Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso).

Pregnant women are the most vulnerable populations exposed to intestinal parasitoses. To develop strategies to fight against these infections, it is essential to carry out regular surveys in order to provide reliable epidemiological data on intestinal parasitoses in at-risk populations. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from February to April 2015 in pregnant women seen during the prenatal consultation. The study took place in 3 health centers located in Health District of Dafra at Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. The parasitological examination consisted in carrying out a standard stool parasitological examination and the modified Ziehl Neelsen staining. A total of 315 stool samples were collected and analyzed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 66.7% [95% CI: 61.1­71.8] with prevalences of 60.9% in Bolomakot., 69.2% in Guimbi and 69.8% in Y.gu.r.sso. Protozoa were the most encountered with of 66.0% prevalence and 1.3% of helminths. The most common protozoa species were Entamoeba coli (36.2%), Giardia lamblia (16.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (14.9%), Cryptosporidium sp. (12.1%) and Trichomonas intestinalis (10.5%). The helminths were represented by Hymenolepis nana (0.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.3%) and Dicrocoelium sp. (0.3%). The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is very high in pregnant women and dominated by protozoa. Most recently, it has been shown that metronidazole can be administered at all ages of pregnancy at a dosage of 1 g/day for 5 days for the treatment of intestinal protozoa in pregnant women. It would therefore be essential to evaluate this strategy in Burkina Faso by administering metronidazole concomitantly with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.

Prevalence and factors associated of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among pregnant women in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Epidemiological studies of vaginalis trichomonosis, especially in pregnant women are rare in Africa due to the lack of screening programs. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection and its associated factors in pregnant women who attended the antenatal care clinics in three primary health centers of Bobo-Dioulasso. We carried out a cross-sectional study for descriptive and analytical purposes from February to April 2015 in pregnant women seen in prenatal consultations. The study took place in 3 primary public health centers: Guimbi (Central Urban), Bolomakoté (Peri-urban) and Yéguérésso (rural). The trophozoites of Trichomonas vaginalis was carried out by microscopy on vaginal swabs and urine samples. Sociodemographic, obstetric and biological variables were also collected. A total of 315 pregnant women were included in the study. The overall prevalence of urogenital trichomonosis was 3.2%. It was 1.9% in Guimbi, 2.9% in Bolomakoté, and 4.7% in Yéguérésso. The prevalence of HIV infection was 2.2%. Married women were less exposed to T. vaginalis infection than single women (p=0.03). The prevalence of urogenital trichomonosis obtained was considered lower compared to the previously reported from Burkina Faso. Thus, it is essential to extend this study to the whole country periodically by integrating other STIs not subject to a surveillance system and by integrating molecular epidemiology tools.

The Pan African Vivax and Ovale Network (PAVON): Refocusing on Plasmodium vivax, ovale and asymptomatic malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

The recent World Malaria report shows that progress in malaria elimination has stalled. Current data acquisition by NMCPs depend on passive case detection and clinical reports focused mainly on Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). In recent times, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa have reported cases of Plasmodium vivax (Pv) with a considerable number being Duffy negative. The burden of Pv and Plasmodium ovale (Po) appear to be more than acknowledged. Similarly, the contribution of asymptomatic malaria in transmission is hardly considered by NMCPs in Africa. Inclusion of these as targets in malaria elimination agenda is necessary to achieve elimination goal, as these harbor hypnozoites. The Pan African Vivax and Ovale Network (PAVON) is a new consortium of African Scientists working in Africa on the transmission profile of Pv and Po. The group collaborates with African NMCPs to train in Plasmodium molecular diagnostics, microscopy, and interpretation of molecular data from active surveys to translate into policy. Details of the mission, rational and modus operandi of the group are outlined.

Prevalence and risk factors of Schistosoma mansoni infection among preschool-aged children from Panamasso village, Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Although schistosomiasis is well documented in school-aged children in Burkina Faso, prevalence data among preschool-aged children (PSAC) are limited and outdated, and its risk factors in this group remain poorly documented. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Schistosoma (S.) mansoni infection among PSAC from Panamasso village, western Burkina Faso. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 228 children under 6 years old from Panamasso village. Sociodemographic and water contact data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques were used to detect S. mansoni eggs in stool samples. Urine samples were subjected to a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) cassette test and a centrifugation method to check for both S. mansoni and S. haematobium infection, respectively. Potential risk factors for S. mansoni infection were explored using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of children was 40.2 ± 15.0 months. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection as determined by Kato-Katz, formol-ether concentration and POC-CCA was 42.1%, 39.5% and 80.7%, respectively. Based on the combined results of the three methods, the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 81.1%. No case of S. haematobium infection was found. The geometric mean intensity of S. mansoni infection was 107.2 eggs per gram of feces with 54.2%, 33.3% and 12.5% of the children having light, moderate and heavy infections, respectively. Girls (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.1), a household located within 500 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.0-8.6) or between 500 and 1000 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.2), and the child's history of going to the pond (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.7-14.3) were the variables significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. CONCLUSION: S. mansoni was the sole species infecting a high proportion of PSAC in the study area. A mass drug administration program with praziquantel is therefore urgently required for those below 6 years old. Other control strategies should include increased community-awareness and provision of safe water.

Patients' preferences of cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment outcomes: Findings from an international qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disease that often affects exposed skin areas and may heal leaving lifelong scars. Patients' expectations from treatment are rarely considered in drug development for CL. An initiative aiming to address shortcomings in clinical trial design and conduct for CL treatments involving the researchers' community is on-going. This manuscript presents patient-preferred outcomes for CL and an assessment on how to consider these in the conduct of future trials. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We report preferred treatment outcomes by 74 patients with confirmed CL in endemic regions of Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Iran, Morocco, Peru and Tunisia during individual in-depth interviews. Beyond outcomes customarily considered in trials (such as lesion appearance and adverse events), patients talked about a large number of outcomes related to quality of life, such as pain, scar formation, and others affecting their work and daily activities. They also reported fears around getting rid of the parasite, disease recurrence, and possible sequelae. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The study results provide a rich insight into important outcomes for CL treatments, as well as related topics, from the perspective of a diverse patient population. Among the outcomes identified, we argue that those related to quality of life as well as recurrence should be included to a greater extent for assessment in clinical trials, and discuss the suitability of measurement instruments such as the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI). Interviews also point out the potential need to address concerns related to parasitological cure or scar formation, such as social stigmatization and disability. In addition, patients should be given information in order to clarify reported misconceptions. This study therefore suggests a methodology for consulting CL patients on outcomes as elements of clinical trial design, and how to incorporate these outcomes in trials. It also discusses how reported outcomes could be addressed in clinical care.

In Vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Two Sahelian Plant Extracts on Plasmodium berghei ANKA Infected NMRI Mice.

Up to now, the control of malaria remains a challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for uncomplicated malaria treatment. Despite this guideline, many people in Burkina Faso use herbal medicine as primary treatment against malaria. The aim of this study was to assess the in vivo activity of Guiera senegalensis J. F. Gmel and Bauhinia rufescens Lam. leaves extracts against Plasmodium berghei ANKA. A four-day treatment of leaves decoction of each plant was administrated orally to 7 groups of six NMRI (Naval Medical Research Institute) mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain. The control group received distilled water as treatment while the treated groups each received daily 100, 250, and 500 mg extract/kg body weight. Thin blood smears were performed on day five and the percentage of reduction of parasitaemia was determined compared to the control. The percentages of reduction of the parasitaemia at the doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg extract/kg body weight were, respectively, 57.5%, 35.9%, and 44.9% for Guiera senegalensis and 50.6%, 22.2%, and 25.7% for Bauhinia rufescens. Our findings on antiplasmodial activity of these two plants justify the traditional use by local populations against malaria. Thus, the isolation of the active compounds from these two plants is suggested for possible antimalarial candidate drugs.

An international qualitative study exploring patients' experiences of cutaneous leishmaniasis: study set-up and protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Lack of investments in drug development, lack of standardisation of clinical trials and the complexity of disease presentations contribute to the current lack of effective, safe and adapted treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). One aspect concerns outcomes affecting patients' quality of life (QoL): these are hardly assessed in trials, despite potential functional and/or aesthetic impairment caused by CL, which typically affects disadvantaged and vulnerable people living in rural areas. Here, we describe the approach used to bring perspectives of patients with CL into designing and assessing treatments. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This international qualitative study uses interviews with patients to explore their experiences with CL to (1) elicit outcomes and eligibility criteria for clinical trials important to them and (2) to better understand their needs and views about the disease and their requirements and expectations from treatment. Here, we describe the set-up of this collaborative study and the protocol. Data collection is ongoing.The protocol includes study design, preparation, conduct and analysis of individual interviews with approximately 80 patients in seven countries (Burkina Faso, Brazil, two sites in Colombia, Iran, Morocco, Peru and Tunisia) where CL is prevalent. Principal investigators and sites were selected through an open call, and two workshops were organised for protocol development and training in conduct and analysis of qualitative health research. Patient recruitment aims at covering a maximum variation of experiences. Transcripts will be analysed to identify outcomes and eligibility criteria as well as further topics that are expected to emerge from the interviews, such as direct and indirect costs related to CL, its psychological impact, preferred modes of drug administration and traditional treatments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study received ethical approval by the responsible committees of each of the participating institutions. Findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, scientific meetings and to participants and their communities.

Burden of Severe Fungal Infections in Burkina Faso.

Because of the limited access to more powerful diagnostic tools, there is a paucity of data regarding the burden of fungal infections in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal infections in this sub-Saharan country. We primarily used the national demographic data and performed a PubMed search to retrieve all published papers on fungal infections from Burkina Faso and its surrounding West African countries. Considering the prevalence of HIV infection (0.8% of the population) and a 3.4% incidence of cryptococcosis in hospitals, it is estimated that 459 patients per year develop cryptococcosis. For pneumocystosis, it is suggested that 1013 new cases occur every year. Taking into account the local TB frequency (population prevalence at 0.052%), we estimate the prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis at 1120 cases. Severe forms of asthma with fungal sensitization and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis are estimated to affect 7429 and 5628 cases, respectively. Vulvovaginal candidiasis may affect 179,000 women, and almost 1,000,000 children may suffer from tinea capitis. Globally, we estimate that roughly 1.4 million people in Burkina Faso (7.51% of the population) suffer from a serious fungal infection. These data should be used to drive future epidemiological studies, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.

Harmonized clinical trial methodologies for localized cutaneous leishmaniasis and potential for extensive network with capacities for clinical evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Progress with the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been hampered by inconsistent methodologies used to assess treatment effects. A sizable number of trials conducted over the years has generated only weak evidence backing current treatment recommendations, as shown by systematic reviews on old-world and new-world CL (OWCL and NWCL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a previously published guidance paper on CL treatment trial methodology as the reference, consensus was sought on key parameters including core eligibility and outcome measures, among OWCL (7 countries, 10 trial sites) and NWCL (7 countries, 11 trial sites) during two separate meetings. RESULTS: Findings and level of consensus within and between OWCL and NWCL sites are presented and discussed. In addition, CL trial site characteristics and capacities are summarized. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus reached allows standardization of future clinical research across OWCL and NWCL sites. We encourage CL researchers to adopt and adapt as required the proposed parameters and outcomes in their future trials and provide feedback on their experience. The expertise afforded between the two sets of clinical sites provides the basis for a powerful consortium with potential for extensive, standardized assessment of interventions for CL and faster approval of candidate treatments.

High concordance of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genotypes between matched peripheral and placental isolates of delivered women in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Whether maternal peripheral parasites constitute a representative sample of the overall population infecting the individual, remains unknown in Burkina Faso. We therefore compared Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genotypes between matched peripheral and placental isolates. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of polymorphic codons of the Pfdhfr gene (51, 59, 108 and 164) and the Pfdhps gene (437 and 540) was performed in 18 matched peripheral and placental dried blood spots of delivered women in Bobo-Dioulasso. Both Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes were successfully genotyped in 94.4% (17/18) of the matched samples. Only 8.8% (3/34) of genotypes were of the wild type, while 20.6% (7/34), 20.6% (7/34), 23.5% (8/34) and 26.5% (9/34) comprised one, two, three and four mutations, respectively. None of the samples carried both Pfdhfr I164L and Pfdhps K540E mutations. A concordance of 82.4% was observed in matched samples for both the Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes. Setting placental alleles as the reference, a concordance of 100% was obtained with Pfdhfr mutation S108N, Pfdhfr mutation C59R+S108N, and Pfdhfr mutation N51I+C59R +S108N, respectively. Likewise, a concordance of 85.7% was observed with the Pfdhps mutation A437G. For epidemiological purposes, peripheral blood Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genotyping is sufficient for monitoring SP resistant molecular markers in pregnant women.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women from Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is one of the common worldwide parasitic zoonosis due to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can result in fetal and neonatal death or various congenital defects. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in pregnant women following antenatal care (ANC) services at Bobo Dioulasso. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling a sample of 316 pregnant women attending ANC at centers for maternal and child health of Bobo-Dioulasso town from March 2013 to February 2014. Data on socio-demographic and potential risk factors were collected from each study participant using structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview. Moreover, venous blood specimens were collected and tested for IgM and IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme linked fluorescent assay, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify the potential predictor variables for T. gondii infection. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence for T. gondii infection was 31.1% (98/316). All the pregnant women were positive for IgG anti-bodies exclusively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that having at least a secondary education level (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: [1.04-4.63]); being urban resident (AOR = 2.81; 95% CI: [1.24-6.86]) and the consumption of meat combination (pork + beef + mutton + wild meat + poultry) (AOR = 4.00; 95% CI: [1.06-15.24]) were potential risk factors of T. gondii infection. CONCLUSION: Toxoplasmosis is frequent in pregnant women and studies that show incidence of T. gondii among the neonates have to be done to introduce routine antenatal screening program to control congenital toxoplasmosis. There is the need for preventive measures such as education of pregnant women about the transmission routes and prevention methods of toxoplasmosis at ANC clinics.

Recent uptake of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is associated with increased prevalence of Pfdhfr mutations in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: The impact of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) used as intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp-SP) on mutant parasite selection has been poorly documented in Burkina Faso. This study sought first to explore the relationship between IPTp-SP and the presence of mutant parasites. Second, to assess the relationship between the mutant parasites and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: From September to December 2010, dried blood spots (DBS) were collected during antenatal care visits and at delivery from 109 pregnant women with microscopically confirmed falciparum malaria infection. DBS were analysed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for the polymorphisms at codons 51, 59, 108, and 164 of the Pfdhfr gene and codons 437 and 540 in the Pfdhps gene. RESULTS: Both the Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes were successfully genotyped in 92.7% (101/109) of the samples. The prevalence of Pfdhfr mutations N51I, C59R and S108N was 71.3, 42.6 and 64.4%, respectively. Overall, 80.2% (81/101) of samples carried the Pfdhps A437G mutation. None of the samples had the Pfdhfr I164L and the Pfdhps K540E mutations. The prevalence of the triple mutation N51I + C59R + S108N was 25.7% (26/101). The use of IPTp-SP was associated with a threefold increased odds of Pfdhfr C59R mutation [crude OR 3.29; 95% CI (1.44-7.50)]. Pregnant women with recent uptake of IPTp-SP were at higher odds of both the Pfdhfr C59R mutation [adjusted OR 4.26; 95% CI (1.64-11.07)] and the Pfdhfr intermediate-to-high resistance, i.e., ≥ 2 Pfdhfr mutations [adjusted OR 3.45; 95% CI (1.18-10.07)]. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of the Pfdhfr intermediate-to-high resistance and parasite densities or both maternal haemoglobin level and anaemia. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that despite the possibility that IPTp-SP contributes to the selection of resistant parasites, it did not potentiate pregnancy-associated malaria morbidity, suggesting the continuation of SP use as IPTp in Burkina Faso.

Prevalence of intestinal opportunistic parasites infections in the University hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal parasites infections are widespread in Africa and their prevalence infections vary from country to country. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal parasites infection and other gastrointestinal parasites infection among patients attending the laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology of the University Hospital Souro Sanou of Bobo-Dioulasso. METHODS: A hospital cross-sectional based study was conducted from April to August, 2012. Participants were persons whom parasitological examination of stools has been prescribed by a clinician. The stools examination methods included direct wet saline examination, lugol's iodine staining technique, formol-ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. We recorded age and sex information for each patient. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was 65.3 % (190/291). Majority of the parasitic infections was waterborne (64.3 %) consisting of high prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. (26.5 %) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (23.4 %). The prevalence of opportunistic parasites was 28.9 % and Cryptosporidium sp. was the most prevalent species followed by Blastocystis sp. (1.0 %), Cyclospora sp. (0.7 %) and Isospora belli (0.7 %). The prevalence of intestinal helminthes was 1.7 %. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of intestinal parasitism in general remains high in Bobo-Dioulasso requiring the establishment of adequate diagnostic techniques, treatment and prevention.

Prevalence and risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso).

BACKGROUND: Malaria during pregnancy remains a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible risk factors for malaria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at two primary health facilities in Bobo-Dioulasso. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study from September to December 2010 in two primary health facilities located in the periurban area of Bobo-Dioulasso. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) were included in the study after signing informed consent. For each participant, the social-demographic profile, malaria and obstetric histories were investigated through a questionnaire. Peripheral blood was collected and thick and thin blood smears were prepared to check Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia. Hemoglobin concentration was measured. The associations between age, parity, gestational age, schooling, number of ANC visits, use of IPTp-SP, use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and anemia with the occurrence of P. falciparum malaria infection during pregnancy were analyzed through logistic regression. RESULTS: During the period of study, 105 (18.1%) out of 579 pregnant women were infected by P. falciparum. The hemoglobin concentration mean was 10.5 ± 1.7/dL and was significantly lower in pregnant women with malaria infection (9.8 g/dL ±1.6) than in those who had no malaria infection (10.6 g/dL ±1.7) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that, education (AOR 1.9, 95% CI = [1.2-3.2]), parity [primigravidae (AOR 5.0, 95% CI = [2.5-9.8]) and secundigravidae (AOR 2.1, 95% CI = [1.2-3.8])], and anaemia (AOR 2.1, 95% CI = [1.3-3.5]) were significantly associated with P. falciparum malaria infection. The use of IPTp-SP was not associated with P. falciparum malaria infection. CONCLUSIONS: P. falciparum malaria infection is common in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic and anaemia is an important complication. The results show that the use of IPTp-SP does not reduce the risk of malaria incidence during pregnancy.