Genomic approach to determine sources of neonatal Staphylococcus aureus infection from carriage in the Gambia.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of neonatal infections in various anatomical sites, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in The Gambia. These clinical infections are often preceded by nasal carriage of S. aureus, a known risk factor.

Impact of Intrapartum Azithromycin on the Carriage and Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Mothers and Their Newborns: A Substudy of a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial Conducted in The Gambia and Burkina Faso.

Background: Limited data exist on the effects of intrapartum azithromycin on the prevalence of carriage and antibiotic resistance of Enterobacterales.

Methods: We conducted a randomized trial in The Gambia and Burkina Faso where women received intrapartum azithromycin (2 g) or placebo. We determined the impact of treatment on the prevalence of carriage and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae by analyzing rectal swabs (RS), nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), breast milk, and rectovaginal swabs (RVS).

Comparative and stability study of glucose concentrations measured in both sodium fluoride and serum separator tubes.

Introduction: Sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate (NaF/KOx) tubes has been regarded as the gold-standard tubes for glucose analysis. Even though their ineffectiveness in immediately inhibiting glycolysis has been reported in several studies especially in the first 1-4h, they are still used in our clinical biochemistry laboratory for glucose measurement. However, in its absence, only serum separator tubes are employed for glucose measurement.

Effect of Intrapartum Azithromycin vs Placebo on Neonatal Sepsis and Death: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. New interventions are needed to decrease neonatal sepsis and mortality in regions with highest burden.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intrapartum azithromycin to reduce neonatal sepsis or mortality, as well as neonatal and maternal infections.

Exhaled Mycobacterium tuberculosis Predicts Incident Infection in Household Contacts.

Background: Halting transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) by identifying infectious individuals early is key to eradicating tuberculosis (TB). Here we evaluate face mask sampling as a tool for stratifying the infection risk of individuals with pulmonary TB (PTB) to their household contacts.

Methods: Forty-six sputum-positive PTB patients in The Gambia (August 2016-November 2017) consented to mask sampling prior to commencing treatment.