Cryptococcal meningitis associated HIV infection in the Donka national hospital in Conakry (Guinea)

Background Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is an infection of the brain parenchyma and subarachnoid space by the encapsulated saprophyte yeast organisms such as Cryptococcus neoformans. Over the last twenty years, HIV has created a large and severely immune compromisized population in whom C. neoformans is a dangerous opportunistic infection. In Guinea, the prevalence of CM is unknown. We hypothesized that the occurrence of CM correlates with AIDS/ HIV prevalence.Method This retrospective observational study was carried out at the national Hospital of Conakry (Guinea) between 2001 and 2002. We describe here the epidemiological and clinical and biological characteristics of CM disease in our national hospital.Results Our data show that, 28.6 % of HIV patients with neurological symptoms had Cryptococcus neoformans in their CSF by using Indian ink staining. The median age was 36±3 years and sex ratio (M/F) was 1.8. The major complaints were fever and cephalgia, giddiness while the major complications were altered consciousness and hemiplegia. CSF was clear with low level of glucose and higher level of albumin. The means of lymphocytes in CSF was 8±2/mm3.Conclusion This data therefore becomes relevant in not only focusing of neurological symptoms associated with HIV to be toxoplasmosis but the possibility of C neoformans in these patients; particularly when they present symptoms such as headaches, giddiness and sniff neck etc. This can easily be carried out with Indian ink staining technique

Prevalence and factors associated with the coexistence of overweight/obesity and anaemia among women of reproductive age in Guinea

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of the coexistence of overweight or obesity (OWOB) and anaemia among non-pregnant Guinean women aged 15–49 years. Design: The analysis was performed using data from the 2018 Guinean Demographic and Health Survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the coexistence of OWOB and anaemia (OWOB + anaemia) among non-pregnant Guinean women. Setting: Guinea Participants: A total of 4783 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years with valid data on the nutritional status (BMI and Hb level) were included in the analysis. Results: The prevalence of coexistence of OWOB and anaemia among non-pregnant women was 11·16 % (95% CI: 10·05, 12·37). The following variables were associated with OWOB + anaemia in multivariate models (adjusted OR (AOR) 95% CI): higher wealth index (AOR = 4·69; 95% CI: 2·62, 8·39), middle wealth index (AOR = 1·96; 95% CI: 1·31, 2·93), four or more antenatal visits (AOR = 1·62; CI: 1·16, 2·28), having four or more children (AOR = 2·47; 95% CI: 1·37, 4·43) and the rural areas (AOR = 0·59; 95% CI: 0·37, 0·95). Conclusion: The current study’s findings reveal that OWOB + anaemia concerned one-tenth of non-pregnant women. Associated factors were household wealth index, multiparity, antenatal visits and rural areas. Thus, there is a need to design specific interventions to prevent the double burden of malnutrition among women of reproductive age. Interventions should include promoting physical exercise, family planning, healthy eating and raising awareness of behavioural change