Publications by authors named "Jocelyne Kalema"
Bacterial contamination of mobile handwashing stations in hospital settings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control
December 2024
Background: As part of the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, mobile handwashing stations (mHWS) were deployed in healthcare facilities in low-resource settings. We assessed mHWS in hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for contamination with Gram-negative bacteria.
Methods: Water and soap samples of in-use mHWS in hospitals in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi were quantitatively cultured for Gram-negative bacteria which were tested for antibiotic susceptibility.
Knowledge, awareness, and risk practices related to bacterial contamination of antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products among healthcare workers in sub-saharan Africa: a cross-sectional survey in three tertiary care hospitals (Benin, Burkina Faso, and DR Congo).
Antimicrob Resist Infect Control
April 2024
Article Synopsis
- Antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products in healthcare settings in sub-Saharan Africa may harbor bacteria, creating a risk for healthcare-associated infections, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- A survey conducted with 617 healthcare workers revealed that a significant number were inadequately trained in Infection Prevention & Control, with less than half reporting formal training.
- Many participants expressed a preference for liquid soap over alcohol-based hand rubs, but showed gaps in knowledge regarding proper use, preparation, and storage of disinfectants, with a considerable portion unaware of safe practices.
Background: Bacterial contamination of blood for transfusion is rarely investigated in low-income countries. We determined the contamination rate of blood products in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Material And Methods: In this prospective observational study, blood products in one rural and two urban hospitals (paediatric and general) contained a satellite sampling bag by which blood was sampled for culture in a blood culture bottle (4 mL) and on an agar-coated slide to estimate colony forming units (CFU/mL).