title: Knowledge and practices of laboratory workers on standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing and biosafety practices to prevent the spread of superbugs in Pakistan.
abstract: A cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaire was conducted to assess practices of microbiological laboratories working with pathogens. Forty-eight laboratory workers (50%) agreed that laboratory methods to detect antimicrobial resistance are not standardized in Pakistan, and 6% of the laboratory workers were not aware of the standardization of antimicrobial susceptibility testing in Pakistan. Reported rates of awareness regarding the role of waste disposal, disinfection, and handwashing in limiting the spread of antimicrobial resistance were 75%, 42%, and 81%, respectively. Our results provide baseline data for planning programs to train, supervise, and improve the operational quality of microbiological laboratories nationwide to prevent the spread of superbugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Najia K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Ghanchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Electronic address: erum.khan@aku.edu.
authors.forename: Erum
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Joveria Q
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Farooqi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Naima
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fasih
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Maqboola
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dojki
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.
authors.forename: Molly A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D059232:Laboratory Personnel; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D010154:Pakistan; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Hand washing; Infection control; Multidrug-resistant bacteria; Standardization; Surveillance