Session | Diagnostics for Antibiotic Stewardship

• Integrating rapid and laboratory STI diagnostics tests into symptomatic management in an adolescent clinic, Zimbabwe | Gerald Hangaika, MSF Zimbabwe
• Cumulative antibiogram and retrospective chart review of antibiotic stewardship for pediatric patients at Barnersville Junction Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia | Emily Lynch, Epicentre
• Evaluation of a laboratory rapid test for confirmation and characterisation of carbapenemase-producing bacteria in MSF laboratories | Céline Langendorf, Epicentre

The first study assessed the added value of integrating rapid and lab-based STI diagnostics into syndromic management for adolescents in Mbare, Harare. Findings support expanding diagnostic access—particularly for adolescent girls, regardless of symptoms—to reduce missed infections and inappropriate treatments.

The second study highlights the role of cumulative antibiograms in understanding antimicrobial resistance. While clinicians at BJH in Liberia effectively follow empiric treatment guidelines for suspected sepsis, the study shows that additional clinical data is essential to refine treatment and improve the use of targeted antibiotics in a context of high multidrug-resistant and nosocomial infections.

The third study focuses on carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli (CP-GNB), a growing global health threat. Preliminary findings suggest the Carba-5 test is a promising diagnostic tool for confirming CP-GNB (including Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa) in MSF labs. Ongoing analysis will help determine its potential for routine integration.