BackgroundVulvovaginal candidiasis is a global issue of concern due to its association with economic costs, sexually transmitted infections, and ascending genital tract infection. The aim of this study was to determine species distribution and antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to December 2016 at the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia. Vaginal swabs collected from study subjects that were clinically diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis were cultured. Yeast identification and antifungal susceptibility testing were determined by the automated VITEK 2 compact system. The association of vulvovaginal candidiasis with possible risk factors was assessed and analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsThe overall prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was 41.4%. The association of vulvovaginal candidiasis was statistically significant with previous genital tract infection (p = 0.004), number of life-time male sex partners (p = .037), and number of male sex partners in 12 month (p = 0.001). Of 87 Candida isolates recovered, 58.6% were C. albicans while 41.4% were non-albicans Candida species. The highest overall drug resistance rate of Candida species was observed against fluconazole (17.2%), followed by flycytosine (5.7%). All Candida isolates were 100% susceptible to voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin. C. albicans, was 100% susceptible to all drugs tested except fluconazole and flycytosine with a resistance rate of 2% each drug. C. krusei, was 100 and 33.3% resistant to fluconazole and flycytosine, respectively.ConclusionsHigh prevalence rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis and observation of high prevalence rate of non-albicans Candida species in the present study substantiate, the importance of conducting continuous epidemiological surveys to measure changes in species distribution from C. albicans to non-albicans Candida species in Ethiopia. Although, fluconazole still appeared to be active against all isolates of C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species high resistance rate of C. krusei against the drug may demonstrate a search for alternative antifungal drugs when treating vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. krusei.

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus particularly MRSA strains are one of the major causes of community and hospital acquired bacterial infections. They are also becoming increasingly multi-drug resistant and have recently developed resistance to vancomycin, which has been used successfully to treat MRSA for many years. In-vitro determination of drug resistance patterns of S. aureus is critical for the selection of effective drugs for the treatment of staphylococci infections.The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of methicillin resistant S. aureus strains from different clinical specimens from patients referred for routine culture and sensitivity testing.MethodA cross sectional study was conducted among 1360 participants at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College in Ethiopia from September 2013 to April 2014. Clinical samples from various anatomical sites of study participants were cultured on blood agar and mannitol salt agar and identified to be S. aureus by using catalase, coagulase and DNAse tests. S. aureus isolates then were screened for MRSA using 30 μg cefoxitin disc and other 11 antimicrobial drugs by disc diffusion procedure, and agar dilution and E tests for vancomycin. All S. aureus isolates examined for beta-lactamase production by employing nitrocefin. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software and logistic regressions were applied to assess any association between dependent and independent variables.ResultsOf 1360 clinical specimens analyzed S. aureus was recovered from (194, 14.3 %). Rate of isolation of S. aureus with regard to clinical specimens was the highest in pus (118, 55.4 %).No S. aureus was isolated from CSF and urethral discharge. Out of 194 S. aureus isolates, (34, 17.5 %) were found out to be MRSA and the remaining (160, 82.5 %) were MSSA. Ninety eight (50.5 %) S. aureus were multi drug resistant and the highest isolates were resistant to penicillin (187, 96.4 %) and least resistant for clindamycin (23, 11.9 %) and vancomycin (10, 5.1 %). MRSA strains were 100 % resistant to penicillin G, erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and least resistant to vancomycin (10, 29.4 %). Out of 194 S. aureus isolates (153, 79.0 %) were beta-lactamase producers.ConclusionIn this study S. aureus isolates exhibited very high degree of resistance to different antibiotics. The isolates were also multidrug resistant to several combinations of the tested antibiotics. The emergence of vancomycin resistant S. aureus highlights the value of prudent prescribing of antibiotics and avoiding their irrational use.

Background Bacterial vaginosis is a global concern due to the increased risk of acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. Objectives To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and bacteria causing aerobic vaginitis. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 patients between September 2015 and July 2016 at St. Paul's Hospital. Gram-stained vaginal swabs were examined microscopically and graded as per Nugent's procedure. Bacteria causing aerobic vaginitis were characterized, and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined. Results The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 48.6%. Bacterial vaginosis was significantly associated with number of pants used per day (p = 0.001) and frequency of vaginal bathing (p = 0.045). Of 151 bacterial isolates, 69.5% were Gram-negative and 30.5% were Gram-positive bacteria. The overall drug resistance level of Gram-positive bacteria was high against penicillin, tetracycline, and erythromycin. Cefoxitin and tobramycin were the most active drugs against Gram-positive bacteria. The overall drug resistance level of Gram-negative bacteria was high against tetracycline, ampicillin, and amoxicillin. Amikacin and tobramycin were the most active drugs against Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was high and was affected by individual hygiene. Routine culture of vaginal samples should be performed on patients with vaginitis and the drug susceptibility pattern of each isolate should be determined.

BackgroundUrinary tract infection is the second most common type of infection and the problem is further compounded by the emergence of drug resistance in bacterial uropathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the spectrum of bacterial uropathogens and their drug resistant pattern.MethodsA single institutional cross-sectional study was carried out at Arsho Advanced Medical laboratory from September 2015 to May 2016. A total of 712 urine samples were collected, inoculated onto primary isolation culture media, incubated at 37 °C for 18–24 h, and significant bacteriuria was determined. Identification and the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria were determined by using the automated VITEK 2 compact system.ResultsOut of 712 urine samples processed, 256 (36%) yielded significant bacteriuria of which 208 (81.25%) were obtained from female and 48 (18.75%) from male patients. Age group of 25–44 were more affected with the infection. Of 256 bacterial isolates recovered, Escherichia coli, was the dominant bacterium. Ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were the least effective drugs while piperacillin/tazobactam was the most effective drug against Gram-negative bacteria. Erythromycin was the least effective drug while vancomycin was the most active drug against Gram-positive bacteria.ConclusionsObservation of many bacterial species causing UTI in this study warrants, a continuous epidemiological survey of UTI in health institutions across the country. High level of drug resistance to the commonly prescribed drugs necessitates a search for other options.

Background. Dermatophytosis is common worldwide and continues to increase. Objective. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dermatophytosis and the spectrum of ringworm fungi in patients attending a tertiary hospital. Methods. Samples were collected from 305 patients. A portion of each sample was examined microscopically and the remaining portion of each sample was cultured onto plates of Sabouraud's dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol with and without cycloheximide. Dermatophyte isolates were identified by studying macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of their colonies. Result. Of 305 samples, fungi were detected in 166 (54.4%) by KOH of which 95 were dermatophytes while 242 (79.4%) samples were culture positive of which 130 isolates were dermatophytes. Among dermatophyte isolates T. violaceum was the most common (37.7%) cause of infection. Tinea unguium was the predominant clinical manifestation accounting for 51.1% of the cases. Patients with age group 25–44 and 45–64 years were more affected. T. violaceum was the most common pathogen in tinea unguium and tinea capitis, whereas T. mentagrophytes was the most common pathogen in tinea pedis. Conclusion. Further intensive epidemiological studies of ring worm fungus induced dermatophytosis which have public health significance are needed.

Background Dermatophytosis is a disease of major public health problem around the globe causing a considerable morbidity. Objective To study the prevalence of dermatophytosis and the spectrum of fungi implicated in causing the infection. Methods Nail, skin, and scalp scrapings were collected from 318 patients and were used for microscopy and culture study. Fungal pathogens were identified by studying the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of their colonies. Result Tinea capitis was the predominant clinical manifestation consisting of 48.1% of the cases. Among 153 patients with tinea capitis, 73.2% were in the age group of 1-14 years. Of 318 study participants, 213 (67.98%) were found to be positive for dermatophytosis microbiologically. Out of 164 fungal isolates, 86 were dermatophytes and 78 were non-dermatophyte fungi. Among 86 dermatophytes, T. violaceum represented 38.4% of dermatophyte isolates and 89.7% of the isolates were recovered from tinea capitis. Of 76 non-dermatophyte molds, Aspergillus spp., Scytalidium dimidiatum, and Cladosporium spp. were the most common isolates, respectively. Conclusions Failure to detect or isolate fungal pathogens in a large number of clinical samples revealed the limitation of clinical diagnosis in differentiating dermatophytosis from other skin infections demonstrating that clinical diagnosis should be coupled with laboratory methods. Recovery of large number of non-dermatophyte fungi along with dermatophytes in our study showed that non-dermatophyte fungi are emerging as important causes of dermatophytosis, warranting the implementation of intensive epidemiological studies of dermatophytosis across the country.

BackgroundThe emergence of multidrug-resistance (MDR), production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases, and carbapenemase in members of fermentative gram-negative bacilli are a serious threat to public health.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the burden of multi-drug resistance, the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), and carbapenemase in fermentative Gram-negative bacilli in Ethiopian Public Health Institute.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2017 to June 2018. Different clinical samples were collected, inoculated, and incubated according to standard protocols related to each sample. Bacterial identification was performed by using the VITEKR 2 compact system using the GNR card. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Production of ESBL and carbapenemase were confirmed by combination disc and modified Hodge Test method respectively.ResultsA total of 238 fermentative Gram-negative bacilli were recovered during the study period, among which E.coli were the predominant isolates followed by K. pneumoniae. The highest percentage of antibiotic resistance was noted against ampicillin (100%) followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (81.9%). The isolates showed better sensitivity towards carbapenem drugs. Out of 238 isolates, 94.5% were MDR and of which 8.8% and 0.8% were extensively and pan drug resistant, respectively. Nearly 67% and 2% of isolates were producers of ESBL and carbapenemase, respectively. The isolation rates of MDR, ESBL, and carbapenemase producing stains of the isolates were ≥70% in intensive care unit while the isolation rates in other wards were ≤25%.ConclusionsThe findings of this study revealed that the burden of MDR and ESBL was high and carbapenemase producing isolates were also identified which is concerning. This situation warrants a consistent surveillance of antimicrobial resistance of fermentative Gram-negative bacilli and implementation of an efficient infection control program.

Background. In Ethiopia, little is known regarding the distribution and the in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile of yeasts. Objective. This study was undertaken to determine the spectrum and the in vitro antifungal susceptibility pattern of yeasts isolated from HIV infected patients with OPC. Method. Oral pharyngeal swabs taken from oral lesions of study subjects were inoculated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Yeasts were identified by employing conventional test procedures and the susceptibility of yeasts to antifungal agents was evaluated by disk diffusion assay method. Result. One hundred and fifty-five yeast isolates were recovered of which 91 isolates were from patients that were not under HAART and 64 were from patients that were under HAART. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species followed by C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. kefyr, Cryptococcus laurentii, and Rhodotorula species. Irrespective of yeasts isolated and identified, 5.8%, 5.8%, 12.3%, 8.4%, 0.6%, and 1.3% of the isolates were resistant to amphotericin B, clotrimazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and nystatin, respectively. Conclusion. Yeast colonization rate of 69.2% and 31% resistance to six antifungal agents was documented. These highlight the need for nationwide study on the epidemiology of OPC and resistance to antifungal drugs.