Publications by authors named "M Shawa"
Background: The inappropriate use of antibiotics in hospitals contributes to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the prevalence of antibiotic use and adherence to the World Health Organization (WHO) Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) classification of antibiotics across 16 hospitals in Zambia.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study employing the WHO Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) methodology and WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics was conducted among inpatients across 16 hospitals in December 2023, Zambia.
Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are critical in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Zambia, there is little information regarding the capacity of hospitals to establish and implement AMS programs. The objective of this study was to conduct a baseline assessment of WHO core elements for an AMS program implementation in eight hospitals in Zambia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that produces a spectrum of effectors integral to bacterial niche adaptation and the development of various infections. Among those is EsxA, whose secretion depends on the EssC component of the type VII secretion system (T7SS). EsxA's roles within the bacterial cell are poorly understood, although postulations indicate that it may be involved in sporulation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Bacillus anthracis is a highly pathogenic bacterium that can cause lethal infection in animals and humans, making it a significant concern as a pathogen and biological agent. Consequently, accurate diagnosis of B. anthracis is critically important for public health.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle 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.