[Contribution of the 6-minutes walking test and the plasma NT-proBNP at admission and discharge to the prognostic evaluation of patients with NYHA class II-III Heart Failure.] / Contribution du test de marche de six minutes et des taux de NT-proBNP à l'admission et la sortie dans l'évaluation pronostique de l'insuffisance cardiaque classe II-III de la NYHA.

OBJECTIVE: To study the 6MWT and NT-proBNP contribution to the prognosis evaluation of patients with NYHA class II-III heart failure in the Yalgado Ouédraogo Teaching Hospital. METHODS: We carried out a nine months prospective observational cohort from the 1st February to the 31st October 2020. Patients with NYHA class II-III HF who consented to participate were included in the study. We identified two variables of interest: death and readmission. RESULTS: We included 50 patients with congestive heart failure representing 37.3% of heart failure. The average follow up time of patients was 154.58 ± 74.8 days. Twelve patients (24%) were readmited and 11 passed away with five during hospitalisation. On admission, The average distance on the 6MWT (194.6 ± 85.5 m) on admission and average NT-proBNP (5812.1±4729.4 ng/L) measured on admission and before discharge wasn't significantly correlated to the risk of death and re-hospitalisation. The average distance on the 6MWT before discharge (306.2±84.6) was significantly correlated to an increase risk of death and re-hospitalisation. Patients with an increase in NT-proBNP superior to 30% from measurement on admission to the one before discharge had a high risk of re-hospitalisation and death compare to those with a decrease of more than 30% with a moderate to good correlation coefficient of 0.6 between the two. CONCLUSION: 6MWT and NT-proBNP variations from admission to discharge have been necessary to evaluate the prognosis of patients with CHF.

Complications of sinusitis: An 80-case series from the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center of Dakar, Senegal.

INTRODUCTION: Locoregional complications of sinusitis are dominated by oculo-orbital and/or cranioencephalic manifestations that may be life-threatening or jeopardize functional prognosis. The aim of this study was to report epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included inpatients managed for sinusitis complications in the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center in Dakar, Senegal between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2016. RESULTS: In all, 80 files were collected. Mean age was 18.5 years, with male predominance. Mean time to treatment was 18.2 days. Cranio-encephalic complications were the most frequent (54 cases; 67.5%): mainly subdural empyema (30 cases) and brain abscess (10 cases). Seventeen patients (21.25%) had oculo-orbital complications: mainly orbital cellulitis (52.9%) and preseptal cellulitis (29.4%). Nine patients (11.25%) had both cranioencephalic and oculo-orbital complications. Acute sinusitis (82.5%) was the main cause of complications. 52.5% of patients showed pansinus involvement. Medical treatment consisted in broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy combining third-generation cephalosporins, metronidazole and gentamycin in cranio-encephalic complications and clavulanic acid and metronidazole in oculo-orbital complications. Thirty-four patients (42.5%) underwent surgical sinus drainage. Neurosurgical drainage was performed in 35 cases (43.75%). Post-treatment course was marked by 6.25% mortality (5 cases) and 16.25% sequelae. CONCLUSION: With 6.25% mortality and a high rate of functional sequelae, complications of sinusitis are a serious concern in our region. Improving prognosis requires earlier management and better coordination between health professionals.

[Cardio-Renal Syndrome In Patients Hospitalized In The Cardiology Department Of The University Hospital Center Yalgado OUEDRAOGO (CHUYO): Epidemiology, Clinic, Paraclinic And Course's Aspects]. / Le Syndrome Cardio-Renal Dans Le Service De Cardiologie Du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado OUEDRAOGO (CHU-YO) : Aspects Epidemiologiques, Cliniques, Para-Cliniques Et Evolutifs.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to study cardio-renal syndrome in patients hospitalized in the cardiology department of the University Hospital Center Yalgado OUEDRAOGO (CHUYO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, descriptive study for a period of three years, from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2012. The study incorporated patients with associated signs of Heart Failure (HF) and Renal Insufficiency (RI). Sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical parameters were considered in the study. We evaluated the value of creatinine clearance at admission and its progress during the hospitalization until patients were discharged. RESULTS: Sample group of 119 patients over the period; the prevalence of the syndrome cardio-renal (CRF) was 10.93%. The mean age of our patients was 52.6 ± 16.6 years. (extremes: 15-85 years). The sex ratio was 1.33. Our patients' medical histories were dominated by high blood pressure (58.8%) and hypertensive heart disease (33.6%). Dyspnea was the major functional sign in our study (84.9%). Left heart failure syndrome (LHFS) was the most frequently encountered clinical picture (91.3%). The mean value of the creatinine clearance at baseline was 41.5 ± 24.3 mL/min/1.73m2. The signs ECGs and Doppler echocardiograms were those of underlying heart disease: the hypertensive heart disease. An abdominal-pelvic ultrasound found a bilateral kidney failure in 65.7% cases. The average length of hospitalization was 17.7 ± 17.5 days. Death occurred in 19.5% cases. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CRS was high in the CHU-YO. The prognosis was largely influenced by whether it was an acute or chronic kidney failure. Emphasis should be placed on primary prevention of CRS, early diagnosis and etiology of renal failure.

OBJECTIF: L'objectif de ce travail était d'étudier du syndrome cardio-rénal chez des malades hospitalisés dans le service de cardiologie du CHUYO. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'est agi d'une étude rétrospective à visée descriptive sur une période de trois ans allant du 1er janvier 2010 au 31 décembre 2012. Ont été inclus les dossiers de malades ayant des signes d'Insuffisance Cardiaque (IC) associés une Insuffisance Rénale (IR). Les paramètres sociodémographiques, cliniques et para-cliniques ont été étudiés. Nous avons évalué la valeur de la clairance de la créatinine à l'entrée et son évolution au cours de l'hospitalisation jusqu'à la sortie des patients. RÉSULTATS: Ainsi, nous avons retenu 119 sur la période; la prévalence du syndrome cardio-rénal (SCR) était de 10,93%. L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 52,6 ± 16,6 ans (extrêmes : 15-85 ans). Le sex-ratio était de 1,33. Les antécédents de nos patients étaient dominés par l'hypertension artérielle (58,8%) et les cardiopathies hypertensives (33,6%). La dyspnée constituait le signe fonctionnel majeur dans notre étude (84,9%). Le syndrome d'insuffisance cardiaque gauche (ICG) constituait le tableau clinique le plus fréquemment rencontré (91,3%). La valeur moyenne de la clairance de la créatininémie à l'entrée était de 41,5 ± 24,3 ml/min/1,73m2. Les signes ECG et échocardiographies Doppler étaient ceux de la cardiopathie sous jacente : la cardiopathie hypertensive. Une échographie abdomino-pelvienne retrouvait une souffrance rénale bilatérale dans 65,7% des cas. La durée d'hospitalisation moyenne était de 17,7 ± 17,5 jours. Le décès est survenu dans 19,5% des cas. CONCLUSION: La prévalence du SCR était élevée dans le service de cardiologie du CHU-YO. Son pronostic était largement influencé par le caractère aigu ou chronique de l'insuffisance rénale. L'accent doit être mis sur la prévention primaire du SCR, le diagnostic précoce et étiologique de l'insuffisance rénale.

Hypertensive crises in sub-Saharan Africa: Clinical profile and short-term outcome in the medical emergencies department of a national referral hospital in Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Data on hypertensive crises (HC) are limited in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to characterize the pattern and short-term mortality of hypertensive emergencies (HE) and urgencies (HU). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. Consecutive patients with acute and severely elevated blood pressure (systolic>180mmHg and/or diastolic >120mmHg) with or without acute target-organs damage attending the emergency department (ED) of the Teaching Hospital of Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso were included with a one-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-six of 1254 patients presenting to the ED (January to march 2016) had HC (13.2%) and 113 of them (68.1%) had HE. The mean age was 50.9±15.9 years and males were 63.3% (n=105). Younger age (<45 years) accounted for 55% of the cases. History of known HTN was reported in 101 patients (60.8%). Among patients with HE, 62.8% had brain-related events, 30.1% had cardiac involvement and 31% had acute renal impairment. The overall survival rate was 89% within the first 72hours and 81% at fourteen days follow-up. At one-month follow-up, 36 patients died with a survival rate of 77.8%. Factors independently associated with death were history of known hypertension, acute brain-related damage and renal dysfunction and not being transferred to a specialized department. CONCLUSION: HC are not rare in SSA and are associated with higher morbidity and mortality in HE. Further studies are needed to determine factors that promote HC in African patients in order to better address the prevention and management strategies of such hypertensive entity.

Manejo quirúrgico de los carcinomas diferenciados de tiroides Experiencia en un país de bajos ingresos / SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CARCINOMAS. EXPERIENCE IN A LOW INCOME COUNTRY

ience in the management of differentiated thyroid carcinomas in a low- income country. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study in our department where 21 cases of differentiated thyroid carcinomas were recorded from February 2001 to December 2010. Results: We performed 334 thyroidectomies for 326 patients. Of this group, 21 differentiated thyroid carcinomas were diagnosed. Differentiated thyroid carcinomas represented 6.4% of all thyroid neoplasm managed during the same period (n=326). Median age was 44 years (range 13 - 75 years). Male to female ratio was 1:20. Six (6) patients underwent primary hemithyroidectomy in other institutions while the fifteen left were entirely managed in our clinic. Of them, one patient was referred with positive fine needle aspiration cytology for papillary thyroid carcinoma (incidental detection by fine needle aspiration biopsy) and another had history of sinus pyriform fistula. Pathology of surgical specimens showed 13 cases of papillary thyroid carcinomas and 8 cases of follicular thyroid carcinomas with association to Hashimoto thyroiditis and Grave's disease in respectively in 1 case. Twenty cases were incidentally discovered by thyroid surgery and undergone completion thyroidectomy with prophylactic central neck dissection, completion thyroidectomy alone, modified lateral neck dissection alone and surveillance respectively in 13, 1, 1 and 6 cases. Complications of thyroid surgery were bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and hematoma respectively in 1 case. Median hospital stay was 5 days ranged from 3 to 15 days. During the follow-up period, most of our patients were lost of follow-up. Conclusion: Management guidelines of differentiated thyroid carcinomas are well established but not applicable to low- income country for several reasons. National guidelines, based on further researches, must then be implemented to improve our practice

[Five years assessment of cardiac stimulation in two public hospitals in Burkina Faso: An experiment of collaboration with two hospitals in Auvergne]. / Bilan de cinq ans de stimulation cardiaque dans deux structures hospitalières publiques du Burkina Faso : expérience d'une collaboration avec deux centres hospitaliers d'Auvergne.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac stimulation becomes a reality in Burkina Faso. The aim of our study was to evaluate this activity over five years and to appreciate the impact of collaboration with French hospitals of Auvergne area in its development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study including consecutively patients who underwent pacemaker implantation since June 2011. Data collected included indications, time to care, type of stimulation, complications, cost of treatment, and education and quality of life of the patient. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients received definitive pacemaker from June 2011 to June 2016, of whom 45.5% were women. The mean age was 69 years (extremes 35 to 89s). Almost all patients (94%) were symptomatic (54% syncope and 30% dizziness and lipothymias). The main indication for definitive cardiac pacing was complete atrioventricular block of degenerative origin (83%). The mean time between indication and surgery was 8.2 days, and only 4% of patients received temporary stimulation. The lack of financial support was the main reason for the delay in taking charge. During the study period, the two health centers received support in the form of stimulation equipment, a technical platform, and regular training and practical training. This collaboration made it possible to overcome the lack of material, human and financial resources. We recorded as complications a case of case exteriorization, two cases of benign local hematoma and two cases of probe displacement. The quality of life of the patients improved markedly, none of patients undergoing surgery remained symptomatic. CONCLUSION: The organization of cardiac stimulation in Burkina Faso is a reality. Efforts must be made to sustain the activity and strengthen collaboration with hospitals in the north.

Evaluation of transfusion practices in sickle cell disease in Senegal: cohort study of 1078 patients with sickle cell disease.

Blood transfusion is an essential therapeutic tool in the treatment of sickle cell disease. Its indications and modalities vary from one country to another as a function of the clinical severity of the disease and the availability of blood products. This study seeks to evaluate the frequency and modalities of blood transfusions as well as their indications in patients with sickle cell syndrome at the Dakar hematology department from 1995 through 2015. This retrospective study reviewed the records of a cohort of 1078 patients with SS, SC, Sß0 and Sß + thalassemia sickle cell syndromes and collected data about the type of blood products, indications, modalities, and acute transfusion complications. The frequency of transfusion was adjusted for age, sex, and sickle cell profile. The patients' mean age was 23 years (2-44 years) and the sex ratio 0.9. SS disease was predominant (87.4 %); 28.5% had transfusions during the study period. Patients older than 20 years received more transfusions (P = 0.047). The frequency of transfusions did not differ significantly by gender (P = 0.12), but did by profile: a higher percentage of patients with SS disease required transfusion (P = 0.043). Acute anemia was the most common indication for transfusion (50.03 %). Acute transfusion complications were rare (5.8 %). This study shows that less than one third of sickle cell anemia patients in Senegal have transfusions, a finding that confirms that our patients have fewer transfusions than patients in other countries in Africa or in the West. This limited use of transfusion therapy may be related to a less severe level of disease among patients in Senegal, but also to the availability of blood products.

[The Study Of Biomedical Waste Management In Sanitary District Of Goudry In Senegal]. / Etude De La Gestion Des Dechets Biomedicaux Dans Le District Sanitaire De Goudiry Au Senegal.

AIM: Of this study was to explore, in the sanitary district of Goudiry, the practice of biomedical waste management and to analyze its impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of seven health posts, among a total of 11, drawn by simple random sampling and a health centre (district hospital). Data were collected through structured interviews with all staff, participant observation and from secondary data. RESULTS: The district facilities surveyed produced 111.9 kg (or 16.0 kg/d) over seven days. Waste management is inadequate at all levels. CONCLUSION: Actions needed to improve waste management are sensitization and training of actors, the involvement of all the stakeholders (local authorities, population, health workers), and advocacy with policy makers.

BUT: Il s'agissait d'explorer, au niveau du district sanitaire de Goudiry, la pratique de la gestion des déchets biomédicaux et d'en analyser les conséquences. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: L'échantillon était constitué de sept Postes de Santé tirés sur 11postes par un sondage aléatoire simple et d'un Centre de Santé dont toutes les unités fonctionnelles ont été incluses dans l'étude. Les données ont été recueillies au travers des entretiens structurés avec l'ensemble du personnel, des observations participantes et de la recherche documentaire. RÉSULTATS: Le District, en sept jours, avait produit 111,9 Kg (soit 16,0 kg/j). La gestion des déchets était inadéquate à tous les niveaux. CONCLUSION: A cet effet, pour améliorer la gestion des déchets, les actions à mener étaient la sensibilisation et la formation des acteurs, l'implication de toutes les parties prenantes (collectivités locales, population, personnel sanitaire), et le plaidoyer auprès des décideurs.

[Evaluation of the knowledge of patients about the management of treatment with anti-vitamin K drugs in the Service of Cardiology of Ouagadougou]. / Évaluation du niveau de connaissance des patients sur la gestion du traitement par les antivitamines K dans le service de cardiologie de Ouagadougou.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin K antagonists (VKA), the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant therapy, represent a major public health problem by the adverse events related to their use. The aim of this study was to clarify the level of knowledge that patients have about the management of their oral anticoagulant treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study performed at Yalgado Ouedraogo university Hospital, over a period of three months starting from March 1st to May 31st 2012. A questionnaire was given to patients receiving VKA treatment for at least a month. RESULTS: Seventy patients were enrolled in the study of which 30 men. The median age was 49±16 years. Heart disease and venous thromboembolic disease justifying the introduction of VKA treatment were found respectively in 58.6 and 41.4% of the cases. The name of the VKA and the exact reason for the treatment were known respectively in 91.4 and 61.7% of the case. More than half of patients (68.6%) knew that the VKA makes blood more fluid. Forty-six patients (65.7%) cited INR as biological monitoring of treatment but only 28 patients (40%) were aware of INR target values. The majority of patients did not know the risks in case of overdose (72.8%) and underdosing (71.4%). Self-medication by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was reported by 18 patients (25.7%). Cabbage (74.3%) and lettuce (62.9%) were the main foods reported to be consumed moderately. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of patients on the management of VKA is fragmentary and remains insufficient to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. The creation of a therapeutic education program is then necessary.

[IgG responses to candidate malaria vaccine antigens in the urban area of Dakar (Senegal): evolution according to age and parasitemia in patients with mild symptoms]. / Analyses des réponses IgG dirigées contre des antigènes candidats vaccins dans le paludisme urbain non aggravé à Dakar (Sénégal): variations suivant l'âge et les densités parasitaires.

Malaria remains a major problem in African countries despite substantial decreases in morbidity and mortality due to sustained control programs. Studies for the evaluation of qualitative or quantitative Ab responses to key targets of anti-plasmodium immunity were mostly done in rural endemic setting compared to urban area. In a cohort of 200 patients with mild malaria and living in Dakar, we analyze total and subclasses IgG responses to a panel of P. falciparum blood stage antigens: MSP1p19, MSP3, EB200, GST-5 and R23. A mean age of 15 yrs (4 to 56 yrs) and parasitemia between 0.1 to 17% were found. Levels of IgG anti-MSP3 were higher in patients with low parasitemia (≤1%) and appear negatively correlated to parasite densities (Rho =. 0.54; p= 0.021). This correlation is more significant in children (≤ 15 yrs). In addition, an increase of IgG responses against MSP1p19 is highly observed in adults having a parasitemia less than 1%. In those patients, we find that IgG1 subclasses were predominant (p <0.01). Our study shows an association between Ab responses and parasitemia. This association is dependant to IgG anti-MSP3 in children and IgG anti-MSP1p19 in adults living in urban area.

Solitary neurofibroma originating from the posterior nasal septum: Transnasal endoscopic resection.

INTRODUCTION: The head and neck region is one of the locations of neurogenic tumors such as neurofibroma. Although mostly associated with neurofibromatosis, it can be solitary. The present study reports a very rare case of solitary neurofibroma originating from the posterior nasal septum. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old female presented with tumor in the right nasal cavity. The tumor, originating in the posterior nasal septum, extended to the posterior sinuses and nasopharynx. Following endoscopic and radiological assessment, the tumor was resected by transnasal endoscopic surgery. Histological examination showed the tumor to be a neurofibroma. At 14months' follow-up, there was no recurrence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: However rare, solitary neurofibroma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of unilateral benign tumor involving nasal and paranasal sinuses. A transnasal endoscopic approach should be considered for treatment.

Profile of parotid gland tumours: experience of 93 cases over a period of 16 years.

OBJECTIVE: The pathology of the salivary glands focuses on that of the parotid gland. The purpose of this study is to clarify and explain the epidemiological features of parotid tumors in a Senegalese context, to highlight the importance of clinical examination when access to complementary investigations is limited, to discuss respective indications and finally to describe certain aspects of treatment in our context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study of 114 cases of parotidectomy spans 16 years, from 1992 to 2007. It was performed in the ENT department of University Hospital of Fann, Senegal. All patients operated on for chronic mass of the parotid region for whom histological results were available when initially included. Benign swellings were subsequently excluded. The study parameters were epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and surgical. RESULTS: The 114 parotidectomies showed a predominance of benign tumours: 63 procedures (55.26%) essentially concerned pleomorphic adenoma; 30 cases (26.31%) concerned malignant tumours, mainly parotid adenocarcinoma. There were 21 cases of benign swelling (18.4%). The study focused on the series of 93 cases of benign and malignant tumours of the parotid gland. Both sexes were affected similarly. All age groups were concerned, from 5 to 89 years. A total of 97% of patients underwent surgery: conservative total parotidectomy in 75.51% of cases. CONCLUSION: Although there are features specific to the local context, the epidemiological profile of parotid tumours is well-known. Indications for complementary investigations are discussed, as availability in Senegal is restricted, highlighting the important role of clinical examination in the management of parotid tumours.

[Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the vagus nerve]. / Tumeur neuroectodermique primitive du nerf vague.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors are a rare type of malignant neuroectodermal tumor that is very aggressive. Cervicofacial location is rare, even exceptional. We report a case of a 4-month-old male infant, referred from the pediatric clinic for severe supralaryngeal dyspnea, a firm mass under the left mandibular angle, mobile and extended to the parotid area, painful, with a curve of the left side wall of the oropharynx. Cervical computed tomodensitometry showed a well-limited mass in the carotid area, enhanced by the contrast product. A vascularized mass, which had developed at the expense of the vagus nerve, was removed surgically. Histology found a primitive neuroectodermal tumor.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritoneal tuberculosis is considered an etiologic factor. We report a case of EPS in a 40-year-old man who was switched to hemodialysis because of peritoneal tuberculosis after 2 years of PD. Because of the persistence of gastrointestinal symptoms and cachexia, laparoscopic exploration was performed, which revealed an important thickening of the peritoneal membrane sheathing the intestinal loops. Accordingly, a diagnosis of EPS was made. Anti-tuberculosis treatment associated with a low dose of corticosteroids stabilized the disease.

Management of acquired cholesteatoma in children: a 15 year review in ENT service of CHNU de FANN Dakar.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the epidemiology, diagnosis, management and the prognosis of cholesteatoma of the middle ear in children. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 15 years (from 01 January 1995 to 31 December 2009) for patients aged 0-15 years admitted in ENT ward of FANN hospital for chronic otitis media complicated with cholesteatoma The parameters studied were epidemiology, clinical presentation, disease progression and management. RESULTS: Sixty-six participants were included. We noted a slight male predominance with a sex ratio of 1.44. The average mean age was 10 years. Most patients presented with signs of complications (69.7%) and mastoiditis was the most common complication (63.6%). The otorrhea was noted in almost all patients: n = 64 (97%) and deafness in 49 patients (74, 2%). There was a slight predominance of cholesteatoma on the right side (51.5%). Schuller's view of the mastoid cells was done in 21.2% of patients (n = 14) and showed sclerotic mastoid air cells for all them. Eighty-two percent (82%) of patients presented with conductive hearing loss. A radical mastoidectomy was performed in 66.7% and modified radical mastoidectomy in 33.3% of cases. Mean follow-up was 6 months. Recurrence of cholesteatoma was noted in 13% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: ENT ward of Hospital Fann is one of the two centers in Senegal where cholesteatoma of the middle ear are treated. This low number of cholesteatoma in children in a developing country is in relation to the fact that patients only present when complications develop: 70% of cases. The reason for this in our setting include insufficient human and manpower resources necessary for prompt management of the disease and also lack of awareness among the populace. In these settings we advocate canal wall down mastoidectomy (radical or modified radical) as the treatment of choice.

[Assessment of vaccination coverage among travelers to areas where yellow fever is endemic (Senegal)]. / Évaluation de la couverture vaccinale des voyageurs se rendant en zone d'endémicité amarile (Sénégal).

This prospective survey, conducted at the Dakar airport from August 18, 2011, to May 8, 2012, asked a sample of travelers living in France and returning there after a stay in Senegal to complete a questionnaire. The aim of the study was to assess the determinants of vaccination coverage against yellow fever. The study included 10 298 travelers, with a median age of 48 years (interquartile range: 27-58); 52% were tourists, and 22% were traveling for business purposes. The measured level of anti-yellow fever vaccination coverage was 39.3%. Vaccination coverage was influenced by the travelers' level of knowledge and their perception of the risk.

Diversity of Vibrio spp. isolated at ambient environmental temperature in the Eastern English Channel as determined by pyrH sequencing.

AIMS: To describe the diversity of the culturable mesophilic and potentially pathogenic vibrios isolated at 22 and 37°C on TCBS medium, in September 2009 from seawater and surface sediments. METHODS AND RESULTS: q-PCR assays previously selected for the identification of bacterial strains isolated at 37°C were used in combination with the partial sequencing of two housekeeping genes, pyrH and toxR, to identify 315 strains isolated at 22°C. The great majority of the 37°C strains was identified by q-PCR assays, (five of the six species) with the predominance of Vibrio alginolyticus (85·9%) and V. harveyi (10·7%). The human pathogens V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae were rarely detected (two strains each). The 22°C strains were successfully identified by the phylogeny analysis of pyrH and toxR genes, revealing 20 Vibrio species, with the predominance of the clam pathogen V. celticus (36·8%). The Splendidus and the Harveyi groups represented the main Vibrio group at 22°C (80%) and 37°C (99·5%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of q-PCR assays and the sequencing of pyrH and toxR genes highlighted two different Vibrio communities at 22 and 37°C both dominated by pathogenic species for marine organisms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The sequencing of the pyrH gene revealed to be a valuable tool to identify environmental Vibrio spp. strains isolated at 22°C, as 92·3% of them were identified in this study.

[Quality of life in hemodialysis patients in Dakar: differences for the tropics?]. / Qualité de vie des patients en hémodialyse à Dakar (Sénégal): quelles particularités pour les personnes vivant en milieu tropical ?

UNLABELLED: In recent years, measuring quality of life (QoL) to quantify the impact of disease on patients' lives has become widespread. We conducted a study to evaluate the QoL of hemodialysis patients in Dakar and to identify factors that influence it. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study took place from May through July 2008 in two hemodialysis centers in the city of Dakar. It included all patients who had been undergoing dialysis for more than 3 months, were in stable clinical condition with no hospitalization in the previous month and consented to participate. QoL was assessed with the Kidney Disease Quality Of Life Short-Form version 1.2 (KDQoL-SF), which comprises 43 items specific to kidney disease as well as the 36 items of the SF-36. RESULTS: Our study included 60 patients. Their mean age was 50.5 years, and the male/female sex ratio was 0.9. The global mean score (for the SF-36 was 45.7 ± 25.5, 41 ± 24.4 for the physical dimension and 53.6 ± 27.3 for the mental health dimension. The mean global KDQoL score was 55.2 ± 24.0, 44.8 ± 26.1 for the physical dimension, and 54.8 ± 24.4 for the mental health dimension, 60.8 ± 21.3 for the specific dimension of dialysis and 78.4 ± 22.3 for patient satisfaction. The study shows that the QoL of 90% of our patients was impaired by their kidney disease. CONCLUSION: Studies that focus on QoL of dialysis patients are rare in Africa. This one showed an impaired QoL, especially for physical health, among our hemodialysis patients.

Real-time PCR optimization to identify environmental Vibrio spp. strains.

AIMS: To identify Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio alginolyticus using standardized DNA extraction method and real-time PCR assays, among a large number of bacterial strains isolated from marine environment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Methods for DNA extraction and real-time PCR were standardized to identify a large number of Vibrio spp. strains isolated through regular collection campaigns of environmental samples. Three real-time PCR assays were developed from a multiplex PCR, targeting V. vulnificus, V. cholerae and V. alginolyticus on the dnaJ gene. After testing their specificity, these systems were applied for the identification of 961 strains isolated at 22°C (446 strains) and 37°C (515 strains) in September 2009. The predominance of V. alginolyticus (82·6%) among the Vibrio spp. strains isolated at 37°C was shown. At 22°C, only 1·6% of the strains were identified by PCR and they were V. alginolyticus. CONCLUSIONS: Reproducible and specific real-time PCR assays combined to a DNA extraction method on microplates were used to constitute a large environmental Vibrio strains collection and to identify and detect potential human pathogenic Vibrio isolated at 37°C. For environmental strains isolated at 22°C, because of the higher species diversity, other approaches, like sequencing, should be chosen for identification. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The protocol developed in this study provides an appropriate and rapid screening tool to identify a large number of bacterial strains routinely isolated from the environment in long-term studies.