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Article History

Received: 31 August 2025

Accepted: 6 February 2026

First Online: 11 February 2026

Declarations

:

: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Science (IRB No. 1045/21/22). Permission letters were secured from the respective hospital managements. The study’s objectives, benefits, and potential risks were clearly communicated to participants, participation was voluntary and could be withdrawn at any time without penalty. Written informed consent was obtained from participants before the commencement of data collection. All data were de-identified and coded with a unique identifier that is linked to their identity. All electronic data was kept on a password-protected computer, while all paper documents were stored in a locked file cabinet. Only the principal investigator had access to the identity key. Microbiological analyses related to this research were provided free of charge, and positive findings were promptly communicated to treating physicians and patients for appropriate management. The study adhered to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and complied with national and institutional ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.