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Protozoa are eukaryotic cells distributed worldwide in nature and are receiving increasing attention as reservoirs and potential vectors for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. In the environment, on the other hand, many genera of the protozoa are human and animal pathogens. Only limited information is available on these organisms in developing countries and so far no information on their presence is available from Sudan. It is necessary to establish a molecular identification of species of the protozoa from drinking and environmental water. 600 water samples were collected from five states (Gadarif, Khartoum, Kordofan, Juba, and Wad Madani) in Sudan and analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. 57 out of 600 water samples were PCR positive for protozoa. 38 out of the 57 positive samples were identified by sequencing to contain 66 protozoa species including 19 (28.8%) amoebae, 17 (25.7%) Apicomplexa, 25 (37.9%) ciliates, and 5 (7.6%) flagellates. This study utilized molecular methods identified species belonging to all phyla of protozoa and presented a fast and accurate molecular detection and identification of pathogenic as well as free-living protozoa in water uncovering hazards facing public health.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major health threats affecting people globally; however, the burden of STIs is greatest in low-income countries. Since they are physiologically more vulnerable, women are mostly affected. The risk is increased dramatically during pregnancy leading to serious health complications that may affect the newborn. Underprivileged pregnant women attending antenatal clinics for routine checkups in displaced camps, a women's prison and several peripheral health centres were clinically and laboratory screened for trichomoniasis, chlamydial infections, gonorrhea and syphilis. A total of 426 women with an age range of 14-45 years were included. Clinical data, blood, cervical and vaginal swabs were collected. Conventional bacteriological and serological methods were applied. All attendees were HIV1/2-negative. The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Treponema pallidum infections was found to be 7.8%, 4.9%, 0% and 5%, respectively. Although vaginal discharge, among other symptoms, is known to be the most significant indicator for STIs, our identified positive predictive value was only 14.1%. We conclude that use of syndromic approach for diagnosing and treating attendees of antenatal settings is of low clinical value and many easily curable STIs will be overlooked. Consequently, trichomoniasis, chlamydial infection and syphilis prevailed widely among this population.

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Purpose The aim of this study was to detect multidrug resistant GIM-1 and SIM-1 producing Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates from hospitalized patients across three Khartoum State Teaching Hospitals, Sudan. Patients and Methods From May 2018 to October 2019, Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates from inpatients admitted to different Khartoum state hospitals. Genes for carbapenemase (GIM-1 and SIM-1) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Agar dilution method was used to determine MICs for imipenem and meropenem after antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results Five (1.29%) isolates of Enterobacteriaceae [2 (0.51%) Escherichia coli isolates produce GIM-1, 2 (0.51%) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (one [0.25%] of each produce of GIM-1 and of SIM-1), and 1 (0.25%) Enterobacter cloacae isolate produce GIM-1]. Susceptibility profiling of the isolates showed a low-level resistance to imipenem and meropenem MICs (8, 16 and 32 μg/mL). It also had resistance to ampicillin, extended-spectrum cephalosporin’s, aztreonam, and amoxicillin-clavulanate and with the two K. pneumoniae strains showing resistance to colistin. Conclusion We report the emergence of four GIM-1 producing Enterobacteriaceae strains and one strain of SIM-1 producing K. pneumoniae genes, isolated from hospitalized patients, with a high resistance pattern to antimicrobial agents. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is necessary for precise identification of clonal diversity backgrounds of acquired carbapenemase genes in diagnostic laboratories as the number of cases of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection increases annually.