Analysis of internal audit non-conformances at non-accredited public health laboratories in Gauteng province, South Africa
The International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO) 15189 is an effective measurement to demonstrate the competence of diagnostic laboratories. It verifies that the data produced for making clinical decisions meets the international standard. Furthermore, laboratories use international standards to develop their quality management system (QMS) to ensure the quality and reliability of patient results.
Laboratory-based surveillance of the susceptibility of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales to ceftazidime-avibactam: a preliminary antimicrobial stewardship initiative
The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens is one of the greatest health crises that our society is facing. Among MDR pathogens are carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE (CPE). CRE are Enterobacterales resistant to some or all carbapenem antibiotics (i.e. imipenem, meropenem, doripenem, and ertapenem). CPE, on the other hand, are CRE that achieve carbapenem resistance by producing one or more carbapenemase enzymes. These enzymes hydrolyse and inactivate antimicrobials such as penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems, making them ineffective against the respective pathogens. Among the different classes of carbapenemases is the class D oxacillinase (OXA) enzymes – most commonly OXA-48. A study conducted on bacteraemia-causing CPE isolates from academic hospitals in South Africa (SA) between 2019 and 2020 revealed OXA-48 to be the most common carbapenemase, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being the predominant species.
A proof of concept for the detection of enteric bacteria using a multiplex lateral flow immunoassay
Enteric bacteria are responsible for a vast proportion of diarrhoeal outbreaks worldwide, with less developed countries reporting frequent diarrhoeal outbreaks. These bacteria manifest in the human gut with symptoms of bloody or watery diarrhoeal episodes and severe dehydration, and may lead to death when untreated. The onset is rapid and can escalate to an outbreak, depending on the source of infection.
An overview of vaginitis and vulvovaginal health
Vaginitis is an infection common in primary care; every woman can experience one episode of this infection. Symptoms associated with vaginitis are discharge, odour, and itching, primarily seen in women of reproductive age. Vaginitis infection has a negative impact on women’s quality of life, including feeling embarrassed and anxious. Three main infections are the leading cause of vaginitis: bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis. BV is the leading cause of vaginitis with 40–50% of cases, followed by VVC with 20–25%, and trichomoniasis accounts for 15–20%. They are also noninfectious causes of vaginitis, which are atrophic, irritant, allergic, and inflammatory vaginitis, accounting for 5–10% of vaginitis cases.