Carriage of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales among children in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 1111 studies found that the prevalence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCR-E) or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in children aged 0-18 years in sub-Saharan Africa is 32.2%. The study found high heterogeneity between studies, with higher proportions among sick children. The study suggests that ESCR-E carriage among children in SSA is frequent, and that microbiology capacity and infection control must be increased to reduce the spread of these multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The study highlights the need for increased microbiology capacity and infection control measures.