This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. Inpatients with bacterial blood infections will be randomized to either standard microbiologic workup or standard microbiologic workup PLUS rapid testing to determine if this rapid testing enables doctors to prescribe appropriate antibiotics sooner.
Impact
Bacterial blood infections make people very unwell. Prospective studies have consistently demonstrated that the best way to prevent mortality from sepsis is to prescribe appropriate antibiotics early. Unfortunately, traditional microbiology laboratories are very hard to create and maintain in resource-limited settings; consequently, blood culture results are often delayed and potentially inaccurate. It is possible that novel diagnostic platforms may be the way to address this need in LMICs.
Student Experience
This trial will offer numerous opportunities for graduate students, including: experience working in a multidisciplinary research team in a resource-limited setting with numerous institutional partners; a chance to get an in-depth look at the Botswana health care system in its capital city; and time on-the-ground learning how to operationalize epidemiologic concepts.
Countries
Botswana
Impact
Research, Global Partnerships
Institutional Partner(s)
Botswana-UPenn Partnership, University of Botswana, Botswana National Health Laboratory, FIND
