African Journal of Laboratory Medicine最新文献

{"title":"The Human Cell Atlas: Promises, recent developments, and bridging the African single-cell data gap.","authors":"Enahoro S Abhulimen","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2583","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2583","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2583"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11736541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143013754","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":"Healthcare waste management knowledge, attitudes and practices of laboratory workers at a regional hospital, Lesotho.","authors":"Ts'aletseng M Siimane, Motlatsi E Nts'ihlele","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2485","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2485","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Safe management of healthcare waste (HW) safeguards laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. Knowledge and attitudes influence HW practices, presenting a need for evidence of the current status.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practice of laboratory workers towards waste management at a regional hospital laboratory in Lesotho.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted from March 2023 to June 2023 using a mixed-methods descriptive case study design. The entire population (<i>n</i> = 30) of technical and non-technical laboratory workers and generated waste were sampled. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data. Waste generation was assessed by weighing and measuring waste volumes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All respondents (26/26; 100%) can define HW and (3/3) laboratory assistants (100%) gave correct responses for three questions, namely: risk associated with HW, waste container colour-coding, and disposal requirements. Knowledge on waste management responsibilities ranged between 0% (0/4) for cleaners and 54.5% (6/11) among laboratory technicians. Attitudes were mainly positive, and practices conformed in part to standard operating procedures. Infectious solid waste comprised 77% of solid HW, while 63% of chemical liquid waste emanated from the full blood count area.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Knowledge exists among workers and attitudes are predominantly positive; however, some unsafe practices continue, thus knowledge is not fully translated to safe practices. Regular training and measuring and recording of HW were recommended.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>The study contributes understanding of the status of HW knowledge, attitudes and management practices, highlighting the need for compliance monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2485"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11736819/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143013750","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":"ESKAPE pathogen incidence and antibiotic resistance in patients with bloodstream infections at a referral hospital in Limpopo, South Africa, 2014-2019: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Tiyani C Mthombeni, Johanita R Burger, Martha S Lubbe, Marlene Julyan, Molebogeng R Lekalakala-Mokaba","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2519","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2519","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a paucity of research on the incidence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of <i>Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, and <i>Enterobacter</i> spp. (ESKAPE) pathogens in Africa because of the inadequate establishment of AMR surveillance systems.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study reports on the incidence and AMR of bloodstream ESKAPE pathogens at a referral hospital in northern South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective descriptive study used routinely collected bloodstream isolates (pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed using automated systems) from the South African National Health Laboratory Service, from January 2014 to December 2019. Resistant phenotypes analysed included methicillin-resistant <i>S. aureus</i> and carbapenem-resistant <i>A. baumannii</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ESKAPE pathogen incidence rate was stable from 2014 to 2019 (<i>p</i> = 0.133). The most isolated pathogens were <i>S. aureus</i> (268/746; 35.9%) and <i>A. baumannii</i> (200/746; 26.8%). <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> increased from 39 isolates in 2014 to 75 in 2019 (<i>p</i> = 0.132). The incidence rate of <i>A. baumannii</i> increased from 11.9% (16/134) in 2015 to 37.8% (68/180) in 2019 (<i>p</i> = 0.009). Most isolates (417/746; 55.9%) were from the neonatal ward. Carbapenem-resistant <i>A. baumannii</i> increased from 68.8% (11/16) in 2014 to 75.0% (51/68) in 2019 (<i>p</i> = 0.009). Methicillin-resistant <i>S. aureus</i> decreased from 56.0% (14/25) in 2016 to 17.3% (13/75) in 2019 (<i>p</i> = 0.260).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Routine data provide essential information on the incidence of ESKAPE pathogens and AMR phenotypes, serving as a basis for an antibiogram, a surveillance tool in antibiotic stewardship programmes.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>The study provided local information on the incidence and AMR pattern of ESKAPE pathogens, which is essential when developing empiric treatment protocols for appropriate antibiotic prescribing and infection prevention and control practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2519"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11621878/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142796065","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 scourge of antimicrobial resistance: Containing a global crisis.","authors":"Rajiv T Erasmus, Chikwelu L Obi, Sajini Souda","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2645","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2645","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2645"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11621875/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142796066","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":"Pathobiology of HIV-related metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities: Towards a unifying mechanism.","authors":"Zohreh Jadali","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2582","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2582","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2582"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538354/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142591838","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":"An audit of the iron status of patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, in Johannesburg, South Africa.","authors":"Jurette S Grove, Siyabonga Khoza, Dineo V Mabuza, Shaida B Khan","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2509","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2509","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Iron deficiency is a common disorder, especially in developing countries. Accurately assessing iron status remains challenging, particularly for patients with chronic diseases such as HIV and chronic kidney disease, prevalent in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to determine how ferritin cut-offs affect iron status classification in adult patients treated at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Additionally, it assessed the frequency of these conditions and the impact of age and gender on iron status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study analysed iron profiles in adult patients from 01 October 2020 to 31 March 2021. Iron status was categorised into five groups: iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), anaemia of chronic disease, IDA with anaemia of chronic disease, iron deficiency without anaemia, and iron replete based on haemoglobin, transferrin saturation, and ferritin levels. The impact of using two different ferritin cut-off values (15 µg/L and 30 µg/L) was investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 3221 complete iron profiles. There was a predominance of female patients (2.2:1 ratio). Anaemia of chronic disease was the most prevalent iron disorder (39%), regardless of ferritin cut-off. Using a higher ferritin cut-off of 30 µg/L significantly increased the detection rates of both IDA and iron deficiency without anaemia (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that a higher ferritin threshold (30 µg/L) might improve diagnosis of iron disorders in settings with high inflammatory diseases. Further studies are needed to refine thresholds. Local guidelines should be adjusted to consider higher ferritin cut-offs, and longitudinal studies are recommended to evaluate long-term outcomes.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>This study confirms the use of higher ferritin cut-offs for enhanced detection of iron deficiency states. The findings also emphasise the ongoing need for establishing simple, standardised, and accurate methods for iron status classification.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2509"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538453/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142591835","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":"Carriers of the m.3243A>G variant should not be labelled with an acronym before they have been systematically screened for multisystem disease.","authors":"Josef Finsterer","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2527","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2527","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2527"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447612/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142373166","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":"Challenges with communication of critical laboratory results in a resource-limited setting in South Africa.","authors":"Ameerah Davids, Annalise E Zemlin, Elsie C Kruger","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2457","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2457","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Critical laboratory results are test results suggesting a patient is in immediate danger unless treatment is administered promptly. There is a paucity of studies in sub-Saharan Africa on clinicians' utility of these results and affected patients' outcomes. In our resource-limited setting in South Africa, we rely on telephonic communication to convey critical results.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to determine the average time for clinicians to acknowledge these results on the laboratory information system and to determine the outcome of affected patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective descriptive audit at Tygerberg Academic Hospital was conducted between 01 October 2021 and 31 March 2022. Critical results and the time of acknowledgement by clinicians on the laboratory information system were obtained from inpatients and outpatients. One hundred and twenty inpatient critical results were randomly selected for a folder review to determine patient outcome.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 2514 critical results were reported, and 63 results were excluded. The remaining 2451 results were obtained from 1346 patients. The majority (94.5%) of results were obtained from inpatients, where 1681 (68.6%) were acknowledged within 24 h. The folder audit of 120 patients determined that 40 (33.3%) patients demised. In 82 (68.3%) patients, communication of a critical result did not alter clinical management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Critical laboratory results are crucial to patient care. This study found that approximately one-third of critical laboratory results were not used within 24 h. Engaging clinicians in current practice and implementing a means of improved communication of critical results is required.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>The study adds to the evidence of challenges experienced with communicating critical results to clinicians which could impact patient care. This is especially true in resource-limited settings; clinicians need to be made aware of the importance of these results, and communication modes need to be improved.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2457"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447589/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142373167","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":"Association between coagulation indicators and menorrhagia among women in Kenya.","authors":"Phidelis M Marabi, Stanslaus K Musyoki, Fred Monari, Paul M Kosiyo, Collins Ouma","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2438","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2438","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the significant burden of menorrhagia (bleeding > 80 mL every menstrual cycle) among women in Western Kenya, it remains unknown whether coagulation disorders are an important underlying cause of this condition in the region.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study assessed differences in coagulation profiles, associations between menorrhagia and coagulation profiles and compared morphological features of platelets among women attending Bungoma County Referral Hospital in Kenya.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comparative cross-sectional study of women with and without menorrhagia, aged 18-45 years, was performed between December 2022 and September 2023. Sociodemographic factors, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, international normalised ratio (INR), and platelet count were compared between groups, and associations with menorrhagia were assessed. Prothrombin time and INR levels above normal references were deemed increased.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 428 (214 per group) women were included. Family history of bleeding disorders (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) was more frequent in menorrhagic than in non-menorrhagic women. Additionally, menorrhagic women had high PT (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) and high INR (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) levels. Menorrhagia was significantly associated with an increased PT (odds ratio = 2.129, 95% confidence interval = 1.658-2.734; <i>p</i> < 0.0001) and increased INR (odds ratio = 7.479, 95% confidence interval = 3.094-18.080; <i>p</i> < 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this population in Western Kenya, menorrhagia was associated with a family history of bleeding disorders, increased PT, and increased INR. Routine assessment of the coagulation profile and family history of bleeding disorders is crucial for diagnosing and managing menorrhagia.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>Our findings suggest that menorrhagic and non-menorrhagic women differ in terms of PT and INR, which may be predictive of menorrhagia.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2438"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447587/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142373165","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":"Lessons learnt from assessing and improving accuracy and positive predictive value of the national HIV testing algorithm in Nigeria.","authors":"Augustine O Mpamugo, Nnaemeka C Iriemenam, Adebobola Bashorun, Olumide O Okunoye, Orji O Bassey, Edewede Onokevbagbe, Tapdiyel Jelpe, Matthias A Alagi, Chidozie Meribe, Rose E Aguolu, Charles E Nzelu, Segun Bello, Babatunde Ezra, Christine A Obioha, Baffa S Ibrahim, Oluwasanmi Adedokun, Akudo Ikpeazu, Chikwe Ihekweazu, Talishiea Croxton, Sylvia B Adebajo, McPaul I J Okoye, Alash'le Abimiku","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2339","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v13i1.2339","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>HIV testing remains an entry point into HIV care and treatment services. In 2007, Nigeria adopted and implemented a two-test rapid HIV testing algorithm of three HIV rapid test kits, following the sequence: Alere Determine (first test), Unigold^TM (second test), and STAT-PAK^® as the tie-breaker. Sub-analysis of the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey data showed significant discordance between the first and second tests, necessitating an evaluation of the algorithm. This manuscript highlights lessons learnt from that evaluation.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>A two-phased evaluation method was employed, including abstraction and analysis of retrospective HIV testing data from January 2017 to December 2019 from 24 selected sites supported by the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief programme. A prospective evaluation of HIV testing was done among 2895 consecutively enrolled and consented adults, aged 15-64 years, accessing HIV testing services from three selected sites per state across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria between July 2020 and September 2020. The prospective evaluation was performed both in the field and at the National Reference Laboratory under controlled laboratory conditions. Stakeholder engagements, strategic selection and training of study personnel, and integrated supportive supervision were employed to assure the quality of evaluation procedures and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Lessons learnt: </strong>The algorithm showed higher sensitivity and specificity in the National Reference Laboratory compared with the field. The approaches to quality assurance were integral to the high-quality study outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recommendations: </strong>We recommend comparison of testing algorithms under evaluation against a gold standard.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>This study provides context-specific considerations in using World Health Organization recommendations to evaluate the Nigerian national HIV rapid testing algorithm.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"2339"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369579/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142126930","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}