Epidemiology and spatio-temporal distribution of gastrointestinal parasites infection and accuracy of FAMACHA test in sheep in traditional farming systems in Burkina Faso.

Blood and faecal samples from 2086 Sahelian and Djallonke sheep have been collected to assess the epidemiology and spatio-temporal distribution of gastrointestinal parasites. A survey with a questionnaire allowed collecting data on individual animal and farms. Faecal samples were analysed using the McMaster technique, while anaemia was assessed using FAMACHA score test and packed cell volume. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 91%, and strongyles (70.7%), Eimeria sp. (60.4%), Moniezia sp. (5.7%), Stronyloides sp. (0.9%) were identified. There was no significant association between the region and strongyles infection (P ˃ 0.05). Animals sampled during the rainy season (n = 565; P = 82.2%, mean EPG = 154.8 ± 12.02) were mostly and heavily infected than those from the hot dry (n = 518; P = 74.2%; mean EPG = 97.7 ± 17.4) and the cold dry season (n = 392; P = 55.5%; mean EPG = 24.5 ± 19.5) (P ˂ 0.05). Females (n = 1027; P = 72.1%; mean EPG = 77.6 ± 17) were most infected than males (n = 448; P = 67.7%; mean EPG = 61.6 ± 19.5) (P ˂ 0.05). Animals that were treated, at most 3 months before sampling (n = 166; P = 61.5%; mean EPG = 41.7 ± 21.4), were less infected than those, which received this treatment after three months before sampling (n = 199; P = 74.8%; mean EPG = 89.1 ± 15.8) (P ˂ 0.05). Data from blood samples indicate that 6.5% of sheep was anaemic (PCV ≤ 19%), while 59.7% was noted anaemic regarding FAMACHA scores. PCV values varied significantly for FAMACHA scores, and the highest mean value was noted for score 1 (27.6) (P ˂ 0.05). The Cohen's kappa score between FAMACHA and PCV was 0.02. These findings suggest that strongyles infections are significantly associated with season, and heavier infections were noted during rainy season.

Field performance of sterile male mosquitoes released from an uncrewed aerial vehicle.

Genetic control methods of mosquito vectors of malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika are becoming increasingly popular due to the limitations of other techniques such as the use of insecticides. The sterile insect technique is an effective genetic control method to manage insect populations. However, it is crucial to release sterile mosquitoes by air to ensure homogeneous coverage, especially in large areas. Here, we report a fully automated adult mosquito release system operated from an uncrewed aerial vehicle or drone. Our system, developed and tested in Brazil, enabled a homogeneous dispersal of sterile male Aedes aegypti while maintaining their quality, leading to a homogeneous sterile-to-wild male ratio due to their aggregation in the same sites. Our results indicate that the released sterile males were able to compete with the wild males in mating with the wild females; thus, the sterile males were able to induce sterility in the native female population. The use of drones to implement the sterile insect technique will lead to improvements in areal coverage and savings in operational costs due to the requirement of fewer release sites and field staff.

Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in West Africa and assessment of risk factors.

Although the African continent is, for the moment, less impacted than the rest of the world, it still faces the risk of a spread of COVID-19. In this study, we have conducted a systematic review of the information available in the literature in order to provide an overview of the epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa and of the impact of risk factors such as comorbidities, climatic conditions and demography on the pandemic. Burkina Faso is used as a case study to better describe the situation in West Africa. The epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in West Africa is marked by a continuous increase in the numbers of confirmed cases. This geographic area had on 29 July 2020, 131 049 confirmed cases by polymerase chain reaction, 88 305 recoveries and 2102 deaths. Several factors may influence the SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Africa: (i) comorbidities: diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure could lead to an increase in the number of severe cases of SARS-CoV-2; (ii) climatic factors: the high temperatures could be a factor contributing to slow the spread of the virus and (iii) demography: the West Africa population is very young and this could be a factor limiting the occurrence of severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in West Africa is relatively slow compared to European countries, vigilance must remain. Difficulties in access to diagnostic tests, lack of hospital equipment, but also the large number of people working in the informal sector (such as trading, businesses, transport and restoration) makes it difficult to apply preventive measures, namely physical distancing and containment.

[Summary Of Admissions To The Bamako Dermatology Hospital]. / Bilan Des Admissions A l'Hôpital De Dermatologie De Bamako.

OBJECTIVE: It was to take stock of the dermatological conditions managed within the hospital over a period of five years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive study performed from January 2015 to December 2019 at the Bamako Dermatology Hospital, based on the records of patients received in consultation. RESULTS: During the period, 6,322 new consultations were recorded. The mean age was 42 ± 12.5 years with extremes of two months and 82 years. The sex ratio was 0.6. The majority of our patients (76.1%) came directly from home. Socio-professionally, the patients were mainly peasants (45%), housewives (23.9%) and workers (12%). Among the 6,322 consultants, 27.1% were hospitalized. In terms of diagnosis, skin conditions were dominated by infections (56.1%), followed by allergies (15.4%); system diseases (12.0%); genetic dermatoses (7.5%) and tumor dermatoses (5.2%). The average length of hospital stay was 46 ± 18.7 days in adults and 21 ± 11.6 days in children. CONCLUSION: This study made it possible to identify the skin conditions subject to consultation in dermatology which are dominated by infections and allergies.

OBJECTIF: Faire le bilan des différentes affections dermatologiques prises en charge au sein de l'hôpital sur une période de cinq années. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Etude rétrospective et descriptive menée de janvier 2015 à décembre 2019 à l'Hôpital de Dermatologie de Bamako, basée sur les dossiers des patients reçus en consultation. RÉSULTATS: Durant la période, 6322 nouvelles consultations ont été enregistrées. La moyenne d'âge était de 42±12,5 ans avec des extrêmes de deux mois et 82 ans. Le sex-ratio était de 0,6. La majorité de nos patients (76,1%) était venue directement de la maison. Sur le plan socioprofessionnel, les patients étaient surtout des paysans (45%), des ménagères (23,9%) et des ouvriers (12%). Parmi les 6322 consultants, 27,1% ont été hospitalisés. Sur le plan diagnostique, les affections cutanées étaient dominées par les infections (56,1%), suivies des allergies (15,4%) ; les maladies de système (12,0%) ; les dermatoses génétiques (7,5%) et celles tumorales (5,2%). La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 46±18,7 jours chez les adultes et de 21±11,6 jours chez les enfants. CONCLUSION: Cette étude a permis de recenser les affections cutanées faisant objet de consultation en dermatologie qui sont dominées par les infections et les allergies.

[Xerodermapigmentosum: Challenge of diagnosis in West Africa]. / Xerodermapigmentosum : Difficulte diagnostique en Afrique Occidentale.

Xeroderma pigmentosum is related to a defect of the enzymes involved in repairing the oncogenic effects of ultraviolet exposure. The condition is found all over the world, in all ethnicities and races. This rare genodermatosis is often unknown in countries lacking specialist in dermatology. This scarcity and insufficiency of qualified personnel give rise to difficulties in diagnosing this pathology, especially in West Africa where XP is wrongly diagnosed for other pathologies. Objective: To share with colleagues the problem of diagnosis of Xeroderma pigmentosum in countries with insufficient number of dermatologist and poor technical platform. Observation: 21-year-old man, with no pathological history of dermatosis was seeking for medical consultation because of cutaneous dryness and photophobia. Previous visits at several health centers failed to diagnose the condition and no noticeable improvement was seen from given treatment. Verbal questioning found the notion of consanguinity (his father and his mother are cousins, and belong to the same Dogon group). Cutaneous pigmentary disorders were absent at birth but appeared at the age of 12 years. Physical examination highlighted photophobia in addition to specific clinical and paraclinical signs allowed to diagnose Xeroderma pigmentosum varying type. Conclusion: in West Africa, the challenge of diagnosis of Xeroderma pigmentosum is undoubtedly related to a lack of qualified personnel and technical means of diagnosis, which makes its frequency underestimated.

Le Xéroderma pigmentosum (XP) est lié à un défaut des enzymes impliquées dans la réparation des effets oncogènes de l'exposition aux ultraviolets. L'affection se rencontre dans le monde entier, dans toutes les ethnies et races. Cette génodermatose rare est souvent méconnue dans les pays en manque de spécialiste en dermatologie. Cette rareté de Xeroderma pigmentosum et l'insuffisance de personnel qualifié engendrent des difficultés diagnostiques de cette pathologie surtout en Afrique Occidentale où le XP est diagnostiqué à tort pour d'autres pathologies. OBJECTIF: Partager avec les confrères la problématique de diagnostic de Xéroderma pigmentosum dans les pays en insuffisance de dermatologues et de plateau technique. OBSERVATION: il s'agissait d'un patient de 21 ans, sexe masculin, sans antécédents pathologique de dermatoses, issu d'un mariage consanguin qui a consulté pour sècheresse cutanée et photophobie après un long parcours dans beaucoup des centres de santé de la place sans diagnostic et sans amélioration notable, chez qui l'interrogatoire a retrouvé la notion de consanguinité (son père et sa mère sont des cousins, et provenaient du même clan Dogon),l'absence de troubles pigmentaires cutanées à la naissance et l'apparition des troubles pigmentaires cutanées à l'âge de 16ans. L'examen physique a objectivé la photophobie en plus des signes cliniques et paracliniques specifiques ce qui a permis de retenir le diagnostic de Xéroderma pigmentosum, forme variante. CONCLUSION: en Afrique Occidentale, la difficulté diagnostique de Xéroderma pigmentosum est sans doute en rapport avec un manque de personnel qualifié et des moyens techniques de diagnostic, ce qui rend sa fréquence sous-estimée.

[Epidemiological and clinical aspects of prurigo in HIV infected patients in Fousseyni N'Daou hospital of Kayes, Mali]. / Aspects Epidemiologiques et Cliniques du Prurigo Chez les Personnes Vivant avec le VIH a L'Hopital Fousseyni N'Daou de Kayes, Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Prurigo is one of the most common dermatological conditions during HIV infection and AIDS. It appears as an immunosuppression marker associated with HIV infection. The study objective was to determine the prevalence of prurigo in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in Fousseyni N'Daou Hospital of Kayes, and to describe the socio-demographic aspects of patients and lesions associated with prurigo among PLHIV. METHODS: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study included all cases of HIV infected patients with prurigo in the Dermatology-Venomology Department of Fousseyni N'DAOU Hospital from January 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015. RESULTS: We collected 121 cases of prurigo. The hospital prevalence was 14.5% among PLHIV with 65% Female and the average age was 34.8 years old (SD: 15-81 years). The elementary lesions associated with prurigo were seropapules (40.2%), vesiculo-crusts (13%), excoriated papules (33.3%), lichenified papules (10.8%), and cicatricial lesions (2.7%). The prurigo was generalized in 68.5% of cases and localized in 31.24%. More than half of our patients had weight loss, fever, diarrhea and oral candidiasis in their medical history. Patients were infected with HIV1 in 60.03% and HIV1+ 2 in 24.3%. More than the half of our patients had a CD4 count inferior to 250 cells/mm3 at the time of prurigo diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In our study, prurigo remains a common condition in PLHIV, particularly in patients with low CD4 counts. Early detection and rapid antietroviral therapy can reduce the frequency of prurigo in PLHIV.

INTRODUCTION: Le prurigo est l'une des affections dermatologiques les plus fréquentes au cours de l'infection à VIH et du sida. Il apparait comme un marqueur de l'immunodépression associée à l'infection VIH. L'objectif était de déterminer la prévalence du prurigo chez les personnes vivant avec le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (PVVIH) à l'hôpital Fousseyni N'Daou de Kayes (HFDK) et décrire le profil sociodémographique des patients et les lésions associées au prurigo chez les PVVIH à HFDK. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive de tous les cas de prurigo chez les PVVIH dans le service de Dermatologie-Vénéréologie de l'hôpital Fousseyni N'DAOU durant la période du 1er janvier 2015 au 31 août 2015. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons colligé 121 cas de prurigo. La prévalence hospitalière a été de 14,5% chez les PVVIH. Le sexe féminin a représenté 65% des cas. L'âge moyen a été de 34,8 ans (extrêmes :15 ­ 81 ans). Les lésions élémentaires associées au prurigo ont été les séropapules (40,2%), vésiculo-croutes (13%), papules excoriés (33,3%), papules lichenifiés (10,8%), lésions cicatricielles (2,7%). La forme généralisée a représenté 68,5% et la forme localisée 31,24%. Plus de la moitié de nos patients avait la notion d'amaigrissement, de fièvre, de diarrhée et des candidoses buccales dans leurs antécédents. Le VIH1 a représenté 60,03% et l'association VIH1 et VIH2 a représenté 24,3% des cas. Plus de la moitié de nos patients avait un taux de CD4 inférieure à 250 cellules/mm3 au moment du diagnostic du prurigo. CONCLUSION: Dans notre étude, le prurigo reste une affection fréquente chez les PVVIH, particulièrement lorsque le taux de CD4 est bas. Un dépistage précoce et le traitement antirétroviral rapide permet de réduire la fréquence du prurigo chez les PVVIH.

[Squamous cell carcinoma associated with use of skin-lightening cream]. / Carcinome épidermoïde associé à une dépigmentation volontaire.

BACKGROUND: Women widely use skin-lightening products for cosmetic purposes in sub-Saharan Africa despite numerous reported cutaneous and systemic complications. The occurrence of epidermoid carcinoma has long been reported, but only three cases have been published so far. We report the first case in Mali. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 30-year old woman with no noteworthy medical history was seen at our outpatient center for cervical ulceration that had been present for the last 5 years. She had used cosmetic bleaching cream over a period of around ten years. Physical examination revealed extensive ulceration on the left side of her neck. Blood tests for viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus were negative. The pathological examination of the skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. After failure of the initial excision with early relapse, multiple surgical ablations were performed 3 months later. DISCUSSION: The high prevalence of skin-lightening cosmetic use contrasts with the rarity of epidermoid carcinoma in depigmented skin. However, a large chronic ulcer on uncovered parts of the upper body, particularly the neck, should prompt physicians to consider skin cancer. Appropriate preventive measures include the promotion of educational messages for the general population, the use of sun-protection devices, and routine skin biopsy for all women presenting chronic cervical ulceration after long-term use of skin-lightening products.

Kaposi's disease in an HIV positive child, with probable contamination from his grandmother.

Kaposi's disease in children with HIV is rarely reported in everyday practice. This is a case study of cutaneous Kaposi's disease revealing HIV in a 5-year-old child with polymorphic eruption of papules and nodules on the face, trunk, back, and limbs. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Kaposi's disease. The child's HIV serology was positive with a CD4 count of 240/mm3, normochromic and normocytic anemia, and a hemoglobin level at 8.5 g/dl. It was found that the child, after early weaning from his HIV-negative mother, had repeatedly suckled his healthy grandmother, who had no skin lesions but was HIV1 positive. Both grandmother and child were referred for treatment in their locality. The case is noteworthy for the way in which the HIV1 virus infected the child during weaning and then being suckled by his grandmother. The child already had an initial dental flare that could have injured his grandmother. Thus, in our case, there is a contamination by HIV1 virus most likely from the grandmother and contamination by the HHV8 virus, source unidentified as a technical plateau was reached.

[Prevalence of infantile haemangiomas on black skin]. / Prevalence des hemangiomes infantiles sur peau noire au Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Hemangiomas are regenerative benign vascular tumors of the child, which may be of interest to all organs, most often located on the skin. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of haemangiomas on black skin. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from November 2015 to August 2016 at CNAM, in the department of dermatology-leprology- Venereology of Mali. RESULTS: Of 14,810 patients seen in consultation, we received 17 cases of hemangioma, ie 0,11%. The average age was 5 months with extremes of 1 month and 60 months. Tuberous angiomas represent 82,35% of clinical forms, subcutaneous angiomas 11,76% and mixed angiomas 5,89%. In 4/17 of our patients there was an infectious complication, following an ulceration on the first day of the consultation. The average lesion size was 3,25cm with extreme 0.5cm and 8cm. The number of lesions per patient was 1 in 16 patients and 2 in 1 patient. In 10/17 patients the lesions were localized at the cephalic level, 3/17 at the trunk level, and 4/17 at the perineum. CONCLUSION: Infantile hemangioma is a poorly reported condition on black skin. The demands for care are motivated either by the character showing lesions or by ulcerative complications. Sensitization of populations and ongoing training of health workers are needed to detect hemangiomas.

INTRODUCTION: Les hémangiomes sont des tumeurs vasculaires bénignes régressives de l'enfant, qui peuvent intéresser tous les organes, le plus souvent localisés sur la peau. Le but de notre étude est de déterminer la prévalence des hémangiomes sur peau noire. C'est une étude transversale descriptive qui s'est déroulée de novembre 2015 à Août 2016 au CNAM, dans le service de dermatologie-léprologie- Vénéréologie du Mali. RÉSULTATS: Sur 14 810 patients vus en consultation, nous avons reçu 17 cas d'hémangiome soit 0,11%. La moyenne d'âge était de 5 mois avec des extrêmes de 1mois et 60 mois. Les angiomes tubéreux représentent 82,35% des formes cliniques, les angiomes sous-cutanés 11,76% et les angiomes mixtes 5,89%. Chez 4/17 de nos patients existait une complication infectieuse, suite à une ulcération le premier jour de la consultation. La taille moyenne des lésions était de 3,25cm avec des extrêmes 0,5cm et 8cm. Le nombre de lésions par patient était de 1 pour 16 patients et 2 pour 1 patient. Chez 10/17 des patients les lésions étaient localisées au niveau céphalique, 3/17 au niveau du tronc, et 4/17 au niveau du périnée. CONCLUSION: L'hémangiome infantile est une affection peu rapportée sur peau noire. Les demandes de soins sont motivées soit par le caractère affichant des lésions ou par les complications ulcéreuses. Une sensibilisation des populations et une formation continue des agents de santé sont nécessaires pour détecter les hémangiomes.

[Susceptibility status of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato to insecticides commonly used for malaria control in Mali]. / Susceptibilité d'Anopheles gambiae sensu lato aux insecticides communément utilisés dans la lutte antivectorielle au Mali.

The objective of this work was to monitor the susceptibility of malaria vectors to insecticides in nine sentinel sites of the National Malaria Control Program in Mali. The study was performed during the rainy seasons of 2010 and 2011. WHO bioassays were conducted using F0 and/or F1 from wild collected females. The insecticides used were lambda-cyhalothrin 0.05%, DDT 4%, permethrin 0.75%, deltamethrin 0.05%, bendiocarb 0.1% and fenitrothion 1.0%. Results showed suspicion of resistance to pyrethroids and organochlorine in An. gambiae s.l. at almost all the sites except Yanfolila where the vector was susceptible to lambda-cyhalothrin (98.0%) [CI 95%, 98-99.8] and to DDT (100%). An. gambiae s.l. was susceptible to bendiocarb in five of the sites (Gao, Bougouni, Djenné, Yanfolila, Tombouctou) while there was a suspicion of resistance at the other sites (Kati, Niono, Bandiagara, Kita). Fenitrothion remains efficient except in the rice area of Niono, where there was a suspicion of resistance with a mortality rate of 92% [IC 95% 88.3-94.8]. Thus, it could be used as an alternative insecticide for IRS in Mali. These results show resistance to pyrethroids, the main insecticide family used in public health (and to some extent in agriculture). This could compromise the malaria vector control efforts in Mali where pyrethroids are used for both in bed nets and in IRS.

Importance of vector-borne infections in different production systems: bovine trypanosomosis and the innovation dynamics of livestock producers in Senegal.

In Senegal, a project has been undertaken to eradicate a population of tsetse flies (Glossina palpalis gambiensis) from a prime area for intensifying livestock production--the coastal region of Niayes. The project is intended to remove the constraint of trypanosomosis and allow the ecological intensification of cattle production. A cross-sectional analysis of ten case studies was the inductive phase of an assessment to gauge the impact of removing trypanosomosis on livestock production strategies. The methodology used was comprehensive analysis, with participatory epidemiology tools to understand farmers' rationales. The authors analysed the strategies of three main types of livestock producer (agro-pastoralists, mixed crop/livestock farmers and intensive dairy farmers). The strategies were in line with the farmers' goals and their ability to mobilise the socio-technical network. The risk management of trypanosomosis has been incorporated into livestock management practices through the use of trypanotolerant breeds, medical prophylaxis or placing livestock in low-risk areas. Removing the risk of disease would therefore have a major impact on decisions about the composition and strategic direction of herds. This change in the animal health environment would steer livestock production along different routes of intensification in a highly competitive environment. The indicators of innovation capacity revealed by this study will be used to quantitatively monitor various change scenarios, taking livestock producers' reasoning into account, in order to assess the socio-economic impact of eradicating the tsetse fly population in this area. The methodology presented in the study can be used to understand the impact of controlling other vector-borne infections on the innovation dynamics of livestock producers.

[Risk factors associated with leg erysipelas (cellulitis) in sub-Saharan Africa: A multicentre case-control study]. / Facteurs de risque associés à l'érysipèle de jambe en Afrique subsaharienne: étude multicentrique cas-témoins.

BACKGROUND: Acute bacterial cellulitis of the leg (erysipelas) is a common problem involving considerable morbidity in dermatology practice in Africa. Previous studies conducted in Europe and North Africa have highlighted lymphoedema and toe-web intertrigo as independent factors associated with leg erysipelas. The aim of this case-control study was to identify risk factors associated with leg erysipelas in sub-Saharan Africa, within a different socio-economic and culture context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective case-control study in hospital dermatology departments in 8 sub-Saharan African countries over a 12-month period (October 2013 to September 2014). Each case of acute leg cellulitis was matched with 2 controls for age (±5 years) and sex. We analysed the general and local factors. RESULTS: During the study period, 364 cases (223 female, 141 male) were matched with 728 controls. The mean age was 42.15±15.15 years for patients and 42.11±36 years for controls. Multivariate analysis showed the following to be independent risk factors associated with leg erysipelas in our study: obesity (odds ratio [OR]=2.82 ; 95% confidence interval: 2.11-3.76), lymphoedema (OR=3.87, 95%CI: 2.17-6.89), voluntary cosmetic depigmentation (OR=4.29, 95%CI: 2.35-7.83), neglected traumatic wound (OR=37.2, 95%CI: 24.9-57.72) and toe-web intertrigo (OR=37.86, 95%CI: 22.27-64.5). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirms the major role of local risk factors (toe-web intertrigo, lymphoedema) previously identified in other geographical settings. However, the originality of our study consists of the identification of voluntary cosmetic depigmentation as a risk factor for leg erysipelas in sub-Saharan Africa.

Modelling malaria incidence with environmental dependency in a locality of Sudanese savannah area, Mali.

BACKGROUND: The risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection is variable over space and time and this variability is related to environmental variability. Environmental factors affect the biological cycle of both vector and parasite. Despite this strong relationship, environmental effects have rarely been included in malaria transmission models.Remote sensing data on environment were incorporated into a temporal model of the transmission, to forecast the evolution of malaria epidemiology, in a locality of Sudanese savannah area. METHODS: A dynamic cohort was constituted in June 1996 and followed up until June 2001 in the locality of Bancoumana, Mali. The 15-day composite vegetation index (NDVI), issued from satellite imagery series (NOAA) from July 1981 to December 2006, was used as remote sensing data.The statistical relationship between NDVI and incidence of P. falciparum infection was assessed by ARIMA analysis. ROC analysis provided an NDVI value for the prediction of an increase in incidence of parasitaemia.Malaria transmission was modelled using an SIRS-type model, adapted to Bancoumana's data. Environmental factors influenced vector mortality and aggressiveness, as well as length of the gonotrophic cycle. NDVI observations from 1981 to 2001 were used for the simulation of the extrinsic variable of a hidden Markov chain model. Observations from 2002 to 2006 served as external validation. RESULTS: The seasonal pattern of P. falciparum incidence was significantly explained by NDVI, with a delay of 15 days (p = 0.001). An NDVI threshold of 0.361 (p = 0.007) provided a Diagnostic Odd Ratio (DOR) of 2.64 (CI95% [1.26;5.52]).The deterministic transmission model, with stochastic environmental factor, predicted an endemo-epidemic pattern of malaria infection. The incidences of parasitaemia were adequately modelled, using the observed NDVI as well as the NDVI simulations. Transmission pattern have been modelled and observed values were adequately predicted. The error parameters have shown the smallest values for a monthly model of environmental changes. CONCLUSION: Remote-sensed data were coupled with field study data in order to drive a malaria transmission model. Several studies have shown that the NDVI presents significant correlations with climate variables, such as precipitations particularly in Sudanese savannah environments. Non-linear model combining environmental variables, predisposition factors and transmission pattern can be used for community level risk evaluation.

Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of Ruta montana L. essential oil from Algeria.

The essential oil of aerial parts of Ruta montana L. growing in the Oran region in the west of Algeria was obtained by hydrodistillation with a 1.63% yield on a dry weight basis. Gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (MS) analyses were carried out to identify the chemical composition of R. montana essential oil. Moreover, spectrophotometric analyses were employed to highlight the scavenger capacity of this oil using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. Twenty compounds were identified by GC and CG/MS analyses, and the bulk of the compounds of the oil were undecan-2-one (32.8%), nonan-2-one (29.5%), nonanol-2-acetate (18.2%), and psoralen (3.5%). The results obtained using the DPPH test show that R. montana essential oil possesses antiradical activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, a linear correlation (correlation coefficient R(2) = 0.971, P < .001) was found between the reduction of DPPH stable free radical and the concentration of R. montana essential oil.

[Persistent neurological sequelae due to cerebral malaria in a cohort of children from Mali]. / Séquelles neurologiques persistantes dues au paludisme cérébral dans une cohorte d'enfants au Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Several neurological complications are associated with cerebral malaria (CM). However, few long-term data from childhood survivors have been published. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Mali among children followed from 1999 to 2002 after serious and complicated malaria. Our aim was to evaluate the persistent neurological sequelae associated with CM. RESULTS: This study concerned 101 subjects who had had CM. Mean age was 5.6+/-3.6 years. Twenty-eight children presented persistent neurological sequelae (27.7p.cent). Among them eight (7.9p.cent) children had developed these sequelae just after CM and 20 (19.8p.cent) a few months later: headaches, mental retardation, speech delay, bucco-facial dyspraxia, diplegia and frontal syndrome (one case each), dystonia (two cases), epilepsy (five cases) and behavior and attention disorders (15 cases). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we show that neurological signs due to CM can persist in the long run. Long-term follow-up and proper management after CM are essential.

Preliminary study on immunological and behavioural effects of Thymus broussonetii Boiss., an endemic species in Morocco.

In the present work, we had tried to evaluate the immunotropic and behavioural effects of Thymus broussonetii Boiss. So, we tested the neurostimulant effects of four extracts. This preliminary study allowed to identify both the immunostimulant and the neurotropic antistress effects of the studied extracts. Among the four extracts, only the aqueous and ethyl acetate ones showed an apparent effect on the tested biological activities, whereas the butanolic extract and the essential oil did not show any interesting effect (data not shown). These results showed that the aqueous and ethyl extracts of this endemic species are of interest for two reasons: stimulation of the immunizing system and protection against the stress by a neurotropic activity. Thyme extracts increased in vivo the number of leucocyte categories studied including polynuclears, total lymphocytes, TCD4+, TCD8+ and NK cells. These data suggest that the intraperitoneal administration of Thymus broussonetii extract has a potent direct effect on leucocytes in vivo. The elevation of leucocyte and thrombocyte counts produced by thyme in the peripheral blood was already reported in the literature. These results could be of practical importance in the field of phytotherapy in the treatment of some cases of human immunodeficiency such as cancer, leukaemia and AIDS.

Malaria prevention practices in Mopti region, Mali.

OBJECTIVES: To assess insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) use, other malaria prevention measures, knowledge of malaria and diffusion of information about ITNs by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) in Mali. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING: Four villages in Mopti region, Mali that had participated in the Mopti Regional Malaria Control Program (MRMCP) ITN Education Programme five years prior. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred thirty nine randomly-selected households. Within each household, mothers of children one to nine years of age were interviewed regarding knowledge of malaria and prevention practices. RESULTS: Overall, 11% of households used ITNs, with 97% of these in two villages. Ninety eight percent of households used bednets, 22% used insecticide sprays and 39% used mosquito coils. Significant predictors of ITNs use were: head of household literacy, larger family size, Bambara ethnicity, hearing about the NMCP and hearing about ITNs from health agents. Reasons why ITNs were not used included not knowing anything about ITNs, cost and not having net impregnation services readily available in the village. Levels of knowledge concerning malaria disease, transmission and prevention varied amongst the four villages. ITN households had significantly higher levels of knowledge about malaria and its prevention. CONCLUSION: Five years after the implementation of the MRMCP, ITNs use was low and diffusion of malaria prevention information was unequal among villages. Future efforts in improving the programme must recognise these differences in knowledge and ITNs utilisation and make village-specific changes that are acceptable for each village.

Efficacy and safety of artemether in the treatment of severe end complicated malaria in mali.

We compared the efficacy and safety of artemether versus Quinine in 67 children from 3 months to 15 years old hospitalised for severe and complicated in the pediatric service of Gabriel Touré's Hospital Children were randomised to receive artemether or quinine. Artemether was given at 3,2mg/kg in day 1 (two times) and 1; 6mg single dose from day 2 to day5) and quinine was administrated at 20mg/kg (attack dose) followed by 10mg/kg every 8 hours until oral drug administration (10 mg/kg every 8 hours). The treatment for artemether lasted 5 days while quinine treatment lasted 7 day. Thirty tree and 34 children received respectively artemether and quinine. Two groups were comparable with baseline characteristics. Cerebral malaria was most frequent in the two with no statistical difference. Seventy height percent in artemether group compared to 82,4% in quinine group. No statistical difference was found between groups regarding parameters such as : Parasitic clearance, thermal clearances, delay of exit of the coma, upsurge, tolerance, and mortality. Artemether is as efficacious and well safe as quinine for the treatment of sevese and complicated malaria.