2026-01-17
Oscar F. Mwashiuya, Magdalena A.K. Lyimo, Deus J. Mogela, Abdu J. Bhombo, Julius L. Mwimo, Edwin J. Shewiyo, Beatrice N. Tingo
Background: Blood transfusion is a lifesaving procedure performed across all healthcare levels in Tanzania. Despite significant investment in blood collection and screening, hospital transfusion practices have received less attention. With haemovigilance systems still in development, the understanding of pre-transfusion testing quality remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate hospital blood bank practices in conducting pre-transfusion procedures prior to issuing blood for transfusion. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024 in 31 referral hospitals in Tanzania. Data on facility characteristics, testing methods, staffing, and equipment were collected through a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed using STATA version 18. Descriptive statistics were used to present key findings whereby continuous variables were presented as means, and categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among 31 participating facilities, ABO and Rhesus blood group systems typing and cross-matching were universally available (100%), while antibody screening was available in 13 out of 31 facilities (42.0%). Two out of 31 facilities (6.5%) used the less sensitive tile method for ABO typing. Critical reagents including Anti-D (immunoglobulin G), Anti-Human Globulin, and polythene tubes were available in only 21 out of 31 facilities (67.7%). While all facilities had standard operating procedures (SOPs) for basic tests, blood warming SOPs were available in 9 (29.0%) and fresh frozen plasma thawing SOPs were available in 14 (45.2%) out of 31 facilities. Conclusion: Significant gaps exist in pre-transfusion testing capabilities, SOPs, and essential reagents in Tanzanian referral hospital blood banks. Addressing these shortcomings is crucial for improving transfusion safety and strengthening haemovigilance. What this study adds: This study presents the first national audit of hospital blood bank practices in Tanzania, highlighting major gaps in antibody screening and cross-matching, resource shortages such as key reagents, and quality management deficiencies. It offers evidence-based, phased recommendations to strengthen pre-transfusion testing and improve safety in resource-limited settings.
2025-12-18
Odilon D. Kaboré, Mélissa J. Gonfouli, Merci Muhigwa, Abdourahmane Sow, Fernand Michodigni, André Nagalo, Jacques Zoungrana, Arsène Hema, Augustin Konkobo, Hervé Kafando, Adama Ouattara, Armel Poda, Sylvain Godreuil, Abdoul-Salam Ouedraogo
Background: Tigecycline, an antibiotic effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB), remains inaccessible in Burkina Faso’s hospitals for urgent care. Given the resulting therapeutic challenges and mortality in emergency services, evidence-based study of tigecycline’s efficacy on local bacterial clinical isolates is necessary before recommending its use. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the activity of tigecycline on MDRB isolates at the Sourô Sanou University Teaching Hospital laboratory, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with prospective and consecutive sampling of MDRBs. The latter included extended-spectrum β -lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E), carbapenem-resistant strains (CRS), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which were isolated from urine, blood, pus and puncture fluids between 01 June 2022 and 31 August 2022. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the modified Kirby-Bauer method, and the results were interpreted according to the standard set by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in 2021. Results: A total of 117 MDRBs, including 93 Enterobacterales, 15 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and 9 MRSAs were collected. The proportion of ESBL-E was 58% (68/117), followed by CRS (34%, 40/117) and MRSA (8%, 9/117). The activity of tigecycline was 95.5% (43/45) on ESBL-E, 72.5% (29/40) on CRS (including 10/15 CRAB ), and 89% (8/9) on MRSA. Conclusion: The activity of tigecycline was highly effective on ESBL-E, carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales and MRSA, and moderate on CRAB . What this study adds: This was the first report on the evaluation of tigecycline activity on MDRBs in Burkina Faso. This non-marketed antibiotic in Burkina Faso could represent an alternative to spare carbapenems in the treatment of ESBL-E infections, and a last resort antibiotic against susceptible CRS infections in Burkina Faso’s hospitals.
2025-12-16
Amah P.V. Goran-Kouacou, Oppong R. Yéboah, Aya U.A. Assi, Yida J. Séri, Séry R. Dassé
Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis of major importance, particularly during pregnancy because of the risk of maternal–foetal transmission. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women at the University Hospital of Cocody and to describe IgG/IgM serological profiles. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study from April 2022 to March 2023 at the immunology laboratory of the University Hospital of Cocody. Toxoplasma gondii -specific IgG and IgM antibodies were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and then interpreted according to serological profiles. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between IgM positivity and pregnancy trimester. Results: Out of 200 pregnant women, previous infection was observed in 45.0% (IgG + /IgM − ), current infection in 4.0% (IgG + /IgM + ), recent infection in 5.5% (IgG−/IgM + ), and no infection in 45.5% (IgG − /IgM − ). Of the women, 83% were tested after the first trimester. The proportion of recent infections (IgM + ) was higher in the first trimester (17.6%) than in the second (8.2%) and third (7.4%) trimesters, with no statistically significant difference ( p = 0.22). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis remains high, with a non-negligible proportion of women presenting recent or current infection. Late initiation of screening highlights the need for strengthened strategies, including early screening, targeted antenatal education and better access to diagnostic tools to reduce the risk of transmission. What this study adds: This study provides updated data on the seroprevalence of gestational toxoplasmosis in Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, it reinforces the need for early screening and targeted health awareness campaigns.