Prevalence of bloodstream pathogens is higher in neonatal encephalopathy cases vs. controls using a novel panel of real-time PCR assays

Background In neonatal encephalopathy (NE), infectious co-morbidity is difficult to diagnose accurately, but may increase the vulnerability of the developing brain to hypoxia-ischemia. We developed a novel panel of species-specific real-time PCR assays to identify bloodstream pathogens amongst newborns with and without NE in Uganda. Methodology Multiplex real-time PCR assays for important neonatal bloodstream pathogens (gram positive and gram negative bacteria, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus(HSV) and P. falciparum) were performed on whole blood taken from 202 encephalopathic and 101 control infants. Automated blood culture (BACTEC) was performed for all cases and unwell controls. Principal Findings Prevalence of pathogenic bacterial species amongst infants with NE was 3.6%, 6.9% and 8.9%, with culture, PCR and both tests in combination, respectively. More encephalopathic infants than controls had pathogenic bacterial species detected (8.9%vs2.0%, p = 0.028) using culture and PCR in combination. PCR detected bacteremia in 11 culture negative encephalopathic infants (3 Group B Streptococcus, 1 Group A Streptococcus, 1 Staphylococcus aureus and 6 Enterobacteriacae). Coagulase negative staphylococcus, frequently detected by PCR amongst case and control infants, was considered a contaminant. Prevalence of CMV, HSV and malaria amongst cases was low (1.5%, 0.5% and 0.5%, respectively). Conclusion/Significance This real-time PCR panel detected more bacteremia than culture alone and provides a novel tool for detection of neonatal bloodstream pathogens that may be applied across a range of clinical situations and settings. Significantly more encephalopathic infants than controls had pathogenic bacterial species detected suggesting that infection may be an important risk factor for NE in this setting

Yield and storage quality of improved sweetpotato cultivars in the Lake Victoria basin, Kenya

No Abstract Available E. Afr. Agric. For. J Vol.68(4) 2003: 197-20

Analysis of Geographic Variation among Sixteen African Provenances of Faidherbia albida using PCRBased ITS And RAPD Techniques

PCR analysis based on ITS and RAPD were carried out on sixteen provenances of Faidherbia albida currently growing in a provenance trial in semi-arid Baringo district, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: 1. Determination of the phylogenetic relationship among the 16 provenances in order to establish the species centre of origin 2. Determination of extent of genetic diversity in F. albida using PCR markers. ITS data did not produce any consistent regional or geographic pattern. RAPD data produced a dendrogram clearly grouping the provenances into Western, Southern and Eastern African regions. The study revealed the utility of RAPD markers in understanding geographic variation and phylogenetic relationships among Faidherbia albida populations in Africa. Keywords: DNA, Faidherbia albida, genetic diversity, ITS, PCR, provenance, RAPD Discovery and Innovation Vol. 19 (2) 2007: pp. 108-11

Telehealth for Comprehensive Care to Quarantine Residents: A Novel Approach and Lessons Learned

Proactive engagement and care with regular and timely information are required to manage the health and well-being of people in quarantine. At Australia's Howard Springs International Quarantine Facility, a telehealth model was rapidly established using trained non-clinical Customer Service Officers (CSO's) with the aim to provide comprehensive care to residents, maximize staff safety, and reduce clinical workforce capacity pressures. We describe this model, whereby CSO's provided residents with daily COVID-19 symptom and well-being screening, weekly psychological screening, and ongoing linkage to additional clinical and administrative services. In addition, CSO's went beyond these duties to deliver personalized care through delivery of care packages and attendance of the departure point to farewell residents. From October 2020 to May 2021, across 7105 residents, we estimated that CSO's prevented over 75 000 face-to-face resident visits, which reduced workforce requirements and preserved staff safety through minimizing potential COVID-19 transmission and time spent in personal protective equipment in the challenging ambient environment. We share key lessons learned which may inform future telehealth models and guide a positive experience for quarantine residents