Antimicrobial resistance in Africa: a systematic review

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely acknowledged as a global problem, yet in many parts of the world its magnitude is still not well understood. This review, using a public health focused approach, aimed to understand and describe the current status of AMR in Africa in relation to common causes of infections and drugs recommended in WHO treatment guidelines. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and other relevant databases were searched for recent articles (2013–2016) in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Article retrieval and screening were done using a structured search string and strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Median and interquartile ranges of percent resistance were calculated for each antibiotic-bacterium combination. Results: AMR data was not available for 42.6% of the countries in the African continent. A total of 144 articles were included in the final analysis. 13 Gram negative and 5 Gram positive bacteria were tested against 37 different antibiotics. Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae was reported in 14/144studies (median resistance (MR): 26.7%). Further 18/53 (34.0%) of Haemophilus influenza isolates were resistant to amoxicillin. MR of Escherichia coli to amoxicillin, trimethoprim and gentamicin was 88.1%, 80.7% and 29.8% respectively. Ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella Typhi was rare. No documented ceftriaxone resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae was reported, while the MR for quinolone was 37.5%. Carbapenem resistance was common in Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but uncommon in Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusion: Our review highlights three important findings. First, recent AMR data is not available for more than 40% of the countries. Second, the level of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics was significant. Third, the quality of microbiological data is of serious concern. Our findings underline that to conserve our current arsenal of antibiotics it is imperative to address the gaps in AMR diagnostic standardization and reporting and use available information to optimize treatment guidelines.</p

Arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis in viticulture: a review

International audienceAbstractViticulture is a major worldwide economic sector with a vine area of 7.52 million ha, wine production of 288 Mhl, and wine exports of 26 billion euros. Nevertheless, viticulture has to adapt to new challenges of pest management, such as pesticide reduction, and climate change, such as increasing droughts. Viticulture adaptation can benefit from arbuscular mycorrhiza, a plant–fungus symbiosis. Here, we review the ecosystemic services of arbuscular mycorrhiza for grapevine production. The major points are the following: (1) arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi increase grapevine growth and nutrition by a better access to soil nutrients and by activating the regulation of plant transport proteins for phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and other elements. (2) Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi increase the tolerance to abiotic stresses such as water stress, soil salinity, iron chlorosis, and heavy metal toxicity. (3) Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi protect against biotic stresses such as root diseases. (4) Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi produce glycoproteins and a dense hyphal network that increases soil stability and save soil nutrients up to 14 % of the grape production income. (5) P fertilisation reduces mycorhization. (6) Using herbaceous plants as cover crops favors arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi