Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Mar 7, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: Mar 8, 2024 - May 3, 2024
Date Accepted: Aug 22, 2024
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Progress of implementation of WHO GLASS recommendations on priority pathogen-antibiotic sensitivity testing in Africa: A protocol for a scoping review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources and infrastructure for an adequate response are limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) was introduced in 2016 to address these challenges, outlining recommendations for priority pathogen-antibiotic combinations. Despite this initiative, implementation in Africa remains understudied. This scoping review aims to assess the current state of implementing WHO GLASS recommendations on antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST) in Africa.
Objective:
The primary objective of this study is to determine the current state of implementing the WHO GLASS recommendations on AST for priority pathogen-antimicrobial combinations. The review will further document if reporting of AST results is according to: “susceptible”, “intermediate” and “resistant” recommendations according to GLASS.
Methods:
Following Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, studies published between January 2016 and November 2023 will be included. Search strategies will target electronic databases, grey literature, and reference lists. Eligible studies will document isolates tested for antimicrobial sensitivity, focusing on WHO priority specimens and pathogens. Data extraction will focus on key study characteristics, study context, population, and adherence to WHO GLASS recommendations on AST
Results:
Results are expected in August 2024, providing insights into the progress of GLASS implementation in Africa. Findings will inform current and future practices of AMR surveillance, identify gaps in implementation, and suggest strategies for improvement.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this scoping review will be the first to comprehensively examine the implementation of WHO GLASS recommendations in Africa, shedding light on the challenges and successes of AMR surveillance in the region. By addressing these issues, it aims to contribute to global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
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Copyright
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