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Mudenda S, Chabalenge B, Daka V, Jere E, Sefah IA, Wesangula E, Yamba K, Nyamupachitu J, Mugenyi N, Mustafa ZU, Mpundu M, Chizimu J, Chilengi R. Knowledge, awareness and practices of healthcare workers regarding antimicrobial use, resistance and stewardship in Zambia: a multi-facility cross-sectional study. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2024; 6:dlae076. [PMID: 38764535 PMCID: PMC11100357 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to public health globally. Despite its consequences, there is little information about the knowledge, awareness, and practices towards AMR among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, awareness and practices regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among HCWs who are involved in the implementation of AMS activities across eight hospitals in Zambia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 HCWs from October to December 2023 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results Of the 64 HCWs, 59.4% were females, 60.9% were aged between 25 and 34 years, 37.5% were nurses, 18.7% were pharmacists, 17.2% were medical doctors and only one was a microbiologist. Overall, 75% of the HCWs had good knowledge, 84% were highly aware and 84% had good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS. Most of the HCWs (90.6%) responded that they had a multidisciplinary AMS team at their hospitals and were implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. Conclusion This study found good knowledge levels, high awareness and good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS among HCWs who were involved in the implementation of AMS activities in hospitals in Zambia. Additionally, most hospitals have been conducting AMS training and implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. However, there is still a need to address some identified gaps in AMU and AMR through the strengthening of AMS activities in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Billy Chabalenge
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Victor Daka
- Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Elimas Jere
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Israel Abebrese Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Wesangula
- Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness, Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Kaunda Yamba
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Nathan Mugenyi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Zia Ul Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, 11800, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan, 57400, Pakistan
| | - Mirfin Mpundu
- Action on Antibiotic Resistance (ReAct) Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joseph Chizimu
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
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Ngoma MT, Sitali D, Mudenda S, Mukuma M, Bumbangi FN, Bunuma E, Skjerve E, Muma JB. Community antibiotic consumption and associated factors in Lusaka district of Zambia: findings and implications for antimicrobial resistance and stewardship. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2024; 6:dlae034. [PMID: 38449513 PMCID: PMC10914457 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis. This study assessed the general public's consumption of antibiotics and associated factors in the Lusaka district of Zambia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2038 participants between December 2022 and January 2023. Data were analysed using Stata 13.0. Multivariable regression techniques were used to determine the factors that influenced antibiotic consumption. Results Of the 2038 participants, 53.4% were female, and 51.5% had attended at least secondary school. Antibiotic use was 99.2%, of which 40.9% were appropriately used. Overall, 79.1% of antibiotics were prescribed in hospitals, while 20.9% were used from leftovers and accessed without prescriptions. This study found that the appropriate use of antibiotics was associated with being female, being aged 35 years and above, attaining secondary school or tertiary education, having a monthly expenditure of 195 USD and above, being aware that antibiotics were not the same as painkillers, and being confident that when someone was hospitalized, they would get well. Conclusions This study found that the appropriate use of antibiotics was low, and this is an urgent public health issue requiring community engagement in tackling AMR and adherence to treatment guidelines in healthcare facilities. Additionally, there is a need to implement and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programmes in healthcare facilities to promote the rational use of antibiotics in Zambia. There is also a need to heighten community awareness campaigns and educational activities on the appropriate use of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maty Tsumbu Ngoma
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Doreen Sitali
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mercy Mukuma
- Department of Food Science, School of Agricultural Sciences and Nutrition, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Flavien Nsoni Bumbangi
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Eden University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Emmanuel Bunuma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Eystein Skjerve
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - John Bwalya Muma
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Mudenda S, Matafwali SK, Mukosha M, Daka V, Chabalenge B, Chizimu J, Yamba K, Mufwambi W, Banda P, Chisha P, Mulenga F, Phiri M, Mfune RL, Kasanga M, Sartelli M, Saleem Z, Godman B. Antifungal resistance and stewardship: a knowledge, attitudes and practices survey among pharmacy students at the University of Zambia; findings and implications. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlad141. [PMID: 38130703 PMCID: PMC10733812 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antifungal resistance (AFR) is a growing global public health concern. Little is currently known about knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding AFR and antifungal stewardship (AFS) in Zambia, and across the globe. To address this evidence gap, we conducted a study through a questionnaire design starting with pharmacy students as they include the next generation of healthcare professionals. Methods A cross-sectional study among 412 pharmacy students from June 2023 to July 2023 using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was used to determine key factors of influence. Results Of the 412 participants, 55.8% were female, with 81.6% aged between 18 and 25 years. Most students had good knowledge (85.9%) and positive attitudes (86.7%) but sub-optimal practices (65.8%) towards AFR and AFS. Overall, 30.2% of students accessed antifungals without a prescription. Male students were less likely to report a good knowledge of AFR (adjusted OR, AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-0.98). Similarly, students residing in urban areas were less likely to report a positive attitude (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13-0.91). Fourth-year students were also less likely to report good practices compared with second-year students (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27-0.85). Conclusions Good knowledge and positive attitudes must translate into good practices toward AFR and AFS going forward. Consequently, there is a need to provide educational interventions where students have low scores regarding AFR and AFS. In addition, there is a need to implement strategies to reduce inappropriate dispensing of antifungals, especially without a prescription, to reduce AFR in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Scott Kaba Matafwali
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Moses Mukosha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Victor Daka
- Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola PO Box 71191, Zambia
| | - Billy Chabalenge
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka PO Box 31890, Zambia
| | - Joseph Chizimu
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kaunda Yamba
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Webrod Mufwambi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Patrick Banda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Patience Chisha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka PO Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Florence Mulenga
- Conservation Department, World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF Zambia Country Office), Lusaka PO Box 50551, Zambia
| | - McLawrence Phiri
- Department of Pharmacy, Maina Soko Medical Center, Woodlands, Lusaka PO Box 320091, Zambia
| | - Ruth Lindizyani Mfune
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Maisa Kasanga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhengzhou University, College of Public Health, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | | | - Zikria Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Brian Godman
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
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Fwoloshi S, Chola U, Nakazwe R, Tatila T, Mateele T, Kabaso M, Muzyamba T, Mutwale I, Jones ASC, Islam J, Chikatula E, Mweemba A, Mbewe W, Mulenga L, Aiken AM, Anitha Menon J, Bailey SL, Knight GM. Why local antibiotic resistance data matters - Informing empiric prescribing through local data collation, app design and engagement in Zambia. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16 Suppl 1:69-77. [PMID: 37980241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.11.007] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) relies on local knowledge and local intervention implementation. Effective antibiotic stewardship requires locally-suitable prescribing guidelines. We aimed to use a novel digital tool (the ZARIApp) and a participatory approach to help develop locally-relevant empiric antibiotic prescribing guidelines for two hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. METHODS We produced an AMR report using samples collected locally and routinely from adults within the prior two years (April 2020 - April 2022). We developed the ZARIApp, which provides prescribing recommendations based on local resistance data and antibiotic prescribing practices. We used qualitative evaluation of focus group discussions among healthcare professionals to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using the ZARIApp and identify the barriers to and enablers of this stewardship approach. RESULTS Resistance prevalence was high for many key pathogens: for example, 73% of 41 Escherichia coli isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone. We identified that high resistance rates were likely due to low levels of requesting and processing of microbiology samples from patients leading to insufficient and unrepresentative microbiology data. This emerged as the major barrier to generating locally-relevant guidelines. Through active stakeholder engagement, we modified the ZARIApp to better support users to generate empirical antibiotic guidelines within this context of unrepresentative microbiology data. Qualitative evaluation of focus group discussions suggested that the resulting ZARIApp was useful and easy to use. New antibiotic guidelines for key syndromes are now in place in the two study hospitals, but these have substantial residual uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS Tools such as the free online ZARIApp can empower local settings to better understand and optimise how sampling and prescribing can help to improve patient care and reduce future AMR. However, the usability of the ZARIApp is severely limited by unrepresentative microbiology data; improved routine microbiology surveillance is vitally needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tebuho Mateele
- Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mwewa Kabaso
- Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | - Jasmin Islam
- Brighton Lusaka Health Link, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aggrey Mweemba
- Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Alexander M Aiken
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Lou Bailey
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Gwenan M Knight
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Mwasinga W, Shawa M, Katemangwe P, Chambaro H, Mpundu P, M’kandawire E, Mumba C, Munyeme M. Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli from Raw Cow Milk in Namwala District, Zambia: Public Health Implications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1421. [PMID: 37760717 PMCID: PMC10525391 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091421] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli), a major foodborne disease-causing pathogen found in raw cow milk, has even far more reaching public health ramifications as it encodes for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to identify multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli from raw cow's milk and evaluate their antimicrobial-resistant profiles. In total, 418 pooled raw cow milk samples were collected from milk collection centers and analysed using standard culture methods to isolate E. coli. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) was conducted using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and PCR was used to identify cefotaxime (CTX) resistant genes. Overall isolation of E. coli was 51.2% (214/418) with MDR observed in 21% (45/214) of isolates across different antibiotic combinations. Resistance was observed towards ampicillin (107/214, 50%), tetracycline (86/214, 40.1%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (61/214, 28.5%), and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (CTX) (50/214, 23.4%). Notably, 15% (32/214) resistance to CTX was observed, while 12.6% (27/214) exhibited resistance to imipenem. The blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes were detected in CTX-resistant isolates. The findings of MDR E. coli that harbour blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes in raw cow's milk indicate serious public health risks for consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wizaso Mwasinga
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (P.K.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Misheck Shawa
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia;
| | - Patrick Katemangwe
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (P.K.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Herman Chambaro
- Central Veterinary Research Institute, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka P.O. Box 33980, Zambia;
| | - Prudence Mpundu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka P.O. Box 33991, Zambia;
| | - Ethel M’kandawire
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (P.K.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Chisoni Mumba
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (P.K.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Musso Munyeme
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia; (P.K.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
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Kasanga M, Kwenda G, Wu J, Kasanga M, Mwikisa MJ, Chanda R, Mupila Z, Yankonde B, Sikazwe M, Mwila E, Shempela DM, Solochi BB, Phiri C, Mudenda S, Chanda D. Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Risk Factors Associated with ESBL-Producing and MDR Escherichia coli in Hospital and Environmental Settings in Lusaka, Zambia: Implications for One Health, Antimicrobial Stewardship and Surveillance Systems. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1951. [PMID: 37630511 PMCID: PMC10459584 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081951] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health problem threatening human, animal, and environmental safety. This study assessed the AMR profiles and risk factors associated with Escherichia coli in hospital and environmental settings in Lusaka, Zambia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to August 2022 using 980 samples collected from clinical and environmental settings. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using BD PhoenixTM 100. The data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Of the 980 samples, 51% were from environmental sources. Overall, 64.5% of the samples tested positive for E. coli, of which 52.5% were from clinical sources. Additionally, 31.8% were ESBL, of which 70.1% were clinical isolates. Of the 632 isolates, 48.3% were MDR. Most clinical isolates were resistant to ampicillin (83.4%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (73.8%), and ciprofloxacin (65.7%) while all environmental isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (100%) and some were resistant to levofloxacin (30.6%). The drivers of MDR in the tested isolates included pus (AOR = 4.6, CI: 1.9-11.3), male sex (AOR = 2.1, CI: 1.2-3.9), and water (AOR = 2.6, CI: 1.2-5.8). This study found that E. coli isolates were resistant to common antibiotics used in humans. The presence of MDR isolates is a public health concern and calls for vigorous infection prevention measures and surveillance to reduce AMR and its burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisa Kasanga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (J.W.)
| | - Geoffrey Kwenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China (J.W.)
| | - Maika Kasanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 50110, Zambia;
| | - Mark J. Mwikisa
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 50110, Zambia (B.B.S.)
| | - Raphael Chanda
- Adult Centre of Excellence, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 50110, Zambia
| | - Zachariah Mupila
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 50110, Zambia (B.B.S.)
| | - Baron Yankonde
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 50110, Zambia (B.B.S.)
| | - Mutemwa Sikazwe
- Department of Pathology, Lusaka Trust Hospital, Lusaka 35852, Zambia
| | - Enock Mwila
- Department of Pathology, Lusaka Trust Hospital, Lusaka 35852, Zambia
| | - Doreen M. Shempela
- Churches Health Association of Zambia, Lusaka 34511, Zambia
- Department of Laboratory and Research, Central University of Nicaragua, Managua 12104, Nicaragua
| | - Benjamin B. Solochi
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 50110, Zambia (B.B.S.)
| | - Christabel Phiri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Research and Surveillance Technical Working Group, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Duncan Chanda
- Adult Centre of Excellence, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 50110, Zambia
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Mudenda S, Malama S, Munyeme M, Matafwali SK, Kapila P, Katemangwe P, Mainda G, Mukubesa AN, Hadunka MA, Muma JB. Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens in Zambia: implications and significance on one health. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlad060. [PMID: 37223392 PMCID: PMC10202439 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been deepening in the layer poultry sector in Zambia partly due to the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. Escherichia coli (E. coli), a commensal and zoonotic bacterium, can potentially be a source of AMR. Objectives This study assessed the phenotypic AMR profiles of E. coli isolated from the apparent health-laying hens in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2020 and April 2021 in which 365 cloacal swabs were collected from 77-layer farms based in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. E. coli isolation and identification were done using cultural and biochemical properties and confirmed using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Data analysis was done using WHONET 2020 and Stata v.16.1. Results Of the 365 samples, E. coli was isolated from 92.9% (n = 339). The AMR was detected in 96.5% (n = 327) of the isolates, of which 64.6% (n = 219) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). E. coli was highly resistant to tetracycline (54.6%) and ampicillin (54%) but showed low resistance to meropenem (0.9%), ceftazidime (6.2%) and chloramphenicol (8.8%). Conclusion This study found a high prevalence of E. coli resistant to some commonly used antibiotics in poultry, which is a public health concern because of the potential contamination of eggs and layers of chicken meat that enter the food chain. Urgent attention is needed, including strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance programmes in layer poultry production in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sydney Malama
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Musso Munyeme
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Scott Kaba Matafwali
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Penjaninge Kapila
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Patrick Katemangwe
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Geoffrey Mainda
- Department of Veterinary Services, Central Veterinary Research Institute, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Mwendalubi Albert Hadunka
- Department of Animal Health, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John Bwalya Muma
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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