The 17th International Congress on Infectious Diseases workshop on developing infection prevention and control resources for low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major concern to healthcare systems around the world. They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, in addition to increased hospitalization costs. Recent outbreaks, including those caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Ebola virus, have highlighted the importance of infection control. Moreover, HAIs, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods, have become a top global priority. Although adequate approaches and guidelines have been in existence for many years and have often proven effective in some countries, the implementation of such approaches in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is often restricted due to limited resources and underdeveloped infrastructure. While evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) principles and practices are universal, studies are needed to evaluate simplified approaches that can be better adapted to LMIC needs, in order to guide IPC in practice. A group of experts from around the world attended a workshop held at the 17th International Congress on Infectious Diseases in Hyderabad, India in March 2016, to discuss the existing IPC practices in LMICs, and how best these can be improved within the local context.

Bridging The Gap For Clinical Pharmacist In Developing Countries Like Pakistan

“…As such, the graduated pharmacists are not fully equipped with expertise required to provide and manage pharmaceutical care in a clinical setting. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Pharmacists in developing countries like Pakistan, prefer to work in cities which are more affluent than urban areas. This creates discrepancies between healthcare services provided in rural and urban areas.…”

“…As a result, there is potent threat of superbug in such healthcare setups. 11 For instance, a throat infection caused by Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus, is no longer treated with amoxicillin, but with azithromycin or worse still by levofloxacin. 12 Therefore, it is immensely important to integrate clinical pharmacists in the healthcare team of developing countries in an effort to put an end to irrational prescribing.…”

Opportunities to Overcome Implementation Challenges of Infection Prevention and Control in Low-Middle Income Countries

“…However, lower observed rates in the study might be due to lower sensitivity of diagnosis of infections made by sometimes insufficiently trained ICPs [68]. Countries like Chile and Venezuela have had ministry of health regulations since 1982 and 1984; however, the implementation has been suboptimal, whereas there is good surveillance system in the hospital environment in Jamaica and the Caribbean islands [69].…”

Advantages and Limitations of 16S rRNA Next-Generation Sequencing for Pathogen Identification in the Diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory: Perspectives from a Middle-Income Country

“…More importantly, CBtest is time consuming for identification of fastidious or slow-growing pathogens, leading to possible patient morbidity and mortality, broad-spectrum antibiotic usage and the possibility of pathogen transmission to other patients [ 4 , 10 , 11 ]. This is especially true when infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies are not prioritized, a situation which might occur in LMICs [ 12 , 13 ].…”