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Xu Y, Zhou X, Zheng W, Cui B, Xie C, Liu Y, Qin X, Liu J. Serotype distribution, antibiotic resistance, multilocus sequence typing, and virulence factors of invasive and non-invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae in Northeast China from 2000 to 2021. Med Microbiol Immunol 2024; 213:12. [PMID: 38954065 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-024-00797-w] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae infection is a major public health concern with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to evaluate the serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance changes, clonal composition, and virulence factors of S. pneumoniae isolates causing pneumococcal disease in northeast China from 2000 to 2021. A total of 1,454 S. pneumoniae isolates were included, with 568 invasive strains and 886 non-invasive strains. The patients from whom the S. pneumoniae were isolated ranged in age from 26 days to 95 years, with those ≤ 5 years old comprising the largest group (67.19%). 19 F, 19 A, 23 F, 14, and 6B were the most common serotypes, of which 19 A and 19 F were the main serotypes of invasive and non-invasive S. pneumoniae, respectively. CC271 was the most common multilocus sequence type. Serotype 14 had the lowest expression of cbpA, rrgA, and psrP genes, but expression levels of 19 A and 19 F genes were similar. All isolates were sensitive to ertapenem, moxifloxacin, linezolid, and vancomycin but highly resistant to macrolides, tetracyclines, and cotrimoxazole. Simultaneous resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracyclines, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was common pattern among multidrug-resistant isolates. Non-invasive S. pneumoniae had higher resistance to β-lactam antibiotics than invasive strains. 19 A and 19 F were the main strains of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae. The resistance rate of β-lactam antibiotics decreased from 2017 to 2021 compared to previous periods. Including PCV13 in the national immunization program can reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of pneumococcal disease effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xiuzhen Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Bing Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Chonghong Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xiaosong Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Kong L, Zhang R, Gong J, Wang H, Zhai L, Dang D, Liu Q, Zhao Z, Tang BZ. Aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer for antibacterial therapy of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:5960-5963. [PMID: 38767007 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc01022a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
A cationic aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer (AIE-PS) MNNPyBB has been reported to have antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The bacterial kill mechanism has been investigated and elucidated. In a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus subcutaneous infection model, wound closure has been achieved with normal re-epithelialization and preserved skin morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Kong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHKSZ), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China.
| | - Rongyuan Zhang
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHKSZ), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China.
| | - Junyi Gong
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHKSZ), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China.
| | - Huan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Lingyu Zhai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Dongfeng Dang
- School of Science, MOE Key Laboratory for Non-equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHKSZ), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China.
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHKSZ), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China.
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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Abebe RB, Ayal BM, Alemu MA, Zeleke TK. Antibiotic appropriateness at outpatient settings in Ethiopia: the need for an antibiotic stewardship programme. Drugs Context 2024; 13:2023-12-2. [PMID: 38742144 PMCID: PMC11090269 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-12-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antibiotics are drugs of natural or synthetic origin used to treat various infections. The practice of excessive and inappropriate antibiotics use is the main global cause of bacterial resistance, which is one of the most serious global public health threats. It is estimated that about 50% of global antibiotic prescriptions are inappropriate. This study assesses the prevalence and pattern of inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics amongst ambulatory care visits in Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted amongst randomly selected prescriptions issued for outpatients from May to June 2022 at Debre Markos Specialized Comprehensive Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, were computed. For group comparisons, χ2 and independent sample t-tests were computed. The statistical significance of the association was considered at p<0.05. Results A total of 2640 antibiotics were prescribed for patients in the outpatient setting with various bacterial infections via 911 prescriptions, of which 49.5% were non-compliant with the national treatment guideline. Guideline non-compliant prescriptions increased remarkably amongst patients in the outpatient setting diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (38.8% versus 30.1%; p=0.006) and peptic ulcer disease (14.9% versus 9%; p=0.006). Moreover, inappropriate prescription was significantly higher amongst patients taking amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (33.2% versus 48.2%; p<0.001) and cephalexin (17.8% versus 24.3%; p=0.016). Conclusion Large proportions of antibiotic prescriptions for outpatients were non-compliant with the national treatment guideline, suggesting that prescribers need to give special attention to outpatients whilst ordering antibiotics such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cephalexin. Antibiotic stewardship efforts to optimize outpatient antibiotic prescriptions and reduce the use of potentially inappropriate antibiotics are needed in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Belete Abebe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bezawit Mulat Ayal
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Adela Alemu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tirsit Ketsela Zeleke
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Abebe AA, Birhanu AG. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Drug Resistance Development and Novel Strategies to Combat. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7641-7662. [PMID: 38111667 PMCID: PMC10726795 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s428103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major threat to global health. Infection caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the well-recognized global public health problem globally. In some regions, as many as 90% of S. aureus infections are reported to be MRSA, which cannot be treated with standard antibiotics. WHO reports indicated that MRSA is circulating in every province worldwide, significantly increasing the risk of death by 64% compared to drug-sensitive forms of the infection which is attributed to its antibiotic resistance. The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant MRSA strains have contributed to its increased prevalence in both healthcare and community settings. The resistance of S. aureus to methicillin is due to expression of penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which renders it impervious to the action of β-lactam antibiotics including methicillin. The other is through the production of beta-lactamases. Although the treatment options for MRSA are limited, there are promising alternatives to antibiotics to combat the infections. Innovative therapeutic strategies with wide range of activity and modes of action are yet to be explored. The review highlights the global challenges posed by MRSA, elucidates the mechanisms underlying its resistance development, and explores mitigation strategies. Furthermore, it focuses on alternative therapies such as bacteriophages, immunotherapy, nanobiotics, and antimicrobial peptides, emphasizing their synergistic effects and efficacy against MRSA. By examining these alternative approaches, this review provides insights into the potential strategies for tackling MRSA infections and combatting the escalating threat of AMR. Ultimately, a multifaceted approach encompassing both conventional and novel interventions is imperative to mitigate the impact of MRSA and ensure a sustainable future for global healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assefa Asnakew Abebe
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Bule Hora University, Bule Hora, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Godana Birhanu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Dowling J, Arscott-Mills T, Bayani O, Boustany M, Moorad B, Richard-Greenblatt M, Tlhako N, Zalot M, Steenhoff AP, Gezmu AM, Nakstad B, Strysko J, Coffin SE, McGann C. Antibiotic Use for Sepsis in Hospitalized Neonates in Botswana: Factors Associated with Guideline-Divergent Prescribing. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2641. [PMID: 38004653 PMCID: PMC10673292 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In low- and middle-income countries, where antimicrobial access may be erratic and neonatal sepsis pathogens are frequently multidrug-resistant, empiric antibiotic prescribing practices may diverge from the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. This study examined antibiotic prescribing for neonatal sepsis at a tertiary referral hospital neonatal unit in Gaborone, Botswana, using data from a prospective cohort of 467 neonates. We reviewed antibiotic prescriptions for the first episode of suspected sepsis, categorized as early-onset (EOS, days 0-3) or late-onset (LOS, >3 days). The WHO prescribing guidelines were used to determine whether antibiotics were "guideline-synchronous" or "guideline-divergent". Logistic regression models examined independent associations between the time of neonatal sepsis onset and estimated gestational age (EGA) with guideline-divergent antibiotic use. The majority (325/470, 69%) were prescribed one or more antibiotics, and 31 (10%) received guideline-divergent antibiotics. Risk factors for guideline-divergent prescribing included neonates with LOS, compared to EOS (aOR [95% CI]: 4.89 (1.81, 12.57)). Prematurity was a risk factor for guideline-divergent prescribing. Every 1-week decrease in EGA resulted in 11% increased odds of guideline-divergent antibiotics (OR [95% CI]: 0.89 (0.81, 0.97)). Premature infants with LOS had higher odds of guideline-divergent prescribing. Studies are needed to define the causes of this differential rate of guideline-divergent prescribing to guide future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameson Dowling
- College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (S.E.C.)
| | - Tonya Arscott-Mills
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - One Bayani
- Faculties of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 00701, Botswana
| | - Mickael Boustany
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (S.E.C.)
| | - Banno Moorad
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, University of Pennsylvania & University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 45498, Botswana
| | - Melissa Richard-Greenblatt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Nametso Tlhako
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, University of Pennsylvania & University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 45498, Botswana
| | - Morgan Zalot
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (S.E.C.)
| | - Andrew P. Steenhoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (S.E.C.)
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, University of Pennsylvania & University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 45498, Botswana
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alemayehu M. Gezmu
- Faculties of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 00701, Botswana
| | - Britt Nakstad
- Faculties of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 00701, Botswana
| | - Jonathan Strysko
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, University of Pennsylvania & University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 45498, Botswana
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Susan E. Coffin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (S.E.C.)
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carolyn McGann
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Wahab A, Alam MM, Hasan S, Halder S, Ullah MO, Hossain A. Exploring the knowledge, practices & determinants of antibiotic self-medication among bangladeshi university students in the era of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19923. [PMID: 37809972 PMCID: PMC10559346 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-medication with antibiotics is a growing public health concern. Antibiotics are easily accessible on requested from pharmacies throughout the majority of developing countries. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among university students in Bangladesh, as well as to evaluate their knowledge and practices related to antibiotics and its resistance. A structured questionnaire was administered to 1000 students over a month in January 2022 at three universities of Bangladesh. The results showed that 61.0% of the participants had self-medicated with antibiotics in the last six months. In regards to the participants' level of knowledge and practice, a significant proportion, 60.0% exhibited a substandard understanding of antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic usage. Male students (61.7%) were found to self-medicate more often than female students (38.3%). The highest prevalence of self-medication was observed in the age group of 22-25 years (32.2%). The most common reasons for self-medication were previous experience with the illness (40.9%) and the belief that the illness was not serious (36.2%). The most common illnesses for which self-medication was practiced were fever (40.9%) and cough and cold (29.3%). During multivariate logistic regression analyses age, gender, maintaining diet chart, and habit of exercising regularly were found to be associated with the increased risk of self-medication with antibiotics. The study highlighted the critical need for targeted interventions to promote responsible antibiotic use, enhance knowledge about antibiotic resistance, and discourage self-medication among university students in Bangladesh. Addressing these factors would enable the government to mitigate risks associated with self-medication, prevent antibiotic resistance, and alleviate the burden on health and the economy at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Wahab
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Morshad Alam
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Health Nutrition and Population Global Practice, The World Bank, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahriar Hasan
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sangeeta Halder
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Army Medical Core Centre and School, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Md Obayed Ullah
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Hossain
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Health Services Administration, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Nantongo H, Kiguba R, Batwala V, Mukonzo J. An Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescription Rationality at Lower Primary Healthcare Facilities in Three Districts of South-Western Uganda. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:2249-2259. [PMID: 36225858 PMCID: PMC9549792 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s384297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Antimicrobial resistance is now one of the leading five causes of death globally. This study evaluated the rationality of antibiotic prescriptions at lower primary care levels in three districts of Southwestern Uganda. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study reviewed 9899 antibiotic prescriptions at 39 health centers following a drug delivery cycle by National Medical Stores in three phases (19 days each on average). Phase 1 started 3 days after delivery, mid-way (Phase 2) and towards the end (Phase 3). The proportion of rationally prescribed antibiotics was determined using a modified criterion by Badar and in reference to Uganda Clinical Guidelines (UCG). Using multivariate logistic regression, the factors associated with rational prescription were determined with 95% confidence intervals. Results Seven of every 10 antibiotic prescriptions were irrational. Half the prescriptions were made by unauthorized personnel (nurses) and many of the pediatric prescriptions (916, 46.5%) did not bear body weight measurements to guide appropriate dosing. Also, the proportion of rational prescriptions in reference to UCG, 2016 was very low (3387, 34.2%). However, a high proportion of antibiotic prescriptions were legibly written (9462, 95.7%), prescribed by generic names (9083, 91.8%) and had a diagnosis (9677, 97.8%) indicated. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that; availability of medicines (phase 1) (phase 2 AOR=1.14, 95% CI:1.02-1.28, phase 3, AOR=1.23, 95% CI:1.1-1.38), legibly written prescription (AOR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.47-0.78), indication of a date on the prescription (AOR=0.56, 95% CI0.38-0.81) and being a medical officer were factors associated with rational antibiotic prescription. Conclusion We observed a high rate of irrational prescription in the study sites and the majority of these were by unauthorized personnel. A review of antibiotic use policies and focused interventions is crucial in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanifah Nantongo
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Makerere University, Makerere, Uganda,Correspondence: Hanifah Nantongo, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda, Tel +256 773 413926, Email
| | - Ronald Kiguba
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Makerere University, Makerere, Uganda
| | - Vincent Batwala
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda,Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jackson Mukonzo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Makerere University, Makerere, Uganda
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Hope PKF, Lynen L, Mensah B, Appiah F, Kamau EM, Ashubwe-Jalemba J, Peprah Boaitey K, Adomako LAB, Alaverdyan S, Appiah-Thompson BL, Kwarteng Amaning E, Baanam MY. Appropriateness of Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Conjunctivitis: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Specialist Eye Hospital in Ghana, 2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11723. [PMID: 36141996 PMCID: PMC9517445 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Most presentations of conjunctivitis are acute. Studies show that uncomplicated cases resolve within 14 days without medication. However, antibiotic prescription remains standard practice. With antimicrobial resistance becoming a public health concern, we undertook this study to assess antibiotic prescription patterns in managing acute conjunctivitis in an eye hospital in Ghana. We recorded 3708 conjunctivitis cases; 201 were entered as acute conjunctivitis in the electronic medical records (January to December 2021). Of these, 44% were males, 56% were females, 39% were under 5 years, 21% were children and adolescents (5-17 years) and 40% were adults (≥18 years). A total of 111 (55.2%) patients received antibiotics, of which 71.2% were appropriately prescribed. The use of antibiotics was more frequent in children under 17 years compared to adults (p < 0.0001). Of the prescribed antibiotics, 44% belonged to the AWaRe "Access" category (Gentamycin, Tetracycline ointment), while 56% received antibiotics in the "Watch" category (Ciprofloxacin, Tobramycin). Although most of the antibiotic prescribing were appropriate, the preponderance of use of the Watch category warrants stewardship to encompass topical antibiotics. The rational use of topical antibiotics in managing acute conjunctivitis will help prevent antimicrobial resistance, ensure effective health care delivery, and contain costs for patients and the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paa Kwesi Fynn Hope
- Bishop Ackon Memorial Christian Eye Centre, Cape Coast P.O. Box AD 184, Ghana
| | | | - Baaba Mensah
- Bishop Ackon Memorial Christian Eye Centre, Cape Coast P.O. Box AD 184, Ghana
| | - Faustina Appiah
- Bishop Ackon Memorial Christian Eye Centre, Cape Coast P.O. Box AD 184, Ghana
| | - Edward Mberu Kamau
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO, The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Kwame Peprah Boaitey
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
| | | | - Sevak Alaverdyan
- Tuberculosis Research and Prevention Center, Yerevan 0014, Armenia
| | - Benedicta L. Appiah-Thompson
- Bishop Ackon Memorial Christian Eye Centre, Cape Coast P.O. Box AD 184, Ghana
- Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast CT 1363, Ghana
| | | | - Mathurin Youfegan Baanam
- Bishop Ackon Memorial Christian Eye Centre, Cape Coast P.O. Box AD 184, Ghana
- University Eye Hospital, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast P.O. Box 5007, Ghana
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