Profil Evolutif et Comorbidités des Troubles Fonctionnels Intestinaux (TFI) Persistants au CHU de Conakry

Introduction : Les troubles fonctionnels digestifs (TFI) ou syndrome de l’intestin irritable représentent un véritable problème de santé publique. Si cette affection n’engage pas le pronostic vital, elle altère significativement et de façon chronique la qualité de vie des malades. L’étiologie est mal connue et de nombreux facteurs sont impliqués. Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive à recueil prospectif de données réalisée en consultation externe du service d’hépato-gastroentérologie de l’hôpital national Donka du CHU de Conakry allant du 1er Janvier 2019 au 31 Décembre 2020 chez les patients souffrants de TFI et répondant aux critères de Rome IV. Résultats : Trois cent quatre-vingt-dix-huit cas de SII sur 1309 patients soit une prévalence de 30,40%. On notait une prédominance féminine avec un sex ratio de 0,92. L’âge moyen de nos patients était de 49 ans avec des extrêmes de 10 et 88 ans. Les tranches d’âge de 25-34 ans et 35-44 ans étaient les plus représentées avec des fréquences respectives de 24,52% et 22,07%. Les principaux signes cliniques étaient des douleurs abdominales (92,28%), de la constipation dans 84,41%, ballonnement abdominal 28,39% et diverses manifestations extradigestives : insomnie dans 32,08%, de céphalées dans 30,55% des cas, de la fibromyalgie 22,91%. Les principaux facteurs déclenchants étaient : les facteurs psychologiques 32,08% et alimentaires (tubercules 14,13%, haricot 6,11%, le diner tardif et ou copieux 4,2% et les boissons gazeuses 3,44%). Le retentissement socioprofessionnel des TFI était dominé par l’absentéisme dans 82,78% des cas, le retard au travail dans 20%. Les comorbidités digestives les plus fréquentes étaient : le RGO, la dyspepsie, le dolichocôlon ainsi que leur association. Conclusion  Le SII est un problème de santé publique qui altère la qualité de vie des personnes atteintes. Les douleurs abdominales, la constipation et le ballonnement abdominal en constituent la triade symptomatique. Le stress est un facteur déclenchant de la symptomatologie. L’association du SII avec des comorbidités digestives et extra-digestives est fréquente. Introduction : Functional digestive disorders (TFI) or irritable bowel syndrome represent a real public health problem. Although this condition is not life-threatening, it significantly and chronically alters the quality of life of patients. The etiology is poorly understood and many factors are involved. Methods : This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection carried out in outpatient consultation of the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka national hospital of the Conakry University Hospital from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 in patients suffering from TFI and meeting the Rome IV criteria. Results: Three hundred and ninety-eight cases of IBS out of 1309 patients, representing a prevalence of 30.40%. There was a female predominance with a sex ratio of 0.92. The average age of our patients was 49 years with extremes of 10 and 88 years. The age groups of 25-34 and 35-44 were the most represented with respective frequencies of 24.52% and 22.07%. The main clinical signs were abdominal pain (92.28%), constipation in 84.41%, abdominal bloating in 28.39% and various extradigestive manifestations: insomnia in 32.08%, headache in 30.55% of cases. cases, fibromyalgia 22.91%. The main triggering factors were: psychological factors 32.08% and dietary factors (tubers 14.13%, beans 6.11%, late or heavy dinner 4.2% and soft drinks 3.44%). The socio-professional impact of TFIs was dominated by absenteeism in 82.78% of cases, lateness for work in 20%. The most common digestive comorbidities were: GERD, dyspepsia, dolichocolon and their combination. Conclusion IBS is a public health problem that impairs the quality of life of those affected. Abdominal pain, constipation and abdominal bloating constitute the symptomatic triad. Stress is a triggering factor for the symptoms. The association of IBS with digestive and extra-digestive comorbidities is common

Profil Evolutif et Comorbidités des Troubles Fonctionnels Intestinaux (TFI) Persistants au CHU de Conakry

Introduction : Les troubles fonctionnels digestifs (TFI) ou syndrome de l’intestin irritable représentent un véritable problème de santé publique. Si cette affection n’engage pas le pronostic vital, elle altère significativement et de façon chronique la qualité de vie des malades. L’étiologie est mal connue et de nombreux facteurs sont impliqués. Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive à recueil prospectif de données réalisée en consultation externe du service d’hépato-gastroentérologie de l’hôpital national Donka du CHU de Conakry allant du 1er Janvier 2019 au 31 Décembre 2020 chez les patients souffrants de TFI et répondant aux critères de Rome IV. Résultats : Trois cent quatre-vingt-dix-huit cas de SII sur 1309 patients soit une prévalence de 30,40%. On notait une prédominance féminine avec un sex ratio de 0,92. L’âge moyen de nos patients était de 49 ans avec des extrêmes de 10 et 88 ans. Les tranches d’âge de 25-34 ans et 35-44 ans étaient les plus représentées avec des fréquences respectives de 24,52% et 22,07%. Les principaux signes cliniques étaient des douleurs abdominales (92,28%), de la constipation dans 84,41%, ballonnement abdominal 28,39% et diverses manifestations extradigestives : insomnie dans 32,08%, de céphalées dans 30,55% des cas, de la fibromyalgie 22,91%. Les principaux facteurs déclenchants étaient : les facteurs psychologiques 32,08% et alimentaires (tubercules 14,13%, haricot 6,11%, le diner tardif et ou copieux 4,2% et les boissons gazeuses 3,44%). Le retentissement socioprofessionnel des TFI était dominé par l’absentéisme dans 82,78% des cas, le retard au travail dans 20%. Les comorbidités digestives les plus fréquentes étaient : le RGO, la dyspepsie, le dolichocôlon ainsi que leur association. Conclusion  Le SII est un problème de santé publique qui altère la qualité de vie des personnes atteintes. Les douleurs abdominales, la constipation et le ballonnement abdominal en constituent la triade symptomatique. Le stress est un facteur déclenchant de la symptomatologie. L’association du SII avec des comorbidités digestives et extra-digestives est fréquente. Introduction : Functional digestive disorders (TFI) or irritable bowel syndrome represent a real public health problem. Although this condition is not life-threatening, it significantly and chronically alters the quality of life of patients. The etiology is poorly understood and many factors are involved. Methods : This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection carried out in outpatient consultation of the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka national hospital of the Conakry University Hospital from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 in patients suffering from TFI and meeting the Rome IV criteria. Results: Three hundred and ninety-eight cases of IBS out of 1309 patients, representing a prevalence of 30.40%. There was a female predominance with a sex ratio of 0.92. The average age of our patients was 49 years with extremes of 10 and 88 years. The age groups of 25-34 and 35-44 were the most represented with respective frequencies of 24.52% and 22.07%. The main clinical signs were abdominal pain (92.28%), constipation in 84.41%, abdominal bloating in 28.39% and various extradigestive manifestations: insomnia in 32.08%, headache in 30.55% of cases. cases, fibromyalgia 22.91%. The main triggering factors were: psychological factors 32.08% and dietary factors (tubers 14.13%, beans 6.11%, late or heavy dinner 4.2% and soft drinks 3.44%). The socio-professional impact of TFIs was dominated by absenteeism in 82.78% of cases, lateness for work in 20%. The most common digestive comorbidities were: GERD, dyspepsia, dolichocolon and their combination. Conclusion IBS is a public health problem that impairs the quality of life of those affected. Abdominal pain, constipation and abdominal bloating constitute the symptomatic triad. Stress is a triggering factor for the symptoms. The association of IBS with digestive and extra-digestive comorbidities is common

Profil Epidémiologique des Troubles Fonctionnels Intestinaux (TFI) Persistants au CHU de Conakry

Introduction : Les troubles fonctionnels Intestinaux (TFI) ou syndrome de l’intestin irritable représentent un véritable problème de santé publique. Si cette affection n’engage pas le pronostic vital, elle altère significativement et de façon chronique la qualité de vie des malades. L’étiologie est mal connue et de nombreux facteurs sont impliqués. Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive à recueil prospectif de données réalisée en consultation externe du service d’hépato-gastroentérologie de l’hôpital national Donka du CHU de Conakry pour une durée de 2 ans. Résultats : Trois cent quatre-vingt-dix-huit cas de TFI sur 1309 patients avaient été recensé soit une prévalence de 30,40%. On notait une prédominance féminine avec un sex ratio de 0,92. L’âge moyen de nos patients était de 49 ans avec des extrêmes de 10 et 88 ans. Les tranches d’âge de 25-34 ans et 35-44 ans étaient les plus représentées avec des fréquences respectives de 24,52% et 22,07%. Les principaux signes cliniques étaient des douleurs abdominales (92,28%), de la constipation dans 84,41%, ballonnement abdominal 28,39% et diverses manifestations extradigestives : insomnie dans 32,08%, de céphalées dans 30,55% des cas, de la fibromyalgie 22,91%. Les principaux facteurs déclenchants étaient : les facteurs psychologiques 32,08% et alimentaires (tubercules 14,13%, haricot 6,11%, le dîner tardif et ou copieux 4,2% et les boissons gazeuses 3,44%). Le retentissement socioprofessionnel des TFI était dominé par l’absentéisme dans 82,78% des cas, le retard au travail dans 20%. Les comorbidités digestives les plus fréquentes étaient : le reflux gastro œsophagien (RGO), la dyspepsie, le dolichocôlon ainsi que leur association. Les examens  complémentaires morphologiques étaient représentés par (une échographie abdominale et pelvienne a été réalisée chez 50,11% de nos patients et elle objectivait une aérocolie dans 45% des cas ;un scanner abdominopelvien  fait dans 3,56% des cas, examen sans anomalie ; une ano-recto-sigmoïdoscopie dans 17,80% des cas et une ; coloscopie dans 4,98% des cas, toutes normales ; une fibroscopie oeso-gastroduodénale chez  25% de nos patients et était normale ;un lavement baryté double contraste 11,20%. Conclusion : Le TFI est un problème de santé publique qui altère la qualité de vie des personnes atteintes. Les douleurs abdominales, la constipation et le ballonnement abdominal en constituent la triade symptomatique. Le stress est un facteur déclenchant de la symptomatologie. L’association du SII avec des comorbidités digestives et extra-digestives est fréquente. Les examens complémentaires morphologique ont des conséquences financières difficiles dans la majorité des cas chez nos patients.   Introduction : Functional digestive disorders (TFI) or irritable bowel syndrome represent a real public health problem. Although this condition is not life-threatening, it significantly and chronically alters the quality of life of patients. The etiology is poorly understood and many factors are involved. Methods : This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection carried out in the outpatient clinic of the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka National Hospital of the Conakry University Hospital for a period of 2 years. Results : Three hundred and ninety-eight cases of TFI out of 1309 patients were identified, representing a prevalence of 30.40%. There was a female predominance with a sex ratio of 0.92. The average age of our patients was 49 years with extremes of 10 and 88 years. The age groups of 25-34 and 35-44 were the most represented with respective frequencies of 24.52% and 22.07%. The main clinical signs were abdominal pain (92.28%), constipation in 84.41%, abdominal bloating in 28.39%, and various extra digestive manifestations: insomnia in 32.08%, headache in 30.55% of cases. cases, fibromyalgia 22.91%. The main triggering factors were: psychological factors 32.08% and dietary factors (tubers 14.13%, beans 6.11%, late or heavy dinner 4.2% and soft drinks 3.44%). The socio-professional impact of TFIs was dominated by absenteeism in 82.78% of cases, and lateness for work in 20%. The most frequent digestive comorbidities were: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dyspepsia, dolichocolon and their association. Additional morphological examinations were represented by (an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound was carried out in 50.11% of our patients and it revealed aerocolia in 45% of cases; an abdominopelvic scan was performed in 3.56% of cases, examination without abnormality; an anorecto-sigmoidoscopy in 17.80% of cases and the colonoscopy in 4.98% of cases, all normal; an esophagogastroduodenal fibroscopy in 25% of our patients and was normal; a double contrast barium enema 11 .20%. Conclusion: TFI is a public health problem that impairs the quality of life of those affected. Abdominal pain, constipation, and abdominal bloating constitute the symptomatic triad. Stress is a triggering factor for the symptoms. The association of IBS with digestive and extra-digestive comorbidities is common. Additional morphological examinations have difficult financial consequences in the majority of cases among our patients

Risk factors associated with failing pre-transmission assessment surveys (pre-TAS) in lymphatic filariasis elimination programs: Results of a multi-country analysis.

Achieving elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem requires a minimum of five effective rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) and demonstrating low prevalence in subsequent assessments. The first assessments recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) are sentinel and spot-check sites-referred to as pre-transmission assessment surveys (pre-TAS)-in each implementation unit after MDA. If pre-TAS shows that prevalence in each site has been lowered to less than 1% microfilaremia or less than 2% antigenemia, the implementation unit conducts a TAS to determine whether MDA can be stopped. Failure to pass pre-TAS means that further rounds of MDA are required. This study aims to understand factors influencing pre-TAS results using existing programmatic data from 554 implementation units, of which 74 (13%) failed, in 13 countries. Secondary data analysis was completed using existing data from Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Haiti, Indonesia, Mali, Nepal, Niger, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. Additional covariate data were obtained from spatial raster data sets. Bivariate analysis and multilinear regression were performed to establish potential relationships between variables and the pre-TAS result. Higher baseline prevalence and lower elevation were significant in the regression model. Variables statistically significantly associated with failure (p-value ≤0.05) in the bivariate analyses included baseline prevalence at or above 5% or 10%, use of Filariasis Test Strips (FTS), primary vector of Culex, treatment with diethylcarbamazine-albendazole, higher elevation, higher population density, higher enhanced vegetation index (EVI), higher annual rainfall, and 6 or more rounds of MDA. This paper reports for the first time factors associated with pre-TAS results from a multi-country analysis. This information can help countries more effectively forecast program activities, such as the potential need for more rounds of MDA, and prioritize resources to ensure adequate coverage of all persons in areas at highest risk of failing pre-TAS

Epidemiology of chronic kidney diseases in the Republic of Guinea; future dialysis needs

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide and can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Objectives: Because few patients with ESRD in the Republic of Guinea have access to haemodialysis, we retrospectively evaluated the prevalence of CKD, ESRD and access to supportive therapies. Patients and Methods: 579 CKD patients (304 males; mean age: 44 ± 16 years) were admitted into Conakry nephrology department, the only centre in the Republic of Guinea, between 2009 and 2013. Most patients (63%) resided within Conakry (the capital), 12.5% came from lower Guinea, 11.7% from middle Guinea, 7.9% from upper Guinea and 4.8% from forest Guinea. Results: Reasons for referral were increased serum creatinine (49.5%), hypertension (27%) and diffuse edema (17%). Also, 11% were diabetic, 12.5% were smokers, 17% were HIV-positive, 8.3% were HBV-positive and 15% were HCV-positive. The most frequent symptom at admission was nausea/vomiting (56%). Upon admission, 70.5% of patients already had ESRD. Although no kidney biopsies were performed it was assumed that 34% and 27% of patients had vascular nephropathy and chronic glomerulonephritis, respectively. Of the 385 ESRD patients, only 140 (36.3%) had access to haemodialysis (two sessions/week, 4 hours each). Most patients that received haemodialysis resided within the Conakry region (P < 0.0001). There were significant associations between mortality and (i) terminal stage of CKD (P = 0.0005), (ii) vascular nephropathy (P = 0.002), and (iii) nephropathies of unknown origin (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: A fourfold increase in haemodialysis machines is needed in Conakry, plus four new nephrology/haemodialysis centres within the Republic of Guinea, each holding ≥30 haemodialysis machines

Epidemiology of measles cases, vaccine effectiveness, and performance towards measles elimination in The Gambia

Introduction: In 2011, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Office (AFRO) resolved to eliminate Measles by 2020. Our study aims to assess The Gambia’s progress towards the set AFRO measles elimination target and highlight surveillance and immunisation gaps to better inform future measles prevention strategies. Material and methods: A retrospective review of measles surveillance data for the period 2011–2019, was extracted from The Gambia case-based measles surveillance database. WHO—UNICEF national coverage estimates were used for estimating national level MCV coverage. Measles post campaign coverage survey coverage estimates were used to estimate national measles campaign coverage. Results: One hundred and twenty-five of the 863 reported suspected cases were laboratory confirmed as measles cases. More than half (53.6%) of the confirmed cases have unknown vaccination status, 24% of cases were vaccinated, 52.8% of cases occurred among males, and 72.8% cases were among urban residents. The incidence of measles cases per million population was lowest (0) in 2011–2012 and highest in 2015 and 2016 (31 and 23 respectively). The indicator for surveillance sensitivity was met in all years except in 2016 and 2019. Children aged 5–9 years (Incidence Rate Ratio—IRR = 0.6) and residents of Central River region (IRR = 0.21) had lower measles risk whilst unvaccinated (Adjusted IRR = 5.95) and those with unknown vaccination status (IRR 2.21) had higher measles risk. Vaccine effectiveness was 89.5%. Conclusion: The Gambia’s quest to attain measles elimination status by 2020 has registered significant success but it is unlikely that all target indicators will be met. Vaccination has been very effective in preventing cases. There is variation in measles risk by health region, and it will be important to take it into account when designing prevention and control strategies. The quality of case investigations should be improved to enhance the quality of surveillance for decision making

Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes in outpatient Malian women living with HIV: a pilot study

Abstract Introduction Long-term exposure to high-risk human papillomavirus (Hr-HPV) is a well-known necessary condition for development of cervical cancer. The aim of this study is to screen for Hr-HPV using vaginal self-sampling, which is a more effective approach to improve women’s adherence and increase screening rates. Methods This pilot study included a total of 100 Women living with HIV (WLWHIV), recruited from the Center for Listening, Care, Animation, and Counseling of People Living with HIV in Bamako. Hr-HPV genotyping was performed on Self-collected samples using the Cepheid GeneXpert instrument. Results The median age of WLWHIV was 44 (interquartile range [IQR], 37–50) years. Approximately 92% of the study participants preferred self-sampling at the clinic, and 90% opted to receive result notifications via mobile phone contact. The overall prevalence of Hr-HPV among study participants was 42.6%, and the most frequent Hr-HPV sub-types observed were HPV18/45 (19.1%), HPV31/35/33/52/58 (13.8%), and HPV39/68/56/66 (12.8%), followed by HPV16 (5.3%), and HPV51/59 (5.3%). WLWHIV under 35 years of age had a higher frequency of Hr-HPV compared to their older counterparts, with rates of 30% versus 11.1% (p = 0.03). The duration of antiretroviral treatment showed an inverse association with Hr-HPV negativity, with patients on treatment for 15 (IQR, 10–18) years versus 12 (IQR = 7–14) years for Hr-HPV positive patients (95% CI [1.2–5.8], t = 3.04, p = 0.003). WLWHIV with baseline CD4 T-Cell counts below 200 exhibited a higher frequency of Hr-HPV compared to those with baseline CD4 T-Cell counts above 200 (17.9% versus 1.9%, p = 0.009). However, other demographics and clinical factors, such as marital status, age of sexual debut, parity, education, history of abortion, history of preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery, did not influence the distribution of Hr-HPV genotypes. Conclusion Our findings indicate that WLWHIV under the age of 35 years old exhibited the highest prevalence of Hr-HPV infection, with HPV18/45 being the most prevalent subtype. Additionally, WLWHIV with baseline CD4 T-Cell counts below 200 showed the highest infection rates

Solution structure of CCL19 and identification of overlapping CCR7 and PSGL-1 binding sites

CCL19 and CCL21 are chemokines involved in the trafficking of immune cells, particularly within the lymphatic system, through activation of CCR7. Concurrent expression of PSGL-1 and CCR7 in naive T-cells enhances recruitment of these cells to secondary lymphoid organs by CCL19 and CCL21. Here the solution structure of CCL19 is reported. It contains a canonical chemokine domain. Chemical shift mapping shows the N-termini of PSGL-1 and CCR7 have overlapping binding sites for CCL19 and binding is competitive. Implications for the mechanism of PSGL-1's enhancement of resting T-cell recruitment are discussed

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infections in The Gambia: an analysis of routinely collected surveillance data between March, 2020, and January, 2022.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is one of the deadliest pandemics of the past 100 years. Genomic sequencing has an important role in monitoring of the evolution of the virus, including the detection of new viral variants. We aimed to describe the genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infections in The Gambia. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs collected from people with suspected cases of COVID-19 and international travellers were tested for SARS-CoV-2 with standard RT-PCR methods. SARS-CoV-2-positive samples were sequenced according to standard library preparation and sequencing protocols. Bioinformatic analysis was done using ARTIC pipelines and Pangolin was used to assign lineages. To construct phylogenetic trees, sequences were first stratified into different COVID-19 waves (waves 1-4) and aligned. Clustering analysis was done and phylogenetic trees constructed. FINDINGS: Between March, 2020, and January, 2022, 11 911 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in The Gambia, and 1638 SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced. Cases were broadly distributed into four waves, with more cases during the waves that coincided with the rainy season (July-October). Each wave occurred after the introduction of new viral variants or lineages, or both, generally those already established in Europe or in other African countries. Local transmission was higher during the first and third waves (ie, those that corresponded with the rainy season), in which the B.1.416 lineage and delta (AY.34.1) were dominant, respectively. The second wave was driven by the alpha and eta variants and the B.1.1.420 lineage. The fourth wave was driven by the omicron variant and was predominantly associated with the BA.1.1 lineage. INTERPRETATION: More cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded in The Gambia during peaks of the pandemic that coincided with the rainy season, in line with transmission patterns for other respiratory viruses. The introduction of new lineages or variants preceded epidemic waves, highlighting the importance of implementing well structured genomic surveillance at a national level to detect and monitor emerging and circulating variants. FUNDING: Medical Research Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK Research and Innovation, WHO

Solution Structure of CCL19 and Identification of Overlapping CCR7 and PSGL-1 Binding Sites

CCL19 and CCL21 are chemokines involved in the trafficking of immune cells, particularly within the lymphatic system, through activation of CCR7. Concurrent expression of PSGL-1 and CCR7 in naive T-cells enhances recruitment of these cells to secondary lymphoid organs by CCL19 and CCL21. Here the solution structure of CCL19 is reported. It contains a canonical chemokine domain. Chemical shift mapping shows the N-termini of PSGL-1 and CCR7 have overlapping binding sites for CCL19 and binding is competitive. Implications for the mechanism of PSGL-1’s enhancement of resting T-cell recruitment are discussed