Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis control in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire: implementing control on a limited budget

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis occur throughout the developing world and remain a major public health problem in the poorest communities with enormous consequences for development. The extent of the problem has long been neglected because these diseases rarely kill at a young age and also because of their insidious nature. Today there exists a momentum and an unprecedented opportunity for a cost-effective control of these neglected tropical diseases. The control of these diseases has become a priority on the agenda of many governments, donors and international agencies. This paper highlights the progress made and future control activities in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire, where schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis control measures have been implemented over the past decade with limited budgets. In Cameroon, deworming activities were increased to encompass all ten regions in 2007 as a result of a co-ordinated effort of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education with national and international partners. In Côte d'Ivoire, focal control activities were achieved with support from various partners. Prospects, opportunities and challenges for the control of neglected tropical diseases in these two countries are discusse

Evaluation de l’efficacite de quatre formulations de chlorpyriphos ethyl contre la cochenille Farineuse du manguier Rastrococcus invadens Williams (Homoptera : Pseudococcidae) : bilan de dix annees d’experimentation en Côte D’Ivoire

La cochenille farineuse du manguier, Rastrococcus invadens (Homoptera : Pseudococcidae) est l’un des principaux ravageurs du manguier en Côte d’Ivoire, particulièrement dans la région nord qui fournit les mangues exportées. En attendant la mise en place de la lutte biologique envisagée, et devant l’ampleur des dégâts pouvant favoriser des traitements abusifs de la part des producteurs, des expérimentations ont été initiées pour sélectionner des insecticides efficaces en vue de leur homologation. Sur station de recherche, le premier screening a concerné 8 formulations d’insecticides appliquées à doses fortes (2 litres / ha) sur 100 m² de parcelle élémentaire de manguiers. Ensuite, pour chaque formulation retenue, trois doses ont été testées (2 litres / ha, 1 litre / ha et 0,5 litre / ha) sur 200 m². En milieu paysan, la dose optimale a été confirmée sur au moins 20 ha dans des essais couples. Le screening préliminaire a mis en évidence l’efficacité des formulations à base de chlorpyrifos éthyl avec une rémanence de 4 semaines. L’évaluation de 3 doses de ces formulations en station a permis de retenir la dose efficace de 1 litre / ha soit 480 g dechlorpyrifos-éthyl / ha. Les tests réalisés en milieu paysan ont confirmé l’efficacité des 4 formulations de chlorpyrifos-éthyl contre le ravageur : Dursban 4 E, Cyren 480 EC, Pyriforce 480 EC et Pyrical 480 EC. L’exécution raisonnée des traitements permet à la lutte chimique de s’intégrer harmonieusement dans un programme de gestion intégrée de la cochenille farineuse.Mots clés : Rastrococcus invadens, cochenille farineuse du manguier, lutte chimique, chlorpyrifos-éthyl.EVALUATION OF FOUR FORMULATIONS OF CHLORPYRIPHOS ETHYL AGAINST THE MANGO MEALY BUG Rastrococcus invadensWILLIAMS  (HOMOPTERA : PSEUDOCOCCIDAE) : ASSESSMENTOF TEN YEARS  EXPERIMENTATION IN CÔTE D’IVOIREThe mango mealy bug, Rastrococcus invadens (Homoptera,  Pseudococcidae) is one of the main pests of mango in Côte d’Ivoire,  particularly in the northern region that provides the exported mangoes. Before the using of biological control considered, and faced with the extent of damages that may promote abusive treatment by the producers,  experiments were initiated to select effective insecticides for their approval. On research station, the first screening has involved eight formulations of insecticides applied at high doses (2 L / ha) of 100 m² plot of mango trees. Then, for each formulation selected, three doses were tested (2 liters / ha, 1 liter / ha and 0.5 l / ha) on 200 m². On-farm, the optimal dose was confirmed at least 20 ha in trials couples. The preliminary  screening has shown the effectiveness of formulations containing  chlorpyrifos ethyl with a remanence of 4 weeks. The evaluation of three  doses of these formulations on station allowed to retain the effective dose of 1 l / ha or 480 g of chlorpyrifos-ethyl / ha. The on-farm tests have  confirmed the effectiveness of four formulations of chlorpyrifos-ethyl against the pest: Dursban 4 E, Cyren 480 EC, Pyriforce 480 EC and Pyrical 480 EC. The rational treatment allows to chemical control to integrate  seamlessly into an integrated management program against the mealy  bug.Key words : Rastrococcus invadens, mango mealy bug, chemical control, chlorpyrifos ethyl

Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia lamblia among Schoolchildren in Agboville Area (Côte d'Ivoire)

According to WHO, intestinal amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is the third principal parasitic disease responsible for mortality in the world. This protozoal parasite infects approximately 180 million individuals throughout the world, among whom 40 to 110 thousand die from it each year. Giardiasis, caused by another protozoan parasite, Giardia lamblia, infects approximately 200 million individuals throughout the world, is a frequent cause of diarrhea in children, and can have negative impact on growth and development. Unfortunately, these intestinal protozoa are taken into account in few epidemiologic studies. The investigation we carried out to determine prevalence and spatial distribution of these infections shows the importance of these parasites in the Agboville department in southeast Cote d'Ivoire. Determination of spatial distribution of these parasites will help to focus delivery of chemotherapy in this area. In addition, our description of the relation of sources of drinking water with these parasitic infections will contribute to the development of an integrated treatment program for these parasites in this area of Côte d'Ivoire. This work will help make the population and political powers aware of the importance of these parasites and the need for safe drinking water in all localities of this area

Sols favorables à la cacaoculture au centre-ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire dans un contexte d’assèchement climatique

En Afrique de l’Ouest en général et particulièrement en Côte d’Ivoire, la survie des jeunes cacaoyers, pendant la phase de replantation, dépend en grande partie de leur alimentation hydrique, soit à partir des pluies, soit à partir de la réserve en eau des sols. Or, depuis ces dernières décennies, le déficit pluviométrique va grandissant. En effet, les hauteurs pluviométriques sont en baisse et la répartition des pluies est irrégulière. Pour combler le déficit pluviométrique, le sol doit disposer d’une importante réserve en eau. Pour se faire, il doit être dépourvu de toutes contraintes morpho-pédologiques pouvant réduire sa capacité de rétention en eau. Le choix de ce type de sol n’est pas du tout aisé pour les producteurs non initiés à l’étude pédologique. Une étude morpho-pédologique a donc été entreprise dans le Centre-Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire, le long de 30 paysages morpho-pédologiques représentatifs. Elle a permis d’identifier et localier à travers une Analyse en Composantes Principales (ACP), les contraintes morphologiques à la cacaoculture. En outre, les sols morphologiquement favorables aux cacaoyers situés sur les mi-versants et les bas de versant des paysages morpho-pédologiques.Mots clés: replantation cacaoyère, méthode morpho-pédologique, segment topographique, sols favorables au cacaoye

Décomposition des tourteaux de coprah et de palmiste et effets sur la croissance des cocotiers (Cocos nucifera L.) en pépinière et la nutrition minérale des cocotiers adultes en Côte-d\'Ivoire

L\'objectif de cette étude est d\'évaluer le potentiel fertilisant des tourteaux de coprah et de palmiste. Ainsi, les tourteaux ont été mis en décomposition pendant une période de 12 mois. Leurs effets sur la croissance des jeunes cocotiers ont été étudiés pendant 9 mois en comparaison à ceux de l\'engrais chimique. Une analyse foliaire a été réalisée afin d\'évaluer les effets des tourteaux sur la nutrition minérale des cocotiers adultes, 7 et 21 mois après leur épandage. Après 12 mois, les tourteaux ont libéré la totalité du potassium et plus de la moitié de l\'azote et du phosphore. Ils ont eu un effet positif sur la croissance des cocotiers en pépinière semblable à celui de la fumure chimique composée d\'urée à 46 % de N, super phosphate simple à 18 % de P2O5, chlorure de potassium à 60 % de K2O et de kiesérite à 28 % de MgO. Sept mois après l\'épandage, ils ont amélioré les teneurs foliaires en azote, en phosphore et en potassium des cocotiers adultes, mais ces teneurs ont chuté 21 mois après. Ces résultats montrent que les tourteaux sont des engrais organiques qui pourraient remplacer la fumure chimique.The objective of this study is to assess the fertilizing potential of the oil-cakes of copra and palm tree. Thus, the oilcakes were allowed to decompose for 12 months period. Their effects on the growth of young coconuts were studied for 9 months in comparison with those of chemical fertilisers. A foliar analysis was carried out in order to assess the effects of the oil-cakes on the mineral nutrition of adult coconuts 7 and 21 month after application. After 12 months, the oil-cakes released the totality of the potassium and more than half of nitrogen and phosphorus. Application of oil-cakes had a positive effect on the growth of coconuts in nursery similar to the one of the chemical fertilizer, consisted of urea (46 % of N), super simple phosphorus (18 % of P2O5), potassium chloride (60 % of K2O) and kieserite (28 % of MgO). Seven months after application, they improved the foliar contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of adult coconuts, but these contents fell 21 month later. These results show that the oil-cakes may be used as organic fertilizers that could replace the chemical fertilizers. Keywords: Coconut, nitrogen, potassium, mineral nutrition, phosphorus, oil-cakes.Sciences & Nature Vol. 5 (2) 2008: pp. 155-16

Association between nonmedical prescription drug use and health status among young swiss men.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between the nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU) of six drug classes and health. METHODS: Data on young adults males (mean age, 19.96 years) from the baseline and follow-up of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF) were used (n = 4,958). Two sets of logistic regression models were fitted to examine the associations between NMPDU of opioid analgesics, sedatives or sleeping pills, anxiolytics, antidepressants, beta blockers and stimulants, and health status (assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Survey Instrument [SF-12 v2]). We first computed odds ratios between NMPDU at baseline and poor mental and physical health at follow-up, adjusting for poor mental or physical health at baseline. We then computed odds ratios between poor mental and physical health at baseline and NMPDU at follow-up, adjusting for NMPDU at baseline. RESULTS: Three key findings regarding mental health were (1) there was a reciprocal risk between poor mental health and sedatives and anxiolytics; (2) poor mental health increased NMPDU of opioid analgesics and antidepressants but not vice versa; and (3) there were no associations with stimulants. Three key findings regarding physical health were (1) poor physical health increased the risk of NMPDU of anxiolytics; (2) the only reciprocal risk was between physical health and NMPDU of opioid analgesics; and (3) there were no associations with stimulants. CONCLUSION: These results, among the first ever on reciprocal effects between NMPDU and mental and physical health status, give unique information concerning the adverse effects of NMPDU on health and vice versa. The study shows that NMPDU is not only a sign of self-medication but may induce health problems

Concurrent versus simultaneous use of alcohol and non-medical use of prescription drugs: is simultaneous use worse for mental, social, and health issues?

Abstract This study investigated the difference between concurrent and simultaneous use of alcohol and non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) in relation to mental, social, and health issues. The 544 study participants of the Swiss ongoing Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF) had a combined use of alcohol with NMUPD during the previous 12 months. Alcohol-related problems (i.e., dependence and consequences), as well as mental, social, and health concerns (i.e., depression, general mental/physical health, and social/health consequences), were assessed. The simultaneous use of alcohol and NMUPD proved to be a greater risk factor for mental, social, and health issues than concurrent use. This study adds information regarding simultaneous polydrug use, which results in distinct effects compared to concurrent use, including important social, psychosocial, and health-related consequences

Sustaining control of Schistosomiasis mansoni in western Côte d'Ivoire : results from a SCORE study, one year after initial praziquantel administration

The Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation (SCORE) has launched several large-scale trials to determine the best strategies for gaining and sustaining control of schistosomiasis and transitioning toward elimination. In Côte d'Ivoire, a 5-year cluster-randomized trial is being implemented in 75 schools to sustain the control of schistosomiasis mansoni. We report Schistosoma mansoni infection levels in children one year after the initial school-based treatment (SBT) with praziquantel and compare with baseline results to determine the effect of the intervention.; The baseline cross-sectional survey was conducted in late 2011/early 2012 and the first follow-up in May 2013. Three consecutive stool samples were collected from 9- to 12-year-old children in 75 schools at baseline and 50 schools at follow-up. Stool samples were subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears. Directly observed treatment (DOT) coverage of the SBT was assessed and the prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection compared between baseline and follow-up.; The S. mansoni prevalence in the 75 schools surveyed at baseline was 22.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 19.5-24.4%). The DOT coverage was 84.2%. In the 50 schools surveyed at baseline and one year after treatment, the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection decreased significantly from 19.7% (95% CI: 18.5-20.8%) to 12.8% (95% CI: 11.9-13.8%), while the arithmetic mean S. mansoni eggs per gram of stool (EPG) among infected children slightly increased from 92.2 EPG (95% CI: 79.2-105.3 EPG) to 109.3 EPG (95% CI: 82.7-135.9 EPG). In two of the 50 schools, the prevalence increased significantly, despite a DOT coverage of >75%.; One year after the initial SBT, the S. mansoni prevalence had decreased. Despite this positive trend, an increase was observed in some schools. Moreover, the infection intensity among S. mansoni-infected children was slightly higher at the 1-year follow-up compared to the baseline situation. Our results emphasize the heterogeneity of transmission dynamics and provide a benchmark for the future yearly follow-up surveys of this multi-year SCORE intervention study

Prospective pathways between heroin use and nonmedical use of prescription opioids: Trajectories among young Swiss men

BACKGROUND. So far few studies have focused on the last steps of drug-use trajectories. Heroin has been described as a final stage, but the non-medical use of prescription opioids (NMUPOs) is often associated with heroin use. There is, however, no consensus yet about which one precedes the other. AIMS. The objective of this study was to test which of these two substances was likely to be induced by the other using a prospective design. MATERIAL AND METHODS. We used data from the Swiss Longitudinal Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF) to assess exposure to heroin and NMUPO at two times points (N = 5,041). Cross-lagged panel models provided evidence regarding prospective pathways between heroin and NMUPOs. Power analyses provided evidence about significance and clinical relevance. RESULTS. Results showed that heroin use predicted later NMUPO use (? = 1.217, p < 0.001) and that the reverse pathway was non-significant (? = 0.240, p = .233). Heroin use seems to be an important determinant, causing a 150% risk increase for NMUPO use at follow-up, whereas NMUPO use at baseline increases the risk of heroin use at follow-up by a mere non-significant 20%. CONCLUSIONS. Thus, heroin users were more likely to move to NMUPOs than non-heroin users, whereas NMUPO users were not likely to move to heroin use. The pathway of substance use seemed to include first heroin use, then NMUPO use