The spatial distribution of coastal fish assemblage in Côte d’Ivoire’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), West Africa

Objectives: The interest of this study is double. Firstly, these results allow for the characterisation of species assemblages, to identify their spatial distribution boundaries. Secondly, these findings are relevant to define spatial or ecosystem units in order to provide background for fisheries management.Methodology and Results: Samples were collected and studied at a grid of three zones during the cruise of investigation on board the Oceanographic Vessel ITAF DEME in March 2012. Forty- seven taxa belonging to four orders (Cephalopoda, Malacostraca, Chondrichtyes and Osteichtyes) were selected for analysis. Spatial differences in fish structure were analysed through different multivariate routines from PRIMER including between-matrix analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), species contributions to similarity/dissimilarity (SIMPER), non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) and group average cluster analysis. Typical or abundant species from those zones included fishes from the families Sparidae, Haemulidae, Carangidae. The most abundant species were Ariomma bondi (Ariommidae), Selene dorsalis (Carangidae), Brachydeuterus auritus and Pomadasys incisus (Haemulidae), Pagellus bellottii (Sparidae). The species Sardinella maderensis, Brachydeuterus auritus, Trachurus trecae and Selene dorsalis had the highest frequencies of occurrence.Conclusion and application: The distribution of the species halieutics is not uniform along the coast of Côte d’Ivoire. This study pointed to the fish resources of Côte d’Ivoire’s Exclusive Economic Zone. These results will be used by the fishermen and for the development of adequate measures to prevent the loss of aquatic biodiversity.Keywords: Biodiversity, Indices of diversity, Coastal zone, Côte d’Ivoir

Aspects Paracliniques et Étiologiques des Ascites au CHUSC de Bangui

Introduction :  l’Ascite est un signe clinique très fréquent en en hospitalisation dans le service d’hépatogastroentérologie et de la médecine interne.   Les étiologies sont nombreuses. Objectif : contribuer à une meilleure prise en charge de l’ascite à Bangui. Patients et méthodes :  nous avions réalisé une étude   transversale   descriptive   pendant   30   mois   dans le   service   d’hépatogastroentérologie du CHUASC (Centre Hospitalo-universitaire de l’Amitié Sino-Centrafricaine de Bangui). Elle portait sur les patients des deux sexes hospitalisés pour ascite chez lesquels le diagnostic étiologique était connu. L’âge moyen était de 39 ans avec des extrêmes de 18 et 78 ans avec sex-ratio de 1,42. Résultats :  Pendant la période d’étude, 1210 patients étaient hospitalisés dont 204 présentaient une ascite (16,85%), parmi ceux-ci, 170 (14,9%) répondant à nos critères d’inclusion étaient retenus. L’ascite était     jaune citrin dans 136 cas (80%) et pauvre en protéine (˂ 25 g/l) dans 136 cas (80%) et riche en protéine (˃ 25 g/l) dans 34 cas (20%). La moyenne des Globules Blancs dans le liquide d’ascite était de 76,94 éléments blancs/mm3 avec des extrêmes de 39 et 678/mm3. Le portage du VHB (virus de l’hépatite B) était plus fréquent dans 55 cas sur 114 (48.24%). Le foie remanié était fréquent dans 108 cas (63,5%). Les étiologies de l’ascite les plus fréquentes étaient la cirrhose décompensée dans 138 cas (81,2), la carcinose péritonéale dans 15 cas (8.8%), tuberculose péritonéale dans 12 cas (7.1%) et cardiaque dans 5 cas (2.9%). Les sujets de sexe masculin étaient plus exposés à la cirrhose décompensée sur le mode ascitique. La carcinose péritonéale dans 15 cas (8,8%) et la tuberculose péritonéale dans 12 cas (7,1%).  La cause plus fréquente de la carcinose péritonéale était le Carcinome Hépatocellulaire dans 13 cas (7,65%). Les principaux facteurs de risque étaient le Virus de l’Hépatite B retrouvé dans 55 cas (32,5%) et la consommation d’alcool dans 130 cas (76,5%). Conclusion :  les ascites étaient d’étiologies cirrhotique et associées au virus de l’hépatite B. Les hommes étaient plus concernés, une politique de vaccination universelle contre le VHB est nécessaire et prometteuse.   Introduction: Ascites is a very common clinical sign in hospitalization in the hepatogastroenterology and internal medicine department. The etiologies are numerous. Objective: to contribute to better management of ascites in Bangui. Patients and methods: we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study for 30 months in the hepatogastroenterology department of the CHUASC (Centre Hospitalo-universitaire de l'Amitié Sino-Centrafricaine de Bangui). It focused on patients of both sexes hospitalized for ascites in whom the etiological diagnosis was known. The average age was 39 years with extremes of 18 and 78 years with sex ratio of 1.42. Results: During the study period, 1210 patients were hospitalized, 204 of whom presented with ascites (16.85%), of these, 170 (14.9%) meeting our inclusion criteria were retained. The ascites was citrine yellow in 136 cases (80%) and poor in protein (˂ 25 g/l) in 136 cases (80%) and rich in protein (˃ 25 g/l) in 34 cases (20%). The average of White Blood Cells in ascites fluid was 76.94 white elements/mm3 with extremes of 39 and 678/mm3. The carriage of HBV (hepatitis B virus) was more frequent in 55 cases out of 114 (48.24%). The remodeled liver was frequent in 108 cases (63.5%). The most common etiologies of ascites were decompensated cirrhosis in 138 cases (81.2%), peritoneal carcinomatosis in 15 cases (8.8%), peritoneal tuberculosis in 12 cases (7.1%) and cardiac in 5 cases (2.9%). ). Male subjects were more prone to decompensated cirrhosis in the ascites mode. Peritoneal carcinomatosis in 15 cases (8.8%) and peritoneal tuberculosis in 12 cases (7.1%). The most common cause of peritoneal carcinomatosis was Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 13 cases (7.65%). The main risk factors were the Hepatitis B virus found in 55 cases (32.5%) and alcohol consumption in 130 cases (76.5%). Conclusion: the ascites were of cirrhotic etiology and associated with the hepatitis B virus. Men were more concerned, a universal vaccination policy against HBV is necessary and promising

Aspects Épidémiologiques, et Cliniques des Ascites de Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de l’Amitié Sino-Centrafricaine de Bangui, République Centrafricaine

Introduction: Ascites is a common major symptom in many digestive pathologies. It is the major complication of decompensated cirrhosis. Objective: to contribute to better management of ascites in Bangui. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study lasting 30 months conducted in the Hepato-Gastroenterology department of the CHUASC in Bangui. We included in the study patients of both sexes hospitalized for ascites in whom the etiological diagnosis was known. Results: During the study period, 1210 patients were hospitalized, 204 of whom presented with ascites (16.85%), of whom 170 (14.9%) met our inclusion criteria. There were 100 men (58.8%) and 70 women (41.2%). The sex ratio was 1.42. The average age of the patients was 46 years old. The most common reasons for hospitalization were abdominal bloating in 155 cases (91.2%), OMI in 87 cases (51.2%), abdominal pain in 84 cases (49.4%). Weight loss was found in 134 cases (78.8%) and fever in 10 cases (5.9%). Ascites was of medium abundance in 89 cases (52.35%). The liver was cirrhotic on physical examination in 127 cases (74.7%). Conclusion: ascites is a frequent sign in hospitalization oftenassociated with abdominal bloating, edema of the lower limbs, abdominal pain, weight loss and fever. Men were the most affected, it mainly concerns young people. In both sexes.   Introduction : L’ascite est un symptôme majeur fréquent dans beaucoup de pathologies digestives. Elle est la complication majeure de la cirrhose décompensée. Objectif : contribuer à une meilleure prise en charge de l’ascite à Bangui. Patients et méthodes : Il s’agit d’une étude transversale descriptive d’une durée de 30 mois menée dans le service d’Hépatogastroentérologie du CHU de l’Amitié Sino-Centrafricaine de Bangui. Elle a porté sur l’ascite chez des adultes des deux sexes dont le diagnostic étiologique était posé. Résultats : Durant la période d’étude, 1210 patients étaient hospitalisés dont 204 pour une ascite (16,85%), parmi lesquels 170 (14,9%) étaient inclus dans l’étude. On comptait 100 hommes (58,8%) et 70 femmes (41,2%). La sex-ratio était de 1,42. L’âge moyen des patients était de 46 ans. Les motifs d’hospitalisation les plus fréquents étaient le ballonnement abdominal dans 91,2% des cas suivi de l’oedème des membres inférieurs (OMI) (51,2%) et la douleur abdominale (49, 4%). L’amaigrissement était retrouvé dans 78,8% des cas. L’ascite était de moyenne abondance dans 52,35% des cas. Le foie était d’allure cirrhotique dans 74,7% des cas. Conclusion : l’ascite est un signe fréquent en hospitalisation. Le diagnostic étiologique pour la plupart hépatique compliquant souvent une cirrhose doit être recherché pour une meilleure prise en charge. Il concerne en majorité les hommes adultes jeunes. &nbsp

Aspects Épidémiologiques, et Cliniques des Ascites de Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de l’Amitié Sino-Centrafricaine de Bangui, République Centrafricaine

Introduction: Ascites is a common major symptom in many digestive pathologies. It is the major complication of decompensated cirrhosis. Objective: to contribute to better management of ascites in Bangui. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study lasting 30 months conducted in the Hepato-Gastroenterology department of the CHUASC in Bangui. We included in the study patients of both sexes hospitalized for ascites in whom the etiological diagnosis was known. Results: During the study period, 1210 patients were hospitalized, 204 of whom presented with ascites (16.85%), of whom 170 (14.9%) met our inclusion criteria. There were 100 men (58.8%) and 70 women (41.2%). The sex ratio was 1.42. The average age of the patients was 46 years old. The most common reasons for hospitalization were abdominal bloating in 155 cases (91.2%), OMI in 87 cases (51.2%), abdominal pain in 84 cases (49.4%). Weight loss was found in 134 cases (78.8%) and fever in 10 cases (5.9%). Ascites was of medium abundance in 89 cases (52.35%). The liver was cirrhotic on physical examination in 127 cases (74.7%). Conclusion: ascites is a frequent sign in hospitalization oftenassociated with abdominal bloating, edema of the lower limbs, abdominal pain, weight loss and fever. Men were the most affected, it mainly concerns young people. In both sexes.   Introduction : L’ascite est un symptôme majeur fréquent dans beaucoup de pathologies digestives. Elle est la complication majeure de la cirrhose décompensée. Objectif : contribuer à une meilleure prise en charge de l’ascite à Bangui. Patients et méthodes : Il s’agit d’une étude transversale descriptive d’une durée de 30 mois menée dans le service d’Hépatogastroentérologie du CHU de l’Amitié Sino-Centrafricaine de Bangui. Elle a porté sur l’ascite chez des adultes des deux sexes dont le diagnostic étiologique était posé. Résultats : Durant la période d’étude, 1210 patients étaient hospitalisés dont 204 pour une ascite (16,85%), parmi lesquels 170 (14,9%) étaient inclus dans l’étude. On comptait 100 hommes (58,8%) et 70 femmes (41,2%). La sex-ratio était de 1,42. L’âge moyen des patients était de 46 ans. Les motifs d’hospitalisation les plus fréquents étaient le ballonnement abdominal dans 91,2% des cas suivi de l’oedème des membres inférieurs (OMI) (51,2%) et la douleur abdominale (49, 4%). L’amaigrissement était retrouvé dans 78,8% des cas. L’ascite était de moyenne abondance dans 52,35% des cas. Le foie était d’allure cirrhotique dans 74,7% des cas. Conclusion : l’ascite est un signe fréquent en hospitalisation. Le diagnostic étiologique pour la plupart hépatique compliquant souvent une cirrhose doit être recherché pour une meilleure prise en charge. Il concerne en majorité les hommes adultes jeunes. &nbsp

Evaluating the yaws diagnostic gap: A survey to determine the capacity of and barriers to improving diagnostics in all yaws-endemic countries

BACKGROUND: Yaws, caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue, is a skin neglected tropical disease. It is targeted for eradication by 2030, primarily using mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin. Traditionally, diagnosis of yaws has relied on clinical examination and serological testing. However, these approaches have poor diagnostic performance. To achieve eradication, more accurate diagnostics are required to determine whether MDA should be initiated or continued as well as for post-elimination surveillance. Molecular tools will be crucial for detecting antimicrobial resistant cases, which have the potential to derail eradication efforts. In order to determine the feasibility of introducing novel, more accurate, diagnostics for yaws surveillance purposes, it is necessary to understand current in-country diagnostic capacity. This study therefore aimed to understand the current capacity of, and challenges to, improving diagnostics for yaws in all yaws-endemic countries worldwide. METHODOLOGY/ PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: An online survey was sent to all 15 yaws-endemic countries in July 2021. The survey asked about past prevalence estimates, the availability of different diagnostic tools, and perceived barriers to enhancing capacity. Fourteen countries responded to the survey, four of which did not have a current National Policy for yaws eradication in place. Over 95% of reported that yaws cases from the past five years had not been confirmed with serological or molecular tools, largely due to the limited supply of rapid serological tests. Only four countries reported having operational laboratories for molecular yaws diagnosis, with only one of these having a validated assay to detect azithromycin resistance. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the diagnostic capacity constraints across all respondent countries. Countries are in need of access to a sustainable supply of serological tests, and development of molecular testing facilities. Sufficient sustainable funding should be made available to ensure that appropriate diagnostic tools are available and utilised

Global epidemiology of yaws: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: To achieve yaws eradication, the use of the new WHO strategy of initial mass treatment with azithromycin and surveillance twice a year needs to be extended everywhere the disease occurs. However, the geographic scope of the disease is unknown. We aimed to synthesise published and unpublished work to update the reported number of people with yaws at national and subnational levels and to estimate at-risk populations. METHODS: We searched PubMed and WHO databases to identify published data for prevalence of active and latent yaws from Jan 1, 1990, to Dec 31, 2014. We also searched for ongoing or recently completed unpublished studies from the WHO yaws surveillance network. We estimated yaws prevalence (and 95% CIs). We collected yaws incidence data from official national surveillance programmes at the first administrative level from Jan 1, 2010, to Dec 31, 2013, and we used total population data at the second administrative level to estimate the size of at-risk populations. FINDINGS: We identified 103 records, of which 23 published articles describing 27 studies and four unpublished studies met the inclusion criteria. Prevalence of active disease ranged from 0·31% to 14·54% in yaws-endemic areas, and prevalence of latent yaws ranged from 2·45% to 31·05%. During 2010-13, 256 343 yaws cases were reported to WHO from 13 endemic countries, all of which are low-income and middle-income countries. 215 308 (84%) of 256 343 cases reported to WHO were from three countries-Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Ghana. We estimated that, in 2012, over 89 million people were living in yaws-endemic districts. INTERPRETATION: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Ghana should be the focus of initial efforts at implementing the WHO yaws eradication strategy. Community-based mapping and active surveillance must accompany the implementation of yaws eradication activities. FUNDING: None

Integration of Traditional Healers in Human African Trypanosomiasis Case Finding in Central Africa: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Based on the premise that Africans in rural areas seek health care from traditional healers, this study investigated a collaborative model between traditional healers and the national Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) programs across seven endemic foci in seven central African countries by measuring the model’s contribution to HAT case finding. Method: Traditional healers were recruited and trained by health professionals to identify HAT suspects based on its basics signs and symptoms and to refer them to the National Sleeping Sickness Control Program (NSSCP) for testing and confirmatory diagnosis. Results: 35 traditional healers were recruited and trained, 28 finally participated in this study (80%) and referred 278 HAT suspects, of which 20 (7.19%) were CATT positive for the disease. Most cases originated from Bandundu (45%) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and from Ngabe (35%) in Congo. Twelve (4.32%) patients had confirmatory diagnosis. Although a statistically significant difference was not shown in terms of case finding (p = 0.56), traditional healers were able to refer confirmed HAT cases that were ultimately cared for by NCSSPs. Conclusion: Integrating traditional healers in the control program of HAT will likely enhance the detection of cases, thereby, eventually contributing to the elimination of HAT in the most affected communities

Global epidemiology of yaws: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: To achieve yaws eradication, the use of the new WHO strategy of initial mass treatment with azithromycin and surveillance twice a year needs to be extended everywhere the disease occurs. However, the geographic scope of the disease is unknown. We aimed to synthesise published and unpublished work to update the reported number of people with yaws at national and subnational levels and to estimate at-risk populations. METHODS: We searched PubMed and WHO databases to identify published data for prevalence of active and latent yaws from Jan 1, 1990, to Dec 31, 2014. We also searched for ongoing or recently completed unpublished studies from the WHO yaws surveillance network. We estimated yaws prevalence (and 95% CIs). We collected yaws incidence data from official national surveillance programmes at the first administrative level from Jan 1, 2010, to Dec 31, 2013, and we used total population data at the second administrative level to estimate the size of at-risk populations. FINDINGS: We identified 103 records, of which 23 published articles describing 27 studies and four unpublished studies met the inclusion criteria. Prevalence of active disease ranged from 0.31% to 14.54% in yaws-endemic areas, and prevalence of latent yaws ranged from 2.45% to 31.05%. During 2010-13, 256 343 yaws cases were reported to WHO from 13 endemic countries, all of which are low-income and middle-income countries. 215 308 (84%) of 256 343 cases reported to WHO were from three countries-Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Ghana. We estimated that, in 2012, over 89 million people were living in yaws-endemic districts. INTERPRETATION: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Ghana should be the focus of initial efforts at implementing the WHO yaws eradication strategy. Community-based mapping and active surveillance must accompany the implementation of yaws eradication activities. FUNDING: None

Global epidemiology of yaws: a systematic review

Background: To achieve yaws eradication, the use of the new WHO strategy of initial mass treatment with azithromycin and surveillance twice a year needs to be extended everywhere the disease occurs. However, the geographic scope of the disease is unknown. We aimed to synthesise published and unpublished work to update the reported number of people with yaws at national and subnational levels and to estimate at-risk populations. Methods: We searched PubMed and WHO databases to identify published data for prevalence of active and latent yaws from Jan 1, 1990, to Dec 31, 2014. We also searched for ongoing or recently completed unpublished studies from the WHO yaws surveillance network. We estimated yaws prevalence (and 95% CIs). We collected yaws incidence data from official national surveillance programmes at the first administrative level from Jan 1, 2010, to Dec 31, 2013, and we used total population data at the second administrative level to estimate the size of at-risk populations. Findings: We identified 103 records, of which 23 published articles describing 27 studies and four unpublished studies met the inclusion criteria. Prevalence of active disease ranged from 0·31% to 14·54% in yaws-endemic areas, and prevalence of latent yaws ranged from 2·45% to 31·05%. During 2010–13, 256 343 yaws cases were reported to WHO from 13 endemic countries, all of which are low-income and middle-income countries. 215 308 (84%) of 256 343 cases reported to WHO were from three countries—Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Ghana. We estimated that, in 2012, over 89 million people were living in yaws-endemic districts. Interpretation: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Ghana should be the focus of initial efforts at implementing the WHO yaws eradication strategy. Community-based mapping and active surveillance must accompany the implementation of yaws eradication activities. Funding: None