Journal of Microbial Science and Public Health
Aim and Scope The Journal of Microbial Science and Public Health (Formerly SJ Microbiology Africa) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing research at the interface of microbiology and population health. The journal publishes high-quality original research, reviews, and short communications that contribute to the understanding, prevention, and control of infectious diseases affecting human health. The scope includes clinical and laboratory microbiology, bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, antimicrobial resistance, environmental and food microbiology, disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, infection prevention and control, and One Health-related microbial research with public health relevance. The journal welcomes interdisciplinary studies that translate microbial science into evidence for public health practice, policy, and improved health outcomes globally. The Journal was established on Sunday, 31 December 2023, and it is published by SJC Publishers Company Limited.
Individual Factors contributing to the prevalence of typhoid fever among patients at Kalagala Health Center IV, Luwero district: Cross-sectional study.
Background: This study investigated the individual factors contributing to the prevalence of typhoid fever among patients at Kalagala Health Centre IV in Luwero District. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed, with 60 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered by the researcher and an assistant. Results: The study included 60 respondents, with the largest proportion aged 26–35 years (41.7%), followed by 36–45 years (25%), 18–25 years (20%), and those aged 46 years and above (13.3%), indicating a predominantly young to middle-aged population. Females constituted the majority at 61.7%, while males accounted for 38.3%. In terms of education level, most respondents had attained secondary education (36.7%), followed by primary education (26.7%) and tertiary education (23.3%), while 13.3% had no formal education, reflecting varied literacy levels within the study population. Regarding marital status, nearly half of the participants were married (46.7%), while 33.3% were single, 11.7% widowed, and 8.3% divorced, suggesting a largely stable but diverse social composition. Individual related factors indicated risky practices were prevalent, including reliance on borehole 33%, and inconsistent hand washing before eating (42%). Although 50% boiled their water, 20% did not treat their water at all. Conclusion: The study concludes that the persistence of typhoid fever at Kalagala Health Centre IV results from a combination of individual risky behaviours, sociodemographic vulnerabilities, and critical weaknesses in the health system`s preventive and outreach capacities. Recommendation: A multi-level approach is recommended, including community-led promotion of point of use water treatment and hygiene, health facility-led revitalization and modelling of best WASH practices, and district-level investment in WASH infrastructure and consideration of a typhoid conjugate vaccination campaign.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gertrude Mutesi, Echo Mugisha, George Masete (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antimicrobial resistance and persistent urinary tract infections among women aged 18-35 years at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stands as the 21st century’s silent pandemic, a global crisis, threatening to render vital medicines obsolete. Most alarming impacts are seen in UTIs, where the rise in multidrug-resistant strains is turning common infections into threatening complications. This study assessed factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance among young women aged 18-35 years with persistent urinary tract infections at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital in Wakiso district. Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Simple random sampling was used to obtain 80 participants. The questionnaire method was used for data collection, and urine samples were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques, including Gram staining, culture, and sensitivity. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the results were presented in tables, graphs, and charts for easy interpretation. Results: Most participants, 22.5%(18) were aged 18-25 years, 57.5%(46) had 26-30 years, and 20%(16) had 31-35 years. In addition, 51.25%(41) had attained tertiary, 30%(24) attained secondary, and 18.8%(15) had attained Primary education. The prevalence of AMR was 45%, with higher rates cited among those aged 26 -30years (58.3%), those who attained tertiary/university (47.2%), and females who changed their knickers once (52.8%). Participants who used leftover antibiotics or over-the-counter drugs also exhibited higher (55.6%) AMR rates, just as those with chronic conditions (55.6%). Conclusion: The study established that the overall prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was high. AMR was prevalent among those aged 25-30 years. Poor hygiene and irrational use of antibiotics have contributed to the AMR. Recommendation: <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:line id="Straight_x0020_Connector_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;flip:y;z-index:251661312;visibility:visible; mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0; mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right; mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0; mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin' from="413.2pt,31.8pt" to="877.6pt,33.6pt" o:gfxdata="[binary] " strokecolor="black [3200]" strokeweight=".5pt"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <w:wrap anchorx="margin"/> </v:line><![endif]--> Health workers, with the support of the Ministry of Health, should engage the community in intensive discussions on the causes of antimicrobial resistance, hygiene, risk factors of persistent urinary tract infections, and infection prevention and control measures
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Microbial Science and Public Health https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Practices towards prevention of tuberculosis among the inmates living with hiv in Kigo prison, Wakiso district. A cross-sectional study
Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the practices towards the prevention of tuberculosis among inmates living with HIV in Kigo prison, Wakiso District. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study which utilised quantitative methods of data collection, carried out at Kigo prison, Wakiso District. The study population was Inmates living with HIV, and the sample was 30 participants determined using the Yamane formula. The analysis was done in Microsoft Excel and presented in tables and figures. Results: 50.0% of the respondents were single. 93.3% of respondents cited hand washing as a form of hygiene as the key TB prevention measure. Isolation of TB patients was performed by 86.7% of respondents, 80% of respondents had sufficient ventilation. Adherence to the full treatment regimen was high at 90%, 73.3% of inmates had sputum examined on a regular basis. With regard to integrated health services, two-thirds (66.7%) contended that such services had helped them in a good way to use the TB prevention measures. In terms of other interventions, with respect to screening, it responded adequately with 76.67% responding "yes" to ever having TB screening services from the prison facility, with 23.3% of inmates stating they had not yet participated in TB screening services. Conclusion: Common preventive practices included covering coughs, frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with symptomatic inmates, and willingness to undergo repeat screening. TB survivors reported completing treatment. Overcrowding and poor ventilation were noted as major barriers to effective prevention. Recommendations: Inmates should take one step further to help in promoting health by keeping clean, part of this is unnecessary, covering mouths when coughing, attending health talks, and encouraging other inmates to present for medical attention when symptoms of TB present.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Microbial Science and Public Health
Attitude towards prevention of tuberculosis among the inmates living with hiv in Kigo prison, Wakiso district. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The purpose of the study was to assess the attitude towards the prevention of tuberculosis among inmates living with HIV in Kigo prison, Wakiso District. Methodology: Adescriptive cross sectional which utilised quantitative methods of data collection, carried out at Kigo prison, Wakiso District. The study population was Inmates living with HIV, and the sample was 30 participants determined using the Yamane formula. The convenience sampling procedure was used. Analysis was done in Microsoft Excel and presented in tables and figures. Results: The highest proportion of respondents (33.3%) had education levels of primary and below; thus, the largest educational group. 73.3% thought that overcrowding was the biggest barrier to TB prevention in the prison environment and reinforced the influence of structural factors on disease prevention. 26.7% indicated that a large challenge of poor adherence to anti-TB therapy was also a barrier. One-third (33.3%) reported experiences of stigmatisation due to TB, while nearly two-thirds (66.7%) would not, which means that stigmatisation is still a major, but not universally experienced, barrier. 83.3% of inmates for whom TB screening is needed in prisons. 70.0% agreed counselling directly impacted their preconception care-seeking behaviours, which acknowledges the role of counselling on health awareness behaviour. Most of the respondents stated TB preventive campaigns were necessary, accounting to 90%, while the minority 10% stated not. Conclusion: Their attitudes, Inmates living with HIV were positive. Most supported routine screening, valued health education, and did not view TB as shameful, despite occasional stigma reports. Recommendations: Uganda Prisons Service should address the physical conditions in cells and the overcrowding with respect to existing facilities and their ventilation systems.
Prevalence of mycobacterium tuberulosis among HIV/AIDS positive elderly patients attending art clinic at bombo health centre IV in Luweero district: descriptive A cross-sectional study.
Background Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), infects approximately a third of the global population (WHO, 2015). Globally, tuberculosis is unequally distributed in the world, with the highest incidence rates found in developing countries. The study assessed the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among HIV/AIDS positive elderly patients who will attend the ART clinic at Bombo Health Centre IV in Luweero District. Methodology The study used a descriptive cross–sectional study design that employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, because it helped the researcher to collect data in a short period of time and was also cost-effective. Results The overall prevalence of MTB among elderly positive patients who attended Bombo Health Centre was 33.6%, with 40 participants positive for MTB and 79(66.4%) participants negative for MTB. Conclusion The research study showed that the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among HIV positive elderly patients who attended Bombo Health Centre was 33.6%. It was found that the highest prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was in the age group of 50-59, by 45%. The research findings showed that the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was high among males, with 75% of Positive MTB cases, compared to 25% among females. There was a higher possibility of MTB positivity among elderly adults who lived in crowded places and were active smokers compared to their counterparts who didn’t live in crowded places and were not smokers, respectively. Recommendation People should be sensitized by the Government to know the disease in detail, that is, its spread and prevention. Patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis should receive counselling and assistance in stopping smoking.
HEALTH FACILITY-RELATED FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE PREVALENCE OF SUPERFICIAL FUNGAL INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 15 YEARS AND BELOW AT KAWOLO HOSPITAL, BUIKWE DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Superficial fungal infections (SFI) are infections associated with the outermost layer of the skin and its appendages such as nails, skin, and hair. Thus, the purpose of the study was to determine the health facility-related factors contributing to the prevalence of superficial fungal infections among youths aged 15 years and below at Kawolo Hospital, Buikwe district. Methodology The study was a descriptive cross-sectional that employed a quantitative data collection method whereby a simple random sampling technique was used to select the 40 respondents(caregivers). Results The majority 15(37.5%) of the respondents were Basoga by tribe and the minority 2(5%) were Banyankole. Almost half of the participants 15 (45%) their level of education was Secondary and a minority 2(5%) had not attended formal education. The findings on health facility-related factors; lack of consultation from the dermatologist about the child’s condition 39 (97.5%), not visiting the health facility 20 (50%), unsterile linens and nets used in hospital 25 (62.5%) and 20(50%) reported health facility has no equipment that enables for diagnosis of superficial fungal infection Conclusion Health facility-related factors contributing to the prevalence of superficial fungal infections were lack of consultation from the dermatologist about the child’s condition and the reported health facility has no equipment that enables for diagnosis of superficial fungal infection. Recommendations The ministry should put dermatological clinical guides that must be followed in the management of dermatological conditions like superficial fungal infections.
Copyright (c) 2024 SJ Mircobiology Africa
Prevalence and risk factors of dyslipidemia among hypertensive patients at Mukono General Hospital. Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors. Dyslipidemia may be classified as increased levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and a decreased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. The current study investigated the prevalence of dyslipidemia and associated risk factors among hypertensive patients at Mukono General Hospital. Methodology: A total of 184 participants enrolled in the study, 118 were women with a percentage of 64%, and 66 were men with a percentage of 36%. Results were analyzed at 95% confidence interval to check statistical significance from a chi-squared test. Results: As a result, the total prevalence of dyslipidemia was 65%, 45% more in women, with a p-value of 0.497. Further, the prevalence of dyslipidemia was higher in alcohol intake (58%) and those above 40 years (83%), with p values of 0.001 and <0.000. Thus, age and alcohol were the major predisposing factors to dyslipidemia in this study. Additionally, the most prevalent type of dyslipidemia was triglycerides (37%) with p-value <0.000, followed by total cholesterol (36%) with p-value 0.314, LDL-C (33%) with p-value 0.152, and low HDL-C (28%) with p-value 0.003 Conclusions: The total prevalence of dyslipidemias was 65%, with a higher prevalence of 45% from women and 20% from women. Furthermore, the prevalence of dyslipidemias was greatly affected by gender, alcohol intake, and age of the participants. However, FBG and BMI cannot be ruled out as factors not affecting the prevalence of dyslipidemias since a few of the participants were diabetic (around 18%) and obese (8%). Recommendations: It is also worth evaluating the prevalence of dyslipidemias and predisposing factors in school-going children because of the rampant rise in obesity among them.
PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOAN INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN (1-4 YEARS) ATTENDING HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT AMUDAT HOSPITAL, AMUDAT DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Globally, intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) such as soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Protozoa have been noted as one of the most common causes of illnesses and diseases especially among economically disadvantaged communities. With an average prevalence rate of 50% in developed countries and almost 95% in third-world countries, it is estimated that intestinal parasites result in 450 million illnesses. Hence this study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among children (1-4 years) attending healthcare services at Amudat hospital, Amudat district. Methodology A cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing quantitative methods to identify the risk factors of protozoan infections was applied during the study. A non-random convenient sampling technique was used where the first 10 participants were taken. A total of 100 children whose parents/guardians consented participated in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Results 61% of the respondents were aged (3-4) years and (88%) of the respondent’s guardians/parents were peasants’ farmers. The overall point prevalence of IPI in the study was 22.0 %, with about 9(41%) of the participants being infected by more than one type of parasite, 15(26.3 %) of those participants infected with intestinal parasites were female while 7(16.3%) of the males participants were infected. The most prevalent ssp of intestinal protozoa was G. lamblia (41%). Conclusion The prevalence of IPIs amongst children aged 1-4yrs in Amudat hospital was relatively low with the most prevalent species being G. lamblia. Recommendations There is a need for the government and the local leaders and health officials to provide health education to the parents to prevent IPI.s among children and the overall population at large.
prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection
Risk factors influencing Cryptococcal antigenemia among HIV/AIDS patients attending Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Masaka regional referral hospital, Masaka District in Uganda. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Globally, by far the most common presentation of the cryptococcosis is cryptococcal meningitis. The aim of the study is to assess the risk factors influencing Cryptococcal antigenemia among HIV/AIDS patients attending the Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Masaka regional referral hospital, Masaka District. Methodology: A cross-sectional study included HIV-positive patients receiving ART who attended the HIV/AIDS clinics at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital – ART Clinic. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus meningitidis antibodies. Results: A CD4 count of fewer than 100 cells per microliter emerged as a significant predictor of cryptococcal antigenemia, with a P value of 0.04 at a 95% confidence level. The analysis revealed that poor adherence to ART is a strong predictor of cryptococcal antigenemia, with a P value of 0.013. The regression analysis indicated that a prior history of infections does not significantly predict cryptococcal antigenemia, with a P value of 0.528. The impact of environmental conditions on cryptococcal antigenemia showed a P value of 0.211. Malnutrition is not a strong predictor of cryptococcal antigenemia, with a P value of 0.134. Advanced age was also identified as a weaker predictor, with a P value of 0.585. Conclusion: The strong predictors of cryptococcal antigenemia were low CD4 Counts and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy. Recommendation: <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:line id="Straight_x0020_Connector_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;text-align:left;flip:y; z-index:251661312;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square; mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right; mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0; mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin' from="413.8pt,21.25pt" to="878.8pt,22.45pt" o:gfxdata="[binary] " strokecolor="black [3200]" strokeweight=".5pt"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <w:wrap anchorx="margin"/> </v:line><![endif]--> More studies should be conducted to assess the strong predictors of cryptococcal antigenemia to facilitate in creating awareness and sensitization programs.
Health facility-related factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among youths aged 18-30 years. Across sectional study of Bunamwaya Village, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the health facility-related factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among youths aged 18-30 years in Bunamwaya Village, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District. Methodology: The researcher used a descriptive cross-sectional design, employing quantitative methods of data collection. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 50 respondents who were randomly sampled. Data was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel program, and data was presented in the form of tables, pie charts, and graphs. Results: The study showed that the majority of the participants, 23(46%), were aged between 23 and 27 years, with close to 31(62%) of the respondents being males, and 16(32%) had attained a primary level of education. Almost all participants, 46(92%), mentioned that they had ever experienced medicine shortages at healthcare facilities. In addition, 31(62%) of the respondents said that the lack of effective control and regulatory mechanisms for medicine use influences antibiotic misuse. On the other hand, about 42(84%) of the respondents mentioned that they had ever obtained antibiotics without a prescription and from those who obtained antibiotics without prescription, most 26(61.9%) mentioned that they did it because of unnecessary costs of physician visits and 33(66%) of the respondents stated that they did not have adequate health workers at the facility. Conclusion: The established health facility factors were: medicine shortages, inadequate control and regulatory mechanisms, and limited access to healthcare services. Recommendations: The policymakers should fund public health campaigns to raise awareness about the appropriate use of antibiotics and the risks of misuse among the community, especially targeting youth populations. The health workers should collaborate with regulatory authorities to monitor antibiotic prescribing patterns and report instances of inappropriate antibiotic use for effective surveillance and intervention.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ashiraf Hisonga, Jacob Usuo Kibuuka (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of pathogenic bacteria in cooked, raw meat, and vegetables from select markets of Entebbe municipality in Wakiso district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study.
Background: Consuming food contaminated with microorganisms may lead to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of the study is to determine the antibacterial susceptibility patterns of the pathogenic bacteria isolated from the cooked meat, raw meat, and raw vegetables purchased from select markets. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in common food markets of Entebbe municipality, that is, Katabi, Abayita, Kawuku, Kasatiro, and Namulanda, between the months of November 2021 and January 2022. Susceptibility patterns were analysed using susceptible, resistant, and intermediate proportions of isolates per antibiotic used. Results: E. coli, Salmonella, and Serratia showed 100% resistance to all the antibiotics it was tested. Enterococcus was relatively resistant to all the antibiotics, though the highest resistance was observed with gentamycin (CN) (100%). However, the highest susceptibility was exhibited with Ampicillin (AM) (50.0%) as compared to Ciproflaxin (CIP) (20.0%) and linezolid (LZ-D) (20.0%), and inconclusive patterns (ATU) were seen with Ciproflaxin (CIP), Amoxillin (AM), and linezolid (LZ-D). For Neisseria, the highest resistance patterns were displayed with Ampicillin (AM), while being highly susceptible to CRO. Moraxella isolates showed 100% resistance to amoxicillin-clavulinic acid (AMC), tetracycline (TE), and Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT), and showed susceptible patterns with only erythromycin (33.3%) and the only inconclusive percentage. Conclusion : AM (Ampicillin) and Cefoxitine (CRO) are still effective antibiotics in enterococcal and Neisseria infections. All the isolates were resistant to at least three of the antibiotics used Recommendations: Mass sensitization of the community regarding proper handling of meat, chicken, and vegetables may be adapted to minimize cross-contamination.
THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS ABOUT INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL AMONG HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE UNITS IN KAWEMPE DIVISION. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Awareness and adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures among healthcare workers (HCWs) are critical for ensuring patient safety and reducing healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of awareness about Infection prevention and control among health workers in private units in the Kawempe Division. Methodology The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, using a quantitative approach involving the observation of representative subsets of the population at a specific time. participants were selected using convenience sampling techniques due to time constraints that precluded the use of other sampling approaches. Results The majority of respondents were females (55.8%), with most 42.9%) aged (31-40) years. (35.5%) Of the respondents were somewhat familiar with IPC measures and nearly half of the respondents had received training in IPC (46.8%), (40.4%) of respondents always practiced hand hygiene, about (14.1%) of respondents were not confident at all in using PPE and 63(40.4%) showed to be knowledgeable about IPC, 66(42.3%) participants often adhered to IPC protocols. Conclusion Observations indicated a significant gap in IPC practices, including insufficient hand hygiene, lack of proper client screening, and poor waste management. Recommendations the Ministry of Health, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and relevant stakeholders need to implement comprehensive measures. These measures should focus on increasing awareness among healthcare workers.
ENCE PROFILES OF CRYPTOCOCCAL ANTIGENEMIA AMONG HIV/AIDS PATIENTS ATTENDING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY CLINIC AT MASAKA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, MASAKA DISTRICT IN UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection with Cryptococcus neoformans a fungus that lives in the environment worldwide. The study aimed to determine the Prevalence profiles of Cryptococcal antigenemia among HIV/AIDS patients attending the Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Masaka District in Uganda Methodology A cross-sectional study included HIV-positive patients receiving ART who attended the HIV/AIDS clinics at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital – ART Clinic. Blood samples were analyzed for Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus meningitis antibodies. Results 45.54% of the respondents were females and 54.46% were males. The majority (85.0%) of participants were aged 15-44. The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 8.91% (9/101). Prevalence amongst females was 15.2% (7/46) and 3.6% (2/55) amongst males. Males accounted for 22% (2/9) and females accounted for 78% (7/9) of the positive cases identified. Conclusion The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was higher in females compared to males among participants aged 15-44 years. Recommendation Regular Immune Status Monitoring by implement regular monitoring of CD4 counts to identify patients at higher risk of opportunistic infections and ensure timely intervention.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome patients
PREVALENCE OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCLOSIS AMONG HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS AGED 12-60 YEARS ATTENDING ART CLINIC AT CMRC HC IV MUBENDE DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Tuberculosis (TB) infection is the leading co-infection among HIV/Aids patients in the world. The objective of the study will be to determine the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculosis among clients attending ART and OPD clinics at CMRC HC IV. Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out within a period of one month where any HIV-positive client from 12-60 years presenting with cough for more than 3 days was included in the study. The results were obtained by microscopic examination of ZN-stained smears for red rods or bacilli. Results The prevalence of participants was 80 (70.8%) and 33 (29.2%) were negative, 48 (60%) male patients had developed active TB infection. 58 (72.5%) of the TB patients had positive acid-fast bacilli,22 (27.5%) had positive Gene Expert, and 29 (36.3%) of the TB clients were between 26 and 35 years. Catholics had the highest prevalence of 27 (33.7%). Most of the TB cases were among Single clients 45 (56.3%), clients with a primary level of education, and those who never attended school at a prevalence of 21 (26.3%) and 35 (43.7%) respectively. Also, the non-formal employed had a higher prevalence of 47 (58.8%) and the majority of the TB patients had a pulmonary TB infection Conclusion The prevalence of tuberculosis infection among HIV clients at CMRC H/C IV Mubende District was high. Laboratory diagnosis of TB by Smear microscopy provided the least positive TB cases compared to other methods. Recommendation Clinicians and other health service providers to intensify early screening of HIV-positive clients for tuberculosis and initiation of TB preventive therapy particularly for patients with advanced WHO clinical stage. Multiple laboratory diagnostic methods should be employed in addition to smear microscopy to minimize delayed diagnosis and treatment.
INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE AMONG YOUTHS AGED (18-30) YEARS IN BUNAMWAYA VILLAGE, MAKINDYE SSABAGABO, WAKISO DISTRICT. ACROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Most patients generally practice a lot of irrational drug use and the most commonly misused medicines are antimalarials and antibiotics. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the individual and socioeconomic factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among youths aged 18-30 in Bunamwaya Village, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District. Methodology The researcher used a descriptive cross-sectional design, employing quantitative data collection methods. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 50 respondents who were randomly sampled. Data was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel program and data was presented in the forms of tables, pie charts, and graphs. Results The majority of the participants 23(46%) were aged between (23-27) years, with close to 31(62%) of the respondents being males and 16(32%) having attained primary level of education. The established individual factors were; Feeling better before completing the dosage 35(70%), Feeling that combined use of antibiotics was more effective than using one antibiotic 36(72%) and 40(80%) were not aware that overuse of antibiotics leads to resistance. The study also showed that; 25(50%) of the participants mentioned that their economic status strongly influenced their healthcare decisions, and 43(86%) said that they had ever used antibiotics without completing the prescribed dosage due to financial constraints. Conclusion Factors such as feeling better before completing the dosage, beliefs that the combined use of antibiotics is more effective than using one antibiotic, lack of awareness that overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and financial constraints strongly influenced antibiotic misuse. Recommendations The Ministry of Health should ensure maximum health education about the dangers of misusing drugs in communities. The MOH should also ensure that there are adequate drugs and healthcare providers in health facilities.
Antibiotic Activity of Whole Leaf Extract Of Phyllanthus Emblica Andhelianthus Annuusa Gainst Penicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus And Escherichia Coli.
Background: More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide. The study aims to assess the antibiotic activity of whole leaf extract of Phyllanthus embolic and Helianthus annuus against penicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli. Methodology: A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted for three months between November 2021 and January 2022. S. aureus and E. coli bacterial isolates from the bio-repository of the microbiology laboratory at the University of Kisubi (UniK) and the diagnostic laboratory at Our Lady of Consolata Kisubi hospital were retrieved and the selected plants were collected from the field; their fresh aqueous leaf extracts were prepared from which the respective antimicrobial susceptibility discs were made Results: S. aureus species were resistant to both Phyllanthus Emblica and Helianthus Annuusextracts. There was a higher average resistance to the Helianthus Annuus extract of 94.5% as compared to 90.0% of Phyllanthus Emblica extract. Both susceptibility and resistance profiles were considered depending on the antibiotic cefoxitin (Resistance ˂22≥ Susceptibility) measured in millimeters for zones of inhibition. E. coli species were resistant to both Phyllanthus Emblica and Helianthus Annuus extracts. There was a higher average resistance to the Helianthus Annuus extract of 89.3% as compared to 83.6% of Phyllanthus Emblica extract. However, both susceptibility and resistance profiles were considered depending on the antibiotic Ampicillin (Resistance ˂14≥ Susceptibility) measured in millimeters for the zones of inhibition Conclusion: It was difficult to establish a bioactive-component profile and essential oils contributing towards antimicrobial activity from a specific plant species. Recommendation: Detailed qualitative and quantitative studies to distinguish antimicrobial agents in respective whole-leaf extracts need to be conducted and the establishment of therapeutic dosages
Penicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
Copyright (c) 2024 SJ Mircobiology Africa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PREVALENCE OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA IN COOKED, RAW MEAT AND VEGETABLES FROM SELECT MARKETS OF ENTEBBE MUNICIPALITY IN WAKISO DISTRICT, UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background Although meat consumption is highest in high-income countries and lowest in low-income countries. The study aims to assess the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in cooked, raw meat and vegetables from select markets of Entebbe municipality in Wakiso district, Uganda. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in common food markets of Entebbe municipality that is; Katabi, Abayita, Kawuku, Kasatiro, and Namulanda between November 2021 and January 2022. Susceptibility patterns were analysed using susceptible, resistant, and intermediate proportions of isolates per antibiotic used. Results Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium spp had the highest number of isolates, 3 each (23.1%). Serratia, mycobacterium, and shigella spp had 1 (7.7%) isolate of each. For raw chicken from all the five select markets, staphylococcus aureus and corynebacterium were the most prevalent with 10 and 8 isolates respectively (43.5 and 34.8%). enterococcus (17.4%), and Citrobacter (4.3%). For cooked meat, 4 isolates of Corynebacterium spp (44.4%), mycobacterium spp, E. coli, and salmonella had the least number of isolates with only 1 isolate of each (11.1%), enterococcus was also isolated (22.2%). corynebacterium 3(18.3%), enterococcus 2(12.5) and Citrobacter spp 4(25.0%). 20 isolates were identified from the raw cabbages, Neisseria spp were the most prevalent, 12 (60%) and Citrobacter & corynebacterium were the least prevalent, 1 isolate of each (5.0%). 6 Moraxella spp were also identified (30%). Conclusion Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium species were the most prevalent isolates. The prevalence of coliforms was lower than the other bacterial pathogens from all five markets. Recommendations The government should establish a stringent regional microbiological hazard surveillance system and later a national one to assess the safety of food staff, especially the street foods before selling.
Select markets of Entebbe municipality in Wakiso district