Publications by authors named "Doreen Mainza Shempela"
Background: Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) in are a serious concern due to their role in developing multidrug resistance (MDR) and difficult-to-treat infections.
Objective: This study aimed to identify ESBL-carrying strains from both clinical and environmental sources in Lusaka District, Zambia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 58 ESBL-producing strains from hospital inpatients, outpatients, and non-hospital environments.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health problem exacerbated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics and the inadequate capacity of laboratories to conduct AMR surveillance. This study assessed the capacity of laboratories in seven faith-based hospitals to conduct AMR testing and surveillance in Zambia. This multi-facility, cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted from February 2024 to April 2024.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWastewater-based surveillance has emerged as an important method for monitoring the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Zambia. We conducted a longitudinal study in the Copperbelt and Eastern provinces of Zambia from October 2023 to December 2023 during which 155 wastewater samples were collected.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 have led to the emergence of new variants with potential effects like increased spread, severity, and vaccine resistance.
- A cross-sectional study in Zambia analyzed 76 SARS-CoV-2 samples from November 2021 to February 2022, identifying 4,097 mutations, with 1,925 occurring in the spike protein.
- The study found 83 unique amino acid mutations in the spike proteins of various Omicron sublineages, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and pandemic readiness.
Article Synopsis
- Enteric infections from viral pathogens like rotavirus and adenovirus are a significant public health issue, prompting the need for effective surveillance systems in wastewater to identify risk areas.
- In Zambia, researchers tested wastewater samples using different methods to concentrate viruses, resulting in a high detection rate (90% for HAdV and 70% for RVA) through molecular techniques.
- The study concluded that certain concentration methods, particularly skimmed milk flocculation and bag-mediated filtration, could be beneficial for ongoing surveillance in resource-limited settings, highlighting the importance of monitoring these pathogens in the community.
Background: The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials has worsened the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally. This study investigated the AMR profiles of isolated from clinical and environmental samples in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from February 2023 to June 2023 using 450 samples.
Article Synopsis
- Zambia has a high adult HIV prevalence of 11%, and it's struggling to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals, with only 86.2% of people achieving viral load suppression.
- The study focused on North-Western Province, where viral load suppression is the lowest at 77.5%, and explored how an integrated sample referral system can enhance HIV testing and diagnosis results.
- Results showed that after implementing this referral system, there was a significant and consistent increase in viral load coverage, a 47.7% improvement in Early Infant Diagnosis turnaround time, and a 25% rise in sample volume, highlighting the need for ongoing support and targeted strategies to optimize testing outcomes.
The epidemiology of Rift Valley fever (RVF) is poorly understood in Malawi. Here, a cross-sectional study was conducted (March-June 2020) to investigate the seroprevalence and potential risk factors of RVF virus (RVFV) in cattle, goats, and sheep in three ecological zones of Malawi. A total of 1523 serum samples were tested for anti-RVFV IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) have significantly impacted the global epidemiology of the pandemic. From December 2020 to April 2022, we conducted genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the Southern Province of Zambia, a region that shares international borders with Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe and is a major tourist destination. Genetic analysis of 40 SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes revealed the circulation of Alpha (B.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF