Current access, availability and use of antibiotics in primary care among key low- and middle-income countries and the policy implications.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbated by inappropriate antibiotic use, access to quality antibiotics and weak antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). There is a need to review current evidence on antibiotic use, access, and AMR, in primary care across key countries.

Areas Covered: This narrative review analyzes publications from 2018 to 2024 regarding access, availability, and use of appropriate antibiotics.

Successful management of an advanced interstitial ectopic pregnancy in a resource-limited setting: a case report.

Background: Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is an ectopic gestation developing in the uterine part of the fallopian tube. The condition is rare and presents challenges for clinical as well as radiological diagnosis. This case report presents a rare case of interstitial ectopic pregnancy diagnosed intraoperatively.

Current rates of purchasing of antibiotics without a prescription across sub-Saharan Africa; rationale and potential programmes to reduce inappropriate dispensing and resistance.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern. Currently, the greatest mortality due to AMR is in Africa. A key driver continues to be high levels of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription.

Marburg virus disease outbreak in Guinea: a SPIN framework of its transmission and control measures for an exemplary response pattern in West Africa.

Responding to highly infectious diseases relies on a thorough understanding of transmission epidemiology. With the recent outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Guinea, we saw the need to shed some technical light based on published literature and our field experiences. We reviewed 14 previous MVD outbreaks globally.

Comparative assessment of the prevalence, practices and factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics in Africa.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the prevalence, reasons, sources and factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) within Africa.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. An electronic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed for observational studies conducted between January 2005 and February 2020.

Trends and patterns of family planning methods used among women attending family planning clinic in a rural setting in sub-Sahara Africa: the case of Mbalmayo District Hospital, Cameroon.

Objective: Family planning enables women to prevent unwanted pregnancies and control family sizes. Provision of family planning services is an essential human right. This study aimed to describe the trends and patterns of contraceptive use in a family planning clinic in a rural district hospital setting.

Multidrug resistant Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli causing fulminant necrotising fasciitis: a case report.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare soft tissue infection characterized by rapid progressive necrosis with relative sparing of underlying muscles. This case is reported to highlight the emergence of multidrug resistant microbes in recent days which limits the use of empiric antibiotic therapy and necessitates early cultures and sensitivity enabling targeted antibiotic therapy. Factors that lead to antimicrobial resistance especially in sub-Saharan Africa have also been discussed.

Giant ovarian cyst masquerading as a massive ascites: a case report.

Background: Giant ovarian cysts are tumours of the ovary presenting with diameters greater than 10 cm. Giant ovarian cysts have become rare in recent days as they are diagnosed and managed early due to the availability of good imaging modalities. The aim of this case report is to show how a huge cystic ovarian mass can mislead the diagnosis of ascites in a postmenopausal woman.

Ten years analysis of stillbirth in a tertiary hospital in sub-Sahara Africa: a case control study.

Objective: Stillbirth measures provide means to assess adequacy of maternal and perinatal care in a given population. The aim of this study was to describe the determinants of stillbirth in Douala general hospital, Cameroon.

Results: Determinants of stillbirth in this hospital are: maternal age ≥35 years (OR 1.

Tropical diabetic hand syndrome: a case report.

Background: Tropical diabetic hand syndrome describes a complex hand sepsis affecting patients with diabetes across the tropics and often results from a trivial hand trauma. The clinical presentation of this syndrome is variable and ranges from localised swelling and cellulitis, with or without ulceration of the hand to progressive fulminant hand sepsis, and gangrene affecting the entire limb which may be fatal. Tropical diabetic hand syndrome could lead to permanent disability and death as a result of delay in presentation, late diagnosis and late medical and surgical intervention.