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Maternal and neonatal infections pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries like Benin. This retrospective study investigates the frequency and determinants of maternal and neonatal infections in Benin during 2022, utilizing data from six reference hospitals. The study includes 123 neonates suspected of infection, analyzing factors such as birth weight, breastfeeding practices, clinical delivery parameters, and laboratory-confirmed infection rates. Findings reveal that 32% of suspected cases were confirmed infections, with a higher prevalence among premature newborns and those born in specific hospitals. The study emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic facilities, infection control practices, and awareness among healthcare workers and pregnant women. Recommendations for future research include broader geographic coverage and enhanced training programs.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producing bacteria are of increasing concern due to their multidrug resistance and infection potential. This study determines the one-day prevalence of faecal carriage of ESBL and carbapenemase producing Gram-negative bacilli. Fecal samples were collected from 30 post-surgery patients (hospitalized for at least 48 hours) in each of the four hospitals involved in the study and were analyzed for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Identification was done using Maldi Tof mass spectrometry, and antibiotic susceptibility was tested using disk diffusion and specialized tests for ESBL (double disk synergy technique) and carbapenem (NG-TEST CARBA 5) resistance detection. PCR was conducted on isolates to detect betalactam resistance genes, carbapenemase genes and quinolone resistance genes. Out of the 120 patients enrolled, 38.33% (n = 46) and 49.16.33% (n = 59) were found to carry ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing bacteria, respectively, in their fecal samples. Among the isolates, 51.08% (n = 47) exhibited ESBL production, with (44.56%) being the most common species. The identification of bacteria with resistance to carbapenems showed a predominance of the species (44.45%) followed by the species (16.06%) and (13.58%). The study of the association of variables shows a high degree of association (p < 0.05) for the factors independent walking and use of a wheelchair with ESBL production. The most frequently detected genes among ESBL producing bacteria were (91.49%), (70.21%) and (63.82%). (54.68%) was the most detected carbapenemase genes among carbapenemase producing isolates. This study demonstrates, for the first time, a significant prevalence of ESBL and carbapenemase producing gram-negative bacteria among surgical patients in Benin, with multiple resistance genes detected. Findings should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional design and >48-hour hospitalization criterion.

The conventional treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics is becoming increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This literature review explores the potential of bacteriophages as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to antibiotics in combating MDR infections in Africa. This analysis focuses on current research regarding the integration of phage therapy into African healthcare, highlighting its challenges and opportunities. This review begins with the AMR crisis and the need for new treatments, then covers the history, mechanisms, benefits, and limitations of phage therapy. Key African studies are summarized, identifying major obstacles such as regulatory issues, infrastructure, and research standardization. Research efforts in West Africa that have made notable progress in bacteriophage research are highlighted. This review concludes with recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to enhance the development and use of phage therapy in Africa, aiming to reduce antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the unique advantages of phages, there is potential to significantly mitigate the impact of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes in Africa.

Background Little data exist on the presence of resistant pathogens in day-old chicks imported into Benin. The occurrence of pathogenic bacteria was assessed in 180 one-day-old chicks imported from Belgium and received at the Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport in Cotonou (Benin). The samples included swabbing the blisters of 180 chicks, followed by 18 pools of 10 swabs for bacterial isolation. Classic bacteriological methods based on Gram staining, culture on specific media and biochemical characterization were used. Antibacterial susceptibility screening to antibiotics was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method, and the results were interpreted according to guidelines from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). DNA extraction was performed by the heat treatment method. Resistance genes were screened by real-time PCR. Results We isolated 32 bacteria, including Escherichia coli (50%), Enterococcus spp. (28%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (10%). The isolates were investigated for antibiotic resistance against antibiotics using the disk diffusion method and showed that in the Escherichia col i strains isolated, the highest rate of resistance was obtained against ciprofloxacin (81%), followed by trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (62%). Enterobacter cloacae was sensitive to all the antibiotics tested. Pseudomonas spp. resistant to amoxicillin and trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole was noted. The SulII gene was found in all cloacal samples, while the SulI and bla TEM genes were present at 44.44% and 16.67%, respectively. Conclusion This study confirms that imported day-old chicks can be a potential source of dissemination of resistant bacteria in poultry production. A system for immediate detection of resistant bacteria in chicks upon arrival in the country is thus needed.

BackgroundThe matter of antimicrobial resistance evokes the urgency to explore alternatives to the antibiotics traditionally used for microbial infections. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of the antibacterial effect of Khaya senegalensis liable for bacterial strains responsible for diarrheal infections.ResultsThe data collected indicate that the bacterial strains tested (Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp.) were sensitive to the extracts of Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A.Juss. (aqueous and hydro-ethanol) to varying degrees. The hydro-ethanolic extract was active on all strains with a MIC of 25 mg/mL coupled with a bactericidal effect. The aqueous extract was only active on the Salmonella spp. strain. Membrane permeability test data show that Khaya senegalensis extracts affect the bacterial strains tested by attacking the stability of their outer membrane. This potential indicated by the high percentage of membrane destabilization of the bacteria is significantly (p < 0.05) better than that of cefixime used as a reference.ConclusionThis study revealed that Khaya senegalensis destroys Gram-bacteria by attacking the stability of their cytoplasmic membrane. These data provide for the first time the mode of action of Khaya senegalensis extracts concerning their antibacterial activity.

The use of catheters and bladder catheters in hospitals can increase the risk of bacterial infections. This study aimed to identify the bacterial strains involved in catheter-related infections (CRI) in southern Benin hospitals. The study included 407 samples, including 95 catheter tip samples and 312 urine samples collected from bladder catheters from patients on the first day and 48 h after admission. The catheter tip samples were analyzed using traditional bacterial isolation and identification methods, while the urine samples were analyzed using VITEK-2. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested using the Kirby Bauer method, and virulence and resistance genes were detected through standard PCR. The results showed a predominance of Escherichia coli (53.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.3%), and Enterobacter aerogenes (7.0%) among Gram-negative bacilli, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus as the most identified cocci. Bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics showed variable levels of resistance, with blaTEM being detected in 42.9% of identified bacterial species, followed by blaSHV (26.2%) and blaCTX-M-15 (16.7%). The blaNDM gene was only found in three identified bacterial strains, while vanA and vanB genes were detected in 3.2% of strains with a prevalence of 55% for the mecA gene. A prevalence of 18.8% for fimH was noted for the virulence genes. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of following proper hygiene and aseptic practices during catheterization to effectively prevent CRIs. These findings should be used to improve interventions in hospitals and reduce healthcare-associated infections in developing countries.

Recent studies reported interesting ethnopharmacological, antibacterial, and phytochemical data on some medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of salmonellosis in Benin. Unfortunately, very little data exists on the toxicity of these species. This study aims to evaluate chemical characteristic of six Benin pharmacopoeial plants used in the traditional treatment of salmonellosis in Benin. The acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava, Vernonia amygdalina, Cajanus cajan, Phyllanthus amarus, Uvaria chamae, and Lantana camara was evaluated according to OECD Guideline 423 at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight on Wistar rats. Histological sections were performed on the liver and kidneys to confirm hematological and biochemical data. The content of aluminum, chromium, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, arsenic, selenium, and manganese was measured in 10 mg of each extract by the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) method. The results of our study generally show the absence of significant effect of the extracts on the hematological and biochemical parameters of the rats. However, with the exception of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava root and the ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus (P>0.05), all the extracts have a significant effect on the aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) level, with a variable threshold of significance (0.0001< P ≤ 0.05). No mortalities and no renal histological conditions were recorded in the treated rats. In general, the heavy metal contents of the extracts do not exceed the standards set by the WHO/FDA except for a few extracts. Arsenic was not detected in any extract, while aluminum and chromium were detected at levels above the WHO/FDA standards. On the basis of these data, it appears that the six plants studied do not show any toxicity. In view of the pharmacological and chemical data previously available, these plants are good candidates for the development of improved traditional medicines with antibacterial and particularly anti-Salmonella properties.

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is a common practice in developing countries. However, this unregulated or poorly rational use may present a dose-dependent risk of toxicity to humans. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical and toxicological characteristics of ten (10) plant species used in the traditional treatment of infectious diarrhea in Benin. The acute toxicity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Daniellia oliveri, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Vernonia amygdalina, Manihot esculenta, Ocimum gratissimum, Senna italica, Diospyros mespiliformis, Pterocarpus erinaceus, and Anacardium occidentale was evaluated following the OECD 423 protocol at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. This safety test was complemented by a larval cytotoxicity test. Hematological and biochemical examinations, as well as a histological study of the liver and kidneys, were performed. Larval cytotoxicity was assessed by the sensitivity of Artemia salina larvae to different concentrations of the plant extracts studied. Testing for chemical compounds was performed on the basis of differential staining and precipitation reactions. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) was determined by the probit method. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the plants studied revealed the presence of catechic tannins, gallic tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and sterol-terpenes, alkaloids, saponosides, and reducing compounds. This composition varied according to the plants studied. Acute toxicity data indicated that there was no mortality and no structural and functional alterations of the liver and kidneys of treated animals. Larval cytotoxicity data suggest that the plants studied are not cytotoxic (LC50 ≥ 0.1 mg/mL). These observations reflect the safety of these plants and justify their use in traditional medicine in the treatment of many diseases including diarrheal diseases.

Purpose: Extended-spectrum [beta]-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producing bacteria are of increasing concern due to their multidrug resistance and infection potential. This study determines the one-day prevalence of faecal carriage of ESBL and carbapenemase producing Gram-negative bacilli. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 30 post-surgery patients (hospitalized for at least 48 hours) in each of the four hospitals involved in the study and were analyzed for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Identification was done using Maldi Tof mass spectrometry, and antibiotic susceptibility was tested using disk diffusion and specialized tests for ESBL (double disk synergy technique) and carbapenem (NG-TEST CARBA 5) resistance detection. PCR was conducted on isolates to detect betalactam resistance genes, carbapenemase genes and quinolone resistance genes. Findings: Out of the 120 patients enrolled, 38.33% (n = 46) and 49.16.33% (n = 59) were found to carry ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing bacteria, respectively, in their fecal samples. Among the isolates, 51.08% (n = 47) exhibited ESBL production, with Escherichia coli (44.56%) being the most common species. The identification of bacteria with resistance to carbapenems showed a predominance of the species Escherichia coli (44.45%) followed by the species Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.06%) and Acinetobacter baumanii (13.58%). The study of the association of variables shows a high degree of association (p < 0.05) for the factors independent walking and use of a wheelchair with ESBL production. The most frequently detected genes among ESBL producing bacteria were [bla.sub.CTXM-1] (91.49%), qnrB (70.21%) and qnrs (63.82%). [bla.sub.NDM] (54.68%) was the most detected carbapenemase genes among carbapenemase producing isolates. Conclusion: This study demonstrates, for the first time, a significant prevalence of ESBL and carbapenemase producing gram-negative bacteria among surgical patients in Benin, with multiple resistance genes detected. Findings should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional design and >48-hour hospitalization criterion. Keywords: ESBL, carbapenemase, fecal carriage, post-surgery patients, one-day prevalence

Purpose: Extended-spectrum [beta]-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producing bacteria are of increasing concern due to their multidrug resistance and infection potential. This study determines the one-day prevalence of faecal carriage of ESBL and carbapenemase producing Gram-negative bacilli. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 30 post-surgery patients (hospitalized for at least 48 hours) in each of the four hospitals involved in the study and were analyzed for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Identification was done using Maldi Tof mass spectrometry, and antibiotic susceptibility was tested using disk diffusion and specialized tests for ESBL (double disk synergy technique) and carbapenem (NG-TEST CARBA 5) resistance detection. PCR was conducted on isolates to detect betalactam resistance genes, carbapenemase genes and quinolone resistance genes. Findings: Out of the 120 patients enrolled, 38.33% (n = 46) and 49.16.33% (n = 59) were found to carry ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing bacteria, respectively, in their fecal samples. Among the isolates, 51.08% (n = 47) exhibited ESBL production, with Escherichia coli (44.56%) being the most common species. The identification of bacteria with resistance to carbapenems showed a predominance of the species Escherichia coli (44.45%) followed by the species Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.06%) and Acinetobacter baumanii (13.58%). The study of the association of variables shows a high degree of association (p < 0.05) for the factors independent walking and use of a wheelchair with ESBL production. The most frequently detected genes among ESBL producing bacteria were [bla.sub.CTXM-1] (91.49%), qnrB (70.21%) and qnrs (63.82%). [bla.sub.NDM] (54.68%) was the most detected carbapenemase genes among carbapenemase producing isolates. Conclusion: This study demonstrates, for the first time, a significant prevalence of ESBL and carbapenemase producing gram-negative bacteria among surgical patients in Benin, with multiple resistance genes detected. Findings should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional design and >48-hour hospitalization criterion. Keywords: ESBL, carbapenemase, fecal carriage, post-surgery patients, one-day prevalence