Residual mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Burkina Faso

Background: Burkina Faso is one of the countries in West Africa most affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, despite the implementation of a mother-to-child HIV transmission prevention program as a strategy to reduce the risk of vertical transmission of the disease.Objective: To assess the current risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Burkina Faso.Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted between December 2014 and July 2016, in the 13 health regions of Burkina Faso. Women who were screened HIV-positive during a prenatal consultation were followed until delivery. Their babies received dry blood spot (DBS) at birth, at week 6 and at 1year, to screen for HIV.Results: Overall, 186 pregnant women were included in the study, with a mean age of 29.17±6.13 years. Of their children, 430 DBS actually received a PCR test, giving a 91.1% PCR implementation rate. After analyses, 6 (1.3%) babies were identified as carriers of HIV1. The newborn’s serological status was associated with delivery pattern (p=0.000), the administration of antiretroviral drugs to the mother after delivery (p=0.0064), the administration of Nevirapine to the newborn at birth (p=0.022), the use of contraceptive methods after delivery (p=0.028) and the presence of breast affections/infections since delivery (p=0.013).Conclusion: The results of our study are encouraging and demonstrate the effectiveness of interventions in the mother-tochild prevention program (PMTCT) for HIV-positive pregnant women can be improved through early initiation of triple therapy in early pregnancy and improved adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.Keywords: Burkina Faso, HIV/AIDS, mother-to-child transmission, antiretroviral drugs, pregnant wome

Effects of environmental, living space and climate variability on the utilization of impregnated bed nets in west Cameroon: A community based survey for policy implementation

Background: Despite the fact that Long Lasting Impregnated Mosquito Net (LLIN) represents one of the most effective tools in fighting malaria, its use remains limited. Our study aimed at determining how environmental, household characteristics and climate affect bed net use. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive and analytic study was carried out from January to April 2014 in Mifi health district. Data collected were collected in households during a face to face interview with standard household questionnaires, entered and analyzed using Epi Info software version 3.5.3. Graphics and tables were obtained using MS Excel and Word. Results: Of the 317 participants interviewed, average age was 33.23 years (SD = 10.80) and female sex predominant (85.2%). Most participants had attended secondary education 53.6% (n= 170), married marital status was most represented (58.1%; n= 185).75.4% (n=239) of households had at least 1 LLIN and average district coverage estimated to 1 LLIN for 3.3 persons. 78% of occupants in households with at least one LLIN had slept under the night before the survey. The presence of a ceiling in a house reduced net usage by 2.5% (p = 0.67) compared to house lacking ceiling. Standing waters around the compound increased net utilization rate to 16.6% (p = 0.03), whereas the presence of a covered well decreased the rate by 1.4% (p = 0.86). The dry season was identified as the period during which 86.8% (n= 239) of respondents sleep less under a net. Heat (57.60% n = 138/239), increased choking (2.5%), reduction in vector breeding sites (39.90%; n = 95) were cited as main reasons. Conclusion: Although classified as zone of continuous transmission, our findings indicate that bed net usage by our study population depends on environmental, household characteristics and climate. There is therefore an urgent need to develop strategic communication and sensitization campaigns coupled to environmental management to help scale up and optimize malaria burden reductio

Separating autotrophic respiration due to roots from soil heterotrophic respiration in an agroforestry parkland system in Saponé, Burkina Faso

Soil respiration is the largest component of ecosystem respiration but little is known about it and its components in parkland systems. We therefore conducted an experiment to estimate the amount of CO2 respired and to partition it into soil, tree root and crop root contributions in parkland systems in Burkina Faso. Three factors effects were estimated: pruning, species and presence of tree canopy. Pruning showed no significant effect on soil respiration. The soil respiration was significantly higher under Parkia biglobosa (1.54 g CO2 m-2 h-1 against 0.93 in the open area) than under Vitellaria paradoxa (0.98 g CO2 m-2 h-1 against 0.52 in the open area). The autotrophic respiration associated with the P. biglobosa system due to sorghum roots was 0.37 g CO2 m-2 h-1 and due to tree roots was 0.61. For the V. paradoxa system, the figures were 0.13 g CO2 m-2 h-1 for sorghum roots and 0.46 for tree roots. We observed higher CO2 emissions from under trees crowns than in open areas owing to higher tree-root respiratory activities, and higher water and organic matter contents. However, further studies are needed to discover if these low values of soil CO2 fluxes from parklands translate into higher amounts of carbon fixed than emitted taking into consideration the seasonal variations.Keywords: Carbon balance, CO2 flux, carbon-sink, carbon-source

Prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections in Cameroonian University context: case of the University of Dschang, in the Western Region

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa HIV infection remains largely epidemic, whereas HBV infection is highly endemic (>8%). In Cameroon, HIV prevalence is 4.3%. Concerning HBV and chlamydia infections, their prevalence are both ≥10%. Young adults, including university students, are the population groups mostly affected. Epidemiological data on these infections, among university students could be helpful to implement specific prevention strategies. Methods: A descriptive study was performed in May 2013 among 624 students from the University of Dschang, Cameroon. Participants were screened for HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections. Data was collected by a standard questionnaire and analyzed by Epi Info. Results: Average age of participants was 23.3 years (σ = 3.2) with female predominance (58.7%). Prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infection was 1.1% (7/624), 2.8% (5/176) and 2.0% (2/100) respectively. 83.2% of participants were sexually active. Concerning sexual risk behaviors, participants reported having multi partners (14.8%), using condom occasionally (58.6%) or never (5.0%). 100%, 62.6% and 52.2% reported to be aware on HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections respectively. In addition, only 5.5% and 21.3% of the participants were aware of their HBV and Chlamydia status respectively, versus 64.4% for HIV. The excessive cost of HBV and Chlamydia tests has been identified as the major barrier to testing (87.6%). Conclusion: Among college Cameroonian students the prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections seems to be relatively low if compared to general population. However, having multiple sexual partners in addition to non-systematic use of condoms during sexual intercourse represents risk behaviors among students. Awareness campaigns and screening facilitation on HBV and chlamydia infections need to be strengthened

Faecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy volunteers and hospitalized patients in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: prevalence, resistance profile, and associated risk factors

Background: Extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) are a serious challenge to patients’ treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of ESBL-PE, investigate the associated resistance, and analyze the associated risk factors for acquisition of ESBL-PE.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on healthy volunteers and inpatients. After obtaining informed consent, rectal swabs were collected from each participant for isolation of Enterobacteriaceae on Hektoen enteric agar containing 4µg/L cefotaxime. The Enterobacteriaceae isolates were identified using biochemical tests and ESBL production was confirmed by the double-disc synergy test of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Antibiotic susceptibility test of each isolate was done by the disc diffusion method and interpreted using the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) clinical  breakpoints version 5.0.Results: During the study period, prevalence of faecal ESBL-PE among the study participants was 54.5% (103/189); 53.5% among healthy volunteers and 55.7% among inpatients (p=0.87). The major ESBL-PE isolates was Escherichia coli (71%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (16%). The isolates in hospitalized patients were resistant to norfloxacin (84.2%), cotrimoxazole (89.5%), and gentamicin (7.0%). The isolates from healthy volunteers were resistant to norfloxacin (86.2%), cotrimoxazole (82.8%), and gentamicin (1.7%).Gender, age, and previous antibiotic use were not significantly associated with carriage of ESBL-PE (p=0.51).Conclusion: The high prevalence of ESBL-PE in this study is worrying. There is an urgent need to develop measures to monitor and limit the spread of these multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare facilities and the community in Burkina Faso. Keywords: faecal carriage, ESBL-PE, healthy volunteers, inpatients, Burkina Fas

Résultats fonctionnels de la chirurgie de la cataracte par phacoalternative avec implantation en chambre postérieure: à propos de 300 cas à Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

La cataracte est la première cause de cécité curable dans le monde. Son traitement est chirurgical. Le but de notre travail a été d'évaluer les résultats de la phacoalternative ou la chirurgie de la cataracte à petite incision. Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale descriptive à collecte prospective allant du 1er janvier au 31 septembre 2014, chez des patients âgés d'au moins 40 ans. Les données socio-démographiques, l'acuitévisuelle, l'astigmatisme et les complications ont été évalués.Nous avons inclus 300 yeux de 286 patients. L'âge moyen était de 66 ans (écart type9,93) avec une prédominance masculine de 57,7%. Les co-morbidités étaient dominées par l'hypertension artérielle 30,33% des cas. L'acuitévisuelle pré-opératoire était de moins de 1/20è dans 70, 7% des cas. En biométrie, la puissance moyenne était de 21,50 dioptries. L'implant posé aété adéquat dans 60%. Les principales complications per-opératoires  étaient le chémosis post-anesthésie 4,67% et l'issue de vitrée moins de 2% des cas. Les complications post opératoires précoces ont été dominées par l'oedème de cornée 26,33%, et les complications tardives par la cataracte secondaire. L'astigmatisme induit était de 1, 12 dioptrie en  moyenne (écart type 1,26). Sans correction, les résultats visuels étaientmauvais dans moins de 1%, limites dans 31%, et bons 68% suivants les normes de l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé. La phacoalternative donne des résultats satisfaisants, avec peu de complications. L'amélioration du plateau technique et la disponibilité d'implants adéquats pourraient les améliorer

Cytochrome P450associated with insecticide resistance catalyzes cuticular hydrocarbon production in Anopheles gambiae.

The role of cuticle changes in insecticide resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae was assessed. The rate of internalization of 14C deltamethrin was significantly slower in a resistant strain than in a susceptible strain. Topical application of an acetone insecticide formulation to circumvent lipid-based uptake barriers decreased the resistance ratio by ∼50%. Cuticle analysis by electron microscopy and characterization of lipid extracts indicated that resistant mosquitoes had a thicker epicuticular layer and a significant increase in cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) content (∼29%). However, the CHC profile and relative distribution were similar in resistant and susceptible insects. The cellular localization and in vitro activity of two P450 enzymes, CYP4G16 and CYP4G17, whose genes are frequently overexpressed in resistant Anopheles mosquitoes, were analyzed. These enzymes are potential orthologs of the CYP4G1/2 enzymes that catalyze the final step of CHC biosynthesis in Drosophila and Musca domestica, respectively. Immunostaining indicated that both CYP4G16 and CYP4G17 are highly abundant in oenocytes, the insect cell type thought to secrete hydrocarbons. However, an intriguing difference was indicated; CYP4G17 occurs throughout the cell, as expected for a microsomal P450, but CYP4G16 localizes to the periphery of the cell and lies on the cytoplasmic side of the cell membrane, a unique position for a P450 enzyme. CYP4G16 and CYP4G17 were functionally expressed in insect cells. CYP4G16 produced hydrocarbons from a C18 aldehyde substrate and thus has bona fide decarbonylase activity similar to that of dmCYP4G1/2. The data support the hypothesis that the coevolution of multiple mechanisms, including cuticular barriers, has occurred in highly pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae.Fil: Balabanidou, Vasileia. Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas; Grecia. Universidad de Creta; GreciaFil: Kampouraki, Anastasia. Universidad de Creta; GreciaFil: Mac Lean, Marina. University of Nevada; Estados UnidosFil: Blomquist, Gary J.. University of Nevada; Estados UnidosFil: Tittiger, Claus. University of Nevada; Estados UnidosFil: Juarez, Marta Patricia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr. Rodolfo R. Brenner". Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Mijailovsky, Sergio Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr. Rodolfo R. Brenner". Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; ArgentinaFil: Chalepakis, George. Universidad de Creta; GreciaFil: Anthousi, Amalia. Universidad de Creta; GreciaFil: Lynd, Amy. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Reino UnidoFil: Antoine, Sanou. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Reino UnidoFil: Hemingway, Janet. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Reino UnidoFil: Ranson, Hilary. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Reino UnidoFil: Lycett, Gareth J.. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Reino UnidoFil: Vontas, John. Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas; Grecia. Agricultural University of Athens; Greci

Epidemiology of Syphilis in regional blood transfusion centres in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Introduction: Syphilis remains a major public health problem in  sub-Saharan Africa, including Burkina Faso. However, few published data are available on the prevalence of syphilis in the population. This study had two main objectives: to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis in acohort of 37,210 first time blood donors and to study socio-demographic factors associated with the risk of infection by Treponema pallidum.Methods: Antibodies to Treponema pallidum were screened by using  Reagin Rapid Test (RPR) and confirmed by treponema pallidum  haemagglutination test (TPHA). Results: The overall seroprevalence of syphilis was 1.5% among first time blood donors and was significantly different between centers (p <0.001). The infection was significantly higher in men than women among blood  donors in Ouagadougou and Fada N´gourma (P = 0.001 and P = 0.034). The overall seroprevalence of syphilis among blood donors was not  associated with either age group or HIV status. In contrast, a significantly high seroprevalence of syphilis was observed in blood donors with HBsAg (P = 0.014) and anti-HCV (P = 0.007) positive.Conclusion: Our report shows a low seroprevalence of syphilis in the  representative sample of the population of Burkina Faso. The  seroprevalence of syphilis remains unequally distributed between urban and rural areas and was not associated with HIV infection

First detection of bla TEM, SHV and CTX-M among Gram negative bacilli exhibiting extended spectrum β- lactamase phenotype isolated at University Hospital Center, Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Resistance to a wide variety of common antimicrobials is observed among clinical strains designed as extended spectrum β-lactmase (ESBL)  producers. They produce enzymatic protein which inactivates efficiently oxyimino cephalosporin and constitutes a serious global health concern that has complicated treatment strategies. Many studies report high prevalence of ESBL producers among Gram negative bacilli. The aim of this work was to identify the presence of TEM, SHV and CTX-M families in thesestrains which were initially screened by phenotypic method. Gram negative bacilli resisting third or four generation cephalosporin were isolated during anti-biogram study. The presence of ESBL positivity was detected using the double disk synergy test. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ceftriazon for any strain were determined using E-test manufacturing protocol. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for β-lactamase (bla) genes of TEM, SHV and CTX-M family was carried out using designed primers in 171 ESBL isolates producers. Among 259 Gram negative bacilli collected, 171 (66, 02%) exhibited ESBL producers’ profile. Urine samples constitute major source of ESBL producers. The highest prevalence of ESBL was observed in Escherichia coli (75, 50%). Among ESBL isolates producers, gene prevalence of bla-CTX-M (65, 49%) was highest, followed by bla-TEM (25, 73%) and bla-SHV (18, 71%) in the present study. The frequency of ESBL producing strains among clinical isolates has been steadily increased. Continual drug resistance surveillance and molecular characteristics of ESBL isolates are necessary to guide the appropriate and judicious antibiotic use.Key words: Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), double disk synergy test, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, PCR