Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control最新文献

{"title":"Assessment of infection prevention and control in public hospitals in the post war Tigray region of Ethiopia using the WHO Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF).","authors":"Akeza Awealom Asgedom, Ana Lorena Ruano, Bente Elisabeth Moen","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01746-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01746-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial for mitigating the risks of infections and antimicrobial resistance in healthcare facilities. The conflict in Tigray has had serious repercussions on the health system. This study aimed to assess the implementation of the IPC core components of (CC) public health facilities in post-war Tigray, Ethiopia, using the World Health Organization (WHO) IPC Assessment Framework (IPCAF) and hand hygiene self-assessment framework (HHSAF) standard tools.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted across 35 public health facilities comprising referral, general, and primary hospitals in Tigray state from June to July 2024. Data were collected by interviews of the IPC focal or managers at the accessible hospitals, using standardized WHO IPCAF and HHSAF tools. Descriptive statistics, including mean, median, interquartile range (IQR) and standard deviation, were utilized to summarize the data. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between IPCAF and HHSAF scores. An independent t-test was employed to compare mean IPCAF scores by type of healthcare facility.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From a total of 35 eligible healthcare facilities invited, 33 participated in the survey, resulting in a 94% response rate. The mean age of respondents was 36 years (SD = 8), with an average of 10 service years (SD = 7). Most respondents were IPC focal persons (48.5%), followed by chief executive officers (27.3%). The median IPCAF score was 348 (IQR: 258-439), indicating a basic IPC level. Three facilities (9%) exhibited an inadequate IPC level, which means scores below 200. Twenty-one facilities (63.6%) demonstrated basic IPC levels, 8 facilities (24.2%) had intermediate IPC levels and only 1 facility (3%) achieved an advanced IPC level. A statistically significant positive correlation was identified between IPCAF and HHSAF scores (r = 0.765, p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The levels of implementation of the WHO CC in post-war health facilities in Tigray were found to be unsatisfactory, with limitations evident across all zones and types of facilities. This situation increases the risk of healthcare-associated infections for healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors. A significant positive correlation was observed between IPCAF and HHSAF scores. Addressing the identified gaps through enhancements of IPC core components and capacity building is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections. Longitudinal studies to monitor IPC implementations are recommended for ongoing assessment and improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13231749/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors influencing antibiotic-resistant bacteria colonization among community and hospitalized individuals in Chennai, India: an Antibiotic Resistance in Communities and Hospitals (ARCH) study.","authors":"Tarun Bhatnagar, V Sindhuja, S S Swathi, Sathya Narayanan Gopalakrishnan, Anoop Velayudhan, Valan A Siromany, Daniel VanderEnde, Paul Malpiedi, Rachel M Smith, Susan Bollinger, Ahmed Babiker, Ashley Styczynski, Girish Kumar Chethrapilly Purushothaman","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01747-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01747-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Colonization with antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) increases the risk for antibiotic-resistant infections. Our previous study documented a high level of colonization with ARBs in a suburban area of Chennai, a city in South India. Here, we aimed to identify potential risk factors for colonization with extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCrE) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adult participants were enrolled in community and hospital surveys from November 2020 through March 2022, and ARB isolation was done from stool specimens. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the community, the adjusted odds of ESCrE colonization were lower among those reporting consumption of animal products (1-2 days a week, aOR: 0.51; 95% CI 0.27-0.96; > 2 days a week, aOR: 0.48; 95% CI 0.25-0.94). Among hospitalized patients, the adjusted odds of CRE colonization was higher among those with prior antibiotic use (aOR: 1.50; 95% CI 0.97-2.32) and who underwent invasive procedures (aOR: 1.80; 95% CI 0.95-3.39). No significant associations were identified for other risk factors among community or hospital participants and colonization outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Drivers of ARB colonization may be difficult to ascertain in high-burden settings. However, healthcare-based strategies to reduce ARB transmission should continue to emphasize infection prevention and control as well as antibiotic stewardship. Additional studies are needed to understand community factors contributing to ARB colonization.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13224639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147715666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multidrug-resistant organism carriage in children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit of a Greek tertiary hospital: prevalence and risk factors.","authors":"Olympia P Rozakea, Panagiota Psallida, Anastasios Doudoulakakis, Aristoula Patsoura, Alexandra Soldatou","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01738-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01738-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health threat. Colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) often precedes infection and promotes transmission. However, data in pediatric populations remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MDRO carriage among children admitted from the community to a Greek Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and to explore associated risk factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study of children aged 0-16 years admitted to the PICU was conducted from January 1st to June 30th, 2024, excluding those hospitalized > 48 h or residing in care facilities. MDROs were identified from nasal, rectal, or bronchial secretion cultures collected within 48 h of admission. Epidemiological and clinical data were retrieved from medical records, and statistical analysis was performed to explore potential associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 86 included children (median age 4.5 years, IQR 1-11; 53.5% male), 80 were screened within 48 h. MDRO colonization was identified in 18/80 patients (22.5%). ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (40.0%) and MRSA (20.0%) predominated. In exploratory multivariable analysis, lower absolute body weight (kg) was associated with MDRO carriage, with each 1 kg increase corresponding to approximately 18% lower colonization risk (OR = 0.818, 95% CI 0.680-0.984, P = 0.033), whereas no significant association was observed for weight-for-age.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>High rates of MDRO carriage in children admitted from the community to a PICU highlight an important public health concern and the need for enhanced preventive measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13202864/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147697298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strategies and outcomes of CDSS implementation for antimicrobial stewardship in hospital settings: a systematic review.","authors":"Laura Giordano, Claire Durand, Raheelah Ahmad, Lio Collias, Michael Thy, Yousra Kherabi, François-Xavier Lescure, Marie Hamard, Gabriel Birgand, Nathan Peiffer-Smadja","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01731-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01731-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Optimal implementation strategies and clinical outcomes of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) for antimicrobial prescribing in hospital settings have not been systemically evaluated. This review explores how CDSS for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) have been implemented in secondary and tertiary care, focusing on strategies used, clinical and implementation outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted including studies published up to December 2022. Primary studies describing CDSS implementation strategies in secondary and tertiary care were included. Strategies were analysed using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) framework. Implementation outcomes reported in the studies were extracted and categorized according to Proctor's framework. Quality assessment was performed using the Integrated quality Criteria for the Review Of Multiple Study designs (ICROMS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Screening of 2,189 papers identified 12 studies meeting inclusion criteria, all focusing on antimicrobial prescribing in high-income countries. Most CDSS were expert systems (n = 11), primarily designed for infectious disease physicians (n = 7). Pre-implementation assessments, such as workflow analysis, user surveys and multidisciplinary meetings, were conducted in only five of the 12 studies. Studies used a median of 11 out of 73 ERIC implementation strategies. The most frequently reported strategies belonged to the following ERIC categories: developing stakeholder interrelationships (n = 11), training and educating users (n = 11), evaluative strategies (n = 10), provision of interactive assistance (n = 5), adaptation and tailoring to context (n = 5). In contrast, strategies aimed at supporting clinicians (n = 3) and changing infrastructure (n = 2) were less commonly used. No study reported strategies related to patient and service user engagement or financial strategies. Clinical outcomes were considered effective in two studies and partially effective in four, while the remaining studies did not evaluate them. A median of three implementation outcomes was reported per study, with appropriateness (n = 10), adoption (n = 9) and acceptability (n = 9) being the most examined. Overall, initial adoption was slow but improved over time, enhancing compliance with policy indicators.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The implementation strategies of CDSS for AMS in hospital settings are variably reported, with many studies providing limited detail on strategy selection, application, or outcomes, highlighting the need for more systematic and comprehensive evaluation in future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13202992/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147697042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infection prevention and control in nursing homes under pandemic-level pressure: qualitative insights from Swedish care workers.","authors":"Johanna Pettersson, Matilda Almgren, Terese Östman, Anders F Johansson, Annica Backman","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01744-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01744-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic placed considerable pressure on nursing homes, where care workers faced high workloads, uncertainty, and emotional strain while also being expected to implement extensive infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Understanding how such everyday experiences affect adherence to IPC measures is essential for strengthening future guideline implementation and training. This study aimed to explore care workers' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on IPC measures and the realities of everyday work.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 nurse assistants and care aides from 19 nursing homes in northern and southern Sweden (May-November 2023). The interviews were recorded, transcribed and then analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. The study was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three main categories captured nurse assistants' and care aides' experiences of how demanding everyday realities during the pandemic shaped adherence to IPC measures. (1) Organizational determinants highlighted the importance of leadership presence, clear information, and resource availability. (2) Individual aspects described how knowledge, beliefs, and physical discomfort influenced motivation to adhere. (3) Ethical issues related to IPC measures reflected tensions between IPC practices and meeting residents' social and emotional needs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights how leadership, resources, and knowledge supported IPC adherence, while personal beliefs and ethical implications complicated practice. Future preparedness requires policies that integrate organizational support with the human dimensions of care, ensuring that infection control and dignified care are mutually reinforced.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081493/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147687282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality and efficacy of alcohol-based hand rubs used in healthcare facilities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.","authors":"Abayneh Melaku, Tesfaye Admasu, Argaw Ambelu","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01748-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01748-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hand hygiene is critical for infection prevention and quality of care. Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are widely recommended for their broad antimicrobial activity and ease of use; however, concerns remain regarding product quality and efficacy. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial performance of ABHRs used in healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A laboratory-based experimental design was conducted between May and August 2025. Thirty ABHRs from hospital-produced, locally manufactured, and imported sources were tested using a customized EN 1500 protocol. The volunteers' hands were contaminated with Escherichia coli K12 and treated with 3 mL of the product for 30 s. Pre- and post-treatment bacterial counts were compared, with log₁₀ reduction factor as the primary outcome. Non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U) were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Measured ethanol concentrations ranged from 55 to 86% v/v compared with labeled 60-87% v/v. Nearly one-quarter of hospital-produced and locally manufactured products fell below the WHO minimum of 60% v/v. Antimicrobial testing showed log₁₀ reductions of 2.63-4.63; 50% achieved the EN 1500 benchmark of ≥ 4 log reduction, 26.7% demonstrated moderate efficacy (3-<4 log reduction), and 23.3% fell below 3 log reduction. Imported formulations (73-86% v/v; median 79% v/v) consistently achieved ≥ 4 log reductions, significantly outperforming hospital-produced (p = 0.009) and locally manufactured products (p = 0.047).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>One-fourth of ABHRs and half of the tested products failed to meet the WHO concentration and EN 1500 efficacy benchmarks. Policymakers, hospital administrators, and the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority must urgently establish mandatory quality audit systems and enforce strict adherence to international guidelines to safeguard healthcare workers, patients, and infection prevention efforts in Ethiopia.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13185281/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147662199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiphase terminal environmental disinfection targeting Acinetobacter baumannii sustains reduction in multidrug-resistant organism healthcare-associated infections in an ICU.","authors":"Sangsang Qiu, Qinfen Xu, Yun Mao, Yuqing Gong, Qinhong Huang, Haixiang Wang, Mengjing Chen, Fangying Ni, Hongyang Xu, Jianming Wang","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01745-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01745-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) exhibits prolonged persistence on intensive care unit (ICU) surfaces and plays a pivotal role in healthcare-associated transmission. However, evidence linking terminal environmental disinfection programs specifically targeting AB to clinical infection outcomes remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate a multi-phase terminal disinfection program and the risk of multidrug-resistant organism healthcare-associated infection (MDRO-HAI).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective four-phase study was conducted in a single ICU from September 2024 to September 2025. Patients with negative AB screening within 48 h of ICU admission were recruited and followed up for a maximum of 40 days. Phase 1 maintained routine infection control practices; phase 2 implemented a standardized terminal disinfection protocol encompassing cleaner training, microbiological monitoring with feedback and correction, and adjunct aerosolized hydrogen peroxide disinfection in isolation rooms; phase 3 retained the standardized protocol but discontinued enhanced supervision and feedback; phase 4 maintained the protocol while strengthening healthcare-worker hand hygiene. Environmental surfaces and the hands of patients and staff were monitored for AB colonization. Infection-free survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess the association between study phase and MDRO-HAI, adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, and hypertension.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 560 enrolled patients, baseline characteristics were broadly comparable across phases. AB positivity rates on environmental surfaces and hands showed a progressive, significant decline (trend tests, both P < 0.001). A total of 46 MDRO-HAI events occurred, with an overall incidence of 8.21%. Infection-free survival differed significantly across phases (log-rank P < 0.001). Compared with phase 1, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for MDRO-HAI were 0.48 (95% CI: 0.23-0.99) in phase 2, 0.26 (95% CI: 0.12-0.59) in phase 3, and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.05-0.40) in phase 4, with a significant downward trend across successive phases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A standardized multi-phase terminal environmental disinfection program targeting AB was independently associated with a sustained reduction in ICU MDRO-HAI risk. Notably, strengthened hand hygiene effectively supported the maintenance of infection control gains after the withdrawal of intensive daily supervision for cleaning staff. These findings provide optimization of long-term MDRO prevention strategies in high-risk healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13185230/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147662117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The missing link in combating antimicrobial resistance: leveraging vaccines for prevention.","authors":"Percival Ethan Lao, Lea Elora Conda, Jyoti Joshi, Mabel Johana Ortiz de Leo, Nandini Sreenivasan, Laura Plant, Catherine Fleck-Vidal, Geminn Louis C Apostol","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01718-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01718-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens to claim 10 million lives annually by 2050, yet vaccines-proven tools to prevent infections and reduce antibiotic use-remain underutilized in AMR strategies. Despite evidence that pediatric vaccination could prevent 181,500 AMR-associated deaths annually in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines reduce nonsusceptible infections by 56.9%, vaccines are rarely integrated into National AMR Action Plans with explicit targets, financing mechanisms, or surveillance linkages. AMR and immunization programs operate as separate vertical structures with different champions, financing streams, and data systems. This siloed approach prevents operationalization of vaccine-AMR evidence into policy and limits coordinated action. National AMR Action Plans prioritize stewardship, surveillance, and drug discovery while overlooking vaccines' role in reducing infection burden, limiting resistant pathogen circulation, and decreasing antibiotic consumption. This commentary argues that vaccines must be treated as core AMR infrastructure in LMICs, requiring five governance shifts: (1) institutionalized collaboration between immunization and AMR stakeholders; (2) vaccine coverage targets embedded in AMR action plans; (3) coordinated surveillance linking immunization registries with AMR data systems; (4) financing mechanisms recognizing vaccines as AMR infrastructure investments; and (5) research prioritizing next-generation vaccines against resistant pathogens. Drawing on efforts in the Philippines to convene physician societies, government agencies leading AMR and immunization efforts, and academic institutions, we demonstrate how these shifts can be piloted through a formal AMR-Vaccine Network, offering a testable model for operationalizing vaccine-AMR integration in LMICs. The challenge extends beyond establishing the evidence base to operationalizing that evidence through governance reform.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13067608/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147653683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality of antibiotics prescription in hospitals in Burkina Faso: a multispecialty clinical audit.","authors":"Djibril Diallo, Souleymane Sore, Soungalo Yao, Sié Paul Kambou, Yacouba Hema, Soumaila Zongo, Michel Rouamba, Olivier Manigart, Armel Poda, Abdoul Salam Ouedraogo, Isidore O J Bonkoungou","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01743-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01743-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Irrational use of antibiotics is one of the main factors in the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In Burkina Faso, where rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are increasing, hospital prescribing practices remain understudied. This study evaluated the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions in three regional hospitals in Burkina Faso to identify gaps and inform stewardship interventions.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This retrospective clinical audit examined patient records from May to July 2023. It was conducted in August 2023 to assess 450 randomly selected patient records from the paediatric, surgical, gynaecology-obstetrics, emergency medicine and general medicine departments. Using Burkina Faso's Practical Guide to Antibiotic Prescription as a reference, the records were assessed for the relevance of the prescriptions, the choice of antibiotics, the dosage, the duration and adherence to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). The data were analysed using Excel 2019.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The audit revealed critical deficiencies in the antibiotics prescription in the hospitals. Only 31.1% (140/450) of antibiotics were chosen correctly, 26.2% (118/450) of dosages were correct, 31.1% of choices agreed with the reference, and 21.6% (97/450) of durations were correct. The percentages for routes of administration such as oral, injection, local route and reassessment at 72 h and one week were 66.4% (299/450), 62.7% (282/450) and 43.1% (194/450) respectively. The audit revealed the underutilisation of AST, only 1.8% (8/450) of prescriptions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights gaps in antibiotic prescribing practices, the selection of antimicrobials, and the low prescription of AST. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programmes and strict adherence to national guidelines are urgently needed to optimise antibiotic use and combat resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188303/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147632122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Appraising the infection prevention and control practices at two referral hospitals in Malawi: a mixed methods situational analysis.","authors":"Dorica Ng'ambi, Thomasena O'Byrne, Wala Kamchedzera, Donald Kanjere Zgambo, Raymond Pongolani, Rufaro Matorera, Hendrina Saini, Wilned Zoto Hara, Emmie Jingini, Alex Maseko, Owen Musopole, Saulos Nyirenda, Kelvin Mponda, Gabriel Kambale Bunduki, Maryse Kok, Nicholas Feasey, Tara Tancred","doi":"10.1186/s13756-026-01742-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13756-026-01742-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices can reduce healthcare associated infections (HAIs). There is limited insight into the implementation of IPC practices in the medical and surgical departments in Malawian hospitals. The study aimed to explore the current state of IPC policy/guidelines and their implementation gaps at two referral hospitals in Malawi.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods situational analysis to understand the IPC landscape in the medical and surgical departments in two tertiary hospitals from September 2023 to April 2024. These methods included: (i) document review; (ii) participant observation; (iii) semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers (HCWs); (iv) key informant interviews with hospital managers; and (v) focus group discussions with cleaning staff and patient-guardians. Quantitative data from participant observations were analysed in Excel to generate descriptive statistics, while framework analysis was used for qualitative data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>IPC guidelines were theoretically available but inaccessible to most HCWs. Observation revealed low compliance to all five moments of hand hygiene (0-12%) and non-touch technique (9-25%), often due to a lack of IPC supplies and poor knowledge. Adherence to environmental cleaning between procedures in theatre was 50%. Training of HCWs on IPC was inconsistent, and monitoring and feedback mechanisms were largely absent. There was no clear monitoring schedule for aseptic procedures, hand hygiene, or environmental cleaning. There was limited orientation on IPC practices for patient-guardians.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We observed critical IPC gaps in both hospitals. Addressing these issues requires thoughtful implementation of multiple context-specific IPC strategies that are likely to be sustainable, such as IPC orientation for patient-guardians as they play a critical role in the Malawian healthcare system. Training of HCWs, regular monitoring and feedback on HAI/IPC practices, easily accessible IPC guidelines and improved IPC infrastructure and supplies will facilitate improved IPC practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":7950,"journal":{"name":"Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188669/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147626824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}