• Undergraduate medical qualifications from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University College of London (University of London) and College of Medicine Malawi.
• Post-graduate medical and non-medical education qualifications from Queen Mary College, University of London, University of Leicester, University of Warwick, and University of Coventry
• Royal Colleges medical professional qualifications from The Royal College of Physicians (UK) and The Royal College of Pathologists (UK)

Presentation at Advances in lower limb and foot care study day

Infection and Colonisation of Skin and Soft tissues

Abstract

According to the WHO, “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today”. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance leads to prolonged hospital stay which is associated with increasing costs as well as increased mortality.

It is therefore imperative that all involved in healthcare as well as patients take active role in the reduction of unnecessary use of antibiotics. To accomplish this, it is important that we all understand the role of antibiotics in our areas of work or expertise.

The area of skin and soft tissue care is one of the areas where there is a huge potential of misuse of antibiotics. This arises because of uncertainty in determining what is infection and what is colonisation.

In this talk, we will spend some time to understand what constitutes pathogens and normal microbiota. Furthermore, we will spend time to differentiate between colonisation and infection.

With this knowledge, it is hoped that practioners will have an increased knowledge and confidence in managing skin and soft tissue infections. This in turn should increase the appropriate use of antibiotics.