Treatment Protocols for Nosocomial Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Hospital-acquired infections or nosocomial infections are infections that develop while undergoing medical treatment but were absent at the time of admission. These infections mostly caused by bacterial pathogens often prolong the stay of a person at the hospital placing a burden on existing structures. It is therefore imperative for protocols or treatment to be initiated as soon as these infections are confirmed. Nosocomial infections are undesirable as they have grave negative consequences on the patient as well as the healthcare staff. These infections, which are frequently brought on by multi-resistant organisms, have a severe impact on patients and their families since they can lead to illness, an extended hospital stay, probable impairment, increased costs, and occasionally even death. Sub-Saharan Africa, with its increasing populations has been identified as a place where there is a high burden of nosocomial infections. Currently, there are limited studies that assess the treatment protocols used in Sub-Saharan Africa in the management of nosocomial infections. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the fastest increasing populations in the world, as well as a high prevalence of nosocomial infections. This work therefore seeks to identify these treatment protocols that are available in Sub-Saharan Africa.