Whole-genome sequencing of Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b isolated from ready-to-eat lentil salad in Algiers, Algeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive food-borne pathogen causing a serious threat for public health. Here we announce the whole genome sequence (3 011 693 bp) of Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b, isolated from ready-to-eat lentil salad in Algiers and belonging to sequence type 2, lineage I and clonal complex 2.

Whole-Genome Sequencing of Six Strains of Salmonella enterica Isolated from Imported Meat in Algeria

Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is one of the main causes of foodborne disease worldwide. In this report, we announce the first whole-genome sequencing of six strains of Salmonella enterica isolated from imported meat in Algeria. The genome sizes ranged from 4,601,209 to 4,958,962 bp. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, plasmids, and virulence factors were detected.

Lessons learned: impact of a continence promotion activity for older community-dwelling women

AIMS

Few studies have documented the effectiveness of continence promotion programs targeting older incontinent women. We sought to evaluate the impact of an interactive continence workshop on changing participants' attitudes, knowledge and skills in relation to self-managing or seeking care for incontinence.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental prospective cohort study with repeated measures was carried out on a population of 90 incontinent women aged 55-87 participating in a continence promotion workshop. Inclusion criteria were a weekly average of one or more episodes of involuntary urine loss during the preceding 3 months and having never sought help for this problem. Incontinence-related knowledge, attitudes, skills and intentions for seeking care were assessed immediately prior and subsequent to the workshop. Three- and 6-month telephone follow-ups were conducted to determine rates of healthcare seeking and reasons for not seeking care.

RESULTS

Improvements in incontinence-related knowledge and attitudes occurred in up to 94% participants. Forty-three percent of the study participants initiated and were satisfied with self-treatment, and an additional 42% consulted a health care professional.

CONCLUSION

Interactive continence workshops promote self-management and consultation seeking among older women with incontinence. Further testing of different strategies for promoting continence awareness needs to occur in larger studies with more sensitive instruments, a control group, and better specification of the goals, process and outcomes of the health promotion activity being tested.