BackgroundResistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins among Enterobacteriaceae has been reported yet they serve as the last line treatment for severe infections in Uganda and other countries. This resistance often leads to nosocomial infection outbreaks and therapeutic failures from multidrug resistant bacteria. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in clinical samples of patients in various wards of Mulago Hospital; Uganda’s main national referral and teaching hospital.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between January-April, 2014. Purposive consecutive sampling was used to collect pus swab, urine, blood and CSF samples from patients in the various wards. A total of 245 consecutive, non-repetitive, clinical samples were obtained and tested for phenotypic ESBL production using the Double Disc Synergy Test using cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime-clavulanic acid and ceftazidime-clavulanic acid.ResultsResults show that 47 % of the 245 samples had Enterobacteriaceae isolates. Of these isolates 62 % were ESBL producers while 38 % were of non-ESBL phenotype. E. coli was the most isolated organism (53.9 %), followed by K. pneumoniae (28.7 %). Majority of Enterobacteriaceae organisms were isolated from urine samples, followed by pus samples and of these 64.9 % and 47.4 % were ESBL-producers respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest percentage of ESBL producers (72.7 %). There was a higher percentage of isolates showing resistance to ceftazidime (73 %) compared to cefotaxime (57.5 %). All Enterobacter cloacae isolates showed resistance to ceftazidime. There were no statistically significant association between phenotype (ESBL/non-ESBL) and patients’ age or gender or Enterobacteriaceae spp.ConclusionsThis study reveals a high prevalence of ESBL producing organisms in Mulago Hospital and high levels of resistance to third generation cephalosporins. In addition to undertaking appropriate infection control measures, there is urgent need for formulation of an antibiotic policy in Uganda to prevent spread of these organisms. This also calls for continuous monitoring and reporting of the presence of such organisms in order to ensure rational and judicious use of antibiotics by clinicians.

Rumex abyssinica Jacq. (Polygonaceae) is locally used in management of allergies and female reproductive healthcare; whereas Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae) is used to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory distress, dandruff, halitosis and malaria in Uganda. Owing to the paucity of data on their safety profiles, this study evaluated the acute and sub-acute toxicities of 70% ethanolic leaf extracts of both plants in mice and Wistar albino rats. The oral acute toxicity of both plants was evaluated in Swiss mice of 7-8 weeks old (16-22 g) body weight and LD50 determined. Sub-acute toxicity was evaluated in Wistar albino rats (6 per group) at dose rates of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg for 28 days. The LD50 of R. abyssinica and M. spicata in mice was 7727 mg/kg and 13,606 mg/kg body weight, respectively. General signs of toxicity due to large doses of both plants extract included hyperurination, abdominal muscle twitches and convulsions. In the sub-acute toxicity test, rats treated with both extracts did not exhibit any clinical signs of toxicity; no mortality and changes in body weight were observed. R. abyssinica did not cause significant changes in haema-* Corresponding author. M. K. Mugisha et al. 310 tological indices, except a significant increase in HCT (p < 0.05). However, a dose dependant significant decrease in HCT (p < 0.05) and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of WBC, LMY and MCHC were observed in rats treated with M. spicata extract. Biochemical test showed that both extracts caused a significant dose dependent increase (p < 0.05) in levels of ALT and ALP. Marked increase in the levels of AST was also observed in rats treated with M. spicata extract. Of the two extracts, only rats treated with R. abyssinica revealed congestion, hemorrhages and cellular infiltration in vital organs. In conclusion, the LD50 values of both plant extracts were above 5000 mg/kg suggesting that they are experimentally safe, thus justifying their use in traditional medicine. However, prolonged exposure to higher doses may cause observable alterations in histopathological, biochemical, and haematological parameters, particularly with R. abyssinica.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is putting the commercial poultry production systems across the globe at risk of losses due to the failure of treatments for animals and human health which has been associated with overuse and misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming. One possible approach to the resistance problem is ensuring adequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial use by farmers on commercial production systems across the globe are applied. Therefore, the current study was carried out to determine factors that could promote antimicrobial use in commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial use. One hundred and fifty-six (n = 156) semistructured questionnaires imprinted in a mobile Open data kit were administered to capture the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antimicrobial usage in commercial poultry production systems of Kiambu County. Results: Out of the 156 commercial poultry farmers who participated in this study, females accounted for (64%) with 51% of them keeping layers between 50 -500 birds as medium scale farmers. In the study, most of the farmers were 45 years and above (61%) and they had obtained a secondary level of education (34%). We further noted that 67% of the farmers obtain antibiotics through self-prescription/personal experience.

Citropsis articulata, also locally known as the Omuboro is a popular plant in Central and Western Uganda for its claimed aphrodisiac properties. The plant naturally grows in forests and locals uproot it to obtain the roots for treatment of erectile dysfunctions. The root of this plant has been cherished as one of the most valuable herbal Viagra by most rural communities in Uganda. 1 The fast disappearance of these culturally important medicinal plants due to poor utilization practices certainly pose major threat towards a looming extinction. Conservationists in the country are concerned that demand for the roots of the plant threatens the survival of this species' genetic diversity in conservation areas like Mabira forest. 2 The roots are either chewed while fresh/dried or pounded into powder form and then mixed with water to form a concoction. Other plants like Warburgia ugandenesis, Cola acuminata, Prunus americana and Ekebergia capensis have been used in the ABSTRACT Background: Erectile dysfunction is the inability to sustain erection of the penis firm enough for sexual intercourse in males. Citropsis articulata is used locally by communities in Uganda for the management of erectile dysfunction. The current study evaluated the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of C. articulata on the serum level of testosterone and mounting frequency in Male albino rats. Methods: The study animals were divided into four groups and the extract groups dosed daily orally with 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of extract for three weeks. Sildenafil citrate (1mg/kg) and distilled water (10 ml/kg) were used as positive and negative control respectively. The mounting frequencies of the males exposed to estrus induced females rats on day (7 and 21), testosterone levels (day 21) and phytochemicals present in the extract were determined. Results: At 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, both testosterone level and mounting frequency increased significantly (p<0.05) by third week. The mean testosterone level at 600 mg/kg (2.678 ng/ml) of the extract was higher than that of group treated with 1mg/kg sildenafil citrate (2.18 ng/ml). The aphrodisiac activity of this extract may be associated with presence of saponins and basic alkaloids in the plant extract. Conclusions: Taken together, the crude leaf extracts of C. articulata could be used as a cheap alternative for the treatment of low libido due to testosterone deficiency. However, further studies are needed on the safety profile and the identification of the molecules responsible for the biological activity of the plant extract.

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