Seroprevalence of CMV, HSV-2 and HBV among HIV-Infected Malawian Children: A Cross-sectional Survey

BACKGROUND: Little is known about viral co-infections in African human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. We examined the prevalence of seromarkers for cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections among HIV-infected, antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive children in Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS: Ninety-one serum samples were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV, and IgG antibodies to HSV-2 and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from electronic records. RESULTS: CMV IgG was the most common positive result in all age groups (in 73% of children <1 year, and 100% in all other groups). Three patients were CMV IgM positive (3.3%), suggesting acute infection. HSV-2 IgG was positive in four patients (4.4%), and HBsAg in two (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: CMV infection occurred early in life, and few children had specific signs of CMV infection at the time of ART initiation. Unrecognized HBV infection represents opportunities for testing and treatment of HIV/HBV co-infected children

Seroprevalence of CMV, HSV-2 and HBV among HIV-Infected Malawian Children: A Cross-sectional Survey

BackgroundLittle is known about viral co-infections in African human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. We examined the prevalence of seromarkers for cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections among HIV-infected, antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve children in Lilongwe, Malawi.MethodsNinety-one serum samples were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV, and IgG antibodies to HSV-2 and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from electronic records.ResultsCMV IgG was the most common positive result in all age groups (in 73% of children &lt;1 year, and 100% in all other groups). Three patients were CMV IgM positive (3.3%), suggesting acute infection. HSV-2 IgG was positive in four patients (4.4%), and HBsAg in two (2.2%).ConclusionsCMV infection occurred early in life, and few children had specific signs of CMV infection at the time of ART initiation. Unrecognized HBV infection represents opportunities for testing and treatment of HIV/HBV co-infected children

Seroprevalence of CMV, HSV-2 and HBV among HIV-Infected Malawian Children: A Cross-sectional Survey

BACKGROUND: Little is known about viral co-infections in African human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. We examined the prevalence of seromarkers for cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections among HIV-infected, antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive children in Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS: Ninety-one serum samples were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV, and IgG antibodies to HSV-2 and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from electronic records. RESULTS: CMV IgG was the most common positive result in all age groups (in 73% of children <1 year, and 100% in all other groups). Three patients were CMV IgM positive (3.3%), suggesting acute infection. HSV-2 IgG was positive in four patients (4.4%), and HBsAg in two (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: CMV infection occurred early in life, and few children had specific signs of CMV infection at the time of ART initiation. Unrecognized HBV infection represents opportunities for testing and treatment of HIV/HBV co-infected children

Paralysie faciale périphérique de l´enfant: une manifestation inhabituelle d´un corps étranger de l´oreille

Les corps étrangers de l´oreille, fréquents chez l´enfant, se compliquent rarement. Nous rapportons un cas rare de paralysie faciale de l´enfant compliquant un corps étranger toxique de graine d´Abrus precatorius.&nbsp;Il s´agissait d´une enfant de 4 ans qui avait introduit ce type de corps étranger dans l´oreille, ayant entrainé, 15 jours plus tard une paralysie faciale homolatérale. Des signes de nécroses locaux associés à une otite externe étaient retrouvés sans atteinte systémique. L´extraction du corps étranger était effectuée au micro crochet. Des traitements locaux et généraux ainsi qu´une corticothérapie et une kinésithérapie faciale avaient permis une bonne évolution de la paralysie faciale au bout de trois semaines. Le séjour prolongé du corps étranger dans l´oreille et l´infection locale qui en résulte favorisent la survenue des complications fonctionnelles. L´extraction précoce et les soins locaux constituent les bases de leur traitement

Corynebacterium diphtheriae Infection in Mahajanga, Madagascar: First Case Report

International audienceAbstract Diphtheria is an infection that has been unreported for more than two decades in Mahajanga. A child, aged 4, presented with a pseudomembranous pharyngitis was associated with a dysphagia. He was from a rural municipality of Ambato Boeny at Mahajanga province and was admitted to the Pediatric Unit of the University Hospital Center. The child was not immunized against diphtheria. A throat swab was performed and cultured, from which Corynebacterium diphtheriae was identified. The strain, of biovar Mitis, was confirmed as diphtheria toxin (DT)-gene positive and produced DT (Elek test). Unfortunately, the child developed cardiac and neurological complications and died of respiratory and heart failure

Toxoplasmosis among Pregnant Women at the Intergrated Health Center in Mahajanga (Madagascar): A Preliminary Study

Serological screening for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women is not systematic in Madagascar. However, the urban lifestyle and the often precarious lifestyle of the population are a favourable factor in the onset of the disease. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women who came for an initial prenatal visit at the Integrated Health Center (IHC) Mahabibo, and to determine the socio-demographic factors that can influence the serological status of these patients in order to propose suggestions for improving the management of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Madagascar.We conducted a prospective, descriptive and analytical study of pregnant women in first prenatal visit at the IHC Mahabibo from May to July 2018. A questionnaire on risk factors and knowledge of the pathology was conducted to participants. They have benefited a blood sample for free serological screening of toxoplasmosis using the Rapid Lab® EIA technique. A second sample was taken after one month for pregnant women who came to 2nd prenatal visit. The biological study was carried out in the laboratory of the PZaGa Mahajanga University Hospital Center.A total of 96 serologies were performed, including 58 screenings and 38 follow-ups.  The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 36.2%. We found 23.7% seroconversion suggestive of recent infection. The seropositivity of toxoplasmosis was 85.7% among pregnant women who consumed raw vegetables and 71.4% among those who ate undercooked meat (p>0,05).Awareness of the risks of contamination, systematic serological surveillance and hygiene measures should be provided during prenatal visits