Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Timothy Obiebe Jason Odey, Williams Omotola Tanimowo, Kayode Olayinka Afolabi, Iqbal Kabir Jahid, Rine Christopher Reuben
Summary: This article discusses the usage of antimicrobials in food animal production in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the impact on public health, environment, and economy. The article calls for urgent promotion and use of sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in the region to mitigate public health concerns.
INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
David Emes, Nichola Naylor, Jeff Waage, Gwenan Knight
Summary: In order to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of reducing antibiotic use in food-producing animals to mitigate global antimicrobial resistance spread, a more precise quantification of the relationship between animal antibiotic use and human resistance is needed. Greater use of panel regression models, which can incorporate various factors in a flexible way, is recommended for future studies to inform cost-effectiveness analysis of interventions across the One Health spectrum in the age of increasing antimicrobial resistance.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Qianyun Ding, Jiuzhi Gao, Xianfeng Ding, Dan Huang, Yunfeng Zhao, Min Yang
Summary: Chinese consumers have insufficient knowledge and neutral attitudes about the use of antimicrobials in farming production and food regulations in China. A large proportion of the participants are willing to purchase antimicrobial-free food products, and most of them obtain related information from the media. This study highlights the importance of updated education and effective communication with consumers in China. It helps to develop a reliable foodborne antimicrobial resistance surveillance system along the food chain and improve government communication and consumer awareness.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eve Emes, Adiouma Faye, Nichola Naylor, Dagim Belay, Babacar Ngom, Awa Gueye Fall, Gwen Knight, Michel Dione
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global health, partly driven by antimicrobial use in livestock production. Reducing antimicrobial use in agriculture is crucial, but it may affect farmers' livelihoods and food security. Understanding the drivers for farmers' antibiotics use is essential for designing interventions that can avoid harming agricultural output and safeguard farmers' economic security.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Jacob A. Narbonne, Brian R. Radke, Derek Price, Patrick C. Hanington, Amreen Babujee, Simon J. G. Otto
Summary: Monitoring antimicrobial use in finfish aquaculture is crucial, but there is currently no standardized indicator suitable for reporting antibiotic usage in this industry. The development of suitable indicators will require industry engagement to ensure credibility and value to stakeholders.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ariel A. Brunn, Manon Roustit, Zaharat Kadri-Alabi, Luca Guardabassi, Jeff Waage
Summary: This meta-analysis reveals a prevalence of resistance to tetracycline (TET) and third generation cephalosporins (3GC) in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from food crops. The study highlights the importance of monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food crops, particularly for 3GC which has limited agricultural usage. Harmonized sampling methods could confirm the trends observed and contribute to One Health AMR surveillance.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Matteo Santinello, Alessia Diana, Massimo De Marchi, Federico Scali, Luigi Bertocchi, Valentina Lorenzi, Giovanni Loris Alborali, Mauro Penasa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of quarantine strategy on reducing antimicrobials in beef cattle production. The results showed that quarantine strategy can effectively reduce antimicrobial use in male cattle without compromising their performance. However, the effectiveness of biosecurity measures in beef production is still poorly understood and further research is needed.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Obiageli Jovita Okolie, Uzoma Igwe, Sanda Umar Ismail, Uzairue Leonard Ighodalo, Emmanuel C. Adukwu
Summary: Surveillance is a useful tool for tracking antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends, patterns, therapeutic and policy interventions. This comprehensive review aims to identify, classify and assess gaps in Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) reporting and national action plan (NAP) implementation in Africa.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Sally A. Miller, Jorge Pinto Ferreira, Jeffrey T. LeJeune
Summary: Bactericides, fungicides, and other pesticides play a crucial role in managing plant diseases, but their use can lead to harmful residues on plants and in the environment. The increasing resistance of plant pathogens to certain chemicals, such as streptomycin and fungicides, poses a significant concern. Additionally, the rise of environmental triazole fungicide-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, which causes aspergillosis in humans, is particularly alarming in Europe. Through horizontal gene transfer, resistance genes can be exchanged among various bacteria in the agricultural setting, including plant pathogens and zoonotic bacteria. This can result in cross-resistance and even multi-drug resistance to different compounds. To ensure food security, sustainable production, and minimize the emergence and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant organisms from horticultural sources, the responsible use of pesticides is crucial.
Article
Microbiology
Arnold Au, Helen Lee, Terry Ye, Uday Dave, Azizur Rahman
Summary: The subtherapeutic use of antibiotics in agriculture has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance, impacting both productivity and sustainability. Bacteriophages, as an alternative to antibiotics, have shown efficacy in controlling bacterial diseases and have the potential to replace antibiotics in agriculture. This review analyzes the recent evidence on phage therapy for common foodborne pathogens and highlights its benefits and challenges.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gisele Rodrigues, Mariana Rocha Maximiano, Octavio Luiz Franco
Summary: This review discusses the use of antibiotic growth promoters in livestock and the negative consequences, proposing the use of antimicrobial peptides as an alternative approach to control antimicrobial resistance.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
David M. Lansing, Jaime Barrett
Summary: This paper examines diverse perspectives on the responsibility for antibiotic use in animal agriculture, which is identified as a significant source of antimicrobial resistance. The study analyzes the points of disagreement and agreement among different stakeholders, such as farmers and public health advocates, using Q methodology. The findings reveal differences in views and interpretations, highlighting areas of common ground and difference. It concludes that these variations are rooted in enduring disparities in perceptions of agriculture.
AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Oana Margarita Ghimpeteanu, Elena Narcisa Pogurschi, Dana Catalina Popa, Nela Dragomir, Tomita Dragotoiu, Oana Diana Mihai, Carmen Daniela Petcu
Summary: This article summarizes the available information on antibiotic residue in food products from around the world, and discusses the impact of consuming food with antibiotic residues on consumer health. It also presents the current methods of analyzing antibiotic residues in food.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lydiah Kisoo, Dishon M. Muloi, Walter Oguta, Daisy Ronoh, Lynn Kirwa, James Akoko, Eric M. Fevre, Arshnee Moodley, Lillian Wambua
Summary: Understanding antibiotic use in livestock systems is crucial in combating antimicrobial resistance. A study in Kenya investigated patterns and drivers of antibiotic use in cattle farms. The study found that most farms used antibiotics for prophylactic purposes, with oxytetracycline, penicillin, and streptomycin being the most commonly used antibiotics. The frequency of antibiotic use was positively associated with disease incidence and herd size, while farms with appropriate housing used antibiotics less frequently.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Harriet Bartlett, Andrew Balmford, James L. N. Wood, Mark A. Holmes
Summary: Pork is the most consumed meat globally with increasing demand. Land use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused by antimicrobial use (AMU) are two important externalities of pig farming. It is commonly believed that land use and AMU are negatively related across different production systems, suggesting that systems with smaller land footprints pose greater risks to human health. However, the relationship between land use and AMU has not been systematically evaluated. In this study, we measured both outcomes for 74 diverse pig production systems and found weak evidence of an AMU/land use tradeoff. We also identified several systems with low externality costs in both domains, which were spread across different label and husbandry types, indicating that no type reliably indicates low-cost systems in both externalities. Our findings emphasize the importance of using empirical evidence instead of assumptions in decision-making.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Asteria L. M. Ndomba, Rose M. Laisser, Vitus Silago, Benson R. Kidenya, Joseph Mwanga, Jeremiah Seni, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: Complications associated with indwelling urinary catheterization (IUC) can have significant impact on patient's health, with catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) being the most common issue. Factors such as age, level of education, and duration of catheterization are closely linked to CA-UTI in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
Article
Microbiology
Vitus Silago, Eveline C. Mruma, Betrand Msemwa, Conjester I. Mtemisika, Shukurani Phillip, Reuben A. Ndagula, Maria M. Said, Martha F. Mushi, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) in clinical, colonization, and hospital environmental samples at a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania. The majority of CR-GNB carried carbapenemase genes, with Acinetobacter spp. being the main source of contamination. Therefore, routine decontamination of hospital surfaces is recommended to reduce the spread of infection.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Conjester I. Mtemisika, Helmut Nyawale, Ronald J. Benju, Joseph M. Genchwere, Vitus Silago, Martha F. Mushi, Joseph Mwanga, Eveline Konje, Mariam M. Mirambo, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of multidrug resistance phenotypes and the distribution of Escherichia coli in poultry and pigs in Mwanza, Tanzania. The results showed that poultry and pigs are commonly colonized by resistant bacterial phenotypes. There are different populations of E. coli between poultry and pigs. The increasing antimicrobial resistance in domesticated animals is a global concern for food safety. The study highlights the importance of implementing regulations to prevent the inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in livestock keeping.
Article
Microbiology
Florencia S. Buchera, Vitus Silago, Geofrey Japhet, Conjester Mtemisika, Prisca Damiano, Helmut A. Nyawale, Martha F. Mushi, Mariam M. Mirambo, Jeremiah Seni, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and co-infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic bacteria among presumptive cases of tuberculosis in selected hospitals in Mwanza, Tanzania. The study found that presumptive TB cases were more commonly infected with other pathogenic bacteria rather than M. tuberculosis. Therefore, considering other pathogenic bacteria is important for ensuring favorable treatment outcomes in presumptive TB cases.
Article
Microbiology
Delfina R. Msanga, Vitus Silago, Tulla Massoza, Benson R. Kidenya, Emmanuel Balandya, Mariam M. Mirambo, Bruno Sunguya, Blandina Theophil Mmbaga, Eligius Lyamuya, John Bartlet, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study aimed to determine the resistance profile and factors associated with MDR pathogen colonization among HIV-and HIV+ children below five years of age in Mwanza, Tanzania. The results showed that HIV+ children were more likely to carry drug-resistant isolates compared to HIV- children. Additionally, a history of recent antibiotic use and a recent hospitalization of a relative living in the same household were independently associated with the colonization of drug-resistant bacteria.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rogers R. Azabo, Stephen E. Mshana, Mecky I. Matee, Sharadhuli I. Kimera
Summary: This study aimed to determine the levels of antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli isolates from small-scale dairy cattle in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study revealed that the most frequent resistance occurred against ampicillin, cefotaxime, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The findings call for further research and prudent antimicrobial use.
Article
Immunology
Fausta Michael, Mariam M. Mirambo, Dafrossa Lyimo, Furaha Kyesi, Delfina R. Msanga, Georgina Joachim, Honest Nyaki, Richard Magodi, Delphius Mujuni, Florian Tinuga, Ngwegwe Bulula, Bonaventura Nestory, Dhamira Mongi, Ahmed Makuwani, Betina Katembo, William Mwengee, Alex Mphuru, Nassor Mohamed, David Kayabu, Helmut Nyawale, Eveline T. Konje, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study documents the decline in active Rubella virus cases in Tanzania after the implementation of the Rubella vaccine. The results highlight the importance of sustaining high vaccination coverage to prevent active infections and eliminate Congenital Rubella syndrome (CRS).
Article
Immunology
Eveline T. Konje, Namanya Basinda, Anthony Kapesa, Stella Mugassa, Helmut A. Nyawale, Mariam M. Mirambo, Nyambura Moremi, Domenica Morona, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: The low vaccination rate in developing countries is due to vaccine hesitancy. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in advocating and promoting vaccines. A study in Tanzania found that lack of effective communication and reliable information were major barriers to vaccine acceptance. Engaging public health figures and opinion leaders through transparent dialogue is necessary to address misconceptions and improve vaccine uptake.
Article
Microbiology
Vitus Silago, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study analyzed K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens in a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania, and found that they carried multiple antibiotic resistance genes and plasmid replicons. The findings highlight the need for genomic-based surveillance in low- and middle-income countries to monitor the spread of high-risk global clones, epidemic plasmids, and antibiotic resistance genes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jennika Virhia, Molly Gilmour, Cairistiona Russell, Edna Mutua, Fortunata Nasuwa, Blandina T. Mmbaga, Stephen E. Mshana, Torre Dunlea, Gabriel Shirima, Jeremiah Seni, Tiziana Lembo, Alicia Davis
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant problem in Tanzania, particularly in terms of multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial stewardship programs that incorporate local knowledge and systemic factors are essential for alleviating the burden of AMR. In-depth interviews with health providers in rural northern Tanzania revealed challenges in training and understanding of AMR, as well as infrastructural constraints.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vitus Silago, Nyambura Moremi, Majigo Mtebe, Erick Komba, Salim Masoud, Fauster X. Mgaya, Mariam M. Mirambo, Helmut A. Nyawale, Stephen E. Mshana, Mecky Isaac Matee
Summary: Empirical treatment of urinary tract infections without laboratory confirmation is common in low-income countries, leading to unnecessary and ineffective antibiotic prescriptions and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This study examined the antibiogram of uropathogens causing community-acquired UTIs in Tanzanian outpatients, highlighting the need to strengthen laboratory diagnostics for antimicrobial resistance surveillance.
Review
Pediatrics
Neema Kayange, Duncan K. Hau, Kevin Pain, Stephen E. Mshana, Robert Peck, Stephan Gehring, Britta Groendahl, Philip Koliopoulos, Baraka Revocatus, Evarist B. Msaki, Ombeva Malande
Summary: This study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The results showed an overall prevalence of 16% for dengue and 7% for chikungunya in SSA children, with a slight decrease in recent years. The study highlights the variations in study design and laboratory methods used for detecting arbovirus infections.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Helmut A. Nyawale, Michael Simchimba, Joseph Mlekwa, Fridolin Mujuni, Elieza Chibwe, Prosper Shayo, Elifuraha B. Mngumi, Khadija S. Majid, Mtebe Majigo, Stephen E. Mshana, Sueleyman Cemil Oglak, Mariam M. Mirambo
Summary: This study provides data on the prevalence of Brucella melitensis antibodies among pregnant women in Mwanza, Tanzania, which is important for understanding the epidemiology of the disease and devising appropriate control interventions.
JOURNAL OF PREGNANCY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lutugera Kihwili, Vitus Silago, Emiliana N. Francis, Vicent A. Idahya, Zabron C. Saguda, Siana Mapunjo, Martha F. Mushi, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This study conducted a point prevalence survey to determine the prevalence of antibiotic use at a hospital in Tanzania and identified areas for improvement. The survey found a high prevalence of antibiotic use among admitted patients, with medical prophylaxis and empiric treatment being the most common indications for prescription. Only a portion of the prescriptions complied with treatment guidelines, and some antibiotics were categorized as not recommended according to WHO standards. The study recommends equipping regional hospitals with laboratories for routine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to support rational therapy and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
Article
Nursing
Asteria L. M. Ndomba, Rose M. Laisser, Eveline T. Konje, Joseph R. Mwanga, Stephen E. Mshana
Summary: This research examines experiences of patients living with long-term indwelling urinary catheters at home and highlights the importance of evidence-based information and support to improve nursing care. The study identifies the need for clear guidelines and support to help patients adjust and manage their catheter insertion.