Antimicrobial susceptibility testing data analysis over 3 years at the Yaoundé General Hospital, Cameroon.
Marie Paule Ngogang, Abel Fils Nkoth, Welysiane Ngaleu, Heroine Mfouapon, Priscille Ekoume, Yannick Nibeye, Christiane Medi Sike, Esther Voundi Voundi, Mohammed Moctar Mouliom Mouiche, Marie Christine Fonkoua, Michel Toukam, Francois-Xavier Mbopi-Keou
Author Information
Marie Paule Ngogang: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé I University, Yaounde, Cameroon. ORCID
Abel Fils Nkoth: Yaoundé General Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Welysiane Ngaleu: Yaoundé General Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Heroine Mfouapon: Yaoundé General Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Priscille Ekoume: Yaoundé General Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Yannick Nibeye: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé I University, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Christiane Medi Sike: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé I University, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Esther Voundi Voundi: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé I University, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Mohammed Moctar Mouliom Mouiche: Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance, USAID, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Marie Christine Fonkoua: Infectious Diseases Detection and Surveillance, USAID, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Michel Toukam: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé I University, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Francois-Xavier Mbopi-Keou: Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé I University, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major health concern with high rates in low-income countries. Bacteriology laboratories sustain the fight against AMR by providing antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) results to ensure appropriate therapies. These laboratories generate a lot of data, which are usually used for prospective interventions. Our study conducted in a lower-middle-income hospital setting aimed to describe the profile of bacteria isolated from the specimens received over 3 years, assess their susceptibility profile and identify potential gaps or area of improvement from the analysis of our data. Methods: Monthly data were retrieved from registers for all specimens received between January 2020 until December 2022. Data were compiled and analysed using the R and WHONET software. Results: Out of 3582 specimens received, 797 were culture positive (22.3%). and were frequently isolated (30.5% and 24.2%, respectively). AST results analysis showed high resistance of Gram-negative bacteria to penams and cephems, whereas low resistance was observed to carbapenems. Susceptibility to antibiotics based on the AWaRe antibiotic classification was variable. The bacteriological profile in the various types of specimen was established and rational information to design a therapeutic protocol adapted to our hospital setting was obtained. Conclusions: AST results may not only be used for prospective guidance for treatment, but rather cumulative data analysis can contribute to design effective antibiotic prescriptions and improve general practices at the laboratory. This is, however, dependent on a good record-keeping, standardization of practices and collaboration between clinicians and laboratory scientists.
