TARTARE retrospective microbiological laboratory data from three hospitals, Ethiopia, 2018-2022

Clinical laboratory data were retrospectively collected from bacteriology and parasitology laboratories in three Ethiopian hospitals. The dataset contains stool sample test results and patient metadata for samples tested from January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2022, at Yekatit 12 Hospital (Addis Ababa), University of Gondar Hospital (Gondar), and Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (Harar). Samples were tested using traditional laboratory methods and hospital procedures, and data were retrospectively transferred from paper laboratory logbooks into an electronic database (Microsoft Access). Clinical outcomes include raw and clean stool sample results, including codetections. Patient metadata include age, sex, and date of sample submission.

Methods
Methods for stool sample processing and testing varied by site. In Addis Ababa, four departments ordered submission of patient stool samples. Samples were tested in either the microbiology or parasitology laboratory, but not both. Samples submitted to the microbiology laboratory were only tested for Salmonella and Shigella on routine basis, with testing for Vibrio cholerae occurring during periods of suspected outbreaks. In Gondar, five departments ordered submission of patient stool samples to either the microbiology or parasitology laboratory. Samples submitted to the microbiology laboratory were tested for the same pathogens as in Yekatit 12. In Harar, three departments ordered submission of patient stool samples to the parasitology laboratory for testing. No bacterial testing occurred as the hospital did not have a microbiology laboratory. At all three sites, stool samples were tested using ISO protocol 15189, and parasitology testing was performed using wet mount microscopy.