Clinical characteristics of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infections in Bamako, Mali.

The global spread of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) may be due to HIV/AIDS and other environmental factors. The symptoms of NTM and tuberculosis (TB) disease are indistinguishable, but their treatments are different. Lack of research on the epidemiology of NTM infections has led to underestimation of its prevalence within TB endemic countries. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of pulmonary NTM in Bamako. A cross-sectional study which include 439 suspected cases of pulmonary TB. From 2006 to 2013 a total of 332 (76%) were confirmed to have sputum culture positive for mycobacteria. The prevalence of NTM infection was 9.3% of our study population and 12.3% of culture positive patients. The seroprevalence of HIV in NTM group was 17.1%. Patients who weighed <55 kg and had TB symptoms other than cough were also significantly more likely to have disease due to NTM as compared to those with TB disease who were significantly more likely to have cough and weigh more than 55 kg (OR 0.05 (CI 0.02-0.13) and OR 0.32 (CI 0.11-0.93) respectively). NTM disease burden in Bamako was substantial and diagnostic algorithms for pulmonary disease in TB endemic countries should consider the impact of NTM.

Tuberculosis drug resistance in Bamako, Mali, from 2006 to 2014.

BACKGROUND: Although Drug resistance tuberculosis is not a new phenomenon, Mali remains one of the "blank" countries without systematic data. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2014, we enrolled pulmonary TB patients from local TB diagnostics centers and a university referral hospital in several observational cohort studies. These consecutive patients had first line drug susceptibility testing (DST) performed on their isolates. A subset of MDR was subsequently tested for second line drug resistance. RESULTS: A total of 1186 mycobacterial cultures were performed on samples from 522 patients, including 1105 sputa and 81 blood samples, yielding one or more Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (Mtbc) positive cultures for 343 patients. Phenotypic DST was performed on 337 (98.3%) unique Mtbc isolates, of which 127 (37.7%) were resistant to at least one drug, including 75 (22.3%) with multidrug resistance (MDR). The overall prevalence of MDR-TB was 3.4% among new patients and 66.3% among retreatment patients. Second line DST was available for 38 (50.7%) of MDR patients and seven (18.4%) had resistance to either fluoroquinolones or second-line injectable drugs. CONCLUSION: The drug resistance levels, including MDR, found in this study are relatively high, likely related to the selected referral population. While worrisome, the numbers remained stable over the study period. These findings prompt a nationwide drug resistance survey, as well as continuous surveillance of all retreatment patients, which will provide more accurate results on countrywide drug resistance rates and ensure that MDR patients access appropriate second line treatment.

[Community acute bacterial pneumonitis of the subject age in pulmonology at the Point-g hospital and university center, Bamako-Mali]. / La pneumopathie aigue bacterienne communautaire du sujet age en pneumologie au centre hospitalier et universitaire du Point-g, Bamako-Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired acute bacterial pneumonia (ABP) is an acute, non-suppurative, non-tuberculosis lower respiratory infection of the lung parenchyma acquired within the community. They have an atypical clinical presentation and a poor prognosis in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Pneumology department of the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Point-G, from October 30, 2018 to September 30, 2019. The objective was to determine the clinical, etiological, therapeutic and progression of BAP in the elderly. Were included any age ≥ 65 years, presenting clinical and radiological signs of a PAB. RESULTS: During the study period, 85 patients met the inclusion criteria out of 178 hospitalized. The sex ratio was 3/1. About 2/3 were smokers and 11% were HIV positive. Fever was not constant recorded in 51.76% of cases. Respiratory signs were dominated by cough (96.47%), dyspnea (94.11%) and extra respiratory by impaired consciousness. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most found germ. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The average length of hospitalization was 9 days. Mortality was 19%. CONCLUSION: The PAB in the elderly is of a frustrating clinical symptomatology. It is serious with excess mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Les pneumopathies aiguës bactériennes (PAB) communautaires sont des infections respiratoires basses aiguës, non suppurées, non tuberculeuses du parenchyme pulmonaire acquises au sein de la communauté. Elles ont une présentation clinique atypique et un mauvais pronostic chez le sujet âgé. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale prospective menée au service de pneumologie du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) du Point-G, du 30 Octobre 2018 au 30 Septembre 2019. L'objectif était de déterminer les particularités cliniques, étiologiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de la PAB chez le sujet âgé. Ont été inclus tout âge ≥ 65 ans, présentant des signes cliniques et radiologiques d'une PAB. RÉSULTATS: Durant la période d'étude 85 patients répondaient aux critères d'inclusion sur 178 hospitalisés. Le sex-ratio était de 3/1. Environ 2/3 étaient tabagiques et 11% était positif au VIH. La fièvre n'était pas constante enregistrée dans 51,76% des cas. Les signes respiratoires étaient dominés par la toux (96, 47%), la dyspnée (94, 11%) et extra respiratoires par le trouble de la conscience. Le Klebsiellapneumoniae était le germe le plus retrouvé. L'antibiotique le plus utilisé était l'amoxicilline-acide clavulanique. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 9 jours. La mortalité était de 19%. CONCLUSION: La PAB chez le sujet âgé est d'une symptomatologie clinique frustre. Elle est grave avec une surmortalité.

Isoniazid preventive therapy in child household contacts of adults with active TB in Bamako, Mali.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is known to reduce the risk of developing active TB in about 59% in children aged ⩽15 years. We assessed adherence, completion and adverse events among children who were household contacts of a newly diagnosed adult with smear-positive TB in Bamako, Mali. METHODS: Children aged <15 years living in the same house with an adult smear-positive index case were enrolled in the study in the Bamako Region after consent was obtained from the parent or legal guardian. Adherence was assessed based on the number of tablets consumed during 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 260 children aged <15 years were identified as household contacts of 207 adult patients with smear-positive TB during the study period. Among all child contacts, 130/260 (50.0%) were aged 0-4 years and were eligible for IPT; 128/130 (98.5%) were started on IPT and 83/128 (64.8%) completed with good adherence at the end of the 6 months, and without any significant adverse events. CONCLUSION: We successfully implemented IPT with good acceptance, but low completion rate. The Mali National TB Program and partners should expand this strategy to reach more children in Bamako and the whole country and create greater awareness in the population.

CADRE ET OBJECTIF: Le traitement préventif par isoniazide (IPT) réduit le risque de développer une TB active chez environ 59% des enfants ⩽15 ans. Nous avons évalué l'observance, l'achèvement du traitement et les évènements indésirables chez des enfants qui étaient contacts domestiques d'un adulte ayant récemment reçu un diagnostic de TB à microscopie positive à Bamako, Mali. MÉTHODES: Les enfants âgés <15 ans vivant sous le même toit qu'un cas index adulte de TB à microscopie positive ont été inclus dans l'étude dans la région de Bamako, après obtention du consentement des parents ou du tuteur légal. L'observance a été évaluée en fonction du nombre de comprimés consommés au cours d'une période de 6 mois. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 260 enfants âgés <15 ans ont été identifiés comme contacts domestiques de 207 patients adultes atteints de TB à microscopie positive pendant la période d'étude. Parmi tous les contacts pédiatriques, 130/260 (50,0%) étaient âgés de 0­4 ans et étaient éligibles à l'IPT ; 128/130 (98,5%) ont été mis sous IPT et 83/128 (64,8%) ont achevé leur traitement avec une bonne observance à la fin de la période de 6 mois, sans évènement indésirable significatif. CONCLUSION: Nous avons mis en place l'ITP avec succès. L'acceptation était bonne mais le taux d'achèvement du traitement était faible. Le programme national de lutte contre la TB du Mali et ses partenaires devraient élargir cette stratégie afin d'inclure davantage d'enfants de Bamako et du pays, et d'accroître la sensibilisation de la population.

The prevalence of red-cell antigens and antibodies in Malawi.

As there were no reliable data in Malawi for the prevalence of red cell alloantibodies or antigens in the population, a study was conducted to screen 1000 patients for the presence of antibodies and to type them for ABO, RhD, C, c, E, e and K antigens and to test 500 donors for these antigens plus Fy(a), Fy(b), Jk(a), Jk(b), S and s. Red cell antibodies were identified in 11 patients [1.1%]; 2 were anti-D, 2 anti-S, 1 anti-Le(a+b) and 6 anti-M, 4 of which were found in non-transfused males suggesting they might be naturally acquired. The antigen frequencies found were similar to those previously published for Central Africa but 98.2% of donors were found to be Fy(a-b-). All patients tested were K negative and only three donors were found to be K positive, one being a Caucasian. Approximately 3.5% of Malawians are D negative, lower than the usual 8% quoted for Black Africans. These data confirm the assumption that pre-transfusion antibody screening is not currently required but that use of the indirect antiglobulin test in the cross-match is necessary. Haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) appears to be rare, or under reported, in Malawi, and more work is needed to find the real incidence of this condition.

Development and evaluation of a new paediatric blood transfusion protocol for Africa.

Severe anaemia is a common childhood emergency in developing countries. Practical evidence-based guidance on when to transfuse, volume of transfusion and ideal duration of transfusion is lacking. The aim of this study is to develop a paediatric transfusion protocol for use in under-resourced environments and evaluate its usability in a busy African hospital setting. A paediatric transfusion protocol based on the WHO Guidelines was developed for the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre, Malawi. On the basis of simple bedside clinical features of respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological compromise, the protocol allocates children with severe anaemia (haemoglobin

Performance of Mali's biosafety level 3 laboratory in the external quality assessment in preparedness of laboratory accreditation and support to clinical trials.

Background: The external quality assessment (EQA) or external quality control is an evaluation conducted by a certified external organization to inquire about the quality of the results provided by a laboratory. The primary role of EQA is to verify the accuracy of laboratory results. This is essential in research because research data should be published in international peer-reviewed journals, and laboratory results must be repeatable. In 2007, the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC's) biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory joined the EQA program with the College of American Pathologists in acid-fast staining and culture and identification of mycobacteria as per laboratory accreditation preparedness. Thus, after 11 years of participation, the goal of our study was to evaluate the performance of our laboratory during the different interlaboratory surveys. Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study to evaluate the results of UCRC mycobacteriology laboratory from surveys conducted during 2007 and 2017. Results: Of the 22 evaluations, the laboratory had satisfactory (100% of concordance results) in 18 (81.8%) and good (80% of concordance results) in 4 (18.2%). Overall, the laboratory was above the commended/accepted limits of 75%. Conclusion: So far, UCRC's BSL-3 performed well during the first 11 years of survey participation, and efforts should be deployed to maintain this high quality in the preparedness for laboratory accreditation and support to clinical trials.

Fluorescein diacetate and rapid molecular testing for the early identification of rifampicin resistance in Mali.

BACKGROUND: Non-conversion on auramine smear microscopy indicates a lack of treatment response, possibly associated with initial rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). However, dead bacteria still stain positive and may be detected. Fluorescein diacetate smear microscopy (FDA) shows live mycobacteria only. Therefore, we studied the potential of 2-month (2M) FDA for the identification of initial RR-TB.METHODS: Between 2015 and 2018, we enrolled new smear-positive pulmonary TB patients from five local centres in Bamako, Mali. After baseline screening, sputum samples were collected at 1M, 2M, 5M and 18M. We used rpoB sequencing to identify initial RR-TB.RESULTS: Of 1359 patients enrolled, 1019 (75%) had rpoB sequencing results. Twenty-six (2.6%, 95%CI: 1.7-3.7) had mutations conferring rifampicin resistance. Most frequent rpoB mutations were located at the codons Asp435Val (42.4%) and Ser450Leu (34.7%). Among patients with initial RR-TB, 72.2% were FDA-negative at 2M (P = 0.2). The positive and negative predictive value of 5M FDA for culture-based failure was respectively 20.0% and 94.7%.CONCLUSION: FDA did not identify the majority of patients with initial RR-TB or culture-based failure. As the full spectrum of mutations identified on sequencing was identified using Xpert, our data support its rapid universal implementation in Mali.

Diabetes Mellitus among new tuberculosis patients in Bamako, Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) increases worldwide, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. In Mali, the prevalence in the adult population is estimated at 1.8%, but tuberculosis (TB) patients are not systematically screened. The goal of our study was to determine the prevalence of DM among newly diagnosed TB patients. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study and a pilot prospective cohort study in four health centers in Bamako. All patients underwent fasting capillary-blood glucose (FCBG) test at Day 0, and repeated after one-week of TB treatment. Venous FBG test was performed for discrepancies between the two FCBG results. Thereafter, FCBG was performed for pilot study at month-2 (M2) and M5 of TB treatment. RESULTS: Two hundred and one patients were enrolled in this study. Impaired fasting blood glucose was identified in 17 (8.5%), of whom 11 (5.5%) had DM (VFBG >7 mmol/L). Among patients with DM, seven (63.6%) had successful TB treatment outcome, versus 142 (74.7%) of those without DM (p = 0.64), and (OR: 1.69, 95%CI 0.47-6.02). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM among TB patients in Bamako exceeds that of the general population and screening at TB diagnosis suffices to identify those with DM. Systematic screening of both diseases will allow better treatment.

[Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in a black African carceral area: Experience of Mali]. / Tuberculose multi-résistante (TB-MR) en milieu carcéral noir africain : expérience du Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Prison constitutes a risk factor for the emergence of multi-drug resistance of tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The aim of this work was to study MDR-TB in a black African carceral center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study from January to December 2016 at the central house of arrest for men, Bamako. The study population was composed of tuberculous detainee. The suspicion of MDR-TB was done in any tuberculosis case remained positive in the second month of first-line treatment or in contact with an MDR-TB case. RESULT: Among 1622 detainee, 21 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were notified (1.29%), with an annual incidence of 13 cases/1000 detainee, they were 16 cases of SP-PTB (microscopy smear positive tuberculosis) and five cases of microscopy smear negative tuberculosis. The mean age was 28±7 years, extremes of 18 and 46 years. A negative association was found between the notion of smoking and occupation in the occurrence of tuberculosis (OR=0.036, [95% CI: 0.03-0.04], P=0.03. Among the 21 tuberculosis cases notified, one confirmed case of MDR-TB was detected (4.7%). In the first semester of 2016 cohort, we notified a cure rate of 87.5% (7/8 SP-PTB cases), and the confirmed MDR-TB case on treatment (21-month regimen), evolution enameled of pulmonary and hearing sequelae at seven months treatment. CONCLUSION: It was the first case of MDR-TB detected in a prison in Mali. Late diagnosis, evolution is enameled of sequelae and side effects.

[Respiratory diseases in black African carceral area]. / Pathologies respiratoires en milieu carcéral noir africain.

INTRODUCTION: The measures for people in specific situations such as prisoners are part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The objective of this study was to assess respiratory pathologies in a black African carceral center. METHODS: Retrospective study about the prevalence of respiratory pathologies in the arrest central house for men in Bamako (Mali), from May 2012 to April 2013. The admission records have served as data checking support on detainee's records. Statistical significance was investigated by the SAS 9.3 software with a threshold of 5%. RESULTS: Of 2740 admissions, 207 concerned respiratory pathologies (7.5%). All men, were of mean age 30±13 years (range 19-71). The respiratory diseases found were: pneumonia (33.8%), chronic bronchitis (26.6%), acute respiratory infection (14%), asthma (13.5%) and tuberculosis (5.3%). A definite diagnosis was made in 42% of cases. A tobacco intoxication was found in all age groups (CI 95%, R-square=0.01), without significant difference between the occurrence of cough in smoking and non-smoking men. CONCLUSION: According to their relative frequencies, the management of respiratory diseases requires collaboration between carceral health facilities and pneumological specialized services.

Establishing Reference Ranges of Hematological Parameters from Malian Healthy Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Measurement of immuno-hematological parameters has been historically helpful in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of many infectious diseases and cancers. However, these parameters have not yet been established in many developing countries where patient care strongly relies on such low-cost tests. This study describes the immuno-hematological parameter ranges for Malian healthy adults. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2004 to May 2013. We included 213 healthy volunteers (173 male and 40 female), aged between 18-59 years. Median, 2.5 and 97.5 percentile ranges for each immuno-hematological parameter are presented. RESULTS: In our study population, the hematological parameters' ranges were mostly different to the universal established ranges. We found in our population a Median white blood cell (WBC) count of 5200 cells/µL [3237.5-11900], Red Blood Cell (RBC) count of 4.94 10^6 [3.56-6.17], hemoglobin (Hb) of 14.2 g/dL [12.2-17.38], platelet count (Plt) of 275 10^3/µL [145.4-614.4], lymphocytes 2050/µL [1200-3800], neutrophils 2200/µL [1040-6220]; monocytes 200/µL [100-660]; eosinophils 131/µL [0-1026]; CD4 902 cells/µL [444-1669] and CD8 485 cells/µL [0-1272]. We found significant gender differences in RBC, Hb level and MPV. However, RBC and Hb were higher in males median values compared to females (median values) (p<0.001), whereas the Mean platelet volume lower values (MPV) in males than females (P<0.047). The hemoglobin level for some West African countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Nigeria) ranged from 13.5 to 15.1 g/dL for males and 12 to 13 g/dL for females. However in East and Southern Africa, the values were anywhere from 14.1 to 16.1 for males and 11.2 to 14.4 for females. CONCLUSION: Our data may help physicians to better define hematological abnormalities in patients. They may also be used to define new "normal hematological values" in Malian population or in the whole West African population.

Performance of microscopic observation drug susceptibility for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis and detection of drug resistance in Bamako, Mali.

OBJECTIVES: In Mali early detection and treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are still challenging due to the cost, time and/or complexity associated with regular tests. Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility (MODS) is a low-cost assay validated by WHO in 2010. It is a liquid-culture-based assay to detect the 'cording' characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and to assess susceptibility to both isoniazid and rifampicin defining multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). In this study we aimed to evaluate the performance of MODS as diagnostic tool compared with a validated method-Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube/Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing/Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Ethambutol (MGIT/AST/SIRE). METHODS AND RESULTS: Between January 2010 and October 2015 we included 98 patients with suspected TB in an observational cohort study. The sensitivity and specificity of MODS assay for detecting TB were respectively 94.12% and 85.71% compared with the reference MGIT/7H11 culture, with a Cohen κ coefficient of 0.78 (95% CI 0.517-1.043). The median time to culture positivity for MODS assay and MGIT (plus interquartile range, IQR) was respectively 8 days (IQR 5-11) and 6 days (IQR 5-6). In detecting patients with MDR-TB, the sensitivity and specificity of MODS assay were respectively 100% and 95.92%. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were, respectively, 66.7% and 100%. The median turnaround times for obtaining MDR-TB results using MODS assay and MGIT/AST/SIRE was respectively 9 days and 35 days. Hence, the MODS assay rapidly identifies MDR-TB in Mali compared with the MGIT/AST/SIRE. CONCLUSION: As an easy, simple, fast and affordable method, the MODS assay could significantly improve the management of TB.

Mental distress, economic hardship and expectations of life in Canada among Sudanese newcomers.

As part of a settlement needs assessment of 220 recently arrived Sudanese refugees and immigrants in seven cities, we examined overall health status, indicators of mental distress, economic hardship and expectations of life in Canada. Data were collected in a community-based study using qualitative and quantitative techniques. Results indicate that those Sudanese for whom life in Canada was not what they expected and those who experienced economic hardship as measured by worry over having enough money for food or medicine experienced poorer overall health and reported a greater number of symptoms of psychological distress. After controlling for demographic and related variables, we found that individuals who were experiencing economic hardship were between 2.6 and 3.9 times as likely to experience loss of sleep, constant strain, unhappiness and depression, and bad memories as individuals who do not experience hardship. Healthcare providers should be aware of how postmigration social disadvantages may increase the risk of mental distress particularly among refugees.

A pilot study to determine the normal haematological indices for young Malawian adults in Blantyre, Malawi.

BACKGROUND: Reference ranges for haematological and other laboratory tests in most African countries are based on populations in Europe and America and, because of environmental and genetic factors, these may not accurately reflect the normal reference ranges in African populations. AIM: To determine the distribution of haematological parameters in healthy individuals residing in Blantyre, Malawi. We also examined the effect of sociodemographic and nutritional factors on the haematological variables. METHODS: We conducted a proof-of-concept cross-sectional study, involving 105 healthy blood donors at Malawi Blood Transfusion Service in Blantyre. Eligible participants were HIV-negative males and females, aged 19 to 35 years, who did not have any evidence of acute or chronic illness, or blood-borne infection. We performed the haematological tests at the Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust laboratory in Blantyre, and the screening tests at Malawi Blood Transfusion Service laboratories. RESULTS: Out of 170 consenting healthy volunteers, haematological results were available for 105 participants. The proportions of results which were below the lower limit of the manufacturer's reference ranges were 35.2% (37/105) for haemoglobin, 15.2% (16/105) for neutrophils, 23.8% (25/105) for eosinophils, and 88.6 % (93/105) for basophils. The proportions of results that were above the upper limit of the manufacturer's reference ranges were 9.5% (10/105) for platelets and 12.4% (13/105) for monocytes. We also observed that the mean leucocyte and basophil counts were significantly higher in males than females (p = 0.042 and p = 0.015, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in haematological results observed among different ethnic, age, and body mass index groups. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of otherwise healthy study participants had at least one abnormal haematological result, using previously established foreign standards. More detailed studies are needed to establish locally relevant normal ranges for different age groups and other demographic characteristics of the Malawian population. This will lead to accurate interpretation of laboratory results.

Regulation of squalene synthetase and squalene epoxidase activities in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Squalene synthetase (EC 2.5.1.21) and squalene epoxidase (EC 1.14 99.7) activities have been measured in cell-free extracts of wild type yeast grown in aerobic and semi-anaerobic conditions as well as in sterol-auxotrophic mutant strains grown aerobically. The results show that both enzymes are induced resulting in an almost two- to five-fold increase in enzymatic activities in mutant strains containing limited sterol amounts and are repressed in the wild type strain cultured in anaerobiosis in excess of sterol. The results show also that squalene epoxidase is repressed by lanosterol, and that the mevalonic acid pool may regulate squalene synthetase levels. The large change in the activities of the two enzymes, depending on the sterol needs of the cells, as well as their low specific activities in comparison with those of the enzymes involved in the early stages of sterol synthesis strongly suggests that squalene synthetase and squalene epoxidase are of importance in regulating the amount of sterol synthesized by yeast.

Coverage and determinants of newborn feeding practices in rural Burkina Faso.

OBJECTIVE: Newborn feeding practices are important to neonatal health and survival, but understudied in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of newborn feeding practices in Burkina Faso. STUDY DESIGN: An 18 000 household survey was conducted in rural Burkina Faso in 2010 to 2011. Women of reproductive age were asked about antenatal, delivery and newborn care practices for their most recent live birth. Coverage of newborn feeding practices was estimated and multivariate regression was used to assess determinants of these practices. RESULT: Seventy-six percent of live births were breastfed within 24 h of birth, 84% were given colostrum and 21% received prelacteals. Facility delivery and antenatal care attendance were associated with positive feeding practices. CONCLUSION: Positive newborn feeding practices were common in rural Burkina Faso, relative to other low-income settings. Interventions are needed to improve feeding practices among home-born babies, and to encourage earlier initiation of breastfeeding among facility-born newborns.

Validation of the haemoglobin colour scale for screening blood donors in Malawi.

BACKGROUND: In 2009 Malawi introduced a new protocol to screen potential blood donors for anaemia, using the WHO Haemoglobin Colour Scale (HCS) for initial screening. Published studies of the accuracy of the HCS to screen potential blood donors show varying levels of accuracy and opinion varies whether this is an appropriate screening test. The aim of the study was to assess the validity of the HCS, as a screening test, by comparison to HemoCue in potential blood donors in Malawi. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a blinded prospective study in potential blood donors aged over 18 years, at Malawi Blood Transfusion Service in Blantyre, Malawi. Capillary blood samples were analysed using the HCS and HemoCue, independent of each other. The sensitivity and specificity of correctly identifying ineligible blood donors (Hb ≤ 12 g/dL) were calculated. RESULTS: From 242 participants 234 (96.7%) were correctly allocated and 8 (3.3%), were wrongly allocated on the basis of the Haemoglobin Colour Scale (HCS) compared to HemoCue, all were subjects that were wrongly accepted as donors when their haemoglobin results were ≤ 12.0 g/dL. This gave a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96.7% to detect donor eligibilty. The negative predictive value of the HCS was 100% but the positive predictive value to identify ineligible donors on the basis of anaemia was only 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Initial screening with the HCS correctly predicts eligibility for blood donation in the majority of potential blood donors at considerable cost saving compared with use of HemoCue as the first line anaemia screening test, however, by this method a small number of anaemic patients were allowed to donate blood.

[The socio-economic impact of asthmatic disease at Bamako about 131 cases]. / Impact socio-economique de la maladie asthmatique a Bamako a propos de 131 cas.

With an aim of evaluating the socio-economic impact of the asthmatic disease in Mali, a cross-sectional study was carried out of July 1st to September 30, 2006 in the district of Bamako. The study proceeded with the service of Pneumo-phthisiology of the CHU of the point G and in 4 of the 6 drawn health center of reference of the district to the fate. 131 asthmatic patients were indexed on 1595 consultations is a frequency of 8, 24%. The average age was 31 years, the sex-ratio was of 1,2 in favour of the men. August recorded the greatest number of consultation is 50.4%. The antecedent of family asthma was found in 46, 6% of the cases, the nicotinism in 13% of the cases. The average therapeutic cost per annum rose of 75.750 is 115, 47 EUROS without hospitalization with 222.750 FCFA (339, 57 EUROS) FCFA with hospitalization. The hospital expenses rose on average to. 147000 FCFA (224, 09 EUROS) that is to say 66, 21% of the costs of assumption of responsibility. The intermediate duration of hospitalization was 5,5 days 1 to 4 days without activity was noted at 50.4% of the cases, on average 312 days of absence. The professional damage was announced in 13, 7%. The economic burden was supported by the father in 29% of the cases. In 42% of the cases in charge one of expenditure was civil servant. Asthma is a social disease from its impact on the family economy.

[High infant mortality rates that can be substantially lowered]. / Un taux de mortalite infantile eleve qui pourrait substantiellement baisser.

PIP: Between 1981-84 a survey (EMIS) on infant mortality was completed in the 5 major urban centers in Burkina Faso (Banfora, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, and Ouahigouya) and in Ouagadougou, the capital. The survey was done in 2 stages: 1) collecting a cohort of newborns either at home or at the maternities between April 1, 1981 and March 31, 1982; and 2) following up on these cohorts during their first 2 years of life (until March 31, 1984). 2 questionnaires were used, the 1st one to collect basic data while the 2nd one was used during the follow-up home-visits. The methodology did not include all newborns as planned in all of the centers due to a number of problems including migration; however, for Bobo-Dioulasso the survey did cover 80% of all newborns. The estimated results of the survey should be considered a "real indication" of infant mortality rates (IMR) for ages 2 years for those centers covered in the survey. General estimates for IMR for all selected centers is around 100/1000. In 1976 IMR was estimated at 176/1000 while in 1985 it was 134/1000. The major causes of death are: 1) diarrhea--affecting 1 out of 4 infants under 2; and 2) measles. The tragedy is that deaths from both these illnesses are preventable--diarrhea with oral rehydration therapy and measles with vaccinations. There is a need to mount national health and vaccination campaigns to include the rural areas where the majority of the population live.^ieng