The Rising Crisis of Neonatal Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance in Bangladesh

Seminar talk from Dr. Senjuti Saha, Deputy Executive Director of the Child Health Research Foundation in Bangladesh

Summary:

The talk will address the alarming rise in neonatal infections in Bangladesh, focusing on the burden and mortality associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common gram-negative pathogen. Increasing carbapenem resistance among Klebsiella isolates highlights the critical role of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in worsening patient outcomes, especially for vulnerable neonates. The presentation will also discuss genomic diversity within Klebsiella, underscoring the need for continued surveillance and tailored interventions to combat AMR.

Biography:

Dr. Senjuti Saha is the Deputy Executive Director of the Child Health Research Foundation in Bangladesh, leading research on pediatric diseases. She completed her PhD in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto and post-doctoral training at SickKids and Stanford. Since 2016, she has pioneered genomic research in Bangladesh, including discovering role of chikungunya virus in causing pediatric meningitis. She is a member of key committees including the WHO Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee, the WHO SARS-CoV-2 Technical Advisory Group - Viral Evolution, the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Salmonella Vaccines and the Polio Transition Independent Monitoring Board. She has over 75 peer-reviewed publications and sits on the editorial board of several international journals. Dr. Saha also leads a nation-wide program "Building Scientists for Bangladesh", advocating for equitable science education and opportunities. Her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also ensures its accessibility and benefit to all.