Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Zulfiqar Ahmad
A T Still University, USA
Keynote: ATP synthase as a molecular drug target to combat antibiotic resistant microbial infections
Biography:
Zulfiqar Ahmad has obtained his Doctorate in Biosciences from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and became Faculty at Hamdard University, New Delhi. In 1998, he has joined as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Rochester Medical Center, NY. In 2006, he was appointed Faculty Position at East Tennessee State University. In 2010, he moved to Alabama A&M University and in 2013 joined A. T. Still University. His research focus is on the role of ATP synthase in human health and diseases, using Escherichia coli as a model system. The overall goal of his research is to demonstrate ATP synthase as a viable molecular target against drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Abstract:
Introduction & Aim: Antibiotic resistance is posing an existential threat, as it will result in 10 million additional deaths worldwide per year by 2050. Currently, about 700,000 people die every year from microbial infections. Thus, microbial superbugs will become the top global killer, surpassing cancer. The impact of this public health crisis on the global economy is projected to cost $ 100 trillion. The World Health Organization’s global report on surveillance of antimicrobial resistance estimated the yearly cost to the US health system to reach $ 34 billion. Fast-encroaching antibiotic resistance by microbes in general and E. coli, in particular, is the main reason for this situation. Thus, finding alternative ways to kill microbes is of paramount importance. Selective inhibition of microbial ATP synthase provides an effective and efficient way to combat antibiotic-resistant microbial infections. ATP synthase is the fundamental source of cellular energy production for almost all organisms. Inhibition of ATP synthase can deprive cells of required energy leading to cell death. A wide variety of inhibitors including phytochemicals and peptides are known to bind and inhibit ATP synthase. These phytochemicals and peptides bind to the specific binding pockets on ATP synthase. These binding pockets are flanked by many variable amino acids in different organisms. Our lab is identifying and characterizing phytochemicals and peptides as potent and selective inhibitors of ATP synthase to combat the antibiotic-resistant microbial infections using E. coli as a model organism. Method: Wild type, null and mutant E. coli growth properties are being tested on fermentable glucose and non-fermentable succinate carbon sources. Wild type and mutant enzymes were isolated by harvesting cells in minimal media. Inhibitory studies are performed on membrane-bound F1Fo ATP synthase. Structural modifications of inhibitors are made through replacement or re-positioning of the functional groups (–OH, –COOH, –NH2, –NO2, –PO4) on phytochemicals or addition of positive charges on the peptides. Wild type and mutant cell growth assays are tested in the presence and absence of inhibitors along with null control. Results: We found that phytochemicals and peptides cause the variable degree of inhibition of ATP synthase. Modification of inhibitors augments the extent of inhibition. In phytochemicals, re-positioning and addition of new functional groups and for peptides, an addition of a c-terminal NH2 group enhances the inhibitory potency. We also observed that the incremental addition of positively charged residues in peptides augments the inhibitory effects of peptides by about 100-fold. The growth of E. coli strains in presence and absence inhibitors suggest that ATP synthase is a potential molecular drug target to combat microbial infections. It is also explored the synergistic inhibitory effects of phytochemicals and peptides on microbial ATP synthase. Conclusion: It is concluded that ATP synthase is a potential molecular drug target and selective inhibition of microbial ATP synthase by phytochemicals and peptides can be used to combat drug-resistant microbial infections.
- Mechanism of Resistance | Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases | Emerging Infectious Diseases and Recent Outbreaks | Bacterial Infections | Viral Infections | Immunology of Infection | Dermatological Infectious Diseases and Control
Location: Dubai
Chair
Leili Chamani-Tabriz
Iranian Hospital, UAE
Session Introduction
Anna Afinogenova
St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Russia
Title: The search for inhibitors of Gram-negative bacteria’s metallo-β-lactamase in model system
Biography:
Anna Afinogenova is a Pharmacist, Microbiologist and the Doctor of Biological Science since 2011, specialized in Clinical Microbiology. She is the Head of Laboratory Centre of Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute and Professor of Saint Petersburg State University. She has published more than 30 papers in profile journals and has 17 patents to her credit. She is the Member of European Wound Management Association since 2010.
Abstract:
Aim: The study aims to assess the possibility of clodronic acid to inhibit the standard reagent of P. aeruginosa Metallo-βLactamase (MβL)/Sigma, USA/ and to prevent the acquisition of resistance by Gram-negative bacteria that were previously susceptible to carbapenems. Method: The final load of sensitive to Meropenem (MIC 2 μg/ml) reference strains of P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, A. baumannii ATCC BAA-747, K. pneumoniae ATCC 70603 was 5×104 CFU in 200 μl, exposure 24 hours. Checkerboard array was used to determine the enzyme activity against Meropenem (MIC 2-512 μg/ml) as well as to evaluate the possibility of clodronic acid sub-bactericidal doses to inhibit the standard reagent of P. aeruginosa MβL and to prevent the acquisition of resistance to carbapenems by previously sensitive strains. Suppression of the MβL by clodronic acid and as a result, the lack of growth of the test strains were confirmed in microcells, as well as on the EL×800 reader (Bio-Tek Instruments Inc., USA). Result: A dose-dependent effect of acquiring resistance to Meropenem in Gram-negative bacteria (increasing MIC) in the presence of various amounts of the standard reagent of the enzyme ÐœβL at an exposure of 24 hours was revealed. At the same time, P. aeruginosa MβL reagent leads to the emergence of resistance in other types of Gram-negative microorganisms previously sensitive to carbapenems. Sub-bactericidal doses of clodronic acid do not affect the growth of intact sensitive test strains, but at the same time its ½ MIC and ¼ MIC completely inhibit the activity of the standard P. aeruginosa MβL reagent and prevent the acquisition of resistance of previously sensitive to carbapenems Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: Using this method will simplify the search for perspective inhibitors of MβL.
Caroline Bilen
The Compass Health Consultancy, UAE
Title: Standard of care to improve patient safety in surgical procedures
Biography:
Caroline Bilen holds BS in Nursing, certified in Infection Control (NYIC) as well as Educator for NYIC Certification and Patient Safety. She is a JCI certified Educator for JCI education program “Safety in Surgical Services”. She has more than 25 years’ experience in Nursing Management, Infection Control and Health Care Quality, Accreditation Management and Elderly Care. She held the position of Director of Nursing Services at “Home Care Lebanon”, where she was leading the health care team and responsible for patient safety. She also held the position of Operating Room Nursing Manager in Lebanon. She has been working closely with the hospitals' management team, infection control and patient safety committees all over the CEEMEA region to improve patient safety, expectations and outcomes.
Abstract:
Health Care-Associated Infections (HCAI) are the most frequent adverse event in health-care delivery worldwide. Up to 16% of HCAI are Surgical Site Infections (SSI). Managing the risk of surgical site infection is complex. Many patients are affected by SSI each year, leading to significant mortality, morbidity and financial losses for health systems. There are multiple sources of contamination and other variables that can increase the risk of SSI. Some of these variables can be controlled and some of these variables are outside the control of the health care team. Nowadays, implementing a standard of care and best practices in surgical procedures become part of patient safety strategies globally. It includes guidelines, protocols, a bundle of care and clinical evidence that can help to reduce the risk of SSI. There is no doubt that by standardizing the process of care we enhance patient safety, outcomes and satisfaction as well as teamwork collaborations and communications.
Brianna Twomey
Geelong Hospital, Australia
Title: The relationship between vascular access infection and fatal spontaneous vascular access haemorrhage
Biography:
Brianna Twomey is doing her Master of Surgery at University of Sydney, Camperdown. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2016. She has Professional Surgical skills in Australian and New Zealand.
Abstract:
Background: End-stage renal disease managed with haemodialysis requires vascular access commonly in the form of an arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft or central venous catheter. Arteriovenous fistula and graft creation are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Complications include thrombosis, stenosis, infection and haemorrhage. Literature Review: A literature review was performed using the Pubmed, Embase, Medline and CINAHL electronic databases from inception to December 2018 to identify cases of vascular access infection and fatal spontaneous vascular access hemorrhage amongst hemodialysis patients with an arteriovenous fistula or graft. These cases were examined to identify the relationship between vascular access infection and fatal exsanguination. Conclusion: Fatal spontaneous vascular access hemorrhage is a rare, yet preventable complication of hemodialysis that is not extensively described in the literature. Further research is required to enable more comprehensive risk profiling and develop optimal prevention and management strategies.
Bhakti Ramesh Chiluvery
V M Government Medical College, India
Title: An alarming case series of diphtheria in vaccine era
Biography:
Bhakti Ramesh Chiluvery has completed her MBBS from Maharashtra Institute of Medical Education and Research Medical College and is currently pursuing Postdoctoral studies in Microbiology from Dr. Vaishampayan Memorial Govt. Medical College, India. Her research interests are in infectious diseases and virology.
Abstract:
Introduction: In developing countries like India, diphtheria is a significant child health problem. It is on the verge of elimination yet is notified in some pockets like North Karnataka, North Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. Solapur fall on the Maharashtra – north Karnataka border and thus is the most vulnerable area. There are notified cases of diphtheria in adult population as well. Here we describe the recent outbreaks of diphtheria in Solapur district, Maharashtra a period of consecutive six months. The study was undertaken in Dr. V.M. Govt. Medical College, Solapur in Department of Microbiology. Aim: To identify and isolate Corynebacterium species and demonstrate for the toxigenicity test. Material & Methods: Investigation was done on strong clinical suspected cases; two throat swabs were collected as per the Standard Operating Procedure laid down by the department. Final diagnosis was done based on clinical findings, direct microscopy and bacteriological culture. Isolates were sent to reference laboratory for TOX gene detection and Toxigenicity testing. Results: All cases were of pediatric age group, either unimmunized or partially immunized. Early diagnosis and treatment with ADS is crucial which leads to favorable outcome. Conclusion & Discussion: According to this study it is found that most of the strains of C. diphtheriae isolated from clinical samples were toxin-producing strains which indicates the need to spread awareness about the disease among people with low educational status, enhance epidemiological surveillance, strengthening and reviewing the efficacy of immunization program all of which ultimately helps in early diagnosis and treatment leading to favorable outcome and low fatality rate.
Leili Chamani-Tabriz
Iranian Hospital, UAE
Title: Updates on challenging art of syphilis diagnosis and management
Biography:
Leili Chamani-Tabriz has a strong professional background as a Doctor of Medicine, MD, board-certified specialist focused in infectious diseases and tropical medicine since 2000 after graduating from Shahid Beheshti Medical University, Tehran and joined to Iranian Hospital Dubai in 2012. She started to run the first Reproductive Infections research group in Avicenna Research Institute and first reproductive health clinic in Avicenna Infertility Clinic in Tehran, Iran. She has a strong background in medical education, clinical practice and research with published articles in national and international journals with an active presence in conferences and also run multiple national and international research projects and workshops. She is a Member of UAE National Antimicrobial Stewardship program, Fungal Infections study group and Molecular Diagnostic study group of ESCMID (European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases). Her main research interests are reproductive infections, medical mycology and antimicrobial resistance.
Abstract:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Every year many patients are diagnosed and treated for this infection. Patients may be totally asymptomatic discovered during routine screening tests or present with various types of manifestations mimicking a lot of other disorders based on the stage of infection including primary, secondary or tertiary infection. Serologic tests provide a presumptive diagnosis of syphilis. There are two types of serologic tests for syphilis: non-Treponemal tests and Treponemal-specific tests. The most challenging steps are coming afterwards for the interpretation of serologic testing and treatment selection. A lot of factors including history of drug reaction, pregnancy, HIV status, and history of previous treatment, a possibility of CNS involvement and stage of the infection would be effective on the decision about treatment and follow up. There are different guidelines on treatment which should be used promptly, also follow up would be challenging as a lot of patients are considered non-responders and receive multiple cycles of treatment while there may be another explanation for their serologic status. The course and route of treatment are so different based on the stage of diseases and patients manifestations so there is no one prescription suitable for all patients. Penicillin has been the best choice for all stages of syphilis management. But the dose and route of administration would be different for early syphilis the standard treatment would be Penicillin G benzathine 2.4 million units IM once, in late syphilis Penicillin G benzathine 2.4 million units IM once weekly for three weeks is proposed and for neurosyphilis treatment aqueous penicillin G 3 to 4 million units IV every four hours for 10 to 14 days is advised. In this session, we are going to have a look at the practical approach to a patient with syphilis to provide the best diagnosis and most effective treatment.
John Masiye Ndaferankhande
Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Malawi
Title: Cold chain management at Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust research pharmacy and at selected vaccination sites: The phase III randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of the clinical efficacy of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (Vi-TCV) among children age 9 months through 12 years in Blantyre (TyVAC), Malawi study - a case report
Biography:
John Masiye Ndaferankhande has completed his Honors degree in Pharmacy from the College of Medicine, University of Malawi. He is the Lead Pharmacist of Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust.
Abstract:
Background & Aim: Cold chain management is integral in clinical trials. However, it is a challenge to maintain cold chain at the quality levels required when the administration of the pharmaceutical product takes place in the field. Here we describe the temperature control as a major aspect of cold chain management as was the case in the TyVAC study. Method: The study enrolled 28,000 participants randomized 1:1 to receive Vi-TCV (typhoid vaccine) and MenAfrivac Meningococcal Group A Conjugate vaccine (MCV-A). The vials were stored at the research pharmacy and transferred daily to the vaccination field. Temperature records of field credos were analyzed from February 28, 2018, through to July 08, 2018. These records were compared to the research pharmacy vaccine refrigerator temperature recordings from a beyond wireless remote temperature monitoring system. Result: The research pharmacy temperature ranged from 2.0 ºC to 5.3 ºC with a mean of 3.5 ºC. The credo temperature ranged from 4.2 ºC to 12 ºC with a mean of 5.6 ºC. Conclusion: Temperature recordings for both the pharmacy and the credo cubes were within range except on a single occasion in which the credo temperature was 12 ºC (the recommended temperature for a cold chain is 2 ºC to 8 ºC). A cold chain can be well managed at different sites as evidenced here provided staff involved in handling is well trained. Good cold chain management ensures quality and gives confidence that pharmaceutical compounds were managed according to Good Pharmaceutical Practice.
May Elghamrawi Abdelaziz
Alex University Hospitals, Egypt
Title: The impact of compliance to VAP bundle of care on the VAP rates in three adult ICUs
Biography:
May Elghamrawi Abdelaziz is a Medical Microbiologist with expertise in infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and epidemiology. She is the Head of infection control team in Mabaret-Al Asafra Hospital and an Infection Control Doctor in Alexandria University Hospitals. She is a Clinical Consultant in the e-learning unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt, where she also earned her Medical degree and completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Microbiology and Immunology. She also worked as the Head of Microbiology Laboratory, Damanhoor Oncology Center, like twice per week visitor (one year contract).
Abstract:
Background & Aim: The Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is the most common device associated-Hospital Associated Infection (DA-HAI) in our ICU-patients. Since mechanical ventilation is the main risk factor for the development of VAP, it should be avoided whenever possible. The incidence of VAP could be decreased by the implementation of the ventilator bundle as a set of interventions intended to prevent adverse events in ventilated patients. This study aims to measure the compliance to the ventilator bundle elements, measure the VAP rates according to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) criteria and assess the effect of complying with the ventilator bundle of care on the VAP rates. Method: The study was conducted in three closed adult general-surgical ICUs with 40 beds capacity, in a private hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. The study was initiated through a prospective cohort. All the patients admitted to the three ICUs in the period from April 2016 through December 2017 were included in the study. All the ICU patients were followed for their attachment to a ventilator throughout their ICU stay. When attached to a ventilator, they were monitored for incidence of VAP, until their discharge, transfer or death. VAP Bundle Program was implemented in April 2016 by the infection control team. The critical care nurses were educated and made aware of the problem of VAP and the use of a ventilator bundle in helping to decrease this hospital-associated infection. Our bundle components are as follows, head of bed elevation, daily sedation interruption, daily oral care, peptic ulcer prophylaxis and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. Compliance was assessed twice daily by the ICU team. Result: The yearly hospital admissions to the three hospital ICUs was 1521 in 2016, with 6906 patients days and 1330 ventilator days. Whereas, 2017 showed a total admission of 1221 patients, 9256 patients days and 1626 ventilator days. A significant drop in the VAP rates was reported. The year 2016 showed a VAP rate of 46.6165/1000 ventilator days that dropped to 19.5740/1000 ventilator days through the year 2017 (P value <0.00001). The main causative organisms of VAP were different through the two years, MDR Klebsiella pneumonia (30.6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30.6%) were the most common VAP infections in 2016 followed by Acinetobacter infection (25%), whereas in 2017 Acinetobacter (29.5%) infection was the most common causative agent of VAP, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.5%) and MDR Klebsiella pneumonia (17.6%). An increase in compliance rates to VAP bundle of care was reported. Compliance with head-of-bed elevation was 93.5% in 2016 and 98.95% in 2017, sedation holds was 89.22% and 98.72% in 2016 and 2017, respectively, oral care showed an increased compliance from 79.5% in 2016 to 94.2% in 2017, DVT prophylaxis was almost the same 99.7% in 2016 and 99.3% in 2017 and PUD showed a compliance rate of 98.3% in 2016 and 99.7% in 2017. Conclusion: Adherence to strict infection control measures and VAP bundle of care reduces the VAP rates significantly.
- Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines | Drug Interaction in Infectious Diseases | Nosocomial or Hospital Acquired Infection and Control | Infectious Diseases and Vaccines | Fungal Infections | Dental and Oral Infectious Diseases and Control | Veterinary/Animal Infectious Diseases
Location: Dubai
Chair
John Masiye Ndaferankhande
Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Malawi
Session Introduction
Liubov Kotsiubailo & Valentyna Boyko
National Medical Academy, Ukraine
Title: Detection and clinical features of Coronavirus infections in patients with acute respiratory viral diseases in Ukraine
Time : 11:00-11:30
Biography:
Liubov Kotsiubailo is currently working as a Teacher of Infectious Diseases and continues to work with problems of flu, coronavirus and other acute respiratory infections, their complications and immune response issues. She is the author of more than 30 scientific publications.
Valentyna Boyko has extensive experience in the infectious disease service as a Practitioner and Teacher at higher educational institutions from 2001 to 2011. She is the author of more than 50 scientific publications. She is interested in molecular epidemiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis; new treatment protocols and prophylaxis of different infectious diseases (HIV, flu and other acute respiratory viral diseases, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, malaria, viral hepatitis, travel medicine, etc.).
Abstract:
Introduction & Aim: In Ukraine, the frequency of Corona Virus Infection (CVI) in the general structure of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections (ARVI) in adults has not previously been studied. But the range of clinical symptoms in CVI is much wider than the affection of only the respiratory system and intoxication syndrome. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features in patients with CVI and to determine the frequency of confirmed cases of CVI in the general structure of ARVI. Methods: Under surveillance, there were 150 patients with ARVI. For the etiological confirmation of the diagnosis of CVI molecular biological methods were used: PCR with reverse transcription, multiplex PCR, PCR with real-time amplification product detection. Results: RNA of respiratory coronaviruses I (HCoV I AG) and II (HCoV II AG) antigenic groups were detected in 36 (24%) samples of sputum. The symptoms of the disease included febrile temperature, weakness and dry cough in 36 (100%) cases, sore throat-in 29 (80.5%) patients. HCoV I AG (229E, NL63) was isolated from 15 patients (10%), HCoV II AG (OC43, HKU1)-in 21 (14%) cases of ARVI. Such complications as pneumonia and Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), bronchiolitis without affecting the upper respiratory system, the affection of the digestive system much more often occurred in patients with HCoV II AG, he meningism is more typical for HCoV I AG. Conclusion: The revealed clinical features will help the physician suspect the diagnosis of CVI and prescribe an adequate examination and treatment.
Kavita Diddi
Prime Healthcare Group, UAE
Title: Multidrug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) screening in ICUs: Required or not?
Biography:
Kavita Diddi has completed her Post-graduation from AIIMS, New Delhi, India. She has worked in Private Tertiary Care Hospital in India. She is currently working at Prime Health Care Group in Microbiology Division and Infection Control Division. She is also the General Secretory for Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology, UAE.
Abstract:
Healthcare-associated infection leads to an increase in hospital stay and cost. There are different measures recommended by various international associations to reduce the incidence of healthcare associated infections. There is no consensus regarding the pre-screening of multidrug resistance organisms at the time of admission. After the literature review, it was found that screening of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) will be beneficial in high-risk patients. In our hospital prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is approximately 28%, on this basis we started screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in all the patients getting admitted in ICU. We found 6 patients out of 21 screened (29%) were a carrier for MRSA in one month. In conclusion, the decision to start pre-screening for MDRs should take based on the local prevalence of organisms.
Bhaskar Rajakumar
Health Connect Digital, India
Title: Impact of serious games based training in reduction of nosocomial infections
Biography:
Bhaskar Rajakumar key responsibility includes application of his medical expertise to design structured online medical education programs. He functions as the 'Chief Executive Officer' identifying the medical education market gaps, partner and develop learning pedagogies, and ensure reach and delivery to the learners (healthcare professionals). He also oversees operations. Bhaskar is a physician by academia, completed medicine at Dr B R Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, followed by MD in Radiology and MBA in healthcare management. Previously worked as Chief Medical Officer, Consultant Radiologist @ Multiple Hospitals (Between 2007 - 2012). He was heading the PMO, Medical Affairs - Indegene Life Systems (2010 - 2016).
Abstract:
Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) or nosocomial infections are complex to treat and are a growing global burden. HAIs affect about one in 25 patients in the US and the situation is worse in resource-poor nations. A prevalence survey conducted under WHO in 55 hospitals of 14 countries showed that ~8.7% of in-patients had HAIs. At any time, over 1.4 million people worldwide suffer from infectious complications acquired in a hospital. HAIs contribute to increased economic burden, negatively affecting the quality of life and deaths. 1, 2 As per the existing methodologies direct observation is the gold standard to monitor compliance and to prevent or reduce HAIs. Frequent surveys, interviews and inspections are the other commonest methods implemented as prevention of HAIs. Indirect monitoring involves automated monitoring systems (video monitoring, real-time location systems) monitoring hand hygiene product consumption). Hospitals with sophisticated information systems are in a position to streamline surveillance process through computer-based algorithms that identify patients at highest risk of HAI.3 4 computerized surveillance helps in better implementation of preventive strategies, but lower infection rates have not been proven conclusively. Conventional training methodologies have not proved to be significantly impactful in knowledge retention and message recall. A newer approach called Gamification is a positive and effective method to change behaviour. It can engage, motivate and influence people. It is a concept that has unknowingly been applied for years through the term was widely used only after 2010. A ‘serious game’ is defined as an ‘interactive computer application, with or without significant hardware component, that has a challenging goal, is fun to play and engaging, incorporates some scoring mechanism, and supplies the user with skills, knowledge or attitudes useful in reality.5 A hand hygiene improvement campaign in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (Scotland, UK) using the SureWash gesture recognition system (SureWash, IRL) which concluded that the senior staff noted a change in hand hygiene culture following the campaign and the good-natured competition between staff to demonstrate hand hygiene competence using the SureWash serious game. Another study conducted in Portugal wherein gamification was selected as the solution (Osyrish) to the compliance problem to engage and motivate people to achieve specific goals. An innovative indoor system, based on Beacons (iBeacon™), was used to collect data on nurses which concluded that it was opportunity to improve the performance by nurses.6 Mediknit (A HealthConnect Digital Initiative) has developed a serious game and micro-learning training methodology for coaching healthcare practitioners on Hand Hygiene, Immunisation Safety, Injection Safety and other aspects of infection prevention and control. These modules are first of its kind in the world for mixed pedagogy, knowledge mapping techniques and are implemented as a proof of concept at the Singapore General Hospital. An initial survey showed that >95% of nurses felt this to be significantly better than conventional classroom-based training and overall ~3-10% reduction HAIs was reported. A study is still ongoing. Whilst there is growing interest in using serious games in health as a valuable adjunct to conventional education, training and behaviour change interventions, due to the immaturity of the field, implementing this method still remains as a challenge and methodological aspects can generally be much improved to see a positive response in the upcoming years.
Sulabhsinh Solanki
Sardar Patel University, India
Title: Screening of microorganisms from restaurant menu cards and their prevention by effective cleaning protocol
Biography:
Sulabhsinh Solanki has completed Ph.D. and published papers in reputed international and national journals. He has successfully organized and conducted workshops in relevant field. Currently, he is working in the capacity of Head of the Department and Assistant Professor and has been teaching to postgraduate (MSc MT & DMLT) and undergraduate students of paramedical and science stream from last ten years. He has been invited as Visiting Faculty in various institutes.
Abstract:
Introduction & Aim: Few recently published data suggest that restaurant menu cards are 100 times dirtier than toilet covers and can act as a vehicle for pathogens. Many microorganisms present are associated with infection, spoilage and contamination of food in restaurant, dhabas, street stalls and other sites. Menus can act as a possible vector of certain foodborne diseases if not cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. The main aim of the present study was to demonstrate the actual bacterial contamination present on their surface. Method: We collected swabs from different sites of menus from various restaurant, dhabas and street stalls. Then we isolated bacterial strains by using selective media, morphological characteristics, biochemical identifications, etc. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method using standard procedures. Result: We found potent pathogens from the distinct sites of different menus. In the antibiotics Kirby Bauer (disk diffusion) test, S. aureus displayed inhibition zone against some antibiotic and they are resistant against by Penicillin, Oxacillin, Ofloxacin, but sensitive to Erythromycin. We also tested Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas also, in which only a few antibiotics showed resistant against isolates. Conclusion: The study emphasizes on the microorganisms which are present on different sites of restaurant menus due to which the society is suffering from serious health hazards. The study also showed that restaurant menus may serve as vehicles for pathogens and hence present a public health issue. This result will help guide restaurant managers establish effective cleaning protocols to prevent further transmission of disease and improve food safety for the general public.
Samia William
Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
Title: Screening of PDE inhibitors for antischistosomal potential using In vitro Schistosoma mansoni worm killing
Biography:
Samia William is a Professor at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt. As a Senior Scientist, she conducted several research studies in evaluating several antischistosomal drugs and spearheaded many research teams since joining TBRI in evaluation of the antischistosomal activity (in vivo) and in vitro culture assays for the effect of new drugs (synthetic & natural) on schistosome worms, in performing worm muscle tension, isotopic estimation of calcium uptake and transmission & and Scanning Electron Microscopy. She has shared and worked in eight research projects sponsored by international and national agencies; published more than 22 research articles in peer-reviewed international journals and supervised four MSc and three Ph.D. theses.
Abstract:
Background: Schistosomiasis is a worldwide health problem and Praziquantel is the only drug currently used for the treatment. There is some evidence that extensive monotherapy of Praziquantel may be leading to drug resistance in the parasite. Method: A total of 146 compounds were examined in vitro for antischistosomal potential against adult and early mature Schistosoma mansoni worms using a well-cultured medium. Worms were treated with different concentrations of phosphodiesterase inhibitors and after 5 days, a worm was assayed in terms of viability, motility, a death of worms, female ovipositing capacity and worm coupling. Result: Findings of one or two repeat experiments revealed potential antischistosomal activities against adult mature schistosomes, expressed as worm killing/and or sluggish worm movement, worm pairing and female ovipositing capacity for 52 compounds. However, the effect was recorded at high concentrations, resulting in worm killing for 26% of the compounds (13) with the survivors showing sluggish worm movement. All compounds showed worm killing at high concentrations of 100 µM and 50 µM revealed, worm uncoupling with an absence of ova. At the concentrations of 25 µM and 10 µM, 4% and 8% out of a total of 13 compounds showed the same profile. Reduction in the number of eggs was recorded for most of the compounds (34%) with less concentrations in the presence of living intact couples. 33% of the compounds showed no worm killing, uncoupling with an absence of eggs was recorded. In four out of 52 compounds (7%), no worm killing with an absence of ova was recorded despite the presence of intact couples. In 46 out of 52 promising compounds, only male worms were affected where 100% of them were killed. Meanwhile, the insult to early mature worms was more pronounced. Expression and cloning analysis of PDEs in S. mansoni adult and early mature worms revealed higher expression of Sm4A, Sm4C and Sm11 in adult and early mature male worms than in female worms. Sm9C is highly expressed in a juvenile male. Conclusion: PDE inhibitors showed potential against schistosomiasis In vitro with insult mainly targeting worm ovipositing.