRSP from South African isolates, and iii) the risk factors for MRSP-associated pyoderma or otitis externa in dogs in South Africa (RSA). Sixty-eight presumptive clinical SP isolates (collected from 65 dogs) from five geographically dispersed laboratories in RSA were collected over 2 years. Possible MRSP isolates were flagged when resistance to oxacillin was observed. Thereafter, all isolates were confirmed as SP by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and further genotyped for the mecA gene. Fifty-seven of 68 isolates were confirmed to be SP (83.8%), while 49/57 (85.9%) carried mecA. Our findings showed that preliminary phenotypic methods supplemented by genotypic methods increased the accuracy of correctly identifying SP. All isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial drug. There was a high incidence of amoxicillin (70.1%) and enrofloxacin (65%) resistance. Important risk factors for mecA positive carriage were previous hospital admission, pruritus, and previous antibacterial failure. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of mecA positive carriage (85.9% of samples) in MRSP pyoderma and otitis in dogs in RSA. There is an urgent need for better laboratory diagnosis of MRSP and surveillance of dogs presenting with pyoderma and otitis in South Africa.

Association of pneumococcal carriage in infants with the risk of carriage among their contacts in Nha Trang, Vietnam: A nested cross-sectional survey.

Infants are at highest risk of pneumococcal disease. Their added protection through herd effects is a key part in the considerations on optimal pneumococcal vaccination strategies. Yet, little is currently known about the main transmission pathways to this vulnerable age group. Hence, this study investigates pneumococcal transmission routes to infants in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Vietnam. In October 2018, we conducted a nested cross-sectional contact and pneumococcal carriage survey in randomly selected 4- to 11-month-old infants across all 27 communes of Nha Trang. Bayesian logistic regression models were used to estimate age specific carriage prevalence in the population, a proxy for the probability that a contact of a given age could lead to pneumococcal exposure for the infant. We used another Bayesian logistic regression model to estimate the correlation between infant carriage and the probability that at least one of their reported contacts carried pneumococci, controlling for age and locality. In total, 1,583 infants between 4 and 13 months old participated, with 7,428 contacts reported. Few infants (5%, or 86 infants) attended day care, and carriage prevalence was 22% (353 infants). Most infants (61%, or 966 infants) had less than a 25% probability to have had close contact with a pneumococcal carrier on the surveyed day. Pneumococcal infection risk and contact behaviour were highly correlated: If adjusted for age and locality, the odds of an infant's carriage increased by 22% (95% confidence interval (CI): 15 to 29) per 10 percentage points increase in the probability to have had close contact with at least 1 pneumococcal carrier. Moreover, 2- to 6-year-old children contributed 51% (95% CI: 39 to 63) to the total direct pneumococcal exposure risks to infants in this setting. The main limitation of this study is that exposure risk was assessed indirectly by the age-dependent propensity for carriage of a contact and not by assessing carriage of such contacts directly. In this study, we observed that cross-sectional contact and infection studies could help identify pneumococcal transmission routes and that preschool-age children may be the largest reservoir for pneumococcal transmission to infants in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Trends in human intestinal carriage of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales among food handlers in Tunisia: emergence of C1-M27-ST131 subclades, blaOXA-48 and blaNDM.

To determine the prevalence of community intestinal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E), acquired-AmpC-producing Enterobacterales (aAmpC-E) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) in Tunisia. From November 2012 to September 2017, stool samples from food handlers in Sfax, Tunisia, were screened for ESBL-E, AmpC-E and CPE using antibiotic-containing media. The genes encoding these β-lactamases were characterized by PCR, sequencing, and transfer assays. ST131 clonal groups were detected by PCR and characterized for antibiotic resistance, virulence genes and PFGE patterns. Of 2135 participants, ESBL-E, aAmpC-E, and CPE carriage were detected in 419 (19.63%), 35 (1.63%) and 7 (0.33%) participants, respectively. CTX-M-15 (60%), CTX-M-1 (16.8%) and CTX-M-27 (12.8%) were the most common ESBL determinants. The ESBL-E carriage was significantly higher in summer (33%) and autumn (25.7%) than in winter (12.1%) and spring (11.4%). ST131 was detected in 50 (13.2%) of the 378 ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates; most of them (35; 70%) belonged to subclade C1 (cluster C1-M27: 23 isolates, 46%; cluster C1-non-M27: 12 isolates, 24%) followed by those belonging to subclade C2 (11; 22%). Although subclade C2 isolates, all harbouring blaCTX-M-15, had the highest resistance rates and virulence factor and addiction system scores, the subclade C1 isolates, mainly harbouring blaCTX-M-27 (94%), were predominant since 2015. The most frequently detected carbapenemase-encoding gene was blaOXA-48-like (85%) and acquired AmpC-encoding genes were blaDHA-1 (54%) and blaCMY-2 (46%). This is the first large Tunisian study to reveal a high faecal ESBL carriage rate, a low CPE carriage rate, and the predominance of CTX-M-27-producing subclade C1 among faecal ESBL-ST131 isolates in the Tunisian community.

One-day prevalence of asymptomatic carriage of toxigenic and non-toxigenic Clostridioides difficile in 10 French hospitals

Asymptomatic faecal carriage of Clostridioides difficile has been widely evaluated, but its prevalence across a wide range of clinical departments and related risk factors are not well described. The objectives of the PORTADIFF study were to evaluate the prevalence and identifying risk factors leading to asymptomatic carriage of both toxigenic and non-toxigenic C.difficile. The PORTADIFF study was a 1-day prevalence study carried out in 10 different French hospitals. Adult patients, who agreed to participate, were included in this study and provided a fresh stool sample. C. difficile strains isolated from carriage were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of tcdA, tcdB, cdtA and cdtB, and PCR ribotyping. In total, 721 patients were included in this study. The median age was 73 years (range 18-101 years) and the male/female ratio was 1.06. C. difficile (either toxigenic or non-toxigenic strains) was isolated from 79 (11%) patients; 42 (5.8%) strains were toxigenic. The prevalence rates of asymptomatic carriage ranged from 5% on surgical wards to 19% on long-term care wards. The main risk factors associated with asymptomatic carriage were antibiotic treatment within the preceding 3 months (81.8% vs 53.7%; P<0.01), hospitalization within the preceding 2 months (55.8% vs 33%; P<0.01), cumulative duration of hospital stay before study inclusion (mean 50.1 vs 34.5 days; P<0.047), and hospitalization on a ward with high global incidence of C. difficile infection. Eleven percent of hospitalized patients were asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic or non-toxigenic C. difficile, and may constitute a potential reservoir of C. difficile strains.

Detection of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae by Real-Time PCR and Assessment of Hospitalization Related Risk Factors Associated with their Fecal Carriage: A Case-control Study

Opportunistic behavior of commensal bacteria during severe infection, especially of the intestine is always considered as a predisposing threat for the severely ill patient admitted to hospitals. A descriptive-analytical case-control study was carried out to detect the prevalence and risk factor analysis of fecal carriage of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Patients having fecal carriage of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were considered as cases and patients who were without Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were taken as the control in a proportion of 1:4. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was confirmed by both conventional as well as molecular methods. Methods such as Combined Disk Test, mCIMtest, and RAPIDEC CarbaNP Test were used for phenotypic identification of CRE, Whereas Real-Time (RT)-PCR was used for the detection of bla-gene encoded for CRE (blaNDM1, blaVIM, blaKPC, blaIMP, and blaOXA48). All patients belonging to medicine wards were included in the study. we screened 436 patients during the study and found 160 patients suitable for our study, out of which 32 (20%) were cases and 128 (80%) were controls. We found a total number of 25 genes out of 16 isolates, where NDM 1 was identified in maximum numbers followed by KPC &amp;VIM. Standard statistical analyses such as chi-squire and odd ratios were conducted to determine the risk factor of different variables. Stepwise multiple logistic regressions were carried out, where we found, that transfer from other wards to medicine ward, use of nebulizer and intravenous catheter, and use of multiple antibiotics were still statistically significant. Implementation of Multi-modal colonization prevention and control is the need for the present situation throughout the world.

High prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa carriage in residents of French and German long-term care facilities

ObjectivesTo determine prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) intestinal carriage in residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and to understand the population structure of this pathogen in LTCFs from two European countries. MethodsWe assessed the prevalence of PA intestinal carriage and the incidence of acquisition by collecting fecal samples from 403 residents of 20 LTCFs. We collected 289 environmental samples from sinks and drinking water. Factors associated with carriage and acquisition of intestinal PA were identified. All PA isolates had their antibiotic phenotypic resistance profile determined and their genome sequenced, from which we assessed the population structure of the collection and identified resistance determinants. ResultsWe found a high proportion of residents with PA intestinal carriage (51.6%) over the entire study period. Over the follow-up period, 28.6% of the residents acquired intestinal PA. Older age (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.09–1.52; p = 0.002), urinary incontinence (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.37–4.88; p = 0.003), and male sex (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.05–6.18; p = 0.039) were associated with higher probability of carriage. Wheelchair usage (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.38–15.05; p = 0.013) and a body mass index >25 (OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.17–11.82; p = 0.026) were associated with higher risk of PA acquisition. Population structure of our isolates was mainly non-clonal with 112 different STs among the 241 isolates. Most represented STs were high risk clones ST253 (n = 26), ST17 (n = 11), ST244 (n = 11), ST309 (n = 10), and ST395 (n = 10). Most PA isolates (86.3%) were susceptible to antibiotics, with no acquired genes conferring resistance to antipseudomonal agents. DiscussionWe found an unexpected high prevalence of PA intestinal carriage in LTCF residents mainly associated with individual-level factors. Our study revealed a polyclonal PA population structure suggesting that individual acquisition is more frequent than resident-to-resident transmission.

Intestinal Carriage of Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase and Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Gastrointestinal colonization with resistant pathogens is significant because they could be easily transmitted to other hosts or spread to different microbiota through mobile genetic elements. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E and CPE, respectively) among hemodialysis patients and the factors affecting their emergence in a hospital in Tehran. Methods: From January 2018 to May 2019, 150 hemodialysis patients referred to a hospital in Tehran were sampled in this study. Stool samples of the patients were diluted in saline and cultured on MacConkey agar plates containing cefotaxime, ceftazidime, imipenem, and meropenem discs. The clinical data were analyzed to identify the risk factors using a logistic regression model. Results: The colonization rate of ESBL-E was 48.6%, while only 2% of patients were identified as the carriers of CPE (3 of 150). A higher prevalence rate was obtained for intestinal carriage of ESBL-E among hemodialysis patients aged 18 to 42 years using multivariate analysis. The prevalence rate of multidrug-resistant isolates was 73.8%. The blaCTX-M1 gene was identified as the most prevalent ESBL gene. Among carbapenemase-encoding genes, blaKPC and blaoxa-48 were found in 12 and two isolates, respectively. Conclusions: These results demonstrated a high prevalence rate of ESBLs among hemodialysis patients, although this rate was low for carbapenemases. Therefore, more control measures should be taken in hospitals to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in healthcare settings.

Impact of Pneumococcal Vaccination on Nasopharyngeal Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Microbiota Profiles in Preschool Children in South East Poland.

In 2017, Poland introduced the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) into its national immunization schedule. This prospective study was conducted between March and June 2020 to determine the impact of vaccination on prevalence of the nasopharyngeal carriage of S. pneumoniae in 176 healthy children and to determine how conjugate vaccines indirectly affect colonization of nasopharyngeal microbiota. Pneumococcal isolates were analyzed by serotyping and antimicrobial resistance tests. Nasopharyngeal microbiota were detected and identified using the culture method and real-time PCR amplification primers and hydrolysis-probe detection with the 16S rRNA gene as the target. In the vaccinated group of children, colonization was in 24.2% of children, compared to 21.4% in the unvaccinated group. Serotypes 23A and 23B constituted 41.5% of the isolates. Serotypes belonging to PCV10 and PCV13 constituted 4.9% and 17.1% of the isolates, respectively. S. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to penicillin (34.1%), erythromycin (31.7%), and co-trimoxazole (26.8%). Microbial DNA qPCR array correlated to increased amounts of Streptococcus mitis and S. sanguinis in vaccinated children, with reduced amounts of C. pseudodiphtericum, S. aureus, and M. catarrhalis. Introduction of PCV for routine infant immunization was associated with significant reductions in nasopharyngeal carriage of PCV serotypes and resistant strains amongst vaccine serotypes, yet carriage of non-PCV serotypes increased modestly, particularly serotype 23B.

High Prevalence of bla CTXM-1/IncI1-Iγ/ST3 Plasmids in Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates Collected From Domestic Animals in Guadeloupe (French West Indies).

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) have been classified in the group of resistant bacteria of highest priority. We determined the prevalence of ESBL-E collected in feces from household and shelter pets in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). A single rectal swab was taken from 125 dogs and 60 cats between June and September 2019. The prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL-E was 7.6% (14/185, 95% CI: 4.2-12.4), within the range observed worldwide. The only risk factor associated with a higher prevalence of ESBL-E rectal carriage was a stay in a shelter, suggesting that refuges could be hotspots for their acquisition. All but one (Klebsiella pneumoniae from a cat) were Escherichia coli. We noted the presence of a blaCTX–M–1/IncI1-Iγ/sequence type (ST3) plasmid in 11 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates belonging to ST328 (n = 6), ST155 (n = 4) and ST953 (n = 1). A blaCTX–M–15 gene was identified in the three remaining ESBL-E isolates. The blaCTX–M–1 and most of the antimicrobial resistance genes were present in a well-conserved large conjugative IncI1-Iγ/ST3 plasmid characterized by two accessory regions containing antibiotic resistance genes. The plasmid has been detected worldwide in E. coli isolates from humans and several animal species, such as food-producing animals, wild birds and pets, and from the environment. This study shows the potential role of pets as a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or genes for humans and underlines the importance of basic hygiene measures by owners of companion animals.

Carriage prevalence and genomic epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus among Native American children and adults in the Southwestern USA.

Native American individuals in the Southwestern USA experience a higher burden of invasive Staphylococcus aureus disease than the general population. However, little is known about S. aureus carriage in these communities. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the carriage prevalence, risk factors and genomic epidemiology of S. aureus among Native American children (<5 years, n=121) and adults (≥18 years, n=167) in the Southwestern USA. Short- and long-read sequencing data were generated using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology platforms to produce high-quality hybrid assemblies, and antibiotic-resistance, virulence and pangenome analyses were performed. S. aureus carriage prevalence was 20.7 % among children, 30.2 % among adults 18–64 years and 16.7 % among adults ≥65 years. Risk factors among adults included recent surgery, prior S. aureus infection among household members, and recent use of gyms or locker rooms by household members. No risk factors were identified among children. The bacterial population structure was dominated by clonal complex 1 (CC1) (21.1 %), CC5 (22.2 %) and CC8 (22.2 %). Isolates from children and adults were intermixed throughout the phylogeny. While the S. aureus population was diverse, the carriage prevalence was comparable to that in the general USA population. Genomic and risk-factor data suggest household, community and healthcare transmission are important components of the local epidemiology.

High prevalence of small intestine bacteria overgrowth and asymptomatic carriage of enteric pathogens in stunted children in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) refers to an incompletely defined syndrome of inflammation, reduced absorptive capacity, and reduced barrier function in the small intestine. It is widespread among children and adults in low- and middle-income countries and is also associated with poor sanitation and certain gut infections possibly resulting in an abnormal gut microbiota, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and stunting. We investigated bacterial pathogen exposure in stunted and non-stunted children in Antananarivo, Madagascar by collecting fecal samples from 464 children (96 severely stunted, 104 moderately stunted and 264 non-stunted) and the prevalence of SIBO in 109 duodenal aspirates from stunted children (61 from severely stunted and 48 from moderately stunted children). SIBO assessed by both aerobic and anaerobic plating techniques was very high: 85.3% when selecting a threshold of ≥105 CFU/ml of bacteria in the upper intestinal aspirates. Moreover, 58.7% of the children showed more than 106 bacteria/ml in these aspirates. The most prevalent cultivated genera recovered were Streptococcus, Neisseria, Staphylococcus, Rothia, Haemophilus, Pantoea and Branhamella. Feces screening by qPCR showed a high prevalence of bacterial enteropathogens, especially those categorized as being enteroinvasive or causing mucosal disruption, such as Shigella spp., enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, enteropathogenic E. coli and enteroaggregative E. coli. These pathogens were detected at a similar rate in stunted children and controls, all showing no sign of severe diarrhea the day of inclusion but both living in a highly contaminated environment (slum-dwelling). Interestingly Shigella spp. was the most prevalent enteropathogen found in this study (83.3%) without overrepresentation in stunted children.

Comparison of the global prevalence and trend of human intestinal carriage of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli between healthcare and community settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectivesThe widespread intestinal carriage of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL E. coli) among both patients and healthy individuals is alarming. However, the global prevalence and trend of this MDR bacterium in healthcare settings remains undetermined. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a comparative meta-analysis of the prevalence in community and healthcare settings.MethodsOur systematic review included 133 articles published between 1 January 2000 and 22 April 2021 and indexed in PubMed, EMBASE or Google Scholar. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to obtain the global pooled prevalence (community and healthcare settings). Subgroup meta-analyses were performed by grouping studies using the WHO regions and 5 year intervals of the study period.ResultsWe found that 21.1% (95% CI, 19.1%–23.2%) of inpatients in healthcare settings and 17.6% (95% CI, 15.3%–19.8%) of healthy individuals worldwide carried ESBL E. coli in their intestine. The global carriage rate in healthcare settings increased 3-fold from 7% (95% CI, 3.7%–10.3%) in 2001–05 to 25.7% (95% CI, 19.5%–32.0%) in 2016–20, whereas in community settings it increased 10-fold from 2.6% (95% CI, 1.2%–4.0%) to 26.4% (95% CI, 17.0%–35.9%) over the same period.ConclusionsThe global and regional human intestinal ESBL E. coli carriage is increasing in both community and healthcare settings. Carriage rates were generally higher in healthcare than in community settings. Key relevant health organizations should perform surveillance and implement preventive measures to address the spread of ESBL E. coli in both settings.

Prevalence of Adolescent Handgun Carriage: 2002-2019.

This study explores the changing prevalence of adolescent handgun carriage, with attention to differences across sociodemographic groups. Data were drawn from repeated cross-sectional, nationally representative surveys conducted annually from 2002 to 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use & Health. The study sample included adolescents aged 12 to 17 (N = 297 055). Logistic regression models estimated the prevalence of past year handgun carriage across cohort and sociodemographic subgroups. Interactions between 4-time cohorts and other variables explored sociodemographic variability in prevalence rates over time. Handgun carriage increased significantly, particularly among rural, White, and higher-income adolescents. Carriage increased by 41% over cohorts, with predicted prevalence rates increasing from 3.3% in 2002-2006 to 4.6% in 2015-2019. Across cohorts, rural (5.1%), American Indian/Alaskan Native (5.2%), lower-income (<$20 000; 3.9%), male (5.9%), and older (16-17 years old; 4.5%) adolescents were the most likely to report carriage. However, these patterns changed significantly over time, with White and higher-income adolescents (>$75 000) most likely to carry in the most recent cohorts. Predicted carriage rates increased from 3.1% to 5.3% among White adolescents, from 2.6% to 5.1% among higher-income adolescents, and from 4.3% to 6.9% among rural adolescents between the 2002-2006 and 2015-2019 cohorts. Carriage among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and lower-income adolescents decreased. Adolescent handgun carriage is increasing, concentrated among particular subgroups of youth, and carriage patterns across sociodemographic groups have changed over time. Programs to address the risk of adolescent gun carriage should be tailored to the specific sociocultural and place-based concerns of diverse adolescents.

Throat carriage rate, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of group A Streptococcus among healthy school children in Jigjiga City, Eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundGroup A Streptococcus has been recognized as an important human pathogen and it remains among the top ten causes of mortality from an infectious disease. Group A Streptococcus throat carriage plays an important role in the development of infection and transmission to contacts. In Ethiopia, there is little information about screening of children for group A Streptococcus carriage.ObjectiveThis study was aimed to assess the magnitude of throat carriage, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of group A Streptococcus among healthy school children in Jigjiga city, Eastern Ethiopia from 12 April to 27 May 2021.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted enrolled by simple random sampling. Data on socio-demographic and related characteristics were gathered using pretested structured questionnaire. The throat sample was collected from 462 healthy school children and immediately transported to Jigjiga University Sultan Sheik Hassan referral hospital laboratory for investigation. Identification of group A Streptococcus was done by colony characterstics, gram staining, catalase negativity, bacitracin sensitivity, and Pyrrolidonyl arylamidase tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done on Muller-Hinton agar containing 5% sheep blood by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The data were coded, cleaned, and entered onto EpiData Version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 26.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression through adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to determine the relationship between culture-positivity rates of GAS and predictor variables. A p-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant on multivariable analysis.ResultsThe overall prevalence of group A Streptococcus throat culture rate was 10.6% (95%CI; 8.1%—13.7%). Previous family member who had a sore throat, children living with larger families (more than 11 members), and children living with non-immediate families were significantly associated with culture-positivity rates of GAS. Children who live with a family member with a sore throat compared with those who lived with in a family with no history of sore throat (AOR = 2.51; 95%CI 1.09–5.73), children who live with a large family comared to children living in families with less members (AOR = 4.64; 95% CI 1.53–14.1), and children who live with non-immediate families compared to children living with their mothers (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI 1.39 – 9.61), showed significant association with group A Streptococcus carriage rate. Resistance to all other antibiotics tested was low (< 5%). Multidrug resistance was found in 4.1% of isolates.ConclusionThe present study showed 10.6% throat carriage of group A Streptococcus. Family member with a sore throat, having a large family, and living with non-immediate families have all been identified as independent predictors of carriage prevalence.

Multidrug-Resistant and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) - Producing Enterobacterales Isolated from Carriage Samples among HIV Infected Women in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The exacerbation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, there is a scarcity of data regarding multidrug-resistant (resistance to at least one antibiotic of three or more families of antibiotics) as well as extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE), isolated among clinical and asymptomatically healthy patients, especially in women living with HIV (WLHIV) despite their immunocompromised status. The overarching aim of this study was set to determine the prevalence and characterize genotypically multi-drug resistant Enterobacterales (MDR-E) and ESBL- PE isolated from vaginal swabs of WLHIV attending the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was conducted among WLHIV during a four-month periods from 1 February to 31 May 2021. A total of 175 WLHIV, of childbearing age and under antiretroviral treatment were contacted. One hundred and twenty participants (120) were recruited and vaginal swabs were collected from them. After culture on Eosine-Methylen Blue (EMB) agar, the identification of Enterobacterales was performed using API 20E kit. A double-screening of ESBL-PE was performed using a combined disc diffusion method and ROSCO Diagnostica kits. An antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out by disc diffusion as per the Kirby-Bauer method and the β-lactamase resistance genes, blaCTX-M, blaCTX-M-group1-2-9, blaTEM were molecularly characterized using a conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Overall, 30.83% (37/120) of the included WLHIV were colonized with Enterobacterales and the prevalence of vaginal carriage of MDR Enterobacterales among them was 62.16% (23/37). Among MDR-E isolates, the most prevalent species were E. coli (56.0%; 14/25) and K. pneumoniae (20.0%; 5/25). High rates of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (96.0%; 24/25), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (88.0%; 22/25) and gentamicin (72%; 18/25) were observed. The resistance mechanisms detected among these isolates were ESBL (48.0%; 12/25), ESBL+ porin loss (8.0%; 2/25), ESBL+AmpC (24%; 6/25), with blaCTX-M, blaCTX-M-group-1,2,9 being identified at 48.0% (12/25) for each of them and blaTEM at 72.0% (18/25). Our findings confirm the high-prevalence of MDR as well as ESBL-PE isolated in WLHIV, and suggest that a real time monitoring system of antimicrobial resistant bacteria coupled with the reinforcement of infection prevention control (IPC) strategies are needed to sustainably contain these life-threatening pathogens especially in the most vulnerable populations.

Detection of intestinal colonization by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) among patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Egypt

BackgroundThe irrational use of carbapenems in the last years lead to the emergence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). This study aimed at determining the prevalence of CRE intestinal carriage among admitted patients in a tertiary care hospital in Egypt, to characterize carbapenemase-producing genes and to identify possible risk factors of CRE colonization. One hundred rectal swabs were collected from patients within 48 h of hospital admission. Culture was done on chromogenic media and then identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done using Vitek 2 compact system. Carbapenemase production was confirmed by Rapidec Carba NP test and by multiplex PCR for blaOXA-48-like, blaNDM-like, blaVIM-like, blaIMP-like and blaKPC-like.ResultsA total number of 36 CRE isolates were recovered from 28 patients. Thus, the prevalence of CRE colonization was 28%. Escherichia coli (83%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17%) were the main species. History of recent hospitalization and prior antibiotic intake were statistically significant risk factors predisposing to CRE colonization. Rapidec Carba NP gave positive results in 29/36 CRE isolates, whereas seven isolates gave negative results; six of them harbored blaOXA-48-like. Overall, the blaOXA-48-like was detected in 24/36 (66.7%), followed by blaNDM-like in 11/36 (30.6%) and lastly blaVIM-like in 1/36 (2.8%).ConclusionsOur findings confirm that CRE colonization is disseminating in our healthcare facility, a fact that should be considered as possible pathogens causing infections in high risk patients. Strict infection control measures should be applied to all CRE carriers at hospital admission and a proper antimicrobial stewardship program should be followed in clinical settings.