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Hauner A, Onwuchekwa C, Ariën KK. Sample-to-result molecular diagnostic platforms and their suitability for infectious disease testing in low- and middle-income countries. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:423-438. [PMID: 38747017 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2353690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnostics are an essential, undervalued part of the health-care system. For many diseases, molecular diagnostics are the gold standard, but are not easy to implement in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). Sample-to-result (S2R) platforms combining all procedures in a closed system could offer a solution. In this paper, we investigated their suitability for implementation in LMIC. AREAS COVERED A scorecard was used to evaluate different platforms on a range of parameters. Most platforms scored fairly on the platform itself, ease-of-use and test consumables; however, shortcomings were identified in cost, distribution and test panels tailored to LMIC needs. The diagnostic coverage for common infectious diseases was found to have a wider coverage in high-income countries (HIC) than LMIC. A literature study showed that in LMIC, these platforms are mainly used as diagnostic tools or evaluation of diagnostic performance, with a minority assessing the operational characteristics or the clinical utility. In this narrative review, we identified various points for adaptation of S2R platforms to LMIC conditions. EXPERT OPINION For S2R platforms to be suitable for implementation in LMIC some modifications by the manufacturers could be considered. Furthermore, strengthening health systems and digitalization are vital; as are smaller, cheaper, faster, and sustainable technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hauner
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Kevin K Ariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Chitre SD, Crews CM, Tessema MT, Plėštytė-Būtienė I, Coffee M, Richardson ET. The impact of anthropogenic climate change on pediatric viral diseases. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:496-507. [PMID: 38057578 PMCID: PMC10872406 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The adverse effects of climate change on human health are unfolding in real time. Environmental fragmentation is amplifying spillover of viruses from wildlife to humans. Increasing temperatures are expanding mosquito and tick habitats, introducing vector-borne viruses into immunologically susceptible populations. More frequent flooding is spreading water-borne viral pathogens, while prolonged droughts reduce regional capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks with adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene resources. Worsening air quality and altered transmission seasons due to an increasingly volatile climate may exacerbate the impacts of respiratory viruses. Furthermore, both extreme weather events and long-term climate variation are causing the destruction of health systems and large-scale migrations, reshaping health care delivery in the face of an evolving global burden of viral disease. Because of their immunological immaturity, differences in physiology (e.g., size), dependence on caregivers, and behavioral traits, children are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This investigation into the unique pediatric viral threats posed by an increasingly inhospitable world elucidates potential avenues of targeted programming and uncovers future research questions to effect equitable, actionable change. IMPACT: A review of the effects of climate change on viral threats to pediatric health, including zoonotic, vector-borne, water-borne, and respiratory viruses, as well as distal threats related to climate-induced migration and health systems. A unique focus on viruses offers a more in-depth look at the effect of climate change on vector competence, viral particle survival, co-morbidities, and host behavior. An examination of children as a particularly vulnerable population provokes programming tailored to their unique set of vulnerabilities and encourages reflection on equitable climate adaptation frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smit D Chitre
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cecilia M Crews
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mesfin Teklu Tessema
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
- International Rescue Committee, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Megan Coffee
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- International Rescue Committee, New York, NY, USA
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eugene T Richardson
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Nooh F, Chernet A, Reither K, Okuma J, Brattig NW, Utzinger J, Probst-Hensch N, Paris DH, Dreyfus A. Prevalence of fever of unidentified aetiology in East African adolescents and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:55. [PMID: 37231500 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary health care settings and hospitals of low- and middle-income countries have few accessible diagnostic tools and limited laboratory and human resources capacity to identify multiple pathogens with high accuracy. In addition, there is a paucity of information on fever and its underlying aetiology in the adolescent and adult population in East Africa. The purpose of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of fever of unidentified aetiology among adolescent and adult febrile patients seeking health care in East Africa. METHODS We pursued a systematic review using readily available electronic databases (i.e. PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) without language restriction from inception date of the respective databases to October 31, 2022. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Identified studies were screened for relevance. Further analyses based on pre-set eligibility criteria were carried out for final inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Risk of study bias was assessed. Meta-analysis of the prevalence of fever of unidentified aetiology was performed. RESULTS We identified 14,029 articles of which 25 were eligible for inclusion, reporting data from 8538 participants. The pooled prevalence of febrile cases with unidentified aetiology was 64% [95% confidence interval (CI): 51-77%, I2 = 99.6%] among febrile adolescents and adults in East Africa. For the proportion of patients with identified aetiology, the studies documented bacterial pathogens (human bloodstream infections), bacterial zoonotic pathogens and arboviruses as the main non-malarial causative agents in East Africa. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence that almost two-thirds of adolescent and adult febrile patients attending health care facilities in East Africa might receive inappropriate treatments due to unidentified potential life-threatening fever aetiology. Hence, we call for a comprehensive fever syndromic surveillance to broaden a consequential differential diagnosis of syndromic fever and to considerably improve the course of patients' disease and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Nooh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Hargeisa, Hargeisa, Somaliland.
| | - Afona Chernet
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Reither
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Norbert W Brattig
- Department Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel H Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anou Dreyfus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Section of Epidemiology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Primary Health Care System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka: Status and Challenges with Human Resources, Information Systems, Drugs and Laboratory Services. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112251. [PMID: 36360593 PMCID: PMC9691080 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A Primary Healthcare-System-Strengthening Project (PSSP) is implemented by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, with funding support from the World Bank for providing quality care through primary medical care institutions (PMCIs). We used an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess progress and challenges in human resources, drug availability, laboratory services and the health management information system (HMIS) at PMCIs. We conducted a checklist-based assessment followed by in-depth interviews of healthcare workers in one PMCI each in all nine provinces. All PMCIs had medical/nursing officers, but data entry operators (44%) and laboratory technicians (33%) were mostly not available. Existing staff were assigned additional responsibilities in PSSP, decreasing their motivation and efficiency. While 11/18 (61%) essential drugs were available in all PMCIs, buffer stocks were not maintained in >50% due to poor supply chain management and storage infrastructure. Only 6/14 (43%) essential laboratory investigations were available in >50% of PMCIs, non-availability was due to shortages of reagents/consumables and lack of sample collection−transportation system. The HMIS was installed in PMCIs but its usage was sub-optimal due to perceived lack of utility, few trained operators and poor internet connectivity. The PSSP needs to address these bottlenecks as a priority to ensure sustainability and successful scale-up.
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Specificity of SARS-CoV-2 antibody-detection assays against S and N protein among pre-COVID-19 sera from patients with protozoan and helminth parasitic infections. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 60:e0171721. [PMID: 34669455 PMCID: PMC8769729 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01717-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess the specificity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody detection assays among people with tissue-borne parasitic infections. We tested three SARS-CoV-2 antibody-detection assays (cPass SARS-CoV-2 neutralization antibody detection kit [cPass], Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay [Abbott Architect], and Standard Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG combo rapid diagnostic test [SD RDT IgM/SD RDT IgG]) among 559 pre-COVID-19 seropositive sera for several parasitic infections. The specificity of assays was 95 to 98% overall. However, lower specificity was observed among sera from patients with protozoan infections of the reticuloendothelial system, such as human African trypanosomiasis (Abbott Architect; 88% [95% CI, 75 to 95]) and visceral leishmaniasis (SD RDT IgG; 80% [95% CI, 30 to 99]), and from patients with recent malaria in areas of Senegal where malaria is holoendemic (ranging from 91% for Abbott Architect and SD RDT IgM to 98 to 99% for cPass and SD RDT IgG). For specimens from patients with evidence of past or present helminth infection overall, test specificity estimates were all ≥96%. Sera collected from patients clinically suspected of parasitic infections that tested negative for these infections yielded a specificity of 98 to 100%. The majority (>85%) of false-positive results were positive by only one assay. The specificity of SARS-CoV-2 serological assays among sera from patients with tissue-borne parasitic infections was below the threshold required for decisions about individual patient care. Specificity is markedly increased by the use of confirmatory testing with a second assay. Finally, the SD RDT IgG proved similarly specific to laboratory-based assays and provides an option in low-resource settings when detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG is indicated.
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Wright SW, Kaewarpai T, Lovelace-Macon L, Ducken D, Hantrakun V, Rudd KE, Teparrukkul P, Phunpang R, Ekchariyawat P, Dulsuk A, Moonmueangsan B, Morakot C, Thiansukhon E, Limmathurotsakul D, Chantratita N, West TE. A 2-Biomarker Model Augments Clinical Prediction of Mortality in Melioidosis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:821-828. [PMID: 32034914 PMCID: PMC7935382 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melioidosis, infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a common cause of sepsis with high associated mortality in Southeast Asia. Identification of patients at high likelihood of clinical deterioration is important for guiding decisions about resource allocation and management. We sought to develop a biomarker-based model for 28-day mortality prediction in melioidosis. METHODS In a derivation set (N = 113) of prospectively enrolled, hospitalized Thai patients with melioidosis, we measured concentrations of interferon-γ, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-ɑ, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and interleukin-17A. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to identify a subset of predictive biomarkers and performed logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to evaluate biomarker-based prediction of 28-day mortality compared with clinical variables. We repeated select analyses in an internal validation set (N = 78) and in a prospectively enrolled external validation set (N = 161) of hospitalized adults with melioidosis. RESULTS All 8 cytokines were positively associated with 28-day mortality. Of these, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 were selected by LASSO regression. A model consisting of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and clinical variables significantly improved 28-day mortality prediction over a model of only clinical variables [AUC (95% confidence interval [CI]): 0.86 (.79-.92) vs 0.78 (.69-.87); P = .01]. In both the internal validation set (0.91 [0.84-0.97]) and the external validation set (0.81 [0.74-0.88]), the combined model including biomarkers significantly improved 28-day mortality prediction over a model limited to clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS A 2-biomarker model augments clinical prediction of 28-day mortality in melioidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelton W Wright
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Taniya Kaewarpai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lara Lovelace-Macon
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Deirdre Ducken
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Viriya Hantrakun
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kristina E Rudd
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Prapit Teparrukkul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
| | - Rungnapa Phunpang
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Peeraya Ekchariyawat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Adul Dulsuk
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Chumpol Morakot
- Department of Medicine, Mukdahan Hospital, Mukdahan, Thailand
| | | | - Direk Limmathurotsakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Narisara Chantratita
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - T Eoin West
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Jacobs J, Kühne V, Lunguya O, Affolabi D, Hardy L, Vandenberg O. Implementing COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Rapid Diagnostic Tests in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:557797. [PMID: 33195307 PMCID: PMC7662157 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.557797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: For the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) response, COVID-19 antigen (Ag), and antibody (Ab) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are expected to complement central molecular testing particularly in low-resource settings. The present review assesses requirements for implementation of COVID-19 RDTs in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Review of PubMed-published articles assessing COVID-19 RDTs complemented with Instructions for Use (IFU) of products. Results: In total 47 articles on two COVID-19 Ag RDTs and 54 COVID-19 Ab RDTs and IFUs of 20 COVID-19 Ab RDTs were retrieved. Only five COVID-19 Ab RDTs (9.3%) were assessed with capillary blood sampling at the point-of-care; none of the studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Sampling: Challenges for COVID-19 Ag RDTs include nasopharyngeal sampling (technique, biosafety) and sample stability; for COVID-19 Ab RDTs equivalence of whole blood vs. plasma/serum needs further validation (assessed for only eight (14.8%) products). Sensitivity-Specificity: sensitivity of COVID-19 Ag and Ab RDTs depend on viral load (antigen) and timeframe (antibody), respectively; COVID-19 Ab tests have lower sensitivity compared to laboratory test platforms and the kinetics of IgM and IgG are very similar. Reported specificity was high but has not yet been assessed against tropical pathogens. Kit configuration: For COVID-19 Ag RDTs, flocked swabs should be added to the kit; for COVID-19 Ab RDTs, finger prick sampling materials, transfer devices, and controls should be added (currently only supplied in 15, 5, and 1/20 products). Usability and Robustness: some COVID-19 Ab RDTs showed high proportions of faint lines (>40%) or invalid results (>20%). Shortcomings were reported for buffer vials (spills, air bubbles) and their instructions for use. Stability: storage temperature was ≤ 30°C for all but one RDT, in-use and result stability were maximal at 1 h and 30 min, respectively. Integration in the healthcare setting requires a target product profile, landscape overview of technologies, certified manufacturing capacity, a sustainable market, and a stringent but timely regulation. In-country deployment depends on integration in the national laboratory network. Discussion/Conclusion: Despite these limitations, successful implementation models in triage, contact tracing, and surveillance have been proposed, in particular for COVID-19 Ab RDTs. Valuable experience is available from implementation of other disease-specific RDTs in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jacobs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vera Kühne
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Octavie Lunguya
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, National Institute of Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Clinical Biology, University Hospital of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Dissou Affolabi
- Clinical Microbiology, Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou MAGA, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Liselotte Hardy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Olivier Vandenberg
- Center for Environmental Health and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Innovation and Business Development Unit, Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles - Universitair Laboratorium Brussel (LHUB-ULB), ULB, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Cheng MP, Yansouni CP, Basta NE, Desjardins M, Kanjilal S, Paquette K, Caya C, Semret M, Quach C, Libman M, Mazzola L, Sacks JA, Dittrich S, Papenburg J. Serodiagnostics for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus 2 : A Narrative Review. Ann Intern Med 2020; 173:450-460. [PMID: 32496919 PMCID: PMC7281623 DOI: 10.7326/m20-2854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate serologic tests to detect host antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) will be critical for the public health response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Many use cases are envisaged, including complementing molecular methods for diagnosis of active disease and estimating immunity for individuals. At the population level, carefully designed seroepidemiologic studies will aid in the characterization of transmission dynamics and refinement of disease burden estimates and will provide insight into the kinetics of humoral immunity. Yet, despite an explosion in the number and availability of serologic assays to test for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, most have undergone minimal external validation to date. This hinders assay selection and implementation, as well as interpretation of study results. In addition, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding serologic correlates of protection from infection or disease, and the degree to which these assays cross-react with antibodies against related coronaviruses. This article discusses key use cases for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection tests and their application to serologic studies, reviews currently available assays, highlights key areas of ongoing research, and proposes potential strategies for test implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Cheng
- McGill University Health Centre and McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (M.P.C.)
| | - Cedric P Yansouni
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, and J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (C.P.Y., M.S., M.L.)
| | - Nicole E Basta
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (N.E.B.)
| | - Michaël Desjardins
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (M.D.)
| | - Sanjat Kanjilal
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School & Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts (S.K.)
| | - Katryn Paquette
- Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (K.P.)
| | - Chelsea Caya
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (C.C.)
| | - Makeda Semret
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, and J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (C.P.Y., M.S., M.L.)
| | - Caroline Quach
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada (C.Q.)
| | - Michael Libman
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, and J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (C.P.Y., M.S., M.L.)
| | - Laura Mazzola
- Foundation of Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland (L.M., J.A.S.)
| | - Jilian A Sacks
- Foundation of Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland (L.M., J.A.S.)
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Foundation of Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland, and Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.D.)
| | - Jesse Papenburg
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, and Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (J.P.)
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Semret M, Abebe W, Kong LY, Alemayehu T, Beyene T, Libman MD, Amogne W, Johannsen ØH, Gebretekle GB, Seifu D, Yansouni CP. Prolonged empirical antibiotic therapy is correlated with bloodstream infections and increased mortality in a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia: bacteriology testing matters. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2020; 2:dlaa039. [PMID: 34240055 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hospital-associated infection (HAI) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are major health threats in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Because diagnostic capacity is lacking throughout most of Africa, patients are commonly managed with prolonged empirical antibiotic therapy. Our goal was to assess mortality in relation to HAI and empirical therapy in Ethiopia's largest referral hospital. Methods Cohort study of patients with suspected HAI at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital from October 2016 to October 2018. Blood culture testing was performed on an automated platform. Primary outcomes were proportion of patients with bloodstream infection (BSI), antibiotic resistance patterns and 14 day mortality. We also assessed days of therapy (DOT) pre- and post-blood culture testing. Results Of 978 enrolled patients, 777 had blood culture testing; 237 (30%) had a BSI. Enterobacteriaceae were isolated in 49%; 81% of these were cephalosporin resistant and 23% were also carbapenem resistant. Mortality at 14 days was 31% and 21% in those with and without BSI, respectively. Ceftriaxone resistance was strongly correlated with mortality. Patients with BSI had longer DOT pre-blood culture testing compared with those without BSI (median DOT 12 versus 3 days, respectively, P < 0.0001). After testing, DOT were comparable between the two groups (20 versus 18 days, respectively). Conclusions BSI are frequent and fatal among patients with suspected HAI in Ethiopia. Highly resistant blood isolates are alarmingly common. This study provides evidence that investing in systematic blood culture testing in LMICs identifies patients at highest risk of death and that empirical management is frequently inappropriate. Major investments in laboratory development are critical to achieve better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makeda Semret
- Department of Medicine and JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Workeabeba Abebe
- School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ling Yuan Kong
- Department of Medicine and JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tinsae Alemayehu
- School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Beyene
- School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Michael D Libman
- Department of Medicine and JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Seifu
- School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Cedric P Yansouni
- Department of Medicine and JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Wright SW, Lovelace-Macon L, Hantrakun V, Rudd KE, Teparrukkul P, Kosamo S, Liles WC, Limmathurotsakul D, West TE. sTREM-1 predicts mortality in hospitalized patients with infection in a tropical, middle-income country. BMC Med 2020; 18:159. [PMID: 32605575 PMCID: PMC7329452 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies of biomarkers as predictors of outcome in infection have been performed in tropical, low- and middle-income countries where the burden of sepsis is highest. We evaluated whether selected biomarkers could predict 28-day mortality in infected patients in rural Thailand. METHODS Four thousand nine hundred eighty-nine adult patients admitted with suspected infection to a referral hospital in northeast Thailand were prospectively enrolled within 24 h of admission. In a secondary analysis of 760 patients, interleukin-8 (IL-8), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR-1), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and soluble triggering receptor expressed by myeloid cells 1 (sTREM-1) were measured in the plasma. Association with 28-day mortality was evaluated using regression; a parsimonious biomarker model was selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. Discrimination of mortality was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and verified by multiple methods. RESULTS IL-8, sTNFR-1, Ang-2, and sTREM-1 concentrations were strongly associated with death. LASSO identified a three-biomarker model of sTREM-1, Ang-2, and IL-8, but sTREM-1 alone provided comparable mortality discrimination (p = 0.07). sTREM-1 alone was comparable to a model of clinical variables (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.85 vs AUC 0.79, 95% CI 0.74-0.84; p = 0.43). The combination of sTREM-1 and clinical variables yielded greater mortality discrimination than clinical variables alone (AUC 0.83, 95% CI 0.79-0.87; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS sTREM-1 predicts mortality from infection in a tropical, middle-income country comparably to a model derived from clinical variables and, when combined with clinical variables, can further augment mortality prediction. TRIAL REGISTRATION The Ubon-sepsis study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02217592 ), 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelton W Wright
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Lara Lovelace-Macon
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Viriya Hantrakun
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Kristina E Rudd
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Prapit Teparrukkul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani, 34000, Thailand
| | - Susanna Kosamo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - W Conrad Liles
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Direk Limmathurotsakul
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - T Eoin West
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA. .,University of Washington, Box 359640, 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is on the rise and spreading rapidly worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries, because of weak health systems, are particularly vulnerable to this increase. Population mobility further fuels the globalization of AMR, with travelers and migrants at significant risk of harboring drug-resistant organisms. This article provides an overview of the factors that contribute to the emergence, spread, and persistence of AMR, particularly antibiotic-resistance, in the tropics. Also addressed are clinical implications of this emergent global crisis for migrants and travelers, using specific scenarios commonly encountered in those populations.
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12
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Jacobs J, Hardy L, Semret M, Lunguya O, Phe T, Affolabi D, Yansouni C, Vandenberg O. Diagnostic Bacteriology in District Hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa: At the Forefront of the Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:205. [PMID: 31608280 PMCID: PMC6771306 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides an update on the factors fuelling antimicrobial resistance and shows the impact of these factors in low-resource settings. We detail the challenges and barriers to integrating clinical bacteriology in hospitals in low-resource settings, as well as the opportunities provided by the recent capacity building efforts of national laboratory networks focused on vertical single-disease programmes. The programmes for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria have considerably improved laboratory medicine in Sub-Saharan Africa, paving the way for clinical bacteriology. Furthermore, special attention is paid to topics that are less familiar to the general medical community, such as the crucial role of regulatory frameworks for diagnostics and the educational profile required for a productive laboratory workforce in low-resource settings. Traditionally, clinical bacteriology laboratories have been a part of higher levels of care, and, as a result, they were poorly linked to clinical practices and thus underused. By establishing and consolidating clinical bacteriology laboratories at the hospital referral level in low-resource settings, routine patient care data can be collected for surveillance, antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention and control. Together, these activities form a synergistic tripartite effort at the frontline of the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. If challenges related to staff, funding, scale, and the specific nature of clinical bacteriology are prioritized, a major leap forward in the containment of antimicrobial resistance can be achieved. The mobilization of resources coordinated by national laboratory plans and interventions tailored by a good understanding of the hospital microcosm will be crucial to success, and further contributions will be made by market interventions and business models for diagnostic laboratories. The future clinical bacteriology laboratory in a low-resource setting will not be an "entry-level version" of its counterparts in high-resource settings, but a purpose-built, well-conceived, cost-effective and efficient diagnostic facility at the forefront of antimicrobial resistance containment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jacobs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liselotte Hardy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Makeda Semret
- JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Octavie Lunguya
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, National Institute of Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Service of Microbiology, Kinshasa General Hospital, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Thong Phe
- Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Dissou Affolabi
- Clinical Microbiology, Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou MAGA, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Cedric Yansouni
- JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Vandenberg
- Center for Environmental Health and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Innovation and Business Development Unit, LHUB - ULB, Pôle Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles (PHUB), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Ombelet S, Barbé B, Affolabi D, Ronat JB, Lompo P, Lunguya O, Jacobs J, Hardy L. Best Practices of Blood Cultures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:131. [PMID: 31275940 PMCID: PMC6591475 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bloodstream infections (BSI) have a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite scarcity of data from many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is increasing awareness of the importance of BSI in these countries. For example, it is estimated that the global mortality of non-typhoidal Salmonella bloodstream infection in children under 5 already exceeds that of malaria. Reliable and accurate diagnosis of these infections is therefore of utmost importance. Blood cultures are the reference method for diagnosis of BSI. LMICs face many challenges when implementing blood cultures, due to financial, logistical, and infrastructure-related constraints. This review aims to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of sampling and processing of blood cultures, with emphasis on its use in LMICs. Laboratory processing of blood cultures is relatively straightforward and can be done without the need for expensive and complicated equipment. Automates for incubation and growth monitoring have become the standard in high-income countries (HICs), but they are still too expensive and not sufficiently robust for imminent implementation in most LMICs. Therefore, this review focuses on "manual" methods of blood culture, not involving automated equipment. In manual blood cultures, a bottle consisting of a broth medium supporting bacterial growth is incubated in a normal incubator and inspected daily for signs of growth. The collection of blood for blood culture is a crucial step in the process, as the sensitivity of blood cultures depends on the volume sampled; furthermore, contamination of the blood culture (accidental inoculation of environmental and skin bacteria) can be avoided by appropriate antisepsis. In this review, we give recommendations regarding appropriate blood culture sampling and processing in LMICs. We present feasible methods to detect and speed up growth and discuss some challenges in implementing blood cultures in LMICs, such as the biosafety aspects, supply chain and waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sien Ombelet
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Barbara Barbé
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dissou Affolabi
- Centre National Hospitalier Universitaire—Hubert Koutoucou Maga, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Palpouguini Lompo
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Octavie Lunguya
- National Institute for Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Medical Biology, Cliniques Universitaires, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jan Jacobs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liselotte Hardy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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14
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Gebretekle GB, Haile Mariam D, Abebe W, Amogne W, Tenna A, Fenta TG, Libman M, Yansouni CP, Semret M. Opportunities and barriers to implementing antibiotic stewardship in low and middle-income countries: Lessons from a mixed-methods study in a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208447. [PMID: 30571688 PMCID: PMC6301706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Global action plans to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) include implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), but few studies have directly addressed the challenges faced by low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our aim was to explore healthcare providers’ knowledge and perceptions on AMR, and barriers/facilitators to successful implementation of a pharmacist-led AMS intervention in a referral hospital in Ethiopia. Methods Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) is an 800-bed tertiary center in Addis Ababa, and the site of an ongoing 4-year study on AMR. Between May and July 2017, using a mixed approach of quantitative and qualitative methods, we performed a cross-sectional survey of pharmacists and physicians using a pre-tested questionnaire and semi-structured interviews of purposively selected respondents until thematic saturation. We analyzed differences in proportions of agreement between physicians and pharmacists using χ2 and fisher exact tests. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings A total of 406 survey respondents (358 physicians, 48 pharmacists), and 35 key informants (21 physicians and 14 pharmacists) were enrolled. The majority of survey respondents (>90%) strongly agreed with statements regarding the global scope of AMR, the need for stewardship, surveillance and education, but their perceptions on factors contributing to AMR and their knowledge of institutional resistance profiles for common bacteria were less uniform. Close to 60% stated that a significant proportion of S. aureus infections were caused by methicillin-resistant strains (an incorrect statement), while only 48% thought a large proportion of gram-negative infections were caused by cephalosporin-resistant strains (a true statement). Differences were noted between physicians and pharmacists: more pharmacists agreed with statements on links between use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and AMR (p<0.022), but physicians were more aware that lack of diagnostic tests led to antibiotic overuse (p<0.01). More than cost, fear of treatment failure and of retribution from senior physicians were major drivers of antibiotic prescription behavior particularly among junior physicians. All respondents identified high turnover of pharmacists, poor communication between the laboratory, pharmacists and clinicians as potential challenges; but the existing hierarchical culture and academic setting were touted as opportunities to implement AMS in Ethiopia. Conclusions This knowledge and perceptions survey identified specific educational priorities and implementation strategies for AMS in our setting. This is likely also true in other LMICs, where expertise and infrastructure may be lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damen Haile Mariam
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Workeabeba Abebe
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwossen Amogne
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Admasu Tenna
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Teferi Gedif Fenta
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Michael Libman
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cedric P. Yansouni
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Makeda Semret
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and JD MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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15
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Rudd KE, Kissoon N, Limmathurotsakul D, Bory S, Mutahunga B, Seymour CW, Angus DC, West TE. The global burden of sepsis: barriers and potential solutions. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2018; 22:232. [PMID: 30243300 PMCID: PMC6151187 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-018-2157-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. The majority of sepsis cases and deaths are estimated to occur in low and middle-income countries. Barriers to reducing the global burden of sepsis include difficulty quantifying attributable morbidity and mortality, low awareness, poverty and health inequity, and under-resourced and low-resilience public health and acute health care delivery systems. Important differences in the populations at risk, infecting pathogens, and clinical capacity to manage sepsis in high and low-resource settings necessitate context-specific approaches to this significant problem. We review these challenges and propose strategies to overcome them. These strategies include strengthening health systems, accurately identifying and quantifying sepsis cases, conducting inclusive research, establishing data-driven and context-specific management guidelines, promoting creative clinical interventions, and advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina E Rudd
- International Respiratory and Severe Illness Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3550 Terrace St., Scaife Hall, #639, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Niranjan Kissoon
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Direk Limmathurotsakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sotharith Bory
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Calmette Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Christopher W Seymour
- Departments of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Derek C Angus
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - T Eoin West
- International Respiratory and Severe Illness Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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