Factors associated to bed net use in Cameroon: a retrospective study in Mfou health district in the Centre Region

Introduction: Insecticide treated net remains a tool of choice for malaria prevention in Cameroon. However, data suggests that its use by thepopulation, especially vulnerable groups remains low. Moreover, there is a paucity of information about factors influencing its use. We sought outto identify factors associated with net use in Mfou health district, prior to distribution of long lasting insecticides treated nets (LLINs) in households.Methods: A two-stage cluster random sampling was conducted in 4 health areas with an average of 13 villages each. A total of 541 householdswere selected and heads interviewed using a structured household questionnaire. Data collected were entered into a database and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the association between net use and explanatory factors were performed using SPSS.Results: Net possession and use were respectively, 59.7 and 42.6%; thus, 2 out of 5 people who spent the previous night in households, slept under a net. Factors associated with net use included: net density.0.5 (OR=8.88, 95% CI: 6.24-12.64), age.5 years (OR=0.37, 95%CI: 0.28-0.47), secondary education (OR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.11-1.80) compared to primary/no education, parent status (OR=3.32, 95% CI: 2.31-4.76), house  construction (OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.10-1.71) and environment characteristics (OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.80).Conclusion: These data suggest that a universal coverage with one LLIN for two people should be achieved in households. Then, malaria health education should be conducted to re-enforce net use among school-aged children and adolescents, as well as older household members. Moreover, management of environment and improvement in houses construction are necessary.Key words: Malaria, factors, insecticides treated nets, health district, Cameroo

Cord blood V2Vδ2 T cells provide a molecular marker for the influence of pregnancy-associated malaria on neonatal immunity

Plasmodium falciparum placental infection primes the fetal immune system and alters infant immunity. Mechanisms leading to these outcomes are not completely understood. We focused on Vγ2Vδ2 cells, which are part of the immune response against many pathogens, including P. falciparum. These unconventional lymphocytes respond directly to small, nonpeptidic antigens, independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation. We wondered whether placental malaria, which may increase fetal exposure to P. falciparum metabolites, triggers a response by neonatal Vγ2Vδ2 lymphocytes that can be a marker for the extent of fetal exposure to malarial antigens