Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and management of syphilis at primary healthcare level in the Free State, South Africa.","authors":"Olive P Khaliq, Ahmad Jassen, Nomakhuwa E Tabane, Jagidesa Moodley","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.724","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.724","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal syphilis (MS) is of special concern because of the risks of vertical transmission resulting in high rates of stillbirths and neonatal infections, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as South Africa (SA).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the clinical management of MS at two primary healthcare clinics.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This was a retrospective evaluation of the antenatal records from 2020 to 2023 at two clinics in the Free State, SA. Demographic and clinical data, including MS mono rapid plasma reagin test and HIV status measured using the mono rapid HIV test, foetal and perinatal outcomes were collected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>668 records were reviewed. Fifteen tested (2.3%) positive for MS, but only 12/15 received complete treatment. Of the syphilis negative women, only 365 (55.3%) were retested. 28% of all pregnant women were HIV-positive. Four of the 15 (27%) women with MS had HIV, while 11 of the 15 (73%) of the HIV-negative pregnant women had syphilis. Among syphilis-exposed neonates, two had complications due to syphilis exposure and one had low birthweight despite maternal treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of MS at the study sites was 2.3%. 44.7% of the women who tested negative for syphilis were not retested, and three women with syphilis did not receive complete treatment. Incomplete treatment of the mothers' results in complications in syphilis-exposed neonates. There is an urgent need for continuing training for the nurses and midwives on antenatal screening and treatment protocols for MS at primary healthcare settings in the Free State, SA.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This work will benefit the community by alerting the Department of Health on the short comings found at antenatal care clinics, with the goal to improve the management of pregnant women.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"724"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135762/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227077","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 of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonisation in hospitalised neonates.","authors":"Michele E Haumann, Adrie Bekker, Chandre Geldenhuys, Natasha O'Connell, Andrew Whitelaw, Tonya Esterhuizen, Angela Dramowski","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.726","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.726","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) have emerged as major healthcare-associated infection (HAI) pathogens globally with substantial associated mortality and morbidity.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine the prevalence of rectal CRE colonisation in neonates referred from a central hospital, to a regional and a district hospital in the Western Cape Province of South Africa (01 March 2019 - 30 September 2020).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Clinical data and laboratory records were reviewed to identify possible factors associated with CRE colonisation using stepwise forward logistic regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 291 neonates transferred to the regional and district hospitals, the median birth weight and gestational age were 1360 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1080 g - 1690 g) and 31 (IQR: 29-33) weeks. The overall CRE rectal colonisation prevalence at the time of transfer from the central hospital was 22.3% (65/291), with colonising species including <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (59/65, 90.8%) and <i>Serratia marcescens</i> (6/65; 9.2%). There were no factors significantly associated with CRE colonisation. No CRE-colonised neonate subsequently developed CRE infection. Post-discharge mortality rates were similar in the CRE-colonised versus the non-colonised neonates (2/65 [3.1%] vs. 9/226 [4.0%]; <i>p</i> = 0.737).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was no increased risk of subsequent CRE infection or mortality in the 12 months post-discharge in neonates who were CRE colonised.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Rectal colonisation with CRE was highly prevalent in preterm neonates being transferred for step-down hospital care. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales-colonised neonates had similar demographic characteristics to non-colonised neonates, with no factors significantly associated with CRE colonisation.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"726"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135765/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227078","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":"<i>Mycobacterium avium</i> DNA extraction: Implications for NTM identification and amplicon sequencing.","authors":"Christoffel J Opperman, Salim Ben Amor, Greshan Kisten, Brendon C Mann, Janré Steyn, Sarishna Singh, Yonas Ghebrekristos, Robin Warren, Wynand Goosen","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.717","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated six DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) extraction methods for <i>Mycobacterium avium</i>, focusing on cost, procedure time, yield, quality, DNA integrity, and suitability for amplicon-based sequencing. The extracted DNA was used in the GenoType^® Mycobacterium Common Mycobacterium (CM) line probe assay (LPA), which is routinely used for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) identification in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings demonstrate that the currently used DNA extraction method, GenoLyse^® Version 1.0, remains the fastest, simplest, and most cost-effective approach for routine NTM identification, despite lower DNA yields. GenoLyse also shows potential for implementation in amplicon-based sequencing of NTM, specifically when amplifying the 16S rRNA gene.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"717"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135763/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227076","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":"Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity.","authors":"Jessica Taylor, Hannah M Gunter, Karen Cohen","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.704","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v40i1.704","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a case of severe cefepime-induced neurotoxicity following acute kidney injury in a patient with a fracture-related infection. Despite stopping cefepime, the patient required intubation, ventilation, multiple antiepileptic drugs for seizure control, and haemodialysis.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity is a reversible cause of encephalopathy. Early recognition and cefepime withdrawal are crucial. As cefepime use in South Africa increases due to antimicrobial resistance, healthcare workers must be aware of this under-recognised, under-reported serious adverse drug reaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"704"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144044741","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":"Clinico-radiological characteristics and lethality of HIV-tuberculosis coinfection in the Infectiology ward of the Libreville University Hospital, Gabon.","authors":"Michele Marion Ntsame Owono, Charleine Manomba Boulingui, Magalie Essomeyo Ngue Mebale, Marielle Karine Bouyou Akotet","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.695","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v40i1.695","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>HIV advance disease and tuberculosis (TB) are still frequent in Gabon.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study described the clinical and radiological features of bacteriologically confirmed TB among hospitalised persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and in-hospital death-associated factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients older than 18 years old, with a diagnosis of TB between 2021 and 2022, were prospectively included. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiological data, CD4 cell count, ART, lenght of hospital stay and mortality were recorded and analyzed. Factors associated with patient death were investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 94 (54.7%) of 172 hospitalised PLHIV had TB. Their median age was 37 (32-42) years, 67.0% were females, 47.9% were on ART and 85.0% were in the advanced disease stage. Overall, 52 (55.3%) PLHIV had isolated pulmonary TB, 13 (13.8%) had extra-pulmonary forms, mainly neuromeningeal and lymph node forms, 25(26.6%) had a disseminated TB that involved pulmonary lesions and 4 (4.3%) had an extra-pulmonary disseminated TB. The median CD4 count was 83 (54-128) cells/µL. It was lower in the group of deceased participants (<i>p</i> = 0.04). The case fatality rate was 26.0% (<i>n</i> = 24). Mortality associated factors were length of hospital stay below 10 days (odds ratio [OR] = 3.9 [1.06-14.3], <i>p</i> = 0.04) and CD4 < 200 cells/mm³ (<i>p</i> = 0.01). A trend was also observed for males (OR = 2.11 [0.81-5.5], <i>p</i> = 0.062) and age above 45 years (OR = 2.68 [0.92-7.78], <i>p</i> = 0.07).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HIV-TB coinfection and extra-pulmonary forms are still frequent in immunocompromised PLHIV. The in-hospital mortality is high, probably because of late diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study highlights the need of integrated early HIV and TB diagnosis and management in highly endemic settings to improve coinfected patient outcome.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"695"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067501/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144052793","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":"Coal mining as a risk factor for tuberculosis - Commodity or circumstance?","authors":"Nevadna Singh, Elvis M Irusen","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.708","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v40i1.708","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The association of tuberculosis (TB) with the mining industry is well known in South Africa. This may well be true for gold mining and silica exposure. However, a description of the pathophysiological link between coal mining and TB is not clearly detailed in the literature with many articles citing associations rather than direct causality. A focused intervention of active case-finding and treatment in coal mines in South Africa resulted in a dramatic reduction in the incidence of TB of more than 70% compared to historical figures and substantially below the national incidence as well.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>We suggest that the risk of acquiring or reactivating TB is not solely attributable to coal exposure itself. Instead, socioeconomic factors, such as poor working and living conditions around mines and comorbid illnesses, likely play a more significant role, as the principal drivers of the disease and therefore, these factors, alongside active screening for TB should receive more attention.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"708"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067552/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041132","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":"Bacteria and yeasts of nosocomial importance in a radiology department in an academic hospital.","authors":"Rodger P Osmond, Susan Lucas, Rispah N Chomba","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.703","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v40i1.703","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) result in a significant burden on the healthcare sector. Investigations into their epidemiology and possible routes of transmission are important to enable interventions that protect patients and staff. Radiology devices are known to be colonised by microbial organisms that may act as fomites for infection. However, there is a lack of relevant data from the South African setting.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study aimed to determine deficiencies in infection control practices and the microbial colonisation rates and resistance profiles of devices within a radiology department.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional, single-centre study was conducted in a radiology department in Johannesburg, South Africa. An infection prevention and control (IPC) audit was performed, and 143 swabs were collected. Swabs were cultured according to standard microbiological techniques, and focused antimicrobial resistance testing was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Infection prevention and control practices did not align with manufacturer recommendations. A total of 29 positive swabs were obtained (20.3%). Of these, 93.1% (<i>n</i> = 27) were considered commensals, while 6.9% (<i>n</i> = 2) were considered pathogens. No significant antimicrobial resistance mechanisms were detected.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The detection of pathogenic organisms demonstrates the possibility of microbial transmission between patients within the department. Infection control practices are noncompliant and require improvement to mitigate this risk. The threat of microbial dissemination remains.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study demonstrates the prevalence of microbes in a South African radiology department, underscoring the risk of microbial dissemination because of inadequate decontamination practices between patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"703"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067601/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144033785","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":"A multicentre study comparing post-mortem SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing in Cape Town mortuaries.","authors":"Tayna Carlisle, Yuvika Vandayar, Laura Taylor, Itumeleng Molefe, Lorna J Martin, Candice Wilscott-Davids, Janette Verster, Christoffel Opperman, Laura J Heathfield","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.683","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v40i1.683","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was recognised as a global pandemic in 2019, yet the exact number of infections is still unclear. In addition, there is limited research on post-mortem antibody testing.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study sought to evaluate the use of the SureScreen COVID-19 immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM Rapid Test Cassette in deceased individuals by comparing it to the gold-standard antibody tests in South Africa, and to identify the most appropriate antibody testing method for post-mortem samples.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Between May 2021 and February 2023, fifty cases, with suspected COVID-19 infection during their lifetime, were recruited from Tygerberg Mortuary and Salt River Mortuary, after obtaining informed consent from their next-of-kin. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was confirmed through antemortem positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (PCP) tests in 39 participants. Blood samples were collected during autopsies in serum separator tubes, which yielded better separation when centrifuged immediately after collection. The SureScreen test was performed alongside Roche Diagnostics Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG assays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the confirmed PCP cases, Elecsys demonstrated the highest sensitivity (97.1%) followed by SureScreen IgG (82.1%). In a logistic regression analysis, PCP confirmation was significantly associated with the SureScreen IgG results (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, Roche's Elecsys had the highest yield of positive results on our cohort of post-mortem serum samples, followed by SureScreen, and finally, Abbott's Architect assay.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>These results suggest that the SureScreen test has potential as a screening tool in mortuary settings, with Roche's Elecsys assay recommended for diagnostic confirmation.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"683"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067580/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144037658","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":"Mortality trends and causes of death in a South African hospital complex pre- and during COVID-19.","authors":"Khanyisile M Tshabalala, Inger Fabris-Rotelli, Debashis Basu, Magriet Myburgh, Fareed Abdullah","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.679","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.679","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), global health was improving, with declining mortality trends. The pandemic disrupted this progress, increasing mortality in South Africa between April 2020 and March 2022. Pre-pandemic data establishes a baseline for assessing COVID-19's impact on all-cause mortality.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examines changes in hospital-based mortality trends in a Gauteng hospital complex from April 2018 to March 2022, addressing the scarcity of such studies during the COVID-19 era.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A retrospective review of 7815 deaths from April 2018 to March 2022 was conducted. Chi-squared tests were used to analyse deaths by age group and gender, with correlations reported.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mortality rates rose from 3.2% in 2018-2019, peaked at 5.1% in 2020-2021, and declined to 4.2% in 2021-2022. Patients aged 15 years-64 years had the highest death rates, with an increase among those over 65. Male deaths exceeded female deaths, with the smallest difference observed in 2020-2021. Leading causes of death included diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems, neoplasms, digestive system diseases, and infectious and parasitic diseases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights COVID-19's impact on mortality, showing variations by year, age, gender, and disease.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Excess non-COVID-19 deaths likely stemmed from disrupted healthcare services. These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of hospital mortality to identify pandemic-related service disruptions and guide interventions to strengthen healthcare services, improve access to care, and enhance referral systems during unexpected disasters.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"679"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966701/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781414","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":"Type and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria cultured in paediatric acute appendicitis.","authors":"Elizabeth Brits, Estie Kruger, Karlize Fivaz, Koot Oosthuizen, Mariska Joubert, Petro-Mari van Pletzen, Ronelle Roux, Tahlita Fourie, Trewhella van Aswegen, Joseph B Sempa, Susanna le Grange","doi":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.689","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajid.v40i1.689","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Studying the microbial profile and their antibiotic resistance in paediatric appendicitis is essential for tracking susceptibility, guiding treatment choices and ensuring effectiveness. Understanding variations in therapies can improve outcomes and reduce complications. Despite its importance, limited research has been conducted in South Africa on microbial profiles and antibiotic resistance in paediatric appendicitis.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To identify bacteria cultured from pus specimens obtained from paediatric patients with acute appendicitis and determine their antibiotic susceptibility.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This was a prospective case series of children aged 13 years and younger, who had appendectomies for acute appendicitis. Data were collected via REDCap and analysed using R software. Pus swabs were obtained for microscopy, culture and sensitivity of organisms isolated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study comprised 20 patients, of whom 12 (60%) were male. Most cases (<i>n</i> = 17; 85%) were complicated appendicitis. <i>Escherichia coli</i> was the most prevalent bacterial species isolated, accounting for 60% of cases, while no bacterial growth was observed in 30% of cases. All the isolates (100%) were susceptible to cefepime, gentamicin, amikacin, ertapenem, imipenem and meropenem, while high sensitivity rates of 92.9% were found for ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime and piperacillin-tazobactam. Short-term complications (predominantly surgical site infections) were present in 6 patients (30%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><i>Escherichia coli</i> was the most common bacterium in paediatric acute appendicitis, with all isolates sensitive to ciprofloxacin.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Regional monitoring and research are useful to adapt protocols and combat increasing antibiotic resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":44007,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"40 1","pages":"689"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11886553/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143587625","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}