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Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is globally distributed with its attendant complications such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Somalia is among the countries with high prevalence of HBV infection. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCW) towards HBV infection in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted on HCW to assess KAP towards HBV infection. Standardized questionnaires were distributed to 470 HCW recruited for the study from five hospitals. Data for demographic characteristics were described using percentages. Scores for KAP were presented as mean ±standard deviation. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used deduce inferences between the mean KAP and demographic characteristics of the participants. Spearman’s rho correlation was used to determine any association between the KAP of the HCW. Results Of the 470 distributed questionnaire, 430 questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 91.5%. Majority (73%) of the participants had tertiary education. The mean scores for KAP were 16.3±4.4, 6.9±0.4, 7.03±1.5 respectively. Significant ( P<0.01 ) positive correlation between the KAP variables were observed. Professional cadre and marital status were found to be associated with mean KAP ( P<0.001 ). Conclusion This study revealed an acceptable level of KAP among the HCW and a potential source of participants for awareness campaign against HBV infection in Somalia.

BackgroundEnterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis are among the predominant species causing hospital-acquired infections. Currently, enterococcal infections are treated using combination therapy of an aminoglycoside with cell-wall active agents, which led to high level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) and vancomycin resistance (VRE) among enterococci. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HLAR and the distribution of the resistance genes among clinical E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates in Malaysia.Materials and methodsSeventy-five enterococci isolates recovered from different clinical sources were re-identified by subculturing on selective medium, Gram staining, biochemical profiling (API 20 Strep), and 16s rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion, E-test, and broth microdilution methods. PCR amplification was used to detect the presence of aminoglycoside modifying enzyme (AME) genes [aac(6’)-Ie-aph(2”)-Ia, aph(2”)-Ib, aph(2”)-Ic, aph(2”)-Id, aph(3’)-IIIa]. Descriptive data analysis was used to analyze the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and the distribution of HLAR genes.ResultsThe majority of the isolates recovered from the clinical samples are E. faecalis (66.7%), with the highest recovery from the pus. The prevalence of HLGR (51%) is higher when compared to HLSR (45–49%). Analysis of the resistance genes showed that bifunctional genes aac(6’)-Ie-aph(2”)-Ia and aph(3’)-IIIa contributed to the HLAR E. faecalis and E. faecium. The other AME genes [aph(2”)-Ib, aph(2”)-Ic, aph(2”)-Id] were not detected in this study.ConclusionThis study provides the first prevalence data on HLAR and the distribution of the AME genes among E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates from Malaysia. These highlight the need for continued antibiotic surveillance to minimize its emergence and further dissemination.

Leptospirosis is a neglected emerging zoonosis occurring both in urban environments and rural regions worldwide. During occupational and recreational activities, individuals who directly or indirectly contact the urine of infected animals are at a high risk of infection. Southeast Asia is reported to have the highest incidence of leptospirosis in the world. The disease is endemic in Malaysia and has consistently caused outbreaks among humans with severe outcomes. Early diagnosis is vital for commence treatment thereby minimizing the harmful effects of the disease. It also allows the implementation of measures to control the spread to humans and the environment. In this article, an attempt was made to review the current diagnostic methods including challenges faced by healthcare service providers during the diagnosis of acute cases, as well as the emerging technologies used for early and accurate diagnosis. The review also highlighted innovative ideas that can be integrated into developing practical solutions, including the crucial roles of the patients, reservoir hosts, and the environments that harbor the bacteria.

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