Lassa and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses, Mali.

We report detection of Lassa virus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infections in the area of Bamako, the capital of Mali. Our investigation found 2 cases of infection with each of these viruses. These results show the potential for both of these viruses to be endemic to Mali.

The contribution of livestock to urban resilience: the case of Bamako, Mali.

Urban livestock keeping is increasing in many sub-Saharan African cities, but detailed contextual information on its extent, challenges, and potential is limited. A cross-sectional household study was done in 2010 in Bamako, Mali. Thirty-two of 67 quarters were randomly selected with selection probability proportional to the size of the human population of the communes. Questionnaire interviews were done with a head of household in 1141 households, comprising 19,816 people in total. Sheep were kept by 16% (95% CI 14-18), while 21% (95% CI 17-24) kept poultry. The sheep to human ratio was 4:100, with an extrapolated city-wide population of 67,636 sheep (95% CI 61,018-75,595). The poultry to human ratio was 11:100, with an extrapolated city-wide population of 191,802 chickens (95% CI 176,212-208,772). For urban livestock holders, household-level enterprise gross margins were calculated for sheep production at USD 103 and poultry production at USD 50 annually. The annual gross margin was estimated at USD 35 per sheep and USD 17 per chicken. Based on these figures, the city-wide urban livestock total gross margin for Bamako in 2010 was estimated at USD 5.6 million. Detailed population data help clarify the urban livestock animal human interface in diverse contexts and highlight the important contributions that urban small-holder production adds to food security and resilience. The potential for urban livestock production informs decision-makers in developing adapted, sustainable policies in resource-constrained environments.

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.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Associated Factors in Bamako, Mali: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in September 2022.

BACKGROUND: The sero-epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Mali are not yet well understood. This study assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and factors associated with antibody responses in the general population of Bamako, the capital city and epicenter of COVID-19, to assess the magnitude of the pandemic and contribute to control strategy improvements in Mali. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in September 2022 to collect sociodemographic information, clinical characteristics, comorbid factors, and blood samples. ELISA was performed to determine anti-Spike (anti-S) and anti-RBD antibody levels. A total of 3601 participants were enrolled in REDCap. R-Studio was used for the statistical analysis. The chi-squared (χ2) test was used to compare the proportions across different groups. Logistic regression models were used to elucidate factors associated with antibody responses. RESULT: The sex ratio for female-to-male was 3.6:1. The most representative groups were the 20-29-year-olds (28.9%, n = 1043) and the 30-39-year-olds (26.9%, n = 967). The COVID-19 vaccine coverage among the participants was 35.8%, with vaccines from Covishield AstraZeneca (13.4%), Johnson & Johnson (16.7%), Sinovac (3.9%), and BioNTech Pfizer (1.8%). Overall, S protein and RBD antibody seroprevalences were remarkably high in the study population (98% and 97%, respectively). Factors such as youth (1-9 years old) and male sex were associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses, whereas COVID-19 vaccinations were associated with increased antibody responses. CONCLUSION: This serosurvey demonstrated the high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and highlighted the factors influencing antibody responses, while clearly underlining an underestimation of the pandemic in Mali.

[Hospital frequency of non-epileptic psychogenic seizures in Bamako]. / Fréquence hospitalière des crises non épileptiques psychogènes à Bamako.

Diagnosing a non-epileptic seizure is difficult in the absence of a video electroencephalogram. The expert commission of the international league against epilepsy proposes a diagnostic approach allowing the diagnosis to be made according to a degree of certainty with or in the absence of a video electroencephalogram. Our objective was to determine the hospital frequency of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the absence of video-electroencephalogram. Using the outpatient registry, we identified patients followed for epilepsy with two normal interictal electroencephalographies, between January 2020 and October 2021. A review of the patients' medical records and an assessment of the validity of the diagnosis were carried out. Out of 64 patients evaluated with normal interictal electroencephalogram, 19 were included as suffering from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, i.e. 26.68%. The average age was 23.94 +/- 9.4 years. Women represented 68.4%. Patients followed in neurology represented 84%. A history of childhood trauma was found in (47.4%). The first crisis was preceded by stressful events in 47.36%. Post-traumatic stress disorder was the most represented with 73.7% of cases. The average age was 20.95 +/- 9.8 years for the first crisis and the average duration of evolution of the crises was 3 years +/- 2 years. This study illustrates the possibility of making a presumptive diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizure in the absence of video-electroencephalogram.

Metabolic and Immune Consequences of Antibiotic Related Microbiome Alterations during first-line Tuberculosis Treatment in Bamako, Mali.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) infection is known to lead to the unbalance of the gut microbiota and act synergistically on the decline of the host immune response, when untreated. Moreover, previous work has found a correlation between dysbiosis in the gut microbiota composition and the use of antibiotics. However, there is a need for an in-depth understanding of the metabolic and immune consequences of antibiotic-related microbiome alterations during first-line TB treatment. Methods: In a longitudinal cohort study, which included TB-infected cohorts and healthy individuals (control group), we studied the anti-TB-related changes in the gut microbiota composition and related functional consequences. Sputum, whole blood and stool samples were collected from participants at four time-points including before (Month-0), during (Month-2), at the end of drug treatment (Month-6) and 9 months after treatment (Month-15). Controls were sampled at inclusion and Month-6. We analyzed the microbiota composition and microbial functional pathways with shotgun metagenomics, analyzed the blood metabolomics using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and measured the levels of metabolites and cytokines with cytometric bead array. Results: We found that the gut microbiota of patients infected with TB was different from that of the healthy controls. The gut microbiota became similar to healthy controls after treatment but was still significantly different after 6 months treatment and at the follow up 9 months after treatment. Our data also showed disturbance in the plasma metabolites such as tryptophan and tricarboxylic acids components of patients during TB treatment. Levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ decreased during treatment and levels were maintained after treatment completion, while IL-17A known to have a strong link with the gut microbiota was highly expressed during treatment period and longer than the 9-month post treatment completion. We found that some fatty acids were negatively correlated with the abundance of taxa. For example, Roseburia, Megasphaera, and alpha proteobacterium HIMB5 species were negatively correlated (rho = -0.6) with the quinolinate production. Conclusion: Changes in the composition and function of gut microbiota was observed in TB patients before and after treatment compared to healthy controls. The differences persisted at nine months after treatment completion. Alterations in some bacterial taxa were correlated to the changes in metabolite levels in peripheral blood, thus the altered microbial community might lead to changes in immune status that influence the disease outcome and future resistance to infections.

[Intravitreal injection at IOTA-teaching hospital about 201 patients]. / L'injection intravitreenne au CHU-IOTA a propos de 201 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Intravitreal injections (IVT) of a drug aim to rapidly obtain effective concentrations greater than those that would be obtained by a periocular or intravenous injection. The objective of the present study is to demonstrate the contribution of IVT in the treatment of pathologies of the posterior segment of the eye. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a 21-month ambidirectional observational study from January 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021. We included by nonprobability sampling all consenting patients admitted for IVT at IOTA Teaching Hospital. RESULTS: During our study, 201 patients were collected out of 30 739 patients seen in consultation. The hospital frequency of IVT was 0.65%. There were 111 women and 90 men. The M/F ratio was 0.82. The number of patients who received IVT antibiotics was 135. Anti-VEGF was injected in 64 patients. Two patients received IVT corticosteroids. Complications frequently encountered were pain at upon injection (94.03%), IOP spike (11.94%) and cataract (7.46%). In our sample, we observed an improvement in visual acuity in 56.21% of cases and a reduction in macular edema in 45.16% of cases. DISCUSSION: The contribution of IVT in the treatment of vitreoretinal diseases is extraordinary. Rigorous observation of aseptic technique and good practices protects against infectious complications. CONCLUSION: IVT has allowed us to effectively treat various diseases of the vitreous and retina. IVT is a simple procedure, but it must be performed with the same aseptic technique as surgical procedures.

Adverse Drug Reactions to Antiretroviral Therapy: Frequency, Type, and Risk Factors in Children in Mali.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency, type, and risk factors associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in HIV-positive children with adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Unit of Care and Accompaniment for People Living With HIV (USAC) of Bamako. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at USAC of Bamako from May 1, 2014, to July 31, 2015. We included children aged 1 to 14 years with at least 6 months of ARV treatment initiated at USAC, with or without ADRs. Data collection was based on information collected from parents and clinical/biological assessments. RESULTS: Median age of participants was 36 months and female sex was predominant (54.8%). Poor adherence during the study was observed in 15% of cases. Of patients in the study, 52% had a CD4 count less than 350 cells/mm3 at the time of adverse events. In bivariate analysis, we found that participants with adherence to ART tended to be younger than those with non-adherence to ART (36 vs 72 months, p = 0.093). In multivariable analysis, prophylactic treatment was the only factor marginally associated with ART adherence in HIV patients (p = 0.09). No other adverse biological effects or clinical conditions were associated with ART adherence in this study. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we found that ADRs were frequent in HIV-positive patients but less frequent in ART-adherent HIV-positive children. Therefore, it is essential to regularly monitor children receiving ARVs to detect and treat the complications associated with these therapies according to ART adherence.

[Ear tuberculosis concomitant with pulmonary localization in an HIV-immunosuppressed patient, in Bamako, Mali]. / Tuberculose auriculaire concomitante à une localisation pulmonaire chez un patient immunodéprimé par le VIH, à Bamako, Mali.

Introduction/Rationale: Tuberculosis remains a major public health issue. It is an opportunistic pathology, very common in HIV-immunocompromised persons, classifying it at the WHO stage 4. Ear tuberculosis remains a rare and under-diagnosed clinical form. We report here a case of ear tuberculosis concomitant with pulmonary localization in an HIV-immunosuppressed person on triple antiretroviral therapy aged 32 years hospitalized in Bamako (Mali) to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties posed by this rare localization. Description of the case: The patient had a chronic productive cough, otalgia and right chronic purulent otorrhea. The search for acid-resistant bacilli was positive for direct examination in gastric casing fluid and swabbing of the ear pus, confirming the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Anti-tuberculosis treatment instituted for 6 months associated with adjuvants resulted in complete healing of the patient. Discussion/conclusion: Although rare, ear localization must be actively sought. Etiological treatment must be instituted upon confirmation of the diagnosis to avoid complications and sequelae.

[Perception of the population in the fourth municipality of Bamako-Mali, on the COVID-19 vaccine]. / Perception de la population de la commune iv de Bamako-Mali, sur le vaccin contre la COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, various candidate vaccines has been approved to be used by WHO. However, there is low adherence to the vaccination campaign, especially in Mali. The goal was to study the perception of fourth municipality's population of the district of Bamako, about the COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study conducted from May to August 2021. A rational selection of two wards of the fourth municipality of Bamako was carried out. The Chi-square test of Pearson was used to test association between variables. RESULTS: In total 179 people from two wards were surveyed. The average age was 37.73 years (SD=13.67), 34.6% (n=62) we'renot in school, and 7.8% (n=62) had received at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. 37.4% (n=67) did not believe in the existence of COVID-19; while 84.9% (n=152) didn't know at least the name of the vaccine in use in Mali. 65.4% (n=117) didn't trust the vaccine, while 78.1% (n=25) would have preferred other vaccines from AstraZeneca. Knowledge of the vaccine was associated with education level (OR=18.86; 95% CI [7.16-49.64]; p=0.00). CONCLUSION: The population of the fourth municipality of Bamako have a few knowledge about the vaccine in use in Mali. So it's necessary to strengthen awareness campaigns.

INTRODUCTION: Face à la pandémie de la COVID-19, plusieurs vaccins candidats ont reçu l'accord de l'OMS d'être utilisés. Cependant on assiste à une faible adhésion à la campagne de vaccination, surtout au Mali. L'objectif était d'étudier la perception de la population de la commune IV du district de Bamako sur le vaccin contre la COVID-19. MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive et analytique, réalisée du mois de Mai au mois d'Août 2021. Un choix raisonné de deux quartiersde la commune IVa été réalisé. Le test de Khi-deux de Pearson a été utilisé pour vérifier l'association entre les variables. RÉSULTATS: Au total179 personnes de deux quartiers de la commune IV ont été enquêtées. L'âge moyen était 37,73 ans (SD=13,67), 34,6% (n=62) n'étaient pas scolarisées, et 7,8% (n=62) avaient reçu au moins la première dose d'un vaccin contre la COVID-19.37,4% (n=67) ne croyaient pas à l'existence de la COVID-19 ; pendant que 84,9% (n=152)ne connaissaient,ne seraitce que le nom du vaccin en usage au Mali. 65,4% (n=117) ne faisaient pas confiance au vaccin, pendant que 78,1% des enquêtés (n=25) auraient préféré autres vaccins différents d'AstraZeneca. On pouvait voir que La connaissance du vaccin étaitassociée au niveau d'étude (OR=18,86 ; 95% IC [7,16-49,64] ; p=0,00). CONCLUSION: La population de la commune IV du district de Bamako a très peu de connaissance sur le vaccin utilisé au Mali, d'où la nécessité de renforcer les campagnes de sensibilisation.

E-waste it wisely: lessons from Africa.

E-waste is the world's fastest growing and most valuable domestic waste stream. The increasing production of e-waste is driving elevated levels of export from developed to developing countries. Although countries worldwide are actively recognising the issues around e-waste and introducing policies, legislation or regulations governing e-waste, a large fraction of e-waste, goes undocumented at its end-of-life. Much of the global e-waste is accumulating in open dumpsites in several African countries. Using available data, we calculate the total e-waste in Africa (locally produced plus imported e-waste) for 2019 to be between 5.8 and 3.4 metric tonnes (Mt). This is believed to be an underestimate, large data gaps exist, hindering more precise estimates. The data is further complicated by, sometimes intentional, differences in labelling and reporting between formal and intermittent informal importers. Based on the available data, the main African recipients of e-waste are Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania, with Kenya, Senegal and Egypt featuring as countries of concern. The lack of proper waste management in the recipient developing countries, leads to environmental contamination and human exposure. A coordinated, regional and global, approach is needed in tackling e-waste. Regulatory frameworks, together with monitoring and compliance mechanisms need to be developed, financed, and enforced.

Excision in girls: Life-threatening acute complications in girls within 7 days of excision: Experience of the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Toure in Bamako, Mali.

The practice of excision in girls poses a significant risk to their health. The objective of this study was to determine the immediate acute complications associated with this practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study over a period of 15 months including all girls aged 0-15 years hospitalized for acute complications related to excision within 7 days of the practice in the pediatric department of the University Hospital Gabriel Toure. RESULTS: We collected 17 patient files. The median consultation time was 43 h. The main reason for consultation was post-excision bleeding in 76.4% of the cases. Pallor associated with respiratory distress was found in almost all cases. On admission, four girls (23.5%) were comatose and five girls (29.4%) showed signs of shock. The reasons for hospitalization were hemorrhage associated with post-excisional sepsis (52.9%), complicated shock anemia (23.5%), and severe post-excision anemia (23.5%). The average hemoglobin level was 5.5 g/dL; there was severe anemia in 94.1% of the girls (Hb <7g/dl). All the girls received blood transfusions with red blood cell concentrate. The other treatments received were local care (100%), administration of analgesics (100%), antibiotic therapy (82.4%), and oxygen therapy (41.2%). The outcome was unfavorable in two patients (11.8% deaths). CONCLUSION: This study shows the seriousness of the immediate complications associated with the practice of excision.

[Covid-19 And Surgical Pathologies In General Surgery Of CHU Gabriel Toure Of Bamako]. / Covid-19 Et Pathologies Chirurgicales En Chirurgie Generale Du CHU-Gabriel Toure De Bamako.

INTRODUCTION: The pure digestive form of COVID-19 is possible and initially considered rare. Our objectives were to determine the frequency of COVID-19 in patients treated in general surgery, identify the circumstances of COVID-19 discoveries in surgery, describe the post-operative complications in patients operated on COVID-1919 and describe the reorganization of post-operative COVID-19 diagnosis management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective descriptive study from March 2020 to August 2021 (18 months). All patients who have been operated on, hospitalized or consulted in the department, the Emergency Department (ERS) or other CHU-GT departments for surgical pathology with COVID-19 or infected with COVID-19 while hospitalized were included in the study. RESULTS: 23 cases collected, representing 8.91% (23/258) of COVID-19 cases identified, a frequency of 1.27/month. The age group 66-75 was the most affected, the average age was 49.13 18.75 years, the predominance was male (sex ratio of 1.3). More than 34.78% were recruited at the SAU, 16 patients (69.56%) consulted in emergency, and digestive signs of COVID-19 were: Abdominal pain 20 cases (89.96%), anorexia 19 cases (82.61%), vomiting 8 cases (34.78%) and diarrhea 3 cases (13.04%). The pulmonary signs of COVID-19 were: Cough 18 cases (78.26%), chest pain 15 cases (65.22%), and dyspnea 9 cases (39.13%). Manifestations of COVID-19 were: pulmonary 9 cases, digestive 9 cases, associated 3 cases, incidental discovery 2 cases. The diagnostic mean was Thoracic CT (100%), Test-PCR 14 cases (60.86%) with a positive PCR test in 50% of cases. Surgical pathologies were surgical emergencies in 7 cases (30.43%), cancers in 6 cases (26.09%), COVID-19 digestive event (30.43%) and other 3 cases (13.04%). More than half of patients were operated on 12 cases (52.17%). The overall mortality was 60.87% and the mortality of surgical patients was 41.67%. CONCLUSION: The infectious risk of COVID-19 during hospitalization, during or after digestive surgery is a real and potentially serious risk for the patient and caregivers.

INTRODUCTION: La forme digestive pure de la COVID-19 est possible et initialement considérée comme rare. L'objectif était d'étudier la COVID-19 en milieu chirurgical. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: L'étude était descriptive prospective de Mars 2020 à Aout 2021 (18 mois). Tous les patients qui ont été opérés, hospitalisés ou consultés dans le service, au service d'accueil des urgences (SAU) ou dans d'autres services du CHU. GT pour pathologie chirurgicale avec COVID-19 ou infecté au COVID-19 en cours d'hospitalisation étaient inclus dans l'étude. RÉSULTATS: 23 cas colligés ; représentant 8,91 % (23/258) des cas de COVID-19 recensés, une fréquence de 1,27/mois. La tranche d'âge 66-75 ans était la plus atteinte, la moyenne d'âge était de 49,13 ± 18,75ans, la prédominance était masculine (sex-ratio de 1,3). Plus de 34,78% ont été recrutés au SAU, 16 malades (69,56%) ont consultés en urgence, les signes digestifs du COVID-19étaient : Douleur abdominale 20 cas (89,96%), anorexie 19 cas (82,61%), Vomissements 8 cas (34,78%), diarrhée 3 cas (13,04%). Les signes pulmonaires du COVID-19 étaient : Toux 18 cas (78,26%), douleur thoracique 15 cas (65,22%), dyspnée 9 cas (39,13%). Les manifestations du COVID-19 étaient : pulmonaire 9 cas, digestives 9 cas, associées 3 cas, découverte fortuite 2 cas. Le moyen diagnostic a été la TDM Thoracique (100%), le Test-PCR 14 cas (60,86%) avec un test-PCR positif dans 50% des cas. Les pathologies chirurgicales étaient des urgences chirurgicales dans 7 cas (30,43%), des cancers dans 6 cas (26,09%), manifestation digestive COVID-19(30,43%), autres 3 cas (13,04%).Plus de la moitié des malades étaient opérés 12 cas (52,17%). La mortalité globale était de 60,87% et la mortalité des malades opérés était de 41,67%. CONCLUSION: Les pathologies chirurgicales et COVID-19 n'étaient pas fréquentes. La plupart des malades avaient plus de 50 ans avec une présence moyenne de comorbidité. Les signes pulmonaires étaient les plus marquants, cependant les signes digestifs étaient inaugurales dans la moitié des cas de notre étude. La TDM Thoracique associée ou non au Test-PCR oro-pharyngé permet de faire le diagnostic. Le traitement peut-être médico-chirurgical ou médical. Le risque infectieux de la COVID-19 au cours de l'hospitalisation, pendant ou après la chirurgie est réel et potentiellement grave pour le malade ainsi que les soignants.

[Care of covid-19 patients at the dermatology hospital of Bamako]. / Prise en charge des patients covid-19 a l'hopital de dermatologie de Bamako.

AIM: To assess the COVID-19 patients' treatment duration according to the place of treatment at the Dermatology Hospital of Bamako (DHB). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study comparing the management of COVID-19 PCR-positive patients in the hospital to that of those managed at home from March 2020 to April 2021 until two consecutive negative PCR 48 hours apart. RESULTS: Among the 1109 patients, 369 were hospitalized, 497 followed at home. As of April 31, 2021, 81.2% (900/1109) of the patients recovered, 1.3% (14/1109) were transferred to another health structure, and 2.5% (28/1109) died. No statistically significant difference was observed between the mean duration of the treatment for patients treated at home (10 days) in (95% CI, 9.69-10.3) and those managed at hospital (10 days95% CI, 9.76-10.23) (Mantel-Cox test, p= 0.060). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the place of treatment do not influence the time to recovery. This is particularly important given the current burden of COVID-19 management on the health workforce.

OBJECTIF: Evaluer la durée du traitement des patients COVID-19 selon le lieu de pris en charge à l'Hôpital de Dermatologie de Bamako (HDB). MÉTHODOLOGIE: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale comparant la prise en charge des patients COVID-19 PCR-positifs à l'hôpital à celle à domicile de mars 2020 à avril 2021 jusqu'à l'obtention de deux tests PCR négatifs consécutifs à 48 heures d'intervalle. RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 1109 patients, 369 ont été hospitalisés, 497 suivis à domicile. Au 31 avril 2021, 81,2% (900/1109) des patients se sont rétablis, 1,3% (14/1109) ont été transférés dans une autre structure de santé et 2,5% (28/1109) sont décédés. Aucune différence statistiquement significative n'a été observée entre la durée moyenne du traitement pour les patients traités à domicile (10 jours) en (IC 95 %, 9,69-10,3) et ceux pris en charge à l'hôpital (10 jours IC 95 %, 9,76-10,23) (test de Mantel-Cox, p= 0,060). CONCLUSION: Ces résultats suggèrent que le lieu de traitement n'influence pas le temps de récupération. Ceci est particulièrement important étant donné la charge actuelle de la gestion des COVID-19 sur le personnel de santé.

[Neuromeningeal cryptococcosis in an HIV-negative patient with pulmonary tuberculosis in the Infectious and tropical diseases department of the University teaching hospital Point G of Bamako, Mali]. / Cryptococcose neuroméningée chez une patiente séronégative pour le VIH atteinte de tuberculose pulmonaire au service de Maladies infectieuses et tropicales du CHU du Point G de Bamako, Mali.

Neuromeningeal cryptococcosis and pulmonary tuberculosis are respectively serious mycotic and bacterial infections occurring in a subject regardless of its HIV serological status. We report here a case of neuromeningeal cryptococcosis associated with pulmonary tuberculosis and malnutrition in an HIV-seronegative patient with a CD4 count of 750/mm3, to highlight some particularities opposed to certain literatures. This is an 18-year-old patient, housewife, from Bamako, admitted in the Infectious and tropical diseases department of the University teaching hospital Point G of Bamako on March 13, 2022 for fever and impaired consciousness. Her symptomatology appears to have gradually set in over a month, preceded by headache resistant to paracetamol, jet vomiting and irregular dry cough, initially treated with ceftriaxone, artesunate and paracetamol for confirmed malaria and suspicion of bacterial meningitis before admission. In whom no known medical-surgical history, no use of topical corticosteroids, no immunosuppressive therapy, no alcohol or tobacco, and no immunosuppressive pathology was found. The diagnoses of neuromeningeal cryptococcosis, pulmonary tuberculosis and undernutrition were retained in view of clinical and microbiological arguments. Diabetes, sickle cell disease, viral hepatitis B and C, kidney failure and cancer, which are immunosuppressive pathologies, were not found. She was successfully treated with first-line oral antituberculous drugs and fluconazole infusion. Three interests are drawn from this clinical case: neuromeningeal cryptococcosis is not only the prerogative of HIV-positive subjects, a high CD4 count does not always mean immunocompetence and fluconazole is an effective therapeutic alternative for neuromeningeal cryptococcosis.

Personal Exposure to Fine Particles (PM2.5) in Northwest Africa: Case of the Urban City of Bamako in Mali.

Personal exposure to particulate matter (PM) from anthropogenic activities is a major concern in African countries, including Mali. However, knowledge of particulates is scant. This study was undertaken to characterize personal exposure to PM2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) in the city of Bamako in Mali. The exposure to PM2.5, through daily activities was observed from September 2020 to February 2021. Participants wore palm-sized optical PM2.5 sensors on their chest during their daily activities. The exposure levels in four different groups of residents were investigated in relation to their daily activities. The variation in PM2.5 concentration was measured during different activities in different microenvironments, and the main sources of exposure were identified. The highest average 10 min concentrations were observed at home and in bedrooms, while the participants were using specific products typically used in Africa, Asia, and South America that included insecticides (IST; 999 µg/m3) and incense (ICS; 145 µg/m3), followed by traffic (216 µg/m3) and cooking (150 µg/m3). The lowest average 10 min concentrations were also observed in the same microenvironment lacking IST or ICS (≤14 µg/m3). With no use of specific products, office workers and students were the least exposed, and drivers and cooks were the most exposed. The concentrations are up to 7.5 and 3 times higher than the World Health Organization's yearly and daily recommended exposure levels, respectively, indicating the need to promptly elaborate and apply effective mitigation strategies to improve air quality and protect public health. This study highlights the importance of indoor air pollution sources related to culture and confirms previous studies on urban outdoor air pollution sources, especially in developing countries. The findings could be applied to cities other than Bamako, as similar practices and lifestyles are common in different cultures.

[Factors associated with the death of tuberculosis patients treated in Bamako, Mali, 2017 - 2018]. / Facteurs associes au deces des patients tuberculeux traites a Bamako, Mali, 2017-2018.

GOALS: We studied the socio-demographic and paraclinicalcharacteristics of tuberculosis patients to identify the factors associated with their deaths in Bamako. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on tuberculosis patients registered in Bamako from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. Quantitative variables were presented by their mean, qualitative ones by their proportions. Analysis was performed with R version 3.5.0. RESULTS: Out of 2396 patients enrolled, 25 to 45-year olds represented 50.3% and children 4.51%; the average age 37.3 years; the sex ratio M/F 1.94 and co-infected TB/HIV 8.64%. 25 to 45 year olds (HR=2.58; 95% CI [1.35-4.92]; p=0,0042) and those ≥ 46 years (HR=4.64; 95% CI [2.39-9.01] ; p=5.69e-06) and positive HIV status (HR= 5.87 ; 95% CI [2.24-15.41] ; p= 0.0003) were associated with an increased risk of patient death. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis affects young and old males. The risks of death identified were the patient's age and positive HIV status. We recommend specific monitoring of patients aged 25 to 45 and 46 and over and those with positive HIV status.

BUTS: Nous avons étudié les caractéristiques sociodémographiques et paracliniques des tuberculeux pour identifier les facteurs associés à leurs décès à Bamako. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Une étude de cohorte rétrospective a été menée portant sur les tuberculeuxenregistrés à Bamako du 1er octobre 2017 au 30 septembre 2018. Les variables quantitatives étaient présentées par leur moyenne et celles qualitatives par leurs proportions. L'analyse a été effectuée avec R version 3.5.0. RÉSULTATS: Sur 2396 patients enrôlés, les25 à 45 ansreprésentaient 50,3 % et les enfants 4,51% ; l'âge moyen 37,3 ans ;le sex-ratio H/F 1,94 etles coinfectés TB/VIH 8,64%. Les25 à 45 ans (HR=2,58 ; IC95% [1,35-4,92] ; p=0,0042) et ceux ≥46 ans (HR=4,64 ; IC95% [2,39-9,01] ; p=5,69e-06) et le statut VIH positif (HR= 5,87 ; IC95% [2,24-15,41] ; p= 0,0003) étaient associés à une augmentation du risque de décès des patients. CONCLUSION: La tuberculose affecte les jeunes et les personnes âgées de sexe masculin. Les risque de décès identifiés étaient l'âge et le statut VIH positifdu patient.Nous recommandons une surveillance spécifique des patients de 25 à 45 ans et 46 ans et plus et ceux avec statut VIH positif.

[Knowledges And Practices Of Iron Prescription By The Pediatric Ward In CHU Gabriel Touré Of Bamako, Mali]. / Connaissances Et Pratiques De La Prescription Du Fer Par Le Personnel Du Service De Pediatrie Du Chu Gabriel Toure De Bamako.

GOAL: To assess knowledges and practices on iron prescription in pediatric ward in CHU Gabriel Touré of Bamako, Mali. TOOLS AND METHODS: It was a prospective and transversal study canied out. We submitted questionnaire and analyzed the case history of to the children aged 1-60 months old who received iron during the study period from 1rstto 30 July 2012. The prescriptators' consent were solicited and obtained at first of all. RESULTS: Fifty prestators were interviewed among them 10 pediatricians (20%), 31 pediatrics' resident (62 %), 2 generalists physicians (4%), 7 medical student (14%). One hundred 100 were analyzed medical records. More than half of the prestators known the need of iron in children. Thirty percent have received iron at 8 to 10mg/kg. The medication duration wasn't indicating in 92% of patients. In our context prestators well know about meaning and the needs of iron in children bout they're limited on iron food sources and iron storage. CONCLUSION: The well theorical knowledge on indications and prescription roules on iron in children didn't escape from miss practices in its prescription. Moreover works should analyze the reasons of discrepancies.

BUT: Evaluer les connaissances et les pratiques relatives à la prescription du fer dans le service de pédiatrie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Gabriel Touré (CHU-GT) de Bamako, Mali. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale réalisée du 1 er au 30 Juillet 2012 à la pédiatrie. Nous avons soumis un questionnaire aux prestataires et analysé les dossiers des enfants âgés de 1 à 60 mois hospitalisés ayant reçu du fer. Le consentement des prescripteurs à été demandé et obtenu au préalable. RÉSULTATS: nous avons enquêté cinquante prestataires dont 10 pédiatres (20%), 31 médecins CES de pédiatrie (62 %), 2 médecins généralistes (4%), 7 étudiants en fin de cycle médical (14%) et analysé 100 dossiers. Trente pour cent des prestataires ont correctement défini le fer. Plus de la moitié des prestataires connaissaient les besoins en fer chez l'enfant. Les réserves en fer étaient connues de 42% des prestataires. Huit pour cent des prestataires savaient que les fers apportés par l'alimentation étaient le fer héminique ou le fer non héminique. Trente pourcent des malades ont reçu le fer à la dose de 8 à 10mg/kg. La durée du traitement n'a pas été précisée chez 92% des malades. CONCLUSION: Dans notre contexte la bonne connaissance théorique des indications et des règles de prescription du fer chez l'enfant n'excluait pas les mauvaises pratiques de sa prescription. D'autres travaux devraient analyser les raisons de cette discordance.

High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in Bamako, Mali.

In Mali, a country in West Africa, cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain enigmatically low, despite a series of waves, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the country's weak healthcare system, and a general lack of adherence to public health mitigation measures. The goal of the study was to determine whether exposure is important by assessing the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in HCWs. The study was conducted between November 2020 and June 2021. HCWs in the major hospitals where COVID-19 cases were being cared for in the capital city, Bamako, Mali, were recruited. During the study period, vaccinations were not yet available. The ELISA of the IgG against the spike protein was optimized and quantitatively measured. A total of 240 HCWs were enrolled in the study, of which seropositivity was observed in 147 cases (61.8%). A continuous increase in the seropositivity was observed, over time, during the study period, from 50% at the beginning to 70% at the end of the study. HCWs who provided direct care to COVID-19 patients and were potentially highly exposed did not have the highest seropositivity rate. Vulnerable HCWs with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma had even higher seropositivity rates at 77.8%, 75.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Overall, HCWs had high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, likely reflecting a "herd" immunity level, which could be protective at some degrees. These data suggest that the low number of cases and deaths among HCWs in Mali is not due to a lack of occupational exposure to the virus but rather related to other factors that need to be investigated.