Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health problem. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a common bacterium associated with a variety of community and hospital infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounts for most SA related morbidity and mortality. In this study, we determined the prevalence and factors associated with SA and MRSA in Myanmar. Methods: We collected the data retrospectively by reviewing an electronic register containing the results of bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing of biological specimens received from healthcare facilities during 2018–2019. Results: Of the 37,798 biological specimens with bacterial culture growth, 22% (8244) were Gram-positive. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, 42% (2801) were SA, of which 48% (1331) were judged as MRSA by phenotypic methods. The prevalence of MRSA was higher in the older age groups, in female patients, in urine specimens and specimens received from the intensive care unit and dermatology departments. One site (Site F) had the highest MRSA prevalence of the seven AMR sentinel sites. Most SA isolates were sensitive to vancomycin (90%) by phenotypic methods. Conclusions: The high prevalence of MRSA indicates a major public health threat. There is an urgent need to strengthen the AMR surveillance and hospital infection control program in Myanmar.

Globally, antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from neonatal sepsis is increasing. In this cross-sectional study conducted at a medical college teaching hospital in Nepal, we assessed the antibiotic resistance levels in bacteria cultured from neonates with sepsis and their in-hospital treatment outcomes. We extracted data of neonates with sepsis admitted for in-patient care from June 2018 to December 2019 by reviewing hospital records of the neonatal intensive care unit and microbiology department. A total of 308 neonates with sepsis were admitted of which, blood bacterial culture antibiotic sensitivity reports were available for 298 neonates. Twenty neonates (7%) had bacteriologic culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis. The most common bacterial species isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (8), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (5). Most of these bacteria were resistant to at least one first-line antibiotic used to manage neonatal sepsis. Overall, there were 7 (2%) deaths among the 308 neonates (none of them from the bacterial culture-positive group), and 53 (17%) neonates had left the hospital against medical advice (LAMA). Improving hospital procedures to isolate bacteria in neonates with sepsis, undertaking measures to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and addressing LAMA’s reasons are urgently needed.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic affected millions worldwide. While the major focus was on diagnosis and treatment of the acute phase of the disease, many individuals experienced long-term health even after recovery. These post-COVID-19 conditions encompass a broad range of physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms that persist beyond the acute phase of the illness. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and reported presentations of post-COVID-19 conditions in Nepal. Method This is a retrospective cross-sectional study using structured questionnaire to collect hospital-based data available in the record of Curative Service Division, Department of Health Services of Nepal from October 2021 to September 2022. A total of 6151 cases were recorded in the study. Descriptive analysis was done for demographic and symptoms variable. Association of variables to post-COVID-19 condition are shown using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Among 6151 respondents (62.25% males), more than half (59.03%) had at least one symptom after recovery from acute COVID-19. The most common symptoms were anxiety (28.5%), loss of appetite (25.3%), shortness of breath (24.13%), fatigue (23.24%), depressed mood (18.79%), muscle ache (17.59%), chest pain (16.81%), headache (14.78%), and palpitation (13%). Multivariate analysis showed increased odds of post-COVID-19 conditions in smokers (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.53), those with chronic lung disease (aOR 1.71), neurological disorder (aOR 2.43) and those with use of supplementary oxygen during acute illness of COVID-19 (aOR 3.37). Conclusion The prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms among the study population is found to be high. The main symptoms from our study and similar studies are anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headaches. Patients with smoking, hypoxia during acute illness and presence of chronic lung disease and neurological disorder had higher odds of getting post-COVID-19 conditions. Citing the findings, health system should focus upon the management and recording of such conditions for further evidence.