Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42110041›Full record

ArticleCureus2026

Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Common Environmental Bacterial Species in the Intensive Care Unit at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.

Daniel Chans Mwandah, Martha K Namakula, Joshua Kiprotich, Stella Babirye, Namuyomba M Kamoga, Splendour Masinde, Anna B Nakiguli, Kevin Kiyimba, Nuru Mugide, Tadele M Yadesa and 5 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

15 authors.

Daniel Chans MwandahDepartment of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Martha K NamakulaDepartment of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Joshua KiprotichDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Kampala International University-Western Campus (WC), Bushenyi, UGA.
Stella BabiryeDepartment of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Namuyomba M KamogaDepartment of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Splendour MasindeFaculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University-Western Campus (WC), Bushenyi, UGA.
Anna B NakiguliDepartment of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Kevin KiyimbaDepartment of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Nuru MugideDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kampala International University-Western Campus (WC), Bushenyi, UGA.
Tadele M YadesaDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Kampala International University-Western Campus (WC), Bushenyi, UGA.
Jonans TusiimireDepartment of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Stephen TtendoDepartment of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Joseph OloroDepartment of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Joel BaziraDepartment of Microbiology and Parasitology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.
Amon G AgabaDepartment of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, UGA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEnvironmental contamination in intensive care units (ICUs) is a recognized concern due to its potential role as a reservoir for pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Understanding the extent and patterns of contamination is essential for strengthening infection prevention and control strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings.

methodsA cross-sectional environmental surveillance study was conducted in the ICU of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. A total of 34 high-touch surfaces were sampled using sterile pre-moistened swabs over a standardized area. Bacterial identification was based on colony morphology, hemolytic patterns, Gram staining, and microscopic characteristics. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method, with zones of inhibition measured in millimeters and interpreted as sensitive, intermediate, or resistant according to standard guidelines.

resultsOf the 34 environmental samples collected, 32 (94.1%) yielded bacterial growth, resulting in a total of 40 isolates. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 21 isolates (52.5%), while Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 19 isolates (47.5%). Common isolates included

conclusionsThis study demonstrates a high level of bacterial contamination on ICU surfaces, with diverse organisms exhibiting varying antimicrobial resistance patterns. While no direct relationship between environmental contamination and patient infections was established, the findings highlight the importance of maintaining stringent infection prevention and control practices. Further studies incorporating advanced microbiological techniques are recommended to better understand transmission dynamics in ICU settings. The findings highlight the urgent need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programs and routine culture and sensitivity testing in resource-limited ICU settings.

Indexed as

antibiotic susceptibilityantimicrobial resistanceenvironmental contaminationintensive care unitmultidrug-resistant bacteria

Identifiers

PMID42110041
PMCPMC13157286

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.