Post-stroke bacteriuria among stroke patients attending a physiotherapy clinic in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Uropathogenic distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns according to multidrug-resistant bacteria colonization status in patients with stroke

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in patients with stroke. The colonization of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDR) has recently become a global issue, and infection with MDR is associated with a poorer prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the uropathogenic distribution in stroke patients according to MDR colonization and investigate the infection risk and antibiotic resistance of each uropathogen to help determine initial antibiotic treatment. This study is a retrospective study conducted on patients who underwent inpatient treatment for stroke at Kosin University Gospel Hospital in 2019 to 2021. The participants were classified into Group VRE if vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonization was confirmed, Group CRE if carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) colonization was confirmed, and Group Negative if no MDR colonization was confirmed. Urine culture was performed if symptomatic UTI was suspected. Uropathogenic distribution, antibiotic resistance patterns were assessed by one-way analysis of variance, independent t-test, and Pearson chi-square test. And the infection risk factors for each uropathogen were assessed by multinomial logistic regression analysis. Six hundred thirty-three participants were enrolled. The mean age of all participants was 69.77 ± 14.91, with 305 males and 328 females, including 344 hemorrhagic strokes and 289 ischemic strokes. No growth in urine culture was the most common finding (n = 281), followed by Escherichia coli (E.coli) (n = 141), and Enterococcus spp. (n = 80). Group Negative had significantly more cases of no growth in urine culture than Group VRE (Odds ratio [OR], 11.698; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.566-38.375; P < .001) and than Group CRE (OR, 11.381; 95% CI, 2.665-48.611; P < .001). Group VRE had significantly more E.coli (OR, 2.905; 95% CI, 1.505-5.618; P = .001), and more Enterococcus (OR, 4.550; 95% CI, 2.253-9.187; P < .001) than Group Negative. There was no statistical difference in antibiotic resistance according to MDR colonization in E coli, but for Enterococcus spp., Group VRE and CRE showed significantly more resistance to numerous antibiotics than Group Negative. MDR colonization increases the risk of UTI and is associated with greater antibiotic resistance. For appropriate administration of antibiotics in UTI, continuous monitoring of the latest trends in uropathogenic distribution is required, and clinicians should pay more attention to the use of initial empirical antibiotics in patients with MDR colonization.

Determinants of urinary tract infection in hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common post-acute ischemic stroke (AIS) complication. We assessed the incidence, determinant factors, infection characteristics, post-stroke complications, and outcomes of hospitalized AIS patients with UTI.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included AIS patients admitted within 7 days of stroke onset. The patients were divided into the UTI group and the non-UTI (control) group. Clinical data were collected and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

There were 342 AIS patients (31 with UTIs and 311 controls). The multivariate analysis showed that an initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≥ 15 (odds ratio [OR] 5.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-18.72) and Foley catheter retention (OR 14.10, 95% CI 3.25-61.28) were risk factors for UTI, whereas smoking (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.50), an initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) of > 120 mmHg (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.31), and statin use (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.0006-0.42) were protective factors. Twenty cases (64.5%) were community-acquired and 11 cases (35.3%) were hospital-acquired. Ten patients (32.3%) had catheter-associated UTIs. The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli (13 patients, 41.9%). Post-stroke complications were significantly more common in the UTI group, including pneumonia, respiratory failure, sepsis, brain edema, seizure, symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response, acute kidney injury, and hyponatremia. The median length of stay (LOS) in the UTI group was 12 days versus 3 days in the control group (p < 0.001). The median 3-month modified Rankin Scale score was higher (5 in UTI and 2 in control; p < 0.001) and the median 3-month Barthel Index was lower (0 in UTI and 100 in control; p < 0.001) in the UTI group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for post-AIS UTI included severe stroke (NIHSS score ≥ 15) and urethral catheter indwelling. An initial SBP of > 120 mmHg and statin use were protective factors. The UTI group had significantly worse post-stroke complications, a longer LOS, and worse 3-month outcomes. Smoking was protective, which requires further investigation.

Incidence, risk factors and microbiological aetiology of urinary tract infections in admitted stroke patients at a teaching hospital in Zimbabwe: A prospective cohort study

Background and purpose

The occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) after stroke is a well recognised complication. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of UTIs in stroke patients admitted at a teaching hospital in Zimbabwe.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in stroke patients admitted within 7 days from onset of stroke. Patients were followed up throughout the admission period and those with symptomatic UTI were identified. Urine samples for analysis were collected and causative bacterial organisms were identified with their antibiotic susceptibility patterns analysed.

Results

A total of 145 stroke patients were followed up during their in-patient care. 28 patients (19.3%) developed a urinary tract infection, 45 patients (31%) had asymptomatic bacteriuria and 72 patients (49.7%) had no bacteriuria. The median time from admission to UTI occurrence post stroke was 5 (IQR 4–7) days. Severe stroke (NIHSS score 16–42) was an independent risk factor for UTI development with an odds ratio (OR) 5.15 (1.68–15.75) p<0.001.The commonest bacterial causative organisms cultured were Escherichia coli (27.6%) ; Klebsiella species (21.1%) and Enterococcus faecalis (19.7%). Twenty nine percent of the cultured Gram negative bacteria were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers.

Conclusions

UTIs are common in admitted stroke patients and a significant percentage of causative organisms are multi-drug resistant. UTI occurrence is more common in patients with severe stroke and is associated with increased hospital stay. These observations highlight the need for robust infection prevention and control strategies to curb this common post-stroke complication.

Stroke in Africa: profile, progress, prospects and priorities

Stroke is a leading cause of disability, dementia and death worldwide. Approximately 70% of deaths from stroke and 87% of stroke-related disability occur in low-income and middle-income countries. At the turn of the century, the most common diseases in Africa were communicable diseases, whereas non-communicable diseases, including stroke, were considered rare, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, evidence indicates that, today, Africa could have up to 2-3-fold greater rates of stroke incidence and higher stroke prevalence than western Europe and the USA. In Africa, data published within the past decade show that stroke has an annual incidence rate of up to 316 per 100,000, a prevalence of up to 1,460 per 100,000 and a 3-year fatality rate greater than 80%. Moreover, many Africans have a stroke within the fourth to sixth decades of life, with serious implications for the individual, their family and society. This age profile is particularly important as strokes in younger people tend to result in a greater loss of self-worth and socioeconomic productivity than in older individuals. Emerging insights from research into stroke epidemiology, genetics, prevention, care and outcomes offer great prospects for tackling the growing burden of stroke on the continent. In this article, we review the unique profile of stroke in Africa and summarize current knowledge on stroke epidemiology, genetics, prevention, acute care, rehabilitation, outcomes, cost of care and awareness. We also discuss knowledge gaps, emerging priorities and future directions of stroke medicine for the more than 1 billion people who live in Africa.

Escherichia coli bacteriuria in pregnant women in Ghana: antibiotic resistance patterns and virulence factors

Objectives

The relevance of Escherichia coli associated bacteriuria infection in pregnant women is poorly understood, despite these strains sharing a similar virulence profile with other pathogenic E. coli causing severe obstetric and neonatal infections. We characterized and determined the antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes and virulence profiles of 82 E. coli isolates associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria in some pregnant in Ghana from February to August 2016 using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion and polymerase chain reaction.

Results

High levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed to ampicillin (79.3%), tetracycline (70.7%) and cotrimoxazole (59.8%), except for cefuroxime (32.9%). Resistance genes analyses revealed 58.5% were positive for Bla_TEM and 7.3% for aph(3)-Ia(aphA2). Virulence factors (VFs) was more widespread in pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters than 1st trimester. VFs relating to adhesion (papC and iha), Protectins (traT), aerobactin acquisition (iutA) and iron acquisition systems (fyuA and irp2) were more prevalent in the resistant E. coli isolates. This study provides evidence for a link in bacteriuria and transmission of extra-intestinal E. coli in pregnant women to cause multi-resistant obstetric or neonatal infections. Considering the involvement of extra-intestinal E. coli in infections, results are helpful to develop strategies to prevent maternal and/ neonatal infections.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3989-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Stroke in the 21st Century: A Snapshot of the Burden, Epidemiology, and Quality of Life

Stroke is ranked as the second leading cause of death worldwide with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million. Not only does the burden of stroke lie in the high mortality but the high morbidity also results in up to 50% of survivors being chronically disabled. Thus stroke is a disease of immense public health importance with serious economic and social consequences. The public health burden of stroke is set to rise over future decades because of demographic transitions of populations, particularly in developing countries. This paper provides an overview of stroke in the 21^st century from a public health perspective.

Hand Hygiene Practices and Microbial Investigation of Hand Contact Swab among Physiotherapists in an Ebola Endemic Region: Implications for Public Health

BACKGROUND

Hand hygiene practices (HHP), as a critical component of infection prevention/control, were investigated among physiotherapists in an Ebola endemic region.

METHOD

A standardized instrument was administered to 44 randomly selected physiotherapists (23 males and 21 females), from three tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Fifteen participants (aged 22-59 years) participated in focus group discussions (FGDs) and comprised 19 participants in a subsequent laboratory study. After treatment, the palms/fingers of physiotherapists were swabbed and cultured, then incubated aerobically overnight at 37°C, and examined for microbial growths. An antibiogram of the bacterial isolates was obtained.

RESULTS

The majority (34/77.3%) of physiotherapists were aware of the HHP protocol, yet only 15/44.1% rated self-compliance at 71-100%. FGDs identified forgetfulness/inadequate HHP materials/infrastructure as the major barriers to HHP. Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent organisms, prior to (8/53.33%) and after (4/26.67%) HPP, while Pseudomonas spp. were acquired thereafter. E. coli were the most antibiotic resistant microbes but were completely removed after HHP. Ciprofloxacin and streptomycin were the most effective antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

Poor implementation of HPP was observed due to inadequate materials/infrastructure/poor behavioral orientation. Possibly, some HPP materials were contaminated; hence, new microbes were acquired. Since HPP removed the most antibiotic resistant microbes, it might be more effective in infection control than antibiotic medication.

Post-Stroke Bacteriuria: A Longitudinal Study among Stroke Outpatients and Inpatients at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana

Infections of the urinary tract constitute an important post-stroke complication but in Africa, little is known about such infections in relation to stroke patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of bacteriuria among stroke patients at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Ghana including the prevalence, incidence, risk factors and aetiological agents. This was a longitudinal study involving 55 outpatients and 16 inpatients of stroke from the physiotherapy clinic and stroke admission ward of KBTH respectively. Urine cultures for inpatient subjects were done each day until the patient was discharged. With outpatients, urine specimens were analysed every week or two for 6 months. Information on demographics and clinical history of the study participants were extracted from their clinical records. The results showed that the prevalence of bacteriuria among stroke outpatients and inpatients were 10.9% (6/55) and 18.8% (3/16) respectively (p = 0.411). Among both the outpatients and inpatients, there was one new case of bacteriuria each during the period of follow-up. Overall, 1/9 (11%) of the bacteriuria cases among the stroke patients was symptomatic. Severe stroke (OR = 17.7, p = 0.008) and pyuria (OR = 38.7, p = 0.002) were identified as predictors of bacteriuria. Escherichia coli was the most common organism implicated in bacteriuria and was susceptible to amikacin, but resistant to augmentin, ampicillin, cefuroxime, cotrimoxazole, meropenem, norfloxacin and tetracycline. Overall, bacteriuria is a common complication among both stroke inpatients and outpatients at KBTH, though it appears to be more common among the former. Stroke severity appears to be the main stroke-related determinant of bacteriuria among stroke patients. Bacteriuria among stroke patients is mainly asymptomatic and E. coli is the most important aetiological agent.

Risk of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among People with Sickle Cell Disease in Accra, Ghana

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is benign except in certain medical conditions such as pregnancy and immunosuppression. In Ghana, there are hardly any studies on urinary infections among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, and the few studies carried out in Africa focused on pediatric SCD populations. The current study aimed to investigate the risk of ASB among SCD patients at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study involving 110 SCD patients and 110 age and sex matched healthy controls. Urine specimens were collected from all the study subjects and analyzed by standard microbiological methods. Demographic information were also collected from the study subjects. The overall ASB prevalence was significantly higher among SCD patients (17.2%) than among the control group (8.2%), and the relative risk was 2.11 (p = 0.0431; CI = 1.00–4.45). Being female was as a predictor of ASB among the SCD patients (OR = 14.76; CI = 11.23–18.29; p = 0.0103). The most common organism isolated from the study participants was coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (4.1%), followed by Escherichia coli (2.7%); etiology of ASB in the SCD patients was more diverse compared to healthy people. All the E. coli isolates were susceptible to amikacin, sparfloxacin and norfloxacin but resistant to ampicillin.