[Susceptibility Of ABOS Blood Groups To COVID-19 At The National Institute Of Public Health (INSP) Of Mali In 2020]. / Susceptibilite d'Appartenance A Un Groupe Sanguin Specifique Du Systeme Abo Des Personnes Atteintes De COVID-19 A l'Institut National De Sante Publique (INSP) En 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Several authors have suggested an association between the ABO system (ABOS) and the risk of SARS CoV-2 infection. The objective of the present study was to identify the susceptibility of ABOS blood groups to COVID-19 at the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) of Mali. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an unpaired case-control study. The cases (402) were COVID-19 patients, and the controls (5438) were Muslim pilgrims, all of whom had undergone ABO blood grouping at the INSP. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection status using SPSS version25 software. RESULTS: Blood types had the following frequencies: O(34%), B(30%), A(28%), AB(8%) for cases and O(42%), B(27%), A(25%), AB(6%) for controls. COVID-19 positive status was not significantly associated with blood groups A(oR=1.17; CI95%[0.93-1.47]), B(OR=1.11; CI95%[0.89-1.39]) and AB(OR=1.41; CI95%[0.97-2.06]). However, blood group O subjects were 28 times less likely to have COVID-19 than non-O(OR=0.72; CI95%[0.58-0.89). CONCLUSION: The results show that blood group O individuals were less likely to have SARS CoV-2 infection than non-O individuals. This should not affect the use of barrier measures in ABOS groups.

INTRODUCTION: Plusieurs auteurs ont suggéré une association entre le système ABO (SABO) et le risque d'infection au SRAS CoV-2. La présente étude avait pour objectif d'identifier la susceptibilité des groupes sanguins du SABO au COVID-19à l'Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) du Mali. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait une étude cas-témoins non appariée. Les cas (402) étaient des patients COVID-19 et les témoins (5438) des pèlerins musulmans tous ayant fait le groupage sanguin ABO à l'INSP. Une régression logistique fut réalisée afin d'identifier les facteurs associés au statut infectieux à SRAS-CoV-2en utilisant le logiciel SPSS version25. RÉSULTATS: Les groupes sanguins avaient les fréquences suivantes : O(34%), B(30%), A(28%), AB(8%) pour les cas et O(42%), B(27%), A(25%), AB(6%) pour les témoins. Le statut COVID-19 positif n'était pas significativement associé aux groupes sanguins A(OR=1,17; IC95%[0,93-1,47]), B(OR=1,11; IC95%[0,89-1,39]) et AB(OR=1,41; IC95%[0,97-2,06]). Cependant, les sujets du groupe sanguin O étaient 28 fois moins susceptibles de faire la COVID-19 que les non O(OR=0,72; IC95%[0,58-0,89). CONCLUSION: Les résultats suggèrent que les personnes du groupe sanguin O étaient moins susceptibles de faire l'infection par le SRAS CoV-2 que les non O. Cela ne devrait pas influer sur l'utilisation des mesures barrières au sein des groupes SABO.

Detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in blood-fed Hyalomma ticks collected from Mauritanian livestock.

BACKGROUND: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) belongs to the genus Orthonairovirus (Nairovididae) and is a (re)emerging tick-borne pathogen. It is endemic in most parts of Africa, Asia and southern Europe, and can cause severe hemorrhagic symptoms in humans, with high fatality rates (5-30%). METHODS: Hyalomma ticks were collected from four different livestock herds (cattle and camels) in Mauritania in 2018. The tick species were determined morphologically and confirmed molecularly by using the cytochrome oxidase 1 gene marker. For the detection of CCHFV, ticks were tested individually by one-step multiplex real-time reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The small segment of all positive samples was sequenced to determine the CCHFV genotype. RESULTS: In total, 39 of the 1523 ticks (2.56%) collected from 63 cattles and 28 camels tested positive for CCHFV. Three Hyalomma species were identified. Hyalomma rufipes had the largest proportion of positivity (5.67%; 16/282), followed by Hyalomma dromedarii (1.89%; 23/1214). No Hyalomma impeltatum tested positive (0%; 0/21). Positive ticks were found in only six out of 91 host animals. Viral sequence analysis revealed the presence of two different CCHFV lineages (Africa I and Africa III). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 2.56% of Hyalomma ticks collected from camels and cattle in Mauritania tested positive for CCHFV. However, the true prevalence of CCHFV in unfed ticks may be lower, as a considerable number of ticks may have been passively infected during blood-feeding by co-feeding ticks or due to viremia of the host. The results indicate the need to track the actual area of circulation of this virus.

Sero-surveillance of emerging viral diseases in camels and cattle in Nouakchott, Mauritania: an abattoir study.

This study reports the monitoring of several emerging viral pathogens in Mauritania, which was carried out by the analysis of bovine and camel samples taken at the slaughterhouse of Nouakchott. Blood and serum were collected by random sampling from 159 camels and 118 cattle in March 2013 at the large animals abattoir in Nouakchott. Serological tests for Rift Valley Fever (RVF), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), West Nile disease (WND), epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) and African horse sickness (AHS) were carried out using commercial ELISA kits. The samples, which resulted positives for PPR, WND and AHS, were tested with the confirmatory virus neutralization test (VNT). According to ELISA results, serological prevalence of RVF was 45% (95% CI 52.3-37.7) in camels and 16% (95% CI 22.6-9.4) in cattle. The difference between the observed prevalences in camels and in cattle was significant (p value ≤ 0.01). PPR was absent in camels and had 12% prevalence (95% CI, 17.86-6.14) in cattle. Furthermore, camels showed 92% (95% CI, 96.1-87.9) prevalence of WNV, 73% (95% CI, 82.3-63.64) of EHD and 3% (95% CI, 5.6-0.4) of AHS. This data are of relevance since provided useful feedbacks on the circulation of the pathogens in field. Moreover, this survey provided new information on the susceptibility of camels to several emerging pathogens and on the possible use of this species as sentinel animal.

[CT Scan Angiography In The Pulmonary Embolism's Diagosis At Radiology And Nuclear Medicine Department In Hôpital Du Point "G"]. / Apport De L'Angioscanner Thoracique Dans Le Diagnostic De L'Embolie Pulmonaire Dans Le Service De Radiologie Et De Medecine Nucleaire Du Chu Du Point «G¼.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to precise the role of thoracic CT angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in our practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conduct a prospective eight (8) month study in the radiology department of the Teaching Hospital of Point "G" Seventy seven patients suspected of pulmonary embolism were included. A thoracic CT angiography was performed in emergency after chest X ray for each patient. Pulmonary embolisms were classified according to the Qanadli index. RESULTS: The average age of our patients was 52 years old (23 - 85 years). The age group 55-64 was predominant. The clinical probability was low, medium and high respectively in 8,9%, 28,9% and 62,33%. Chest X ray was suspect of embolism in 92,2% (71/77%), thoracic CT angiography was positive in 58,44% (45/77). Embolism was located in a lobar pulmonary artery in 57,78% and the right side was the most concerned. Among the cardiopulmonary consequences, dilatation of the trunk of the pulmonary artery predominated in 42,22% of cases. According to Qanadli index, the severity of pulmonary embolism was moderate (53;33%), severe (35,56%), and massive (11,11%). CONCLUSION: CT angiography is in our practice, the best choice in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. It allows to confirm the diagnosis, and to precise the topography of pulmonary embolism. In addition, this examination makes it possible the severity specification of the affection.

OBJECTIF: Le but de ce travail était de préciser l'apport de l'angioscanner thoracique dans le diagnostic de l'embolie pulmonaire. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: il s'agissait d'une étude prospective de huit (8) mois dans le service de radiologie et de médecine nucléaire du CHU du point «G¼. Elle a porté sur 77 patients suspects d'embolie pulmonaire et a consisté en la réalisation d'un angioscanner thoracique en urgence précédée par celle d'un cliché du thorax de face. Les embolies pulmonaires ont été classées selon l'index de Qanadli. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 52 ans avec des extrêmes de 23 ans et 85ans. La tranche d'âge de 55-64 ans était prédominante. Selon le score révisé de Genève, la probabilité clinique était faible dans 8,9% des cas, modérée dans 28,9% des cas et forte dans 62,33% des cas. Une anomalie était notée sur la radiographie du thorax de face dans 92,2% (71/77) des cas. L'angioscanner thoracique a mis en évidence un embole intravasculaire dans 58,44% (45/77). L'embole siégeait dans le tronc d'une artère lobaire dans 57,78% et le côté droit était le plus touché. Parmi les conséquences cardiovasculaires, la dilatation du tronc de l'artère pulmonaire prédominait dans 42,22% des cas. Selon l'index de Qanadli, la gravité de l'embolie pulmonaire était modérée (53,33%), sévère (35,56%) et massive (11,11%). CONCLUSION: l'angioscanner est dans notre contexte le meilleur examen pour le diagnostic de l'embolie pulmonaire. Il nous a permis de faire le diagnostic positif, topographique et de préciser la gravité de l'embolie pulmonaire.

Serological and genomic evidence of Rift Valley fever virus during inter-epidemic periods in Mauritania.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging pathogen of major concern throughout Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, affecting both livestock and humans. In the past recurrent epidemics were reported in Mauritania and studies focused on the analysis of samples from affected populations during acute outbreaks. To verify characteristics and presence of RVFV during non-epidemic periods we implemented a multi-stage serological and molecular analysis. Serum samples of small ruminants, cattle and camels were obtained from Mauritania during an inter-epidemic period in 2012-2013. This paper presents a comparative analysis of potential variations and shifts of antibody presence and the capability of inter-epidemic infections in Mauritanian livestock. We observed distinct serological differences between tested species (seroprevalence: small ruminants 3·8%, cattle 15·4%, camels 32·0%). In one single bovine from Nouakchott, a recent RVF infection could be identified by the simultaneous detection of IgM antibodies and viral RNA. This study indicates the occurrence of a low-level enzootic RVFV circulation in livestock in Mauritania. Moreover, results indicate that small ruminants can preferably act as sentinels for RVF surveillance.

Molecular and serological studies on the Rift Valley fever outbreak in Mauritania in 2010.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a vector-borne RNA virus affecting humans, livestock and wildlife. In October/November 2010, after a period of unusually heavy rainfall, a Rift Valley fever outbreak occurred in northern Mauritania causing clinical cases in cattle, sheep, goats and camels, 21 of which were of lethal outcome. The aim of this study was to obtain further information on the continuation of RVF virus activity and spread in animal species in Mauritania after this outbreak. We therefore tested sera from small ruminants, cattle and camels for the presence of viral RNA and antibodies against RVFV. These sera were collected in different parts of the country from December 2010 to February 2011 and tested with three different ELISAs and an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The results show a high seroprevalence of RVFV IgM and IgG antibodies of about 57% in all animals investigated. Moreover, in four camel sera, viral RNA was detected emphasizing the important role camels played during the latest RVF outbreak in Mauritania. The study demonstrates the continuous spread of RVFV in Mauritania after initial emergence and highlights the potential role of small ruminants and camels in virus dissemination.

[The "transition towards better health" project in Mali]. / Le projet "transition vers une meilleure sante" au Mali.

PIP: Mortality has markedly fallen in most developing countries. The increase in the standard of living and improvement of education, especially of women, have played a significant role in the decline of mortality and morbidity. Since economic recession is commonplace, at least in the short term, it is evident that one could not count on economic resources to improve the health of millions of impoverished persons. Many factors still hinder female education. Education and income are not in themselves really determinants of health. Rather, health could be influenced by certain behaviors associated with education and income. Identification of these behaviors and their promotion would offset those limits linked to education and income with regard to their effect on improvement of health. The Rockefeller Foundation has initiated the Transition Toward Better Health Project in Mali to study behaviors which can have an influence on health. The Center for Studies and Research on Population for Development in collaboration with Save the Children Federation (SCF) envisions setting up a population observation post in Kolondieba. It involves putting in place a data collection system principally on health. SCF already has a health information system in Kolondieba which routinely registers births, deaths, migrations, and changes in marital status. This collaboration will be an innovation because it joins demographic research with family planning and maternal and child health activities. Few scientific studies on populations are being conducted in the framework of concrete interventions. During the first two years of the project, SCF's information system will be strengthened and the observation posts will be implemented. Early planned activities include analysis of available data, review of supports for collection used by SCF, a census, strengthening SCF information systems, and training some SCF personnel. Once these observation posts have been set up, annual surveys of health-related behaviors can be conducted.^ieng