Search results (9)
« Back to Research HighlightsUse of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study among stakeholders in Nepal
Posted 17/11/2023. Early critical phase of the COVID-19 pandemic added tremendous pressure to find curative therapies. A lot of empirical treatments, including antimicrobials, were recommended. Drawing on interviews with patients, clinicians and drug dispensers, Bipin Adhikari and colleagues explore how and why antimicrobials may have been used for the management of COVID-19 in Nepal.
Genomic epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors of Enterobacter cloacae complex causing potential community-onset bloodstream infections in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal
Posted 09/12/2022. Community-onset bloodstream infections caused by multidrug resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) species are increasing, underscoring their potential emerging role. This study by Abhilasha Karkey and colleagues elucidated detailed genomic epidemiology of ECC isolates showing complex transmission dynamics within the community. Genomic evidence of resistance to several major antimicrobial classes including carbapenems was detected.
Tackling typhoid fever burden in south Asia
Posted 28/06/2022. South Asia is a hub for typhoid fever, a biblical disease in the West. The new conjugate vaccine, which we studied and now implemented by the Nepali government, is very important for the control of typhoid fever. But well-done treatment trials with adequate sample size are also of paramount importance. By Buddha Basnyat
The emergence of azithromycin-resistant Salmonella Typhi in Nepal
Posted 12/01/2021. Azithromycin is effectively the last remaining oral antimicrobial to treat typhoid fever and is widely used for empirical therapy in South Asia. Although azithromycin resistance in Salmonella Typhi has rarely been reported, Abhilasha Karkey and colleagues show that an increasing reliance on this drug has led to the emergence of azithromycin resistant S. Typhi in the region.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) versus azithromycin for the treatment of undifferentiated febrile illness in Nepal
Posted 20/10/2020. Buddha Basnyat and colleagues describe findings from NUFIT, the Nepal Undifferentiated Febrile Illness Trial, a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial. The trial revealed that 7 days of sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim) is inferior to azithromycin in the treatment of undifferentiated febrile illness (fever without a focus) and enteric fever in Nepal and the wider region in South Asia.
COVID-19 lung injury is different from high altitude pulmonary edema
Posted 18/05/2020. The etiology of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a disease sometimes seen in sojourners to high altitude, is lack of adequate oxygen and not an inflammation provoked by an infectious agent like the novel coronavirus. Except for supplemental oxygen, Buddha Basnyat and colleagues strongly caution against managing COVID-19 lung injury with treatments that are used for HAPE.
Phase 3 Efficacy Analysis of a Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Trial in Nepal
Posted 17/12/2019. Typhoid fever is rampant in South Asia. This new typhoid vaccine (studied in Kathmandu, Nepal, by Buddha Basnyat and colleagues) appears to be very effective in the prevention of typhoid. Administration of the new vaccine, especially in children, will revolutionize the prevention of this disease. And, crucially, help fight typhoid treatment resistance, a burgeoning problem.
Melioidosis: misdiagnosed in Nepal
Posted 02/04/2019: Underdiagnosed in South Asia, melioidosis is caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei which is often referred to as a remarkable imitator. Pulmonary involvement including infections mimicking tuberculosis is a common form of presentation. In this case report, Buddha Basnyat and colleagues show that if a South Asian patient does not respond to anti tuberculosis treatment, melioidosis should be considered.
Clinical recommendations for high altitude exposure of individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions
Posted 19/06/2018. Many people with pre-existing heart problems (including heart attack, pacemaker implantation, arrhythmia), high blood pressure and even past history of a stroke seek advice regarding high altitude travel ( > 2500m) for recreation, meetings or pilgrimages. Dr Buddha Basnyat and colleagues succinctly try to address these conditions at altitude and make reasonable recommendations in the face of limited data.