Profil de sensibilisation aux allergènes des asthmatiques adultes à Kinshasa, RDC : Etude transversale par prick-tests: Allergen sensitization profile of adult asthmatics in Kinshasa, DRC: Cross-sectional study by prick-tests

Context. Atopy is a common feature of asthma, involving near 80% of patients. Allergen sensitization shows environmental and geographical variability worldwide. Objective. To determine the common allergen sensitization profile of adult asthmatics in Kinshasa. Methods. From June 2017 to February 2018, 216 asthmatics aged 18 and over, of both sexes, were consecutively recruited at the University Clinics of Kinshasa and in some parishes and churches around the same town. The socio-demographic variables were registered using a validated questionnaire. The prick-test was performed relaying on five standardized commercial extracts of dog and cat dander, house dust mite (Blomia tropicalis, Bt), molds (Alternaria alternata), and egg yolk. Results. The population, average age of 45.23 (SD=17.56) years, 74% female, was sensitized at least to one allergen (53%) and non -sensitized in 47%. Twenty-five percent were monosensitized and 27% plurisensitized. The sensitization profile was respectively to Blomia tropicalis (72%), cat dander (46%), dog dander (34%), Alternaria alternata (13%) and egg yolk (11%). Conclusion. The present study indicates a plurisentisization feature in many asthmatics in our milieu ; mainly to dust mites and cat dander. Futher investigations involving a larger number of subjects and using broader test batteries are needed to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in our context. Contexte. Environ 80% des asthmatiques sont atopiques. La sensibilisation aux allergènes communs présente certaines variabilités environnementales et géographiques. Objectif. Déterminer le profil de sensibilisation aux allergènes communs des asthmatiques adultes de la ville de Kinshasa. Méthodes. De juin 2017 à février 2018, 216 asthmatiques de 18 ans et plus, des 2 sexes, ont été consécutivement recrutés aux Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa et dans certaines paroisses et églises de réveil de la ville de Kinshasa. A l’aide d’un questionnaire validé, les variables sociodémographiques ont été précisées. Le prick-test a été réalisé avec cinq extraits commerciaux standardisés de phanères de chien et chat, l’acarien de poussière de maison (Blomia tropicalis, Bt), les moisissures (Alternaria alternata), et le jaune d’oeuf. Résultats. L’âge moyen de la population était de 45,23 (ET=17,56) ans, 74% de sexe féminin, 47 % non sensibilisés et 53% sensibilisés à au moins un allergène. Vingt-cinq pourcent étaient monosensibilisées et 27% plurisensibilisées. Le profil de sensibilisation était Blomia tropicalis (72%), phanères de chat (46%), phanères de chien (34%), Alternaria alternata (13%) et jaune d’oeuf (11%). Conclusion. Une plurisensibilisation aux allergènes communs chez les asthmatiques dans notre milieu est présente dont le profil dominé par les acariens et les phanères de chats. Des enquêtes futures incluant un plus grand nombre de sujets et recourant à des batteries de tests plus élargies s’imposent en vue d’une définition d’options diagnostiques et thérapeutiques dans notre contexte

Low knowledge about hepatitis B prevention among pregnant women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Infants infected perinatally with hepatitis B (HBV) are at the highest risk of developing chronic hepatitis and associated sequelae. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HBV requires improved screening and awareness of the disease. This study evaluated existing HBV knowledge among pregnant mothers (n = 280) enrolled in two HBV studies in urban maternity centers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. All mothers responded to three knowledge questions upon study enrollment. Baseline levels of knowledge related to HBV transmission, treatment, prevention, and symptoms were low across all participants: 68.8% did not know how HBV was transmitted, 70.7% did not know how to prevent or treat HBV MTCT, and 79.6% did not know signs and symptoms of HBV. Over half of participants responded “I don’t know” to all questions. HBV-positive women who participated in both studies (n = 46) were asked the same questions during both studies and showed improved knowledge after screening and treatment, despite no formal educational component in either study (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the need for intensified education initiatives in highly endemic areas to improve PMTCT efforts

Factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in adult asthmatics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

BackgroundThe ultimate goal of asthma treatment is long-term control. Uncontrolled asthma is a major public health problem worldwide, but there is a lack of data on asthma control and its causes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).ObjectiveTo determine the socio-demographic, environmental, clinical, and biological factors and comorbidities associated with uncontrolled adult asthma in Kinshasa, DRC.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of 216 male and female asthmatics aged 18 and over consecutively recruited from tertiary clinics and the community in Kinshasa between June 2017 and February 2018. For each subject, socio-demographic, clinical, para clinical and environmental data were recorded. Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) values were obtained by Spirometry, allergen testing performed using the skin prick test, serum vitamin D levels measured by radioimmunoassay, and asthma control assessed using the asthma control test (ACT) score. Multiple logistic regression identified factors associated with uncontrolled asthma.ResultsThe average age of participants was 45.2 (SD 17.6) years, 74% were female, and 42% had a low educational level. Among all asthmatics, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma was 56%, abnormal serum vitamin D level 95%, abnormal FEV1 65%, sensitization to two allergens (cat dander and dust mites) 18%, sleep disorders 37%, and heartburn 60%. Male (aOR 2.24; 95% CIs 1.04-4.79), low educational level (aOR 3.26; 95% CIs 1.54-6.67), sensitization to both cat dander and dust mites (aOR 2.67; 95% CIs 1.16-6.14), FEV1 ≤80% (aOR 2.07; 95% CIs 1.08-3.96), abnormal serum vitamin D level (aOR 5.11; 95% CIs 1.17-22.33), sleep disorders (aOR 1.96; 95% CIs 1.04-3.71), and heartburn (aOR 2.02; 95% CIs 1.04-3.92) were significantly associated with uncontrolled asthma.ConclusionUncontrolled asthma is common in Kinshasa, and these factors associated with uncontrolled asthma may be considered as targets for future intervention strategies

Task shifting in the management of hypertension in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is characterized by a high prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and a high proportion of uncontrolled HTN, which is indicative of poor HTN management. Effective management of HTN in the African region is challenging due to limited resources, particularly human resources for health. To address the shortage of health workers, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends task shifting for better disease management and treatment. Although task shifting from doctors to nurses is being implemented in the DRC, there are no studies, to the best of our knowledge, that document the association between task shifting and HTN control. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between task shifting and HTN control in Kinshasa, DRC.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Protective BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB polymorphisms in a cohort of 102 Congolese patients suffering from sickle cell anemia.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the distribution of selected BCL11A and HMIP polymorphisms (SNP's), and to assess the correlation with HPFH in a cohort of sickle cell patients. METHODS: A preliminary cross-sectional study was conducted in 102 patients. Group 1 was composed of patients with HPFH and Group 2 consisted of patients without HbF. We assessed 8 SNPs previously associated with HPFH in cohorts genetically close to the Congolese population. Observed frequencies were compared to expected frequencies. RESULTS: In the group 1, at rs7606173, the observed frequency for the genotype GG was significantly higher and the genotype GC was significantly lower than their respective expected frequencies. At rs9399137, the observed frequency of the genotype TT was significantly lower than expected. Conversely, the observed frequency of the genotype TC was significantly higher than expected. The observed frequency of the genotype TT at rs11886868 was significantly lower than the expected whereas the frequency of the genotype TC was significantly higher than observed. The lowest HbF level was recorded in patients with genotype CC at rs11886868. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, the results demonstrate that alleles of some of the 8 studied SNPs are not randomly distributed among patients with or without HPFH in this cohort

Protective BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB polymorphisms in a cohort of 102 Congolese patients suffering from sickle cell anemia

We aimed to investigate the distribution of selected BCL11A and HMIP polymorphisms (SNP's), and to assess the correlation with HPFH in a cohort of sickle cell patients.status: publishe

Prevalence and determinants of asthma in adults in Kinshasa

<div><p>Background</p><p>Epidemiological data on asthma among adults in sub-Saharan Africa are sparse.</p><p>Objective</p><p>To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with asthma among adults in Kinshasa.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A previously validated asthma questionnaire was administered to an adult population aged ≥18 years in urban and peri-urban suburbs of Kinshasa. A random stratified multi-stage sampling plan was used to select the study participants. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with asthma.</p><p>Results</p><p>The mean age of respondents was 36.7 (SD 15.36) years, 75% lived in an urban environment, and 57% were women. The prevalence of asthma-ever was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.4–8.4). Among asthmatic patients, intermittent asthma was estimated at 75.7% and severe asthma at 9.3%. Family atopy (OR: 3.97; 95% CI: 2.42–6.50; p<0.001), and the presence of a cat in the house (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.01–3.28; p = 0.045) were associated with self-reported asthma.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Asthma is relatively frequent in adults in Kinshasa, a prevalence similar to those reported elsewhere in Africa. Family atopy and the presence of a cat in the house could be the most common determinants to be confirmed with national survey in order to design guidelines for the control of asthma.</p></div

Adherence to face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic among women seeking antenatal care in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a facility-based cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo describe face mask use among pregnant women seeking antenatal care (ANC) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and to identify factors associated with masking adherence in this population.DesignFacility-based cross-sectional study nested within a prospective cohort study.SettingRandom sample of 10 health facilities, including 5 primary health centers and 5 secondary facilities or hospitals.ParticipantsA total of 934 pregnant women aged 18 years or above with a gestational age of at least 32 weeks were consecutively surveyed from 17 August 2020 to 31 January 2021.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe estimated the proportions of pregnant women wearing a face mask and masking correctly (ie, over the mouth and nose), and assessed their knowledge regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with overall and correct face mask use.ResultsOverall, 309 (33.1%) women wore a mask during the interview after their antenatal appointments, but only 33 (10.7%) wore a mask correctly. The odds of masking and correct mask use were significantly higher among women who had their ANC visit in a facility that provided COVID-19 care. Additionally, women who experienced COVID-19-like symptoms in the past 6 months had higher odds of wearing a mask correctly compared with those reporting no recent symptoms. Although 908 (97.2%) women were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic, only 611 (67.3%) thought that COVID-19 was circulating locally in Kinshasa.ConclusionOverall and correct face mask adherence levels were low among pregnant women attending ANC in Kinshasa. Our study highlights the need for improving adherence to correct face mask use in order to help control the spread of COVID-19 within Kinshasa alongside other control measures, like vaccination