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Review
. 2018 Dec 6;7(2):796.
doi: 10.4102/ajlm.v7i2.796. eCollection 2018.

A systematic review of healthcare-associated infections in Africa: An antimicrobial resistance perspective

Emmanuel O Irek  1 , Adewale A Amupitan  1 , Temitope O Obadare  1 , Aaron O Aboderin  1   2
Affiliations
Review

A systematic review of healthcare-associated infections in Africa: An antimicrobial resistance perspective

Emmanuel O Irek et al. Afr J Lab Med. .

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) is a global health challenge, not only as an issue of patient safety but also as a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality with economic consequences.

Objective: This review provides an update on the occurrence of HCAI, as well as the contribution of emerging AMR on healthcare delivery in Africa.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane database, African Journals Online and Google Scholar for relevant articles on HCAI in Africa between 2010 and 2017. Preferred reporting items of systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were followed for selection. Thirty-five eligible articles were considered for the qualitative synthesis.

Results: Of the 35 eligible articles, more than half (n = 21, 60%) were from East Africa. Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. were the common pathogens reported in bloodstream infection, (catheter-associated) urinary tract infection, surgical site infection and healthcare-associated pneumonia. Among these various subtypes of HCAI, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (3.9% - 56.8%) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacilli (1.9% - 53.0%) were the most reported antimicrobial resistant pathogens.

Conclusion: This review shows a paucity of HCAI surveillance in Africa and an emergence of AMR priority pathogens. Hence, there is a need for a coordinated national and regional surveillance of both HCAI and AMR in Africa.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships which may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Search terms used in the systematic review.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Summary of article selection.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Distribution and number of eligible published articles on healthcare-associated infections in different African countries.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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