Performance, Egg Quality, and Composition in Isa Brown Laying Hens Fed with Different Levels of Desmodium tortuosum Leaf Flour.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects on laying performance, egg quality traits, color, and composition of supplementing a white corn-based diet with Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour. Three hundred 32-week-old hens were distributed to 30 pens of 10 hens each and allocated to six dietary treatments (five replicates per treatment) for 13 weeks. Two control groups of 50 hens received one of either diet Y, based on yellow corn, or diet W, based on white corn. The other groups received a diet based on white corn supplemented with Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, or 10% (diet D). Diet D improved laying performance and yolk color at a reduced feed cost per egg but had no effect on cholesterol content. In conclusion, the inclusion of Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour, in a white corn-based diet, is effective in lowering feed cost, increasing egg production, and improving yolk color.

Potential associations between Schistosoma mansoni infection and physico-chemical characteristics and water-related human activities in Côte d'Ivoire: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is intimately connected to poverty and environmental factors. Our research was readily embedded into a multi-country schistosomiasis oversampling study. The aim of the study presented here was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and to investigate the role of water body characteristics and water-related human activities in disease transmission. METHODS: In August and September 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the western part of Côte d'Ivoire. Stool and urine samples were collected from 1602 and 1729 children aged 5-14 years, respectively, in 65 villages in the health districts of Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba. Additionally, data were collected from direct observation of water-related activities at water bodies and interviews conducted with community leaders and health workers. The prevalence and risk factors for Schistosoma infection were assessed using generalised estimating equation models. RESULTS: The prevalence ofS. mansoni and S. haematobium were 27.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5-34.3%) and 0.1% (95% CI 0.03-0.5%), respectively. Low prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was observed with 2.4%, 0.4% and 0.2% for hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. At the health district level, we found S. mansoni prevalence of 34.4% (95% CI 25.0-45.3%), 34.3% (95% CI 24.0-46.2%) and 16.3% (95% CI 9.5-26.6%) for Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba, respectively. Female and male participants were at a similar risk of infection (29.0% vs. 26.0%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% CI 0.92-1.50). Children aged 9-14 years showed a higher prevalence than their younger counterparts aged 5-8 years (34.5% vs. 22.7%, OR: 1.80, 95% CI 1.42-2.27). High infection prevalence was observed in villages where children were washing clothes and dishes at open surface water sites and pursued recreational activities (e.g. swimming and playing in the water). The temperature, total dissolved solids and pH of water samples showed no significant association with S. mansoni infection at the village unit. CONCLUSIONS: Human water-related activities such as washing clothes and playing in the water are risk factors for S. mansoni transmission. Hence, preventive chemotherapy should be combined with information, education and communication to avoid or reduce the frequency of water exposure in children as part of a comprehensive package of interventions towards elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem.

Molecular Typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Collected in Abidjan Hospitals (Côte d'Ivoire) Using the Multiple-Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeats Method.

Background/objectives:Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause community-acquired infections affecting various body sites. The present retrospective study investigated the genetic diversity of 173 isolates (166 clinical, 7 environmental) of P. aeruginosa collected from clinical pathology laboratories in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (2001-2011). Methods: Multiple-Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Analysis (MLVA) using 13 loci was applied to all isolates and compared to published MLVA data. The antibiotics status of the isolates was compiled when available and compared to published profiles. Results: Among 95 isolates analyzed for their antibiotics status, 14 displayed concerning resistance profiles: five multidrug-resistant (MDR) and nine extensively drug-resistant (XDR). MLVA typing revealed a high genetic diversity (>130 genotypes), with many genotypes represented by a single strain. Notably, thirteen clusters (≥4 related isolates) were observed. Some clusters displayed close genetic relatedness to isolates from France, Korea, and well-studied strains (ST560, LES and PA14). Comparative analysis suggested the presence of international high-risk MDR clones (CC233, CC111) in Côte d'Ivoire. Importantly, MLVA clustering revealed a close relationship of CC235-MDR strains with a locally identified cluster (group 9). Conclusions: These findings support MLVA as a reliable and cost-effective tool for low-resource settings, allowing the selection of relevant strains for future whole genome sequence analyses. This approach can improve outbreak investigations and public health interventions aimed at curbing MDR P. aeruginosa transmission within hospitals and at the national level.

Evaluation of the epidemiological situation of intestinal schistosomiasis using the POC-CCA parasite antigen test and the Kato-Katz egg count test in school-age children in endemic villages in western Côte d'Ivoire.

Schistosomiasis is an endemic disease in Côte d'Ivoire. We compared the conventional Kato Katz (KK) test and a more sensitive but rarely used method, the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA), in order to contribute to the development of a more appropriate strategy for the control and elimination of intestinal schistosomiasis in western Côte d'Ivoire. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted in eight elementary schools in the Guémon and Cavally regions from February to December 2020. Selected schoolchildren provided stool and urine samples to detect the presence of Schistosoma mansoni eggs and parasite antigen using the KK and POC-CCA tests, respectively. A total of 554 schoolchildren were included in the study. The overall prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was 10% and 67% for KK and POC-CCA, respectively. The POC-CCA detected an infection rate of 100%, while the KK yielded a rate of 42%. In schools, prevalence ranged from 27 to 100% with POC-CCA and from 0 to 42% with KK. Swimming, fishing, washing clothes, and dishwashing were significantly associated with the onset of infection and high intensities. The epidemiological risk factors for intestinal schistosomiasis updated here using KK and POC-CCA diagnostic methods showed that prevalence was much higher than previously estimated using the KK. The POC-CCA is more sensitive and ways should be considered to improve its specificity in order to improve the diagnosis.

Title: Évaluation de la situation épidémiologique de la schistosomiase intestinale à l'aide du test antigénique parasitaire POC-CCA et du test de numération des œufs Kato-Katz chez les enfants d'âge scolaire de villages endémiques de l'ouest de la Côte d'Ivoire. Abstract: La schistosomiase est une maladie endémique en Côte d'Ivoire. Nous avons comparé le test conventionnel Kato Katz (KK) et une méthode plus sensible mais rarement utilisée, l'antigène cathodique circulant au point d'intervention (POC-CCA), afin de contribuer au développement d'une stratégie plus appropriée pour le contrôle et l'élimination de la schistosomiase intestinale dans l'ouest de la Côte d'Ivoire. Une enquête épidémiologique transversale a été menée dans huit écoles élémentaires des régions de Guémon et Cavally de février à décembre 2020. Des écoliers sélectionnés ont fourni des échantillons de selles et d'urine pour détecter la présence d'œufs de Schistosoma mansoni et d'antigène parasitaire à l'aide respectivement des tests KK et POC-CCA. Au total, 554 écoliers ont été inclus dans cette étude. La prévalence globale de la schistosomiase intestinale était respectivement de 10% et 67% pour KK et POC-CCA. Le POC-CCA a détecté un taux d'infection de 100%, tandis que le KK a donné un taux de 42%. Dans les écoles, la prévalence variait de 27 à 100% avec POC-CCA et de 0 à 42% avec KK. La natation, la pêche, la lessive et la vaisselle étaient associées de manière significative à l'apparition de l'infection et à des intensités élevées. La mise à jour ici des facteurs de risque épidémiologiques de la schistosomiase intestinale à l'aide des méthodes de diagnostic KK et POC-CCA a montré que la prévalence était beaucoup plus élevée que celle estimée précédemment à l'aide du KK. Le POC-CCA est plus sensible et des moyens devraient être envisagés pour améliorer sa spécificité afin de rendre un meilleur diagnostic.

Trypanocide Use and Molecular Characterization of Trypanosomes Resistant to Diminazene Aceturate in Cattle in Northern Côte D'Ivoire.

The resistance of trypanosomes to the doses of trypanocide administered by farmers to their animals acts as a real brake on efforts to control to combat African trypanosomiasis. Thus, in-depth knowledge of the use of these different molecules and their resistance profiles will be necessary to establish an integrated strategy to combat African trypanosomiasis. To achieve these objectives, a participatory survey among farmers and a resistance diagnosis of trypanosome strains identified in three regions of northern Côte d'Ivoire (Bagoué, Poro and Tchologo) was carried out using the PCR-RFLP technique, followed by sequencing of genes of interest. This study made it possible to identify three molecules that are commonly used by 85% (63/74) of farmers. In descending order of use, we identified Isometamidium chloride (43%), Diminazene aceturate (28%) and Homidium bromide (14%). Three species of trypanosomes, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma. theileri and Trypanosoma vivax, were identified in farms, and only one strain had the adenosine transporter gene (Trypanosoma congolense), but this strain was sensitive to the Diminazene aceturate molecule. Comparison of the sequence of this trypanosome strain showed that it is different to the Kenyan strain diagnosed as resistant to the Diminazene aceturate molecule. This study shows that a variety of trypanocides are used by farmers, and that the resistance profile of the strains to the Diminazene aceturate molecule could not be observed. However, it is important to further investigate the other molecules encountered in Côte d'Ivoire.

Exploring women's knowledge of abortion legality and association with source of abortion care using population-based survey data in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the conditions under which abortion is legal is important so that people can advocate for their right to abortion care. Yet minimal research has explored the association between women's knowledge of abortion legality and the induced abortion care they receive, particularly using population-based survey data. METHODS: Using national survey data collected by Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, we aimed to compare the prevalence of accurate knowledge of abortion legality, factors associated with knowledge of the law, and the association between knowledge of abortion legality and the source of women's induced abortion care in these two settings. We ran bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions to assess the relationships of interest. RESULTS: We found that awareness and knowledge of the abortion law were low in both Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. In Cote d'Ivoire, women who were older, more educated, and with past abortion experience were more likely to be aware of the law. In Ghana, knowledge of the law did not vary significantly by demographic characteristics. However, in Ghana, knowledge of the law was correlated with women's use of the formal healthcare system for abortion care, with greater use of clinical sources in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that for populations with reduced access to abortion services, such as those in rural areas, knowledge of the law is advantageous for those seeking facility-based abortion care, particularly in settings where abortion is legal for a range of indications. Interventions seeking to improve access to facility-based abortion care in settings where abortion is legal on various grounds should incorporate education on the legal grounds for abortion.

Knowledge of the conditions under which abortion is legal is important for people to advocate for their right to abortion care, yet minimal research has explored the association between women's knowledge of abortion legality and the abortion care they receive, particularly using population-based survey data. Using national survey data collected by Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, we aimed to compare the prevalence of accurate knowledge of abortion legality, factors associated with knowledge of the law, and the association between knowledge of abortion legality and the source of women's abortion care in these two settings. We ran bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions to assess the relationships of interest. We found that awareness and knowledge of the abortion law were low in both Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. In Côte d'Ivoire, knowledge was unequally distributed according to sociodemographic factors, while such inequities did not exist in Ghana. However, in Ghana, knowledge of the law was correlated with women's use of the formal healthcare system for abortion care, with greater use of clinical sources in rural areas. It is possible that for populations with reduced access to abortion services, such as those in rural areas, knowledge of the law is advantageous for those seeking facility-based abortion care, particularly in settings where abortion is legal for a range of indications. Interventions seeking to improve access to facility-based abortion care in settings where abortion is legal on various grounds should incorporate education on the legal grounds for abortion.

Assessing the effects of three anthropogenic activities on the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae s.l. species composition and pyrethroid resistance mechanisms in Abidjan city, Côte d'Ivoire.

Pyrethroid resistance and mechanisms for resistance for Anopheles gambiae sensus lato (s.l.) (Diptera: Culicidae) Giles, were assessed in three urban areas (vegetable farming, industrial and residential) of Abidjan. Susceptibility to pyrethroids (deltamethrin, permethrin and alphacypermethrin), with and without piperonyl butoxide (PBO) pre-exposure was evaluated. Anopheles gambiae complex members were identified using Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements PCR (SINE PCR), and resistance mechanisms (kdr-west, kdr-east and ace-1) and metabolic gene expression (CYP6P5, CYP6M2, CYP6P3, CYP6P4) were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). High resistance to deltamethrin, permethrin and alphacypermethrin was observed in Port-Bouet (vegetable farming) and Treichville (industrial site), whereas moderate resistance to deltamethrin and high resistance to alphacypermethrin and permethrin were found in Abobo (residential site). Pre-exposure to PBO with pyrethroid increased mortalities in all sites. In Treichville, pre-exposure to PBO restored susceptibility to deltamethrin, but not in Port-Bouet or Abobo. In Treichville, An. gambiae Giles sensu stricto (s.s.) was predominant (92.9%), whereas in Abobo and Port-Bouet, An. coluzzii Giles was predominant (73.6% and 66.4%, respectively). The highest kdr-west mutation frequency was in An. gambiae s.s. (42.8%) from Abobo, followed by An. gambiae s.s. (40%) from Port-Bouet and An. gambiae s.s. (35.6%) from Treichville. In An. coluzzii, the highest kdr-west mutation frequency was in Port-Bouet (48.2%), followed by Abobo (28.00%) and Treichville (21.4%). Mutation frequencies of kdr-east were lower in An. gambiae s.s. from Treichville (4.1%) and Port-Bouet (2.1%) and absent in An. gambiae from Abobo. In industrial and vegetable farming areas, CYP6P3 and CYP6M2 were overexpressed compared with Kisumu. The study suggests An. gambiae s.l. distribution and pyrethroid resistance are influenced by human activities. Treichville's industrial area favoured An. gambiae s.s., whereas Abobo's residential and Port-Bouet's vegetable farming areas were dominated by An. coluzzii. Resistance in Treichville and Port-Bouet was associated with kdr (west and east) genes and metabolic genes, whereas in residential areas, only kdr-west genes were observed. These data suggest that PBO + deltamethrin impregnated nets could aid malaria control, benefiting industrial areas of Côte d'Ivoire and other African cities.

Malformative uropathies in children: epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutive aspects in an ivoirian hospital setting / Uropathies malformatives de l'enfant : profil épidémio-clinique, thérapeutique et évolutif en milieu hospitalier ivoirien.

Introduction: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract are a major cause of chronic kidney failure in children. Prevalence in paediatrics varies according to studies. The data being rare in the ivorian context, this study aims to describe these defects' epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects in children in a reference hospital setting. Methods: We performed a retrospective and descriptive study held in the Yopougon's Teaching Hospital Pediatric Nephrology Unit from December 1st 2008 to December 31st 2020. It involved 152 children aged 0 to 15 years, admitted to the unit, with a congenital anomaly of the kidney and the urinary tract diagnosed with radiology. Results: Socio-demographic characteristics: congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract's prevalence was 11%. The median age at admission was 36 months. The median age at diagnosis of malformative uropathy was 17.5 months. The sex ratio (M/F) was 2.3. Clinical characteristics: posterior urethra valves were the most common malformative uropathy (38%). Malformative uropathy was associated with other defects in 4% of cases. The antenatal diagnosis involved 24% of patients. The average gestational age of discovery was 32 weeks of amenorrhea. In the postnatal period, abdominal pain was the main circumstance for discovery (39%). Therapeutic characteristics: surgery was indicated in 58% of patients and performed in 64% of cases. Evolutionary characteristics: evolution was better in patients who had received surgical treatment (asymptomatic in 83% of cases, occurrence of urinary tract infection in 35% of cases and chronic renal failure in 23% of cases). 72% of the study population was lost. Conclusion: In Côte d'Ivoire, malformatives uropathies are late-discovered and are dominated by posterior urethra valves. Knowledge and management of these renal and urinary tract defects deserve to be improved through the development of antenatal diagnosis and training of practitioners in early recognition of clinical signs. The high rate of lost patients must be reduced by the implementation of an active patients' follow-up system.

Introduction: Les malformations rénales et des voies urinaires représentent une cause majeure d'insuffisance rénale chronique de l'enfant. La prévalence en pédiatrie est variable selon les études. En l'absence de données rapportées dans le contexte ivoirien, l'objectif de cette étude était d'étudier le profil épidémio-clinique, thérapeutique et évolutif des uropathies malformatives de l'enfant en milieu hospitalier de référence. Patients et méthode: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive menée au sein de l'unité de néphrologie pédiatrique du centre hospitalier universitaire de Yopougon, du 1er décembre 2008 au 31 décembre 2020. Elle concernait 152 patients âgés de 0 à 15 ans admis à l'unité, porteurs d'une malformation rénale et des voies urinaires confirmée par un examen d'imagerie. Résultats: Caractéristiques socio-démographiques : la prévalence des uropathies malformatives était de 11 %. L'âge médian à l'admission était de 36 mois. L'âge médian au diagnostic d'uropathie malformative était de 17,5 mois. Le sex-ratio (H/F) était de 2,3. Caractéristiques cliniques : les valves de l'urètre postérieur représentaient l'uropathie malformative la plus fréquente (38 %). L'uropathie malformative était associée à d'autres malformations dans 4 % des cas. Le diagnostic anténatal concernait 24 % des patients. L'âge gestationnel moyen de découverte était de 32 semaines d'aménorrhée. En période postnatale, la douleur abdominale était la principale circonstance de découverte (39 %). Caractéristiques thérapeutiques : l'intervention chirurgicale était indiquée chez 58 % des patients et réalisée dans 64 % des cas. Caractéristiques évolutives : l'évolution était meilleure chez les patients opérés (asymptomatiques dans 83 % des cas, survenue d'une infection urinaire dans 35 % des cas et d'une insuffisance rénale chronique dans 23 % des cas). 72 % de la population d'étude a été perdue de vue. Conclusion: En Côte d'Ivoire, les uropathies malformatives sont de découverte tardive et sont dominées par les valves de l'urètre postérieur. La connaissance et la prise en charge de ces malformations méritent d'être améliorées par le développement du diagnostic anténatal et la formation des praticiens à la reconnaissance précoce des signes d'appels cliniques. Le taux important de perdus de vue doit être réduit par la mise en place d'un système actif de suivi des patients.

[A soap to fight schistosomiasis: a field intervention worth considering?] / Un savon pour lutter contre les schistosomoses : une intervention de terrain à reprendre ?

An experiment was carried out in 1985-87 against schistosomiasis using products neutralizing the intermediate stages of schistosomes. In the laboratory, it had been shown that lauryl betaines, amphoteric substances, used for children's shampoos, quickly immobilized miracidiums and cercariae. Studies in Niger in field conditions with water laden with organic matter gave similar results. This surfactant can be incorporated into ordinary soaps at a dose of 5% without changing their characteristics. Betaine soaps were put on sale in ordinary commercial channels in Niger then in Côte d'Ivoire, in hyperendemic villages for Schistosoma haematobium. Betaines diffused without external intervention into the water used by populations for washing. The soaps were well accepted by these populations. However, after one year, the results in tested villages compared to control ones were unclear on the dynamics of urinary schistosomiasis in terms of prevalence and oviuria. Anti-schistosome treatment seems necessary at the start of the procedure. The use of soap by populations needed to be measured. In conclusion, this promising laboratory action deserves to be evaluated again in the field, in addition to health education and systematic treatment actions.

High prevalence of asymptomatic and subpatent Plasmodium falciparum infections but no histidine-rich protein 2 gene deletion in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic and subpatent P. falciparum infections in the city of Bouaké, Central Côte d'Ivoire, to compare the performance of three tests, and to investigate potential P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene deletions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine neighborhoods in Bouaké in 2016. Matched light microscopy (LM), rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) data were used to determine the prevalence of P. falciparum infection and compare the performance of the three diagnostic tests. Pfhrp2/3 deletions were genotyped by digital PCR. Among 2313 individuals, 97.2% were asymptomatic and 2.8% were symptomatic. P. falciparum prevalence among symptomatic individuals was 25.8%, 30.3%, and 40.9% by LM, RDT, and varATS qPCR, respectively, and among asymptomatic individuals, it was 10.3%, 12.5%, and 34.9%. Asymptomatic infections comprised 96.4% of all malaria infections, with 58.2% detectable only by varATS qPCR. Although the prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum infections was higher in school-age children (5-14 years: 42.0%) compared to < 5 years (17.3%) and ≥ 15 years (35.9%), subpatent infections were more likely in ≥ 15 years (70.4%) than in < 5 years (39.7%) and school-age children (41.2%). LM and RDTs were reliable only at parasite densities > 10,000 parasites/µL. Individuals who were positive according to all three tests had significantly greater parasite density (856.8 parasites/µL; 95% CI 707.3-1,038) than did those who were positive by varATS qPCR only (13.7 parasites/µL; 95% CI 11.4-16.3) (p < 0.0001). No pfhrp2 deletions were observed. The high prevalence of asymptomatic and subpatent infections highlights the need for targeted strategies to reduce malaria in urban Côte d'Ivoire.

Key Characteristics and Perception of Different Outbreak Surveillance Systems in Côte d'Ivoire: Cross-Sectional Survey Among Users.

Background: Accurate and timely infectious disease surveillance is pivotal for effective public health responses. An important component of this is the disease surveillance tools used. Understanding views and experiences of users is crucial for informing policy decisions and ensuring the seamless functioning of surveillance systems. Objective: In this study, we aimed to assess the user perceptions of 3 disease surveillance tools used in Côte d'Ivoire, namely, MAGPI, District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), and Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS), the latter was implemented in 2021 within a pilot scheme. Methods: We conducted interviews and a web-based survey distributed to users of the 3 surveillance tools. The survey assessed users' views of the surveillance tools' usefulness, ease of use, feelings toward the tool, conditions that may influence the use, and other characteristics. The descriptive analysis compared responses from SORMAS, MAGPI, and DHIS2 users, providing a comprehensive evaluation of their experiences. Results: Among the 159 respondents who actively use one of the systems, MAGPI was the most widely used surveillance tool among respondents (n=127, 79.9%), followed by DHIS2 (n=108, 67.9%), and SORMAS (n=25, 15.7%). In terms of users' perceptions, SORMAS, despite its limited implementation, emerged as a tool that allows for data analysis and had the most comprehensive set of functionalities. DHIS2 was appreciated for its frequency of report provision, although users reported occasional IT system failures. MAGPI was recognized for its ease of use but was reported to lack certain functionalities offered by the other surveillance systems. Conclusions: This study offers valuable insights into the perceptions of disease surveillance tools users in Côte d'Ivoire. While all systems were positively regarded, each exhibited strengths and weaknesses addressing different needs and functionalities. Policy makers and health officials can use these findings to enhance existing tools or consider a unified approach for infectious disease surveillance systems. Understanding users' perspectives allows them to optimize the choice of surveillance tools, ultimately strengthening public health responses in Côte d'Ivoire and potentially serving as a model for other countries facing similar decisions in their health care systems.

Priestia flexa as a Novel Urinary Tract Pathogen in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire: Insights From Genomic Sequencing.

Bacterial strains coded 21LM367, 21LM07, and 21LM1136 were isolated from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) at the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Daloa in Côte d'Ivoire. Based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis, DNA-DNA digital hybridisation (dDDH), and other comparative genomic methods, strains 21LM07, 21LM367, and 21LM1136 were determined to be Priestia flexa. The size of the assembled complete genomes ranged from 8,624,538 to 4,007,501 bp. The average GC content was 37.76%, 46.33%, and 43.03% for strains 21LM07, 21LM367, and 21LM1136, respectively. The total number of coding regions (CDS) in each genome was 4172, 8497, and 6795, respectively, for strains 21LM07, 21LM367, and 21LM1136. Genomic prediction analysis revealed that a total of 4241, 8583, and 6881 genes were annotated in the 21LM07, 21LM367, and 21LM1136 genomes, respectively. No virulence or resistance genes were predicted in the genomes of strains 21LM07 and 21LM1136. On the other hand, two genes conferring resistance to beta-lactam and tetracyclines as well as nine virulence genes were predicted in the genome of 21LM367. In addition, 438, 350, and 153 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were predicted in the genomes of strains 21LM367, 21LM1136, and 21LM07, respectively. Strain 21LM07 was characterised by the absence of plasmids in its genome. Two plasmids were predicted in the genomes of isolates 21LM367 and 21LM1136; however, rep7a and IncI2 were predicted to contain the tet(K) resistance gene. No typical multilocus sequences could be characterised in the genomes of the different strains.

Effectiveness of Three Sampling Approaches for Optimizing Mapping and Preventive Chemotherapy against Schistosoma mansoni in the Western Part of Côte d'Ivoire.

The elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030 is one of the main goals put forth in the World Health Organization's roadmap for neglected tropical diseases. This study aimed to compare different sampling approaches to guide mapping and preventive chemotherapy. A cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted from August to September 2022 in the health districts of Biankouma, Ouaninou, and Touba in the western part of Côte d'Ivoire. The prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection were assessed in children aged 5-14 years using three sampling approaches. The first approach involved a random selection of 50% of the villages in the health districts. The second approach involved a random selection of half of the villages selected in approach 1, thus constituting 25% of the villages in the health district. The third approach consisted of randomly selecting 15 villages from villages selected by approach 2 in each health district. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 23.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 19.9-27.6%), 21.6% (95% CI: 17.1-26.8%), and 18.3% (95% CI: 11.9-27.1%) with the first, second, and third approach, respectively. The respective geometric mean S. mansoni infection intensity was 117.9 eggs per gram of stool (EPG) (95% CI: 109.3-127.3 EPG), 104.6 EPG (95% CI: 93.8-116.6 EPG), and 94.6 EPG (95% CI 79.5-112.7 EPG). We conclude that, although randomly sampling up to 50% of villages in a health district provides more precise population-based prevalence and intensity measures of S. mansoni, randomly selecting only 15 villages in a district characterized by low heterogeneity provides reasonable estimates and is less costly.

Association of symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections with the alteration of the oropharyngeal microbiome in a cohort of school children in Côte d'Ivoire.

Introduction: The oropharyngeal microbiome plays an important role in protection against infectious agents when in balance. Despite use of vaccines and antibiotic therapy to prevent respiratory tract infections, they remain one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in Low- and middle-income countries. Hence the need to explore other approaches to prevention by identifying microbial biomarkers that could be leveraged to modify the microbiota in order to enhance protection against pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to analyze the oropharyngeal microbiome (OPM) of schoolchildren in Côte d'Ivoire presenting symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) for better prevention strategy. Methods: Primary schools' children in Korhogo (n = 37) and Abidjan (n = 39) were followed for six months with monthly oropharyngeal sampling. Clinical diagnostic of URT infection was performed and nucleic acid extracted from oropharyngeal swabs were used for 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis and RT-PCR. Results: The clinical examination of children's throat in Abidjan and Korhogo identified respectively 17 (43.59%) and 15 (40.54%) participants with visible symptoms of URTIs, with 26 episodes of infection in Abidjan and 24 in Korhogo. Carriage of Haemophilus influenzae (12%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (6%) and SARS-CoV-2 (6%) was confirmed by PCR. A significant difference in alpha diversity was found between children colonized by S. pneumoniae and those that were not (p = 0.022). There was also a significant difference in alpha diversity between children colonised with H. influenzae and those who were not (p = 0.017). No significant difference was found for SARS-CoV-2. Sphingomonas, Ralstonia and Rothia were significantly enriched in non-carriers of S. pneumoniae; Actinobacillus was significantly enriched in non-carriers of H. influenzae; Actinobacillus and Porphyromonas were significantly enriched in non-carriers of SARS-CoV-2 (p < 0.001). Discussion: Nearly 40% of children showed clinical symptoms of infection not related to geographical location. The OPM showed an imbalance during H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae carriage. This study provides a baseline understanding of microbiome markers in URTIs in children for future research, to develop targeted interventions aimed at restoring the microbial balance and reducing the symptoms associated with RTIs.

[Evaluation of the management of hypertension among stroke patients in a neurology department of Côte d'Ivoire]. / Évaluation de la prise en charge de l'hypertension artérielle après un accident vasculaire cérébral dans un service de neurologie en Côte-d'Ivoire.

Introduction: Reducing blood pressure after stroke is important to prevent recurrent stroke, but we have no data about the control of blood pressure in our context. The purpose of this study was to assess management of hypertension among post-stroke patients in a neurology department. Method: It was a retrospective study involving hypertensive stroke patients. They were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge. Results: 141 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 61 years. Almost all patients (94.3%) received a dual antihypertensive therapy combining mainly an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic (70.2%). During follow-up, only 76 patients were assessed at M1, 50 at M3, 44 at M6 and 42 at M12. The average monthly cost of antihypertensive treatment was 13,771 CFA francs (21 euros). Non-adherence to antihypertensive medication were mostly noted in widows, patients without occupation, those with low education and no health insurance. At one year, blood pressure was controlled in 80% of the 42 patients still present. Non-control of blood pressure was related to poor therapeutic compliance (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights follow-up issues in hypertensive post-stroke patients with a high number of lost to follow-up. Blood pressure was controlled in patients who were regularly followed and adherent to antihypertensive treatment.

[Ocular burns: epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects at the Cocody University Hospital, Côte d'Ivoire]. / Les brûlures oculaires : aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, thérapeutiques et évolutifs au Centre hospitalier universitaire de Cocody, Côte d'Ivoire.

Justification: This study describes the socio-demographic characteristics, clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of ocular burns to contribute to the improvement of their management. Method: A retrospective study was conducted in the Ophthalmology Department of the Cocody University Hospital (CHU) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from January 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021. It focused on 49 patient records with ocular trauma, including 12 bilateral cases, totaling 61 eyes. For each patient, socio-demographic data, the nature of the traumatic agent, burn etiologies, ocular burn stage, initial and final uncorrected visual acuity of the affected eye, and treatment were collected. Results: The proportion of ocular burns was 11% out of 436 cases of ocular trauma that consulted in the department. The average age of patients was 27.9 years ± 14.2, ranging from 3 to 60 years, with a male predominance (70%). Students were the most frequent socio-professional category (39%). Work-related accidents were the predominant circumstances, in a third of cases. Chemical agents were the main traumatic agents, in 54% of cases. The average consultation time was 3.5 days ± 7.9, ranging from 1 to 60 days. Stage 1 of the Roper-Hall classification was the most observed stage (51% of cases). Initial visual acuity of the affected eye was less than 1/20 in 28% of cases. Treatment was mainly medical, and a third of treated eyes had a final acuity less than 1/20. Conclusion: Visual prognosis is influenced by burn stages, etiologies, and consultation time, varying according to social and geographical origins.

Assessment of handwashing impact on detection of SARS-CoV-2, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli on hands in rural and urban settings of Côte d'Ivoire during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Handwashing is the first line of hygiene measures and one of the oldest methods of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Despite its efficacy in the health system, handwashing is often inadequately practiced by populations. This study aimed to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on hands as indicators of lack of hand hygiene during COVID 19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Taabo and urban Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) from January to September 2021. A total of 384 participants from 384 households were included in the study. The total households were distributed proportionally within various municipalities in the two study areas according to the number of households in each municipality, based on data of the National Institute of Statistics from the 2014 general population census. Hand swabbing of the 384 participants within households (320 in Abidjan and 64 in Taabo) was performed for the enumeration of E. coli and S aureus, using laboratory standard method and for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. A binary logistic regression model was built with the outcome variable presence of Staphylococcus spp. on hands of respondents that was categorized into binary variables, Staphylococcus spp. (1 = presence, 0 = absence) for the Risk Ratio estimation. Place of living, sex, handwashing, education and age group were used to adjust the model to observe the effects of these explanatory variables. RESULTS: No presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected on the hands of respondents in both sites. However, in urban Abidjan, only Staphylococcus spp. (Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) was found on the hands of 233 (72.8%, 95%CI: 67.7-77.4) respondents with the average load of 0.56 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.52-0.60). Meanwhile, in rural Taabo, Staphylococcus spp. (Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) and E. coli were found on the hands of 40 (62.5%, 95%CI: 50.3-73.3) and 7 (10.9%, 95%CI: 5.4-20.9) respondents with the respective average load of 0.49 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.39-0.59) and 0.08 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.03-0.18). Participants living in rural Taabo were less likely to have Staphylococcus spp. on their hands (RR = 0.811; 95%IC: 0.661-0.995) compared to those living in urban Abidjan. CONCLUSIONS: No SARS-CoV-2 was detected on the hands of participants in both sites, suggesting that our study did not show direct transmission through hands. No E. coli was found in urban Abidjan while E. coli was found on the hands of participants in rural Taabo indicating poor hand washing and disinfection practices in rural Taabo. Living in urban Abidjan is statistically associated to having Staphylococcus spp. on hands. Further studies are necessary especially to understand to what extent the presence of Staphylococcus spp. on hands indicates a higher infection or fecal colonization rates in the case of E. coli.

Can neonicotinoid and pyrrole insecticides manage malaria vector resistance in high pyrethroid resistance areas in Côte d'Ivoire?

BACKGROUND: Anopheles mosquito resistance to insecticide remains a serious threat to malaria vector control affecting several sub-Sahara African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, where high pyrethroid, carbamate and organophosphate resistance have been reported. Since 2017, new insecticides, namely neonicotinoids (e.g.; clothianidin) and pyrroles (e.g.; chlorfenapyr) have been pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in public health to manage insecticide resistance for disease vector control. METHODS: Clothianidin and chlorfenapyr were tested against the field-collected Anopheles gambiae populations from Gagnoa, Daloa and Abengourou using the WHO standard insecticide susceptibility biossays. Anopheles gambiae larvae were collected from several larval habitats, pooled and reared to adulthood in each site in July 2020. Non-blood-fed adult female mosquitoes aged 2 to 5 days were exposed to diagnostic concentration deltamethrin, permethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, bendiocarb, and pirimiphos-methyl. Clothianidin 2% treated papers were locally made and tested using WHO tube bioassay while chlorfenapyr (100 µg/bottle) was evaluated using WHO bottle assays. Furthermore, subsamples of exposed mosquitoes were identified to species and genotyped for insecticide resistance markers including the knock-down resistance (kdr) west and east, and acetylcholinesterase (Ace-1) using molecular techniques. RESULTS: High pyrethroid resistance was recorded with diagnostic dose in Abengourou (1.1 to 3.4% mortality), in Daloa (15.5 to 33.8%) and in Gagnoa (10.3 to 41.6%). With bendiocarb, mortality rates ranged from 49.5 to 62.3%. Complete mortality (100% mortality) was recorded with clothianidin in Gagnoa, 94.9% in Daloa and 96.6% in Abengourou, while susceptibility (mortality > 98%) to chlorfenapyr 100 µg/bottle was recorded at all sites and to pirimiphos-methyl in Gagnoa and Abengourou. Kdr-west mutation was present at high frequency (0.58 to 0.73) in the three sites and Kdr-east mutation frequency was recorded at a very low frequency of 0.02 in both Abengourou and Daloa samples and absent in Gagnoa. The Ace-1 mutation was present at frequencies between 0.19 and 0.29 in these areas. Anopheles coluzzii represented 100% of mosquitoes collected in Daloa and Gagnoa, and 72% in Abengourou. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that clothianidin and chlorfenapyr insecticides induce high mortality in the natural and pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae populations in Côte d'Ivoire. These results could support a resistance management plan by proposing an insecticide rotation strategy for vector control interventions.

Combined use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis larviciding, a promising integrated approach against malaria transmission in northern Côte d'Ivoire.

BACKGROUND: The recent reduction in malaria burden in Côte d'Ivoire is largely attributable to the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). However, this progress is threatened by insecticide resistance and behavioral changes in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) populations and residual malaria transmission, and complementary tools are required. Thus, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of the combined use of LLINs and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), in comparison with LLINs. METHODS: This study was conducted in the health district of Korhogo, northern Côte d'Ivoire, within two study arms (LLIN + Bti arm and LLIN-only arm) from March 2019 to February 2020. In the LLIN + Bti arm, Anopheles larval habitats were treated every fortnight with Bti in addition to the use of LLINs. Mosquito larvae and adults were sampled and identified morphologically to genus and species using standard methods. The members of the An. gambiae complex were determined using a polymerase chain reaction technique. Plasmodium infection in An. gambiae s.l. and malaria incidence in local people was also assessed. RESULTS: Overall, Anopheles spp. larval density was lower in the LLIN + Bti arm 0.61 [95% CI 0.41-0.81] larva/dip (l/dip) compared with the LLIN-only arm 3.97 [95% CI 3.56-4.38] l/dip (RR = 6.50; 95% CI 5.81-7.29; P < 0.001). The overall biting rate of An. gambiae s.l. was 0.59 [95% CI 0.43-0.75] biting/person/night in the LLIN + Bti arm against 2.97 [95% CI 2.02-3.93] biting/person/night in LLIN-only arm (P < 0.001). Anopheles gambiae s.l. was predominantly identified as An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) (95.1%, n = 293), followed by Anopheles coluzzii (4.9%; n = 15). The human-blood index was 80.5% (n = 389) in study area. EIR was 1.36 infected bites/person/year (ib/p/y) in the LLIN + Bti arm against 47.71 ib/p/y in the LLIN-only arm. Malaria incidence dramatically declined from 291.8‰ (n = 765) to 111.4‰ (n = 292) in LLIN + Bti arm (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of LLINs with Bti significantly reduced the incidence of malaria. The LLINs and Bti duo could be a promising integrated approach for effective vector control of An. gambiae for elimination of malaria.

Impact of environmental factors on Biomphalaria pfeifferi vector capacity leading to human infection by Schistosoma mansoni in two regions of western Côte d'Ivoire.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Intestinal schistosomiasis remains a worrying health problem, particularly in western Côte d'Ivoire, despite control efforts. It is therefore necessary to understand all the factors involved in the development of the disease, including biotic and abiotic factors. The aim of this study was to examine the factors that could support the maintenance of the intermediate host and its vectorial capacity in western Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS: Data on river physicochemical, microbiological, and climatic parameters, the presence or absence of snails with Schistosoma mansoni, and human infections were collected between January 2020 and February 2021. Spearman rank correlation tests, Mann-Whitney, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and an appropriate model selection procedure were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of infected snails was 56.05%, with infection reaching 100% in some collection sites and localities. Of 26 sites examined, 25 contained thermophilic coliforms and 22 contained Escherichia coli. Biomphalaria pfeifferi was observed in environments with lower land surface temperature (LST) and higher relative air humidity (RAH), and B. pfeifferi infection predominated in more acidic environments. Thermal coliforms and E. coli preferred higher pH levels. Lower maximum LST (LST_Max) and higher RAH and minimum LST (LST_Min) were favorable to E. coli, and lower LST_Max favored coliforms. The presence of B. pfeifferi was positively influenced by water temperature (T °C), LST_Min, RAH, and precipitation (Pp) (P < 0.05) and negatively influenced by pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), LST_Max, and mean land surface temperature (LST). The parameters pH, TDS, EC, LST_Min, LST, and Pp had a positive impact on snail infection, while LST_Max had a negative impact on infection. Only pH had a positive effect on coliform and E. coli abundance. Of the 701 people examined for human schistosomiasis, 73.13% were positive for the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test and 12.01% for the Kato-Katz (KK) test. A positive correlation was established between human infections and the abundance of Biomphalaria (r2 = 0.879, P = 0.04959). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained reflect the environmental conditions that are conducive to the maintenance of S. mansoni infection in this part of the country. To combat this infection as effectively as possible, it will be necessary not only to redouble efforts but also to prioritize control according to the level of endemicity at the village level.