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Background: The coexistence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) amplifies the risk of maternal and perinatal mortality and complications, leading to more severe adverse pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the double burden of GDM and PIH (GDM/PIH) among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Embase, and Google Scholar, covering studies published up to May 14, 2023. The analysis was carried out using JBI SUMARI and STATA version 17. Subgroup analyses were computed to demonstrate heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the impact of a single study on the overall estimate. Publication bias was assessed through inspection of the funnel plot and statistically using Egger's regression test. Result: Of 168 retrieved studies, 15 with a total of 6391 participants were deemed eligible. The pooled prevalence of GDM/PIH co-occurrence among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 3.76% (95% CI; 3.29–4.24). No publication bias was reported, and sensitivity analysis suggested that excluded studies did not significantly alter the pooled prevalence of GDM/PIH co-occurrence. A statistically significant association between GDM and PIH was observed, with pregnant women with GDM being three times more likely to develop PIH compared to those without GDM (OR = 3.44; 95% CI; 2.15–5.53). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a high dual burden of GDM and PIH among pregnant women in Ethiopia, with a significant association between the two morbidities. These findings emphasize the critical need for comprehensive antenatal care programs in Ethiopia to adequately address and monitor both GDM and PIH for improved maternal and perinatal health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to retrospectively assess the cost-effectiveness of various COVID-19 vaccination strategies in Ethiopia. It involved healthcare workers (HCWs) and community participants; and was conducted through interviews and serological tests. Local SARS-CoV-2 variants and seroprevalence rates, as well as national COVID-19 reports and vaccination status were also analyzed. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to determine the most economical vaccination strategies in settings with limited vaccine access and high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Before the arrival of the vaccines, 65% of HCWs had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, indicating prior exposure to the virus. Individuals with prior infection exhibited a greater antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines and experienced fewer new infections compared to those without prior infection, regardless of vaccination status (5% vs. 24%, p < 0.001 for vaccinated; 3% vs. 48%, p < 0.001 for unvaccinated). The cost-effectiveness analysis indicated that a single-dose vaccination strategy is optimal in settings with high underlying seroprevalence and limited vaccine availability. This study underscores the need for pragmatic vaccination strategies tailored to local contexts, particularly in high-seroprevalence regions, to maximize vaccine impact and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Implementing a targeted approach based on local seroprevalence information could have helped Ethiopia achieve higher vaccination rates and prevent subsequent outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the pattern of haematological indices and blood cell ratios of ACS patients compared with apparently healthy controls. Methods: Patients diagnosed with ACS were recruited consecutively between 01 May 2022 and 31 October 2023 at Jimma Medical Center (JMC). Biochemical analyses and complete blood counts were performed. Analysis of variance was performed to compare the continuous variables. Spearman correlation coefficient tests were performed to correlate hematologic parameters with high sensitive troponin-I (hs-Tn-I) levels. Results: This study enrolled 220 participants (110 patients with ACS and age, sex, and place of residence matched 110 non-ACS controls). From ACS group 99 (90%) were diagnosed with ST-elevated myocardial infarction. The ACS group had a significantly greater mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cell count, red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. The RDW (r = 0.248, p = 0.009) and MPV (r = 0.245, p = 0.009) were significantly positively correlated with hs-Tn-I levels in the ACS group. MPV, RDW, and monocyte count were significantly higher in non-survivor ACS patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The significant differences observed in haematological parameters between individuals with ACS and healthy controls suggest the potential utility of these easily accessible and cost-effective diagnostics in predicting future morbidity and ACS risk. Incorporating these routine evaluations into clinical practice could enhance risk assessment and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hospital environment is increasingly becoming an important reservoir for multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria, posing serious challenges to efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to investigate the role of hospital waste as a potential source of MDR ESBL-producing bacteria. Samples were collected from multiple sources within a hospital and its vicinity, including surface swabs, houseflies, and sewage samples. The samples were subsequently processed in a microbiology laboratory to identify potential pathogenic bacteria and confirmed using MALDI-TOF MS. Bacteria were isolated from 87% of samples, with the predominant isolates being E. coli (30.5%), Klebsiella spp. (12.4%), Providencia spp. (12.4%), and Proteus spp. (11.9%). According to the double disc synergy test (DDST) analysis, nearly half (49.2%) of the bacteria were identified as ESBL producers. However, despite exhibiting complete resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, 11.8% of them did not test positive for ESBL production. The characterization of E. coli revealed that 30.6% and 5.6% of them carried blaCTX-M group 1 type-15 and blaNDM genes, respectively. This finding emphasizes the importance of proper hospital sanitation and waste management practices to mitigate the spread of AMR within the healthcare setting and safeguard the health of both patients and the wider community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is a significant problem that restricts the options for treating bacterial pneumonia. This research aimed to determine the bacterial causes of pneumonia and antibiotic resistance among hospitalized patients in southwest Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: We collected and analyzed 150 sputum samples from individuals with community-acquired pneumonia from April 1st to October 30th, 2019. Standard bacteriological procedures were used to identify the bacteria. Kirby Bauer's disk diffusion method was used to assess the bacteria's susceptibility patterns. Production of carbapenemase and extended-spectrum-lactamase were confirmed phenotypically. Odds ratios and the chi-square test were computed. Results: On the whole, bacterial pathogens were verified in 50% of the sputum samples. The predominant bacterial isolates were Klebsiella species, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. About 77.5% of isolates were multidrug resistant. Moreover, 40.5% and 10.8% of the isolates were ESBL and carbapenemase producers, respectively. Aging, tobacco smoking, previous history of pneumonia, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disease had association with sputum culture-positivity. Conclusion: As a result, it is important to regularly monitor the bacterial etiologies and their patterns of resistance. Additionally, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics should all be taken into account while managing patients with pneumonia empirically in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa: A Call for Multidimensional Strategies to a Growing Crisis" discusses the critical global health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact on Africa. AMR refers to microorganisms' ability to withstand antimicrobial treatments, leading to persistent infections and increased morbidity and mortality. Africa has the highest mortality rate attributable to AMR compared to other parts of the world. The crisis in Africa is driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and the availability of substandard medications. Traditional practices, such as self-medication and the use of conventional medicines, further complicate the AMR landscape. Addressing AMR in Africa requires a multifaceted approach, including enhanced surveillance systems, robust antimicrobial stewardship programs, and improved healthcare infrastructure. A "One Health" approach, considering the influence of clinical and agricultural activities, vectors, and environmental hygiene, is crucial. Effective policy implementation, regional and international collaborations, increased investment in research and development, and public awareness campaigns are also necessary. Coordinated efforts are urgently needed to combat AMR in Africa and ensure the sustainability of effective antimicrobial therapies, as failure to do so could have far-reaching global implications. [Extracted from the article]