Contributions of Marine Libraries in ODINAFRICA to Oceanogrphic Research: IMROP Researchers

In marine information management, THE ODINAFRICA project participated in training librarians, the creation of a pan-African network of National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), product development and targeted services for national and regional end users. Currently, over 40 marine-related institutions in 25 African countries including Mauritania have tried to address the challenges faced in access to data and information for coastal management. NODC of Mauritania was established in 2001 under the responsibility of the Mauritanian Institute of Oceanographic Research and Fisheries (IMROP). IMROP has developed several products and services such as ODINAFRICA NODC, project websites, newsletters and brochures, ocean data catalogues (metadata), library catalogues, and directories of experts and institutions. IMROP's librarians also participated in several training sessions on the management of marine information. This paper discusses the project’s achievements. A questionnaire was administered to 20 IMROP researchers about their use of products and services and to plan for the maintenance of the various services and databases

Host-feeding patterns of Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans arabiensis, a Rift Valley Fever virus vector in the Ferlo pastoral ecosystem of Senegal

Background: Host-vector contact is a key factor in vectorial capacity assessment and thus the transmission of mosquito-borne viruses such as Rift Valley Fever (RVF), an emerging zoonotic disease of interest in West Africa. The knowledge of the host-feeding patterns of vector species constitutes a key element in the assessment of their epidemiological importance in a given environment. The aim of this work was to identify the blood meal origins of the mosquito Aedes vexans arabiensis, the main vector of RVF virus in the Ferlo pastoral ecosystem of Senegal. Methodology/principal findings: Engorged female mosquitoes were collected in Younoufe´re´ in the pastoral ecosystem in the Ferlo region during the 2014 rainy season. CO2-baited CDC light traps were set at six points for two consecutive nights every month from July to November. Domestic animals present around traps were identified and counted for each trapping session. Blood meal sources of engorged mosquitoes were identified using a vertebrate-specific multiplexed primer set based on cytochrome b. Blood meal sources were successfully identified for 319 out of 416 blood-fed females (76.68%), of which 163 (51.1%) were single meals, 146 (45.77%) mixed meals from two different hosts and 10 (3.13%) mixed meals from three different hosts. Aedes vexans arabiensis fed preferentially on mammals especially on horse compared to other hosts (FR = 46.83). Proportions of single and mixed meals showed significant temporal and spatial variations according to the availability of the hosts. Conclusion: Aedes vexans arabiensis shows an opportunistic feeding behavior depending on the host availability. This species fed preferentially on mammals especially on horses (primary hosts) and ruminants (secondary hosts)

Quality of hydro-alcoholic products used in Senegal: pilot study

Antisepsis and disinfection have always played an important role in the fight against infectious diseases. The use of these products has been effective in breaking the chain of transmission of microorganisms. Today, with the advent of COVID-19, the main recommendations are, among other things, physical distance and the use of antiseptic products, including hydro-alcoholic products. In Senegal, with poor regulations on the acquisition and distribution of antiseptics and disinfectants, this situation has led to a proliferation of antiseptics and disinfectants on the national market. this work aimed to study the quality of hydroalcoholic products found in the trade. We evaluated ten samples of hydro-alcohol products collected during the month of March 2020. Physical and microbiological controls were performed at the National Drug Control Laboratory. The alcohol content of the samples ranged from 63 to 85% and were consistent with WHO recommendations except for samples E3 and E5. The pH values varied between 4.02 and 6.64 and the densities of the hydro-alcoholic gel samples ranged from 0.84 to 0.92 g/cm3; E2, E4, E5, E6 samples had densities greater than 0.89 g/cm3. The samples of hydro-alcoholic products all conformed to the sterility test and no microbiological contamination was observed. Antimicrobial activities of the hydro-alcoholic samples tested ranged from 58.3 to 100% with two samples showing no activity (E2 and E5). In view of the results of this study, it would be relevant to expand and deepen investigations by a significant increase in the number of samples and by carrying out as complete an analysis as possible

Evaluation De La Denutrition Chez Les Enfants Ages De 2 A 60 Mois Hospitalises Aux Services De Pediatrie Des Hopitaux De Ziguinchor (Senegal)

Introduction: Malnutrition is a public health problem in developing countries. The prevalence of malnutrition at the national level hardly reflects the reality in hospitals. It is in this context that we assessed the nutritional status of children from 2 months to 5 years hospitalized in the pediatric ward of the regional hospital and the Ziguinchor Peace Hospital. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study from June 1 to October 30, 2016. Children aged 2 to 60 months, hospitalized in one of the two services, were included. Children with esdato-ascetic syndrome were not included. Epidemiological, anthropometric data, and associated diagnosis were studied. Results: We included 114 children (70 boys and 44 girls). The average age was 21.9 months [4-59]. Forty-two point one percent (42.1%) of infants <6 months were breastfed exclusively with breast milk. The weaning of children was done early in 55.3%. The mean age of mothers was 26.6 years [17-38]. The socioeconomic level was low in 62.3% of cases. The prevalence of malnutrition averaged 35.5% for underweight; 32.9% for wasting and 32.0% for stunting. Acute respiratory infections (ARI) and acute gastroenteritis were the most common associated conditions. Mean hospital stay was 8 days ± 009 [3-28]. About two thirds of the patients (n = 72) had a hospital stay of more than 7 days. Malnutrition was significantly associated with multiparity, low socioeconomic status, hospital stay of more than 7 days and infectious diseases. Conclusion: Infections and a hospital stay longer than a week are factors favoring malnutrition in children from 2 months to 5 years