The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains has become a serious global healthcare problem. Additionally, the carriage of both extended-spectrum ß-lactamase and carbapenemase genes on plasmid and genomic DNA in K. pneumoniae clinical isolates has not been documented in Kenya. This study aimed to assess the presence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase genes on genomic and plasmid DNA in K. pneumoniae, and classify these super-bug clinical isolates based on their phylogenetic patterns. The identification of Klebsiella-like clinical isolates (n = 20) collected from Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi was performed using API 20E Kit. Screening and confirmation for ESBL and carbapenemase phenotypes were conducted using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test protocol. Conventional PCR technique was used to characterize ESBL and carbapenemase resistant genes on both genomic and plasmid DNA. Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing were performed. The 16S rRNA gene contiguous sequences of the bacterial isolates were analyzed using the ChromasPro. The gene sequence was compared with the sequences in GenBank database, using the BLAST program of NCBI to obtain the nearest phylogenetic neighbours from the databases. Then, the sequences of MDR K. pneumoniae and its relatives were aligned using ClustalW. The evolutionary history was inferred by using the maximum like-

The problem of antimicrobial resistance has created a new need for alternative/ complementary treatments. To this end, bacteriophages offer an exciting prospect, as they can infect and kill specific bacteria without harming the host. This survey aimed to evaluate the state of applied phage research in Africa, among the members of the Africa phage Forum (APF). This was a cross-sectional survey whereby a google form was created for the members of the Africa Phage forum to fill so as to access the stage of phage research in Africa. Data was collected between June and July 2021 using a structured questionnaire form. A total of 65 out of a total of 101 forum members completed the questionnaire. The survey indicated that a majority 68% of phage researchers in Africa were at the training stages of their career. Some available participants were limited (8%). Most of the members identified funding, lack of skill set, near absence of adequate laboratory infrastructure as major hurdles for phage research. Despite these challenges, 73.3% of APF members work with the ESKAPE group with the majority of its members carrying out research in Phage in Biocontrol (80%), whereas others perform research related to human phage therapy (60%). However, it appeared this research has not yet reached the stage of commercialization. Overall, Phage research is in its infancy in Africa. Key challenges included poor laboratory infrastructure, lack of capacity building in the phage field, and lack of local awareness on the significance of phages for policymakers and governments. APF could, therefore, play a role in creating phage awareness in Africa; mobilizing resources; enhancing networks and collaborations amongst APF members and beyond, especially with more experienced phage mentors in the Western countries, to greatly reduce the gap in knowledge and enhance phage research in Africa.

No abstract avilable.

No abstract

No abstract