Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) colonisation as a predictor for subsequent CRE infection: A retrospective surveillance study.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonisation is an important prerequisite for infection, and its surveillance is crucial to reduce spread. However, data from South Africa are limited.

Case-fatality and sequelae following acute bacterial meningitis in South Africa, 2016 through 2020.

Objectives: Providing country-specific estimates of case fatality and sequelae from bacterial meningitis (BM) is important to evaluate and monitor progress toward the World Health Organization's roadmap to "defeating meningitis by 2030".

Methods: From 2016-2020, GERMS-SA conducted enhanced surveillance at 26 hospitals across South Africa. Episodes of laboratory-confirmed BM due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis were included.

Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy for suspected and confirmed sepsis of patients in a surgical trauma ICU: a prospective, two period cross-over, interventional study.

Background: Biomarkers like procalcitonin (PCT) are an important antimicrobial stewardship tool for critically ill patients. There is little evidence regarding the use of PCT-guided antibiotic algorithms in developing countries. Evidence is also lacking for PCT-based antibiotic algorithms in surgical trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).