Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Factors Associated With In-Hospital Mortality and Length of Stay Among Hospitalised Patients Receiving Carbapenem Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Abdullah Faiz Zaihan, Dhivyaa K Ganesan, Chia Siang Kow","doi":"10.1155/ipid/7227340","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/7227340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patients receiving carbapenems are clinically heterogeneous and have severe infections and multiple comorbidities. Evidence on factors associated with mortality and length of stay (LOS) in this treatment-defined population remains limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study included adult hospital episodes involving at least one carbapenem dose at Hospital Shah Alam during 2025. Firth penalised logistic regression was used for in-hospital mortality, and median regression with 2000 bootstrap resamples was used for right-skewed LOS. Covariates were selected a priori. Carbapenem continuation beyond 72 h was treated as a postbaseline characteristic and was not included in outcome models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 112 eligible episodes involving 107 patients, 38 deaths occurred (33.9%); median LOS was 19.0 days (IQR: 10.8-28.0). Older age (adjusted OR: 1.41 per 10 years, 95% CI: 1.07-1.92) and definitive indication at carbapenem initiation (adjusted OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10-0.70) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Hospital-acquired infection was associated with a longer adjusted median LOS (median difference 8.63 days, 95% bootstrap CI: 0.50-14.44). Definitive indication was not clearly associated with LOS after adjustment (median difference -5.54 days, 95% bootstrap CI: -12.00-4.62).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Older age and definitive indication at carbapenem initiation were associated with in-hospital mortality, while hospital-acquired infection was associated with longer median LOS. The treatment-indication association should not be interpreted causally because residual confounding, particularly by acute illness severity and indication, remains likely.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7227340"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678662/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149229063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge and Preventive Practices as Potential Factors of Empowerment Against Dengue in Córdoba, Colombia.","authors":"Jorge Eliecer Ortega Montes, Nydia Nina Valencia Jiménez, Elsy Cecilia Puello Alcocer","doi":"10.1155/ipid/6650290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/ipid/6650290","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Given the growing health impact of dengue fever in recent years, which primarily affects Latin American countries and Colombia in particular, interdisciplinary studies and scientific and technological advances to combat it, such as vaccines, mosquito genetic modification techniques, vector control using drones, and digital surveillance systems, among others, are becoming increasingly important. However, despite these achievements, little is known about the disease itself. The relationship between knowledge, sanitation conditions, and the preventive actions against dengue can be understood as part of the whole process of construction of community empowerment. Rather than acting solely as external factors, these dimensions constitute interrelated components that reflect the individuals and communities' capacity to understand, confront, and actively participate in dengue prevention and control. Against this background, the main contribution of this study lies in addressing community empowerment in the face of dengue as a multidimensional construct comprised of dimensions of knowledge, sanitation, and preventive practices, allowing us to explore its internal structure and understand how these dimensions relate within a common analytical framework.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Method: &lt;/strong&gt;A quantitative approach with an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical design was used. A total of 352 people infected with dengue during 2019 in the department of Córdoba, Colombia, were surveyed. Each response was assigned a score using the Likert scale question technique. Subsequently, a composite empowerment index was constructed. This index was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct consisting of domains related to knowledge, sanitation, and preventive practices against dengue. Consequently, the analysis did not aim to evaluate external predictive relationships between these components and empowerment, but rather to explore the relative contribution of the dimensions that internally comprise the construct and its association with different levels of empowerment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The analysis revealed differences in the relative contribution of the components making up the empowerment construct. The higher index levels were associated with higher scores in the dimensions related to knowledge and preventive practices. In contrast, profiles characterized by favorable sanitation conditions, but lower levels of knowledge and preventive skills, tended to be located in lower categories of the empowerment index. This indicates that there is heterogeneity in the internal construct structure and reflects the relative importance of its constituent dimensions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;It is concluded that empowerment has to be understood not only as the result of an individual effort or purpose but also as a complex and multidimensional process whose levels of development reflect the individual, relational, an","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6650290"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13659056/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149184655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated With the Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Uropathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> in a Referral Hospital in Northern Peru.","authors":"Christian Alberto Rodriguez-Saldaña, Daniela Valeria Clavijo-Gallardo, Victor Serna-Alarcón, Luis Gabriel Farfán-Chávez, Guiovanna María Wong-Terrones, Daniel Reyes-Chávez","doi":"10.1155/ipid/4524106","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/4524106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance in uropathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> (UPEC) compromises urinary tract infection management, yet analytical evidence from northern Peru remains limited. This study evaluated demographic and clinical factors associated with resistance in UPEC isolates from a regional referral hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analytical cross-sectional study included 350 patients with monomicrobial urine cultures positive for UPEC during 2024. Resistance was defined as resistance to at least one of 19 antimicrobials. Associations were estimated using modified Poisson regression with robust variance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 323 isolates (92.3%) showed resistance. The highest resistance proportions were observed for ciprofloxacin (70.9%), ceftriaxone (65.4%), ceftazidime (62.0%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (46.3%). Age showed a significant nonlinear association with resistance (<i>p</i> = 0.033). No statistically conclusive independent associations were observed for sex, prior antibiotic use, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or obesity after adjustment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>UPEC resistance was highly frequent and concentrated in commonly used agents, supporting local surveillance and susceptibility-guided empirical therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4524106"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13643944/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proactive Initiative to Establish a Dengue-Free Factory Assessment Framework in Dengue High-Risk Industrial Areas: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Wanapa Ritthison, Adisak Bhumiratana, Chanthana Padungtod, Narongsak Tongtummachart","doi":"10.1155/ipid/4901627","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/4901627","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dengue poses a growing threat in endemic countries where industrial expansion intersects with <i>Aedes</i> vector-breeding habitats. Factories and manufacturing premises often generate a multitude of unmanaged water-holding containers-including water storage tanks, machinery components, landscaping features, and recyclable waste-that favor perennial reservoirs for <i>Aedes aegypti</i> vectors. Despite substantial public health burdens, occupational dengue prevention in the workplace remains largely reactive, fragmented, and insufficiently aligned with safety, health, and environment (SHE) management systems. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on dengue epidemiology in industrial contexts, larval source ecology in factory environments, workers' dengue risk perception, and the regulatory landscape governing occupational health in dengue-endemic countries. Drawing on these evidence domains, we propose the conceptual foundations of a proactive \"Dengue-Free Factory Assessment Framework\" (D-FAF) designed to prevent and reduce <i>Ae. aegypti</i> breeding and high dengue risk in workplaces in industrial areas, safeguard employee health, minimize work loss, and achieve a sustained reduction in dengue incidence. The framework integrates the \"Plan-Do-Check-Act\" (PDCA) logic of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 into a scalable, standards-aligned tool applicable across diverse industrial sectors in dengue high-risk areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4901627"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547597/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148907533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Need of Handwash Station Resources in Health Education Institutions to Promote Standardized WHO Handwashing Models.","authors":"Hamsu Kadriyan, Yasmin Sabrina Zulkifli, Eka Arie Yuliyani","doi":"10.1155/ipid/2423211","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/2423211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hand hygiene is the fundamental basis for infection prevention and control, particularly in health education settings where students are trained as future healthcare professionals. Despite adequate knowledge, suboptimal handwash station infrastructure has a potency to hinder adherence to WHO hand hygiene standards.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional single center study was conducted among 273 preclinical medical students. Validated questionnaires assessed hand hygiene awareness, compliance, and handwash station usage, supported by structured facility observations. Spearman's rank correlation test was applied for bivariate analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most respondents demonstrated high awareness of hand hygiene (96.7%) and high compliance (85.0%). No significant association was observed between awareness and handwash station usage (<i>p</i> = 0.410). However, handwash station usage was significantly associated with hand hygiene compliance (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Observations showed that the primary handwashing infrastructure is sufficient, but ancillary facilities remain suboptimal.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High awareness alone is insufficient to ensure compliance with WHO-standardized hand hygiene practices. Adequate, standardized, and accessible handwash station resources play a critical role in translating knowledge into consistent hygienic behavior.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2423211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421920/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factors for Oropharyngeal, Esophageal, and Oral Candidiasis in HIV-Positive Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Xue Ting Tan, Siti Hamidah Binti Abdul Rahman, Lee Lee Low, Nur Hasnah Binti Ma Amor","doi":"10.1155/ipid/6445594","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/6445594","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral, oropharyngeal, and esophageal candidiasis are common forms of mucosal candidiasis (MC) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (PLWHA). Despite differences in infection sites, oral, oropharyngeal, and esophageal candidiasis share common pathophysiological mechanisms, including etiologic agents, host susceptibility, and antibiotic use. Identifying prevalence and risk factors associated with these types of candidiasis in this population enables clinicians to manage these infections across the affected mucosal sites effectively.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To synthesize the global prevalence and identify the risk factors for oral, oropharyngeal, and esophageal candidiasis in PLWHA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane and extracted the prevalence data and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for each risk factor associated with MC. We calculated pooled ORs for risk factors present in a minimum of two studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen studies were included. The overall prevalence of MC in PLWHA was 39.0% (95% CI: 27%-52%; <i>I</i> ²  = 99.74%, <i>p</i> = 0.001). However, male gender (pooled OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12-2.09, <i>p</i> = 0.007), CD4 cell count below 200 cells/µL (pooled OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.36-4.29; <i>p</i> = 0.003), and lack of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) treatment (pooled OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.16-2.66; <i>p</i> = 0.008) are significant risk factors for MC development in the PLWHA.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The global overall prevalence of MC in PLHWA was 39%. Risk factors, including male gender, CD4 count, and HAART, are shown to have significant effects on the development of MC in PLWHA. The results highlighted the significance of promptly recognizing and addressing these risk factors to reduce the incidence of MC in PLWHA.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6445594"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13417023/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meropenem Use and Challenges in Treating Severe Infections in Pakistan Amid Antimicrobial Resistance.","authors":"Nasim Akhtar, Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Summiya Nizamuddin, Sana Anwar, S H Waqar, Sarwat Faisal, Sarmad Iqbal","doi":"10.1155/ipid/5531329","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/5531329","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic essential for treating serious infections including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. This narrative review examines meropenem resistance trends and prescribing practices for severe infections in Pakistan highlighting how inappropriate use drives local antimicrobial resistance. Relevant literature was identified through a structured search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using predefined keywords. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis that complicates treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, including <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, and <i>E. coli</i>. Pharmacokinetic studies of meropenem show extensive tissue penetration, time-dependent bactericidal activity, and rapid renal clearance, which contribute to its effectiveness. In critically ill patients, specialized dosing strategies like continuous or extended infusions are recommended to maintain adequate drug levels. Emerging evidence also supports combination therapies (e.g., pairing meropenem with fosfomycin) to improve outcomes against carbapenem-resistant strains. In Pakistan, these concerns are especially acute: many key pathogens show high resistance rates due to widespread antibiotic overuse and misuse. Regional surveillance indicates that <i>E. coli</i> often remains relatively sensitive to meropenem, whereas Acinetobacter species exhibit alarmingly low susceptibility. Such resistance largely stems from the spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemase-producing organisms, posing serious challenges to clinicians. This underscores the need for data-driven, context-specific strategies to guide therapy. Robust surveillance systems are needed to guide empirical therapy, and real-time resistance monitoring can help prevent treatment failures. The review emphasizes targeted antimicrobial strategies and judicious meropenem use. Ongoing education for healthcare providers and coordinated stewardship programs at local and national levels are also essential to preserve the antibiotic's clinical utility. Ultimately, sustaining meropenem's effectiveness in the face of rising AMR requires combined public health efforts, including tailored dosing protocols and localized resistance management, to keep meropenem a reliable option worldwide for treating life-threatening infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5531329"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13382356/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pathogenic Significance of Trypanosomatids: Progress in Drug Resistance, Control Strategies, and Artificial Intelligence.","authors":"Cynthia Mmalebna Amisigo, Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor, Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah, Albert Fynn Aiduenu, Blessing Kwabena Gayi, Angelina Akomea, Zenabu Lansah Alidu, Gideon Danso, Selina Mawunyo Ayivi-Tosuh, Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey, Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei, Seyram Kofi Loh, William Ekloh","doi":"10.1155/ipid/7565247","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/7565247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trypanosomatids, including the genera <i>Trypanosoma</i> and <i>Leishmania</i>, are protozoan parasites of significant medical and veterinary relevance. These organisms cause African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis, which are classified as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). NTDs continue to present major public health challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic impacts. Chemotherapeutic interventions remain constrained by toxicity, high cost, limited accessibility, and the increasing prevalence of drug resistance. Significantly, there is a tight relationship between pathogenesis and drug resistance because processes that facilitate intracellular persistence, immunological evasion, and metabolic adaptation can also decrease drug sensitivity and increase treatment failure. This interaction makes it easier for more pathogenic and resilient strains to arise, which makes disease treatment and control more difficult. The absence of effective vaccines underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Advances in molecular parasitology have elucidated unique organellar structures, immune evasion mechanisms, and metabolic pathways in trypanosomatids, providing new therapeutic targets. Additionally, artificial intelligence and computational methodologies are facilitating drug discovery, predicting resistance, and improving diagnostics. In this review, we provide a narrative overview of current knowledge of trypanosomatid biology, prevalence, drug resistance mechanisms, and emerging control strategies. By integrating classical parasitology with computational approaches, new opportunities are identified to address resistance, enhance therapy, and mitigate the global health burden of trypanosomatid infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7565247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13310394/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparing the Frontline: Profiling Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Gaps in Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention Among Future Health Professionals in Belize.","authors":"Danladi C Husaini, Sanjana Punjabi, Tatyana Guild, Elodia Solis, Yusuf Abubakar","doi":"10.1155/ipid/3745039","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/3745039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety in Belize, with prevalence rates far exceeding global averages. Allied health students represent the future frontline in infection prevention, yet their preparedness in high-burden, resource-limited settings like Belize-where HAI prevalence approaches 40%-remains unassessed. This study aimed to conduct the first multidimensional analysis of the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) regarding HAIs among allied health students at the University of Belize (UB).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 randomly selected nursing, pharmacy, and medical laboratory science students, yielding an 85% response rate. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire. Analysis included descriptive statistics, inferential tests (chi-square, <i>t</i>-tests, and ANOVA), multivariable regression, and latent class analysis to identify distinct student profiles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean knowledge score was 3.84 out of 7 (54.9%), indicating moderate overall understanding. While students demonstrated strength in general transmission routes (81.9% correct) and basic prevention, critical deficits were identified. Only 24.3% recognized mechanical ventilation as a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia (a common HAI), and just 56.7% correctly identified common bacterial agents. A significant knowledge-practice gap was observed; while knowledge did not differ by academic program, practice scores varied significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.001). In-service training was strongly associated with better practice scores (<i>p</i> < 0.001) but not with knowledge. Latent class analysis revealed three distinct profiles: \"High Performers\" (60.2%), \"Motivated Learners\" (36.1%) with good practice but lower knowledge, and a \"Disengaged\" group (3.7%) with poor scores across all domains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>UB allied health students possess foundational HAI knowledge but appear critically underprepared in key clinical areas, with a clear disconnect between theory and practice. This evidence suggests an urgent need to consider a shift from uniform curricula to tailored, competency-based education integrating robust theory with mandatory simulation and clinical practice. Such a reform could contribute to mitigating Belize's high HAI burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3745039"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148319628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological Profile of Uropathogenic Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae.","authors":"Soufyane Yassara, Samira Jaouhar, Khadija Benyahia, Mohammed Sbiti, Khadija Bekhti","doi":"10.1155/ipid/4689685","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/4689685","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) represents a major challenge for the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs), limiting therapeutic options and increasing the risk of treatment failure. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns of ESBL-producing uropathogenic <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> in a Moroccan hospital setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the bacteriology department of the Moulay Ismail Military Hospital in Meknes, Morocco, over a 2-year period (2021-2023). Data were extracted from archived urine cytobacteriological examinations. Bacterial identification was performed using chromogenic media and biochemical methods, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the disk diffusion method according to CA-SFM guidelines. ESBL production was detected using the double-disk synergy test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 9867 urine samples analyzed, 1676 cases of UTIs were identified, corresponding to a prevalence of 17%. Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 56.8% of isolates, among which ESBL-producing strains represented the majority of multidrug-resistant bacteria. <i>Escherichia coli</i> was the predominant species (69.9%), followed by <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (17.6%) and <i>Klebsiella oxytoca</i> (11%). High resistance rates were observed to third-generation cephalosporins (up to 96% for ceftriaxone) and fluoroquinolones (93% for ciprofloxacin). In contrast, carbapenems, amikacin, and fosfomycin retained good activity, with resistance rates below 10%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the increasing burden of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in UTIs and the alarming levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. These findings underscore the need for continuous surveillance, rational antibiotic use, and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programs to limit the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and preserve the effectiveness of available treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4689685"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13216660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148139301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}