Seasonality and shift in age-specific malaria prevalence and incidence in Binko and Carrière villages close to the lake in Selingué, Mali

BACKGROUND: Malaria transmission in Mali is seasonal and peaks at the end of the rainy season in October. This study assessed the seasonal variations in the epidemiology of malaria among children under 10 years of age living in two villages in Selingué: Carrière, located along the Sankarani River but distant from the hydroelectric dam, and Binko, near irrigated rice fields, close to the dam. The aim of this study was to provide baseline data, seasonal pattern and age distribution of malaria incidence in two sites situated close to a lake in Selingué. METHODS: Geographically, Selingué area is located in the basin of Sakanrani and belongs to the district of Yanfolila in the third administrative region of Mali, Sikasso. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in October 2010 (end of transmission season) and in July 2011 (beginning of transmission season) to determine the point prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia, and anaemia among the children. Cumulative incidence of malaria per month was determined in a cohort of 549 children through active and passive case detection from November 2010 through October 2011. The number of clinical episodes per year was determined among the children in the cohort. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for malaria. RESULTS: The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia varied significantly between villages with a strong seasonality in Carrière (52.0–18.9 % in October 2010 and July 2011, respectively) compared with Binko (29.8–23.8 % in October 2010 and July 2011, respectively). Children 6–9 years old were at least twice more likely to carry parasites than children up to 5 years old. For malaria incidence, 64.8–71.9 % of all children experienced at least one episode of clinical malaria in Binko and Carrière, respectively. The peak incidence was observed between August and October (end of the rainy season), but the incidence remained high until December. Surprisingly, the risk of clinical malaria was two- to nine-fold higher among children 5–9 years old compared to younger children. CONCLUSIONS: A shift in the peak of clinical episodes from children under 5–9 years of age calls for expanding control interventions, such as seasonal malaria chemoprophylaxis targeting the peak transmission months

Importance of the Social Structures in Cowpea Varietal Demands for Women and Men Farmers in Segou Region, Mali

Cowpea is the second most consumed leguminous crop after groundnut in Mali. Its national production was 260,000 tons in 2018. It contributes to nitrogen fixation in the soil. The improved varieties of cowpea cultivars contain traits such as high grain yield, drought resistance, and early maturity. However, the adoption of improved cowpea varieties remains low. The non-participation and or non-consideration of the needs of men and women farmers in the varietal selection process contributed to the low adoption rate of improved cowpea varieties. This study aims to understand the gender dynamics and social structures within the communities. It examines its influence on the adoption of improved varieties of cowpea. Anchored on gender relations theories, gender and social structures are analyzed as the core frame for organizing social relations that guide and coordinate individuals’ actions in a given situation. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied to collect data from cowpea growers in 11 villages around the Cinzana Research Station. It emerged from the study that male farmers are quick adopters of newly released cowpea varieties because they are mainly more involved in trials, innovation platforms, field visits, demonstration plot activities, and FPVS than women. Women are less involved in these activities, except in sorting harvested cowpea grains and seeds in the Cinzana Research Station. Women’s participation in cowpea related-activities is determined by the rules and norms of physical mobility and the structures that control and guide social interactions and connections within and outside of households and communities. The study recommends efficient resource allocation within households and communities, and the set up of strong institutional frameworks (such as innovation platforms) to enable women in adopting new and improved cowpea varieties and to expand the available opportunities in the cowpea production system

Analysis of size spectra off northwest Africa: a useful indicator in tropical areas?

Changes in the size spectra of demersal fish communities off Cape Verde (1988, 1994), Guinea (1985-1995), and Mauritania (1987-2001) were studied. Intercepts and slopes showed opposite trends for Guinea and Mauritania, but were relatively stable in spite of a strong increase in landings per unit area. For Cape Verde, there were marked changes in size structure, seemingly inconsistent with the more moderate fishing pressure there. Changes in size structure do not seem to be suitable indicators of the effects of fishing in areas characterized by faster growth rates, small sizes, high species diversity, and complex interrelationships, such as the tropics. (c) 2005 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Particularities of ballistic spinal injuries and management in an African context (Chad): Study of 27 cases

The frequency of ballistic spinal injuries is rising in developing nations around the globe. These injuries lead to a functional prognosis linked to disabling sequelae and vitals in patients, which often results in serious complications and death.This study describes the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, evolutionary characteristics of Ballistic Medullar-Vertebral trauma (BMVT). It presents the particularities of management in the sub-Saharan African country of Chad.This is a prospective descriptive study of 27 ballistic spinal injury patients conducted over an 18-month period.Ballistic Medullar-Vertebral injuries (BMVI) represented 12.9 % of spinal trauma. The average age of the patients was 31.8, and 40.7 % were between 31 and 40 years of age. Military personnel represented 78 % of the patients. 44.4 % of cases came from the Lake Chad region. 59.3 % of injuries were caused by Kalashnikov’s (AK 47) firearms. 74.1 % of cases were admitted to the emergency department within 12 to 24 h. The diameter of the wounds that corresponded to the entry orifice of the bullet was between 1 and 2 cm in 59.25 % of the cases. A Dural breach was found in 14.8 %. 48.1 % had ASIA C score and none of them met the criteria for spinal cord injury collection and immobilization. The lumbosacral location was reported in 55.6 %, and the type I Roy Camille fracture was found in 70.37 %. Surgical management was performed in 88.9 % cases. Multidisciplinary management of the associated lesions was performed in 25.9 %. 7.4 % of patients with cervical trauma died due to septic shock.Delayed emergency department admissions and limited access to medicalized transportation are main factors to BMVI in Chad. Lesion is predominantly located in the lumbosacral region. Lesions and spinal cord involvement were factors of poor vital and functional prognosis. Surgery plays an important role in management. Socio-professional reintegration remains problematic

Lassa Virus Seroprevalence in Sibirilia Commune, Bougouni District, Southern Mali

Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic to several nations in West Africa. In Mali, LASV was unknown until an exported case of Lassa fever was reported in 2009. Since that time, rodent surveys have found evidence of LASV-infected Mastomys natalensis rats in several communities in southern Mali, near the border with Côte d’Ivoire. Despite increased awareness, to date only a single case of Lassa fever has been confirmed in Mali. We conducted a survey to determine the prevalence of LASV exposure among persons in 3 villages in southern Mali where the presence of infected rodents has been documented. LASV IgG seroprevalence ranged from 14.5% to 44% per village. No sex bias was noted; however, seropositivity rates increased with participant age. These findings confirm human LASV exposure in Mali and suggest that LASV infection/Lassa fever is a potential public health concern in southern Mali

Setting up a floating trap in a mangrove channel.

<p>Setting up a floating trap in a mangrove channel.</p

Location of traps and densities of tsetse caught during the entomological survey.

<p>On the mainland, tsetse (<i>Glossina palpalis gambiensis</i>) are found mainly along rivers and water points. In the mangrove, main densities are found on narrow mangrove channels and around frequented places such as pirogue jetties.</p