One year survey of human rotavirus strains suggests the emergence of genotype G12 in Cameroon.

In this study the emergence of rotavirus A genotype G12 in children <5 years of age is reported from Cameroon during 2010/2011. A total of 135 human stool samples were P and G genotyped by reverse transcriptase PCR. Six different rotavirus VP7 genotypes were detected, including G1, G2, G3, G8, G9, and G12 in combinations with P[4], P[6] and P[8] VP4 genotypes. Genotype G12 predominated in combination with P[8] (54.1%) and P[6] (10.4%) genotypes followed by G1P[6] (8.2%), G3P[6] (6.7%), G2P[4] (5.9%), G8P[6] (3.7%), G2P[6] (0.7%), G3P[8] (0.7%), and G9P[8] (0.7%). Genotype P[6] strains in combination with various G-types represented a substantial proportion (N=44, 32.6%) of the genotyped strains. Partially typed strains included G12P[NT] (2.2%); G3P[NT] (0.7%); G(NT)P[6] (1.5%); and G(NT)P[8] (0.7%). Mixed infections were found in five specimens (3.7%) in several combinations including G1+ G12P[6], G2+ G3P[6] + P[8], G3+ G8P[6], G3 + G12P[6] + P[8], and G12P[6] +P[8]. The approximately 10% relative frequency of G12P[6] strains detected in this study suggests that this strain is emerging in Cameroon and should be monitored carefully as rotavirus vaccine is implemented in this country, as it shares neither G- nor P-type specificity with strains in the RotaTeq® and Rotarix® vaccines. These findings are consistent with other recent reports of the global spread and increasing epidemiologic importance of G12 and P[6] strains.

[Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in Yaoundé (Cameroon): a study of nine cases]. / Phéochromocytomes au Cameroun: neuf observations.

The aim of this study was to describe methods used for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma inYaoundé, Cameroon. This retrospective study was based on analysis of the charts of patients treated in the surgical department of the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital from 1985 to 2009. Nine patients with histologically confirmed pheochromocytoma were identified. There were 8 women and 1 man with a mean age of 39.5 years (range, 12 and 66). Pheochromocytoma was associated with hypertension in 6 cases. In two women with hypertension, diagnosis was based on palpation of an abdominal tumor after caesarean section following pregnancy associated with arterial hypertension. In another woman, diagnosis was made during laparotomy for a left hypochondrial tumor. In 7 patients, diagnosis was based on laboratory findings showing high urinary levels of vanyl mandelic acid (VMA). In six patients, ultrasound examination allowed topographic diagnosis that was confirmed by CT-scan in 3 cases. Two patients presented extra-renal pheochromocytomas in the abdomen. In three patients, i.e., one third of cases, histology showed malignant features. The findings of this study indicated that diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in Yaoundé be improved with the introduction MRI, scintigraphy, and modern techniques for assaying urinary methoxyderivates.

Interactions between human immunodeficiency virus and herpes viruses within the oral mucosa.

There is evidence from clinical case reports and epidemiological studies that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be transmitted through oral sex. Herpes viruses that appear in the oral mucosa might influence the oral replication of HIV. A review of data suggesting that interactions occur between HIV and herpes viruses indicates that such interactions might operate in the oral mucosa. Defining the mechanisms by which herpes viruses interact with HIV in the oral mucosa should permit intervention measures to be targeted more precisely.