Prevalence and molecular characterization of ESBL/pAmpC producing faecal Escherichia coli strains with widespread detection of CTX-M-15 isolated from healthy poultry flocks in Eastern Algeria.

The intensification of livestock farming has led to the widespread use of massive amounts of antibiotics worldwide. Poultry production, including white meat, eggs and the use of their manure as fertiliser, has been identified as one of the most crucial reservoirs for the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, including E. coli in poultry as an important opportunistic pathogen representing the greatest biological hazard to human and wildlife health. Thus, this study aimed to analyse E. coli in the faecal carriage of healthy poultry flocks and to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of antimicrobial resistance, including integrons genes and phylogenetic groups. A total of 431 cloacal swabs from apparently healthy poultry from four regions in Eastern Algeria from December 2021 to October 2022. 360 E. coli were isolated; from broilers (n = 151), broiler breeders (n = 91), laying hens (n = 72), and breeding hens (n = 46). Among this, 281 isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype, 17 of the 360 E. coli isolates exhibited ESBL, and one isolate exhibited both ESBL/pAmpC. A representative collection of 183 among 281 MDR E. coli was selected for further analysis by PCR to detect genes encoding resistance to different antibiotics, and sequencing was performed on all positive PCR products of blaCTX-M and blaCMY-2 genes. Phylogenetic groups were determined in 80 E. coli isolates (20 from each of the four kinds of poultry). The blaCTX-M gene was found in 16 (94.11 %) ESBL-producing E. coli isolates within 11 strains co-expressing the blaSHV gene and 8 strains co-expressing the blaTEM gene. Sequence analysis showed frequent diversity in CTX-M-group-1, with blaCTX-M-15 being the most predominant (n = 11), followed by blaCTX-M-1 (n = 5). The blaCMY-2 gene was detected only in one ESBL/pAmpC isolate. Among the 183 tested isolates, various antimicrobial resistance genes were found (number of strains) blaTEM (n = 121), blaSHV (n = 12), tetA (n = 100), tetB (n = 29), sul1(n = 67), sul2 (n = 32), qnrS (n = 45), qnrB (n = 10), qnrA (n = 1), catA1(n = 13), aac-(6')-Ib (n = 3). Furthermore, class 1 and class 2 integrons were found in 113 and 2 E. coli, respectively. The isolates were classified into multiple phylogroups, including A (35 %), B1 (27.5 %), B2 and D each (18.75 %). The detection of integrons and different classes of resistance genes in the faecal carriage of healthy poultry production indicates that commensal E. coli could potentially act as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance, posing a significant One Health challenge encompassing the interconnected domains of human, animal health and the environment. Here, we present the first investigation to describe the diversity of blaCTX-M producing E. coli isolates with widespread detection of CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-1 in healthy breeders (Broiler and breeding hens) in Eastern Algeria.

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer in Algeria: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in men in Algeria. Little is known about the characteristics of lung cancer in Algeria. This study aimed to determine the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in Algeria. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on 269 pathologically confirmed cases of NSCLC at the Benbadis University Hospital of Constantine (2015-2023). Of these, 95 patients were included in the survival analysis. The clinicopathological and outcome data were investigated based on the patients' medical records. RESULTS: This study showed male predominance with sex ratio of 5.7, with a mean age of 61.8 years. Histologically, 67.3% of cases had adenocarcinoma (ADC) and 22.7% squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). ADC and SCC occurred more frequently in female (p = 0.02) and male (p = 0.003) patients, respectively. Smoking was estimated at 82.2% in men. Over 28% were non-smokers, of which 50.7% were women, and presented at younger age (p = 0.04). Most of our patients (75.5%) have an advanced stage at diagnosis. Around 70% of patients underwent chemotherapy (CT) as first-line treatment, with medians diagnostic and treatment delays of 4 and 1 months, respectively. The median overall survival (mOS) was estimated at 10.3 and 6.7 months in I-III and IV stages, respectively. Other factors that negatively impact OS were age > 65 years (p = 0.01), and the presence of symptoms (p = 0.005) and comorbidity (p = 0.004) in stage IV, and delayed treatment (p = 0.03) and receiving CT alone (p = 0.03) in stages I-III cases. Medians progression free survival (mPFS) in stage IV, III, and II patients were 4.1, 5.2, and 8.3 months, respectively, and negatively affected by the comorbidity (stage IV, p = 0.03) and receiving CT alone (stages II-III, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: NSCLC presents at an early age and advanced stage in Algerian patients. ADC is the most frequent histological subtype and smoking remains the most important risk factor in men. Furthermore, the prognostic factors affecting survival are stage, age, comorbidity, symptoms, and treatment. Thus, tobacco control, early detection program, and access to novel therapies may be the best strategies to reduce NSCLC morbidity and mortality.

The financial cost of coccidiosis in Algerian chicken production: a major challenge for the poultry sector.

Coccidiosis, caused by parasites of the genus Eimeria, is a significant economic burden to the poultry industry. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the financial losses associated with Eimeria infection in chickens in Algeria, relying on data provided by key stakeholders in the Algerian poultry industry to assess sub-clinical as well as clinical impact. We employed the updated 2020 version of a model established to estimate the cost of coccidiosis in chickens, taking into consideration specific cultural and technical aspects of poultry farming in Algeria. The findings predict economic losses due to coccidiosis in chickens of approximately £86.7 million in Algeria for the year 2022, representing £0.30 per chicken raised. The majority of the cost was attributed to morbidity (74.9%), emphasizing the substantial economic impact of reduced productivity including decreased bodyweight gain and increased feed conversion ratio. Costs associated with control measures made up 20.5% of the total calculated cost, with 4.6% of the cost related to mortality. These figures provide a clear indication of the scope and economic impact of Eimeria infection of chickens in Algeria, illustrating the impact of practices common across North Africa. They underscore the ongoing requirement for effective preventive and control measures to reduce these financial losses while improving productivity and welfare, ensuring the economic sustainability of the Algerian poultry industry.

Molecular characterization and haplotypes of hydatid cyst isolates collected from humans and ruminants in Setif Province (northeast of Algeria) based on mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) gene sequences.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus. The disease has significant health and economic impacts worldwide, particularly in endemic areas. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hydatid cysts in ruminants (cattle and sheep) (n = 2060) from the Setif Province of Algeria using microscopy. The results showed that hydatid cysts were detected in 9.6% (198/2060) of ruminants, with a higher prevalence in cattle (16.8%; 56/333) compared to sheep (8.2%; 142/1727). Molecular techniques were used to analyze a subset of animals consisting of 30 sheep and 4 cattle. Specifically, a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) gene was sequenced and compared to sequences from seven humans from the same region. The results indicated that all isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto. Haplotype analysis identified 19 E. granulosus s.s. haplotypes arranged like a star, with the dominant haplotype (Hap04) at the center. Hap04 has been assigned a total of 17 positives, including positives from sheep, cattle, and two humans. This study is noteworthy for being the first to use a molecular approach to human and ruminant echinococcosis in Setif, a significant breeding region in Algeria.

Microscopic and molecular prevalence and associated risk factors with Toxocara and Blastocystis infection in dogs and cats in Mitidja, Algeria.

Domestic dogs and cats can serve as a source of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp., and this represents a neglected public and veterinary health problem. We assessed the microscopic and molecular prevalence of these species in a locality in Algeria and identified the associated risk factors. The faeces of 225 dogs and 78 cats were collected in Mitidja between March and July 2022. The samples were analysed by coproscopy and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and Small Subunit Ribosomal (SSU-RNA) of T. canis and Blastocystis spp. respectively. The overall microscopic prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats was 9.78 ± 1.98% and 12.82 ± 7.42%, respectively. The rate of Blastocystis spp. was 15.11 ± 2.39% and 15.38 ± 4.08% in dogs and cats, respectively while the molecular prevalence of T. canis in dogs was 4.89 ± 1.44% and in cats 1.28 ± 1.27%; the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. was 41.78 ± 3.29% and 34.62 ± 5.39% in dogs and cats, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses identified the presence of the H1 subtype of T. canis in dogs, and the ST1 subtype of Blastocystis in dogs and cats. Dogs with clinical signs were more likely to be infected with T. canis (OR 6.039, P < 0.05) than healthy dogs. This study demonstrates that dogs and cats are carriers of Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp. and are therefore a source of environmental contamination. Veterinarians and human health professionals should work together to implement control strategies as part of a "One Health" approach to improving animal health and reducing the risk of transmission to humans.

Welfare evaluation of dairy cows reared in the East of Algeria.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare status of dairy cows raised in local conditions through health criteria. Important health problems have been identified as well as their effect on the milk yield. One hundred seven farms in eastern Algeria were visited. Data on health, productivity, and management practices were collected. Clinical examination of 1210 dairy cows was conducted to assess health scores. The relationship between herd health and milk yield was investigated using multiple linear regression models. The average milk yield per cow was 16.1 kg/day, and the average prevalence of thin cows (body condition score ≤ 2) was 35.1%. The cow dirtiness was a sign of poor facility hygiene, with 24.3% of cows had dirty udders, 44.5% had dirty flanks/upper legs, and 59.6% had dirty hind legs. The mean prevalence of clinical lameness (locomotion score ≥ 3) and severe lameness (locomotion score ≥ 4) were 24.7% and 8.7%, respectively. The prevalence of hocks, knees, and neck injuries (score > 1) with wound and/or swelling ranged from 0 to 46.2%, 0 to 71.4%, and 0 to 14.3%, respectively. The clinical examination showed a percentage of cows with mastitis of 15.4%, diarrhea of 6.9%, cough of 3.2%, nasal discharge of 7.5%, and ocular discharge of 1.8%. Thus, the milk yield had associated with severe lameness, mastitis, thinness, and dystocia. In conclusion, the welfare indicators in this study reflect the serious health problems in dairy farming which influence the expression of the cow genetic potential.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in dairy cattle herds using bulk tank milk analysis in Kabylia area, north Algeria.

Coxiella burnetii, or Q fever agent, has notable implications for human and livestock health. Infections in cattle primarily manifest through reproductive issues where infected animals shed the bacterium in birth fluids, placental tissues, and milk, serving as potential sources of transmission. Bovine herds become reservoirs, contributing to the environmental contamination of farming areas. Comprehensive studies on the prevalence, transmission routes, and associated risk factors among cattle contribute to the development of effective control strategies, ultimately safeguarding both livestock and public health.Here we determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies against in dairy cattle farms from Kabylia (northern Algeria) and identify the associated risk factors. Bulk tank milk samples from 184 farms were analyzed by indirect ELISA technique, 49 of them were tested positive which corresponds to a prevalence rate of 26.63% (95% CI 20.25-33.01%). Multivariate analysis by logistic regression showed that the risk factors associated with detection of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies are: cohabitation of cattle with small ruminants(OR = 3.74 95% CI [1.41-8.92]), exposure to prevailing winds (OR = 5.12 95% CI [2.11-13.45]), and the veterinarian visits frequency(OR = 5.67 95% CI [2.55-13.60]). These findings underscore the susceptibility of dairy cattle to Q fever in the Kabylia region, highlighting practices that pose risks. We recommend the implementation of hygienic measures and adherence to proper farming conditions to mitigate the transmission of Q fever and reduce the associated zoonotic risk.

Current status of ruminant anaplasmosis in Algeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anaplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease that is being recognised all over the world, with impact on animal health.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the rate infection of Anaplasma spp. infection in Algerian ruminants. Three databases were searched to identify eligible studies for the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The 'meta' package in the R software was used for the meta-analysis, and the random effects model was chosen to pool the data. Meta-analysis encompasses 14 research papers spanning 19 years (2004-2023), out of an initial pool of 737 articles retrieved from various databases. The study included a total of 1515 cattle, 190 sheep, and 310 goats, and the overall Anaplasma infection rate was estimated at 28% (95% CI, 17-41%). The analysis revealed varying infection rates among species, with cattle at 20%, sheep at 30%, and goats at 61%. Five classified species and two unclassified strains belonging to Anaplasma genus were identified in ruminants, which are A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum-like strains, and A. platys-like strains. Among these, A. marginale was prevalent in ten out of eleven cattle studies. The data also revealed regional variations, with Northeastern Algeria showing a higher infection rate (26%) compared to North-central Algeria (9%). In the subgroup analysis, clinically healthy cattle had a higher infection rate (28%) compared to suspected disease cattle (16%). Molecular biology screening methods yielded a significantly higher infection rate (33%) than microscopy (12%). Gender analysis suggested slightly higher infection rates among male cattle (19%) compared to females (16%). Age analysis indicated that Anaplasma infection was more common in cattle less than 12 months (14%) compared to those over 12 months (9%). This systematic review provides valuable insights, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and potential preventive strategies in different regions and among different animal populations in Algeria.

Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria: The case of Oran Province / Surmortalité pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 en Algérie : le cas de la wilaya d'Oran

Objective: This study aimed to estimate excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Oran between March 2020 and December 2022. Method: Monthly all-cause data used to estimate excess mortality were modeled against the pre-pandemic period (January 2011-February 2020). Excess mortality between March 2020 and December 2022 was estimated using a quasi-Poisson regression. Analyses were stratified by age group. Results: From March 2020 to December 2022, there was a 30% excess mortality rate, corresponding to an average of 112 monthly excess deaths. Observed numbers of deaths were higher than expected for the age groups 20­39, 40­59, 60­79, and 80 and above. The age group 0­19 did not show excess mortality. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality in Oran. Our results highlight the importance of monitoring all-cause excess mortality as an indicator of the disease burden in situations such as the current pandemic.

Objectif: Cette étude avait pour objectif d'estimer la surmortalité pendant la pandémie de la COVID-19 à Oran entre mars 2020 et décembre 2022. Méthodes: Les données mensuelles toutes causes confondues utilisées pour estimer la surmortalité ont été modélisées par rapport à la période pré-pandémique (janvier 2011 à février 2020). La surmortalité entre mars 2020 et décembre 2022 a été estimée à l'aide d'une régression de quasi-Poisson. Les analyses ont été stratifiées par groupes d'âge. Résultats: De mars 2020 à décembre 2022, le taux de surmortalité était de 30 %, correspondant à une moyenne de 112 décès excédentaires mensuels. Le nombre de décès observés était plus élevé que prévu pour les groupes d'âge 20-39 ans, 40-59 ans, 60-79 ans et 80 ans et plus. Le groupe d'âge 0-19 ans n'a pas montré de surmortalité. Conclusion: La pandémie de COVID-19 a été associée à une augmentation significative de la mortalité toutes causes confondues à Oran. Nos résultats mettent en évidence l'importance de surveiller la surmortalité toutes causes confondues en tant qu'indicateur de la charge de morbidité dans des situations telles que la pandémie actuelle.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Seropositivity among Dromedary Camels, Algeria, 2020-2021.

Serosurvey results for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus antibodies in dromedary camels in Algeria indicate that the pathogen is circulating endemically in desertic areas, despite the hostile environment. Thus, dromedaries are suitable sentinels for detecting human risk for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in desertic areas.

Modelling COVID-19 vaccination status and adherence to public health and social measures, Eastern Mediterranean Region and Algeria.

Objective: To study the link between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination status and adherence to public health and social measures in Members of the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Algeria. Methods: We analysed two rounds of a large, cross-country, repeated cross-sectional mobile phone survey in June-July 2021 and October-November 2021. The rounds included 14 287 and 14 131 respondents, respectively, from 23 countries and territories. Questions covered knowledge, attitudes and practices around COVID-19, and demographic, employment, health and vaccination status. We used logit modelling to analyse the link between self-reported vaccination status and individuals' practice of mask wearing, physical distancing and handwashing. We used propensity score matching as a robustness check. Findings: Overall, vaccinated respondents (8766 respondents in round 2) were significantly more likely to adhere to preventive measures than those who were unvaccinated (5297 respondents in round 2). Odds ratios were 1.5 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.3-1.8) for mask wearing; 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3-1.7) for physical distancing; and 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0-1.4) for handwashing. Similar results were found on analysing subsamples of low- and middle-income countries. However, in high-income countries, where vaccination coverage is high, there was no significant link between vaccination and preventive practices. The association between vaccination status and adherence to public health advice was sustained over time, even though self-reported vaccination coverage tripled over 5 months (19.4% to 62.3%; weighted percentages). Conclusion: Individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 maintained their adherence to preventive health measures. Nevertheless, reinforcement of public health messages is important for the public's continued compliance with preventive measures.

Haemophilia B in Algeria: Realities and therapeutic perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Haemophilia B is a debilitating hereditary coagulation disorder characterized by prolonged or spontaneous episodes of bleeding caused by a deficiency of endogenous factor IX. In Algeria, even though many studies are being carried out to evaluate the prevalence and management of haemophilia B, there is a paucity of locally published literature that can be used to understand the most recent information on the disease's epidemiology, diagnostic techniques and treatment options. AIMS: The aim of this manuscript is to raise awareness among patients and family clinicians about current practices, recent developments and unmet needs related to haemophilia B in Algeria. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted through online scientific databases to review publications regarding haemophilia B in Algeria. Exclusions of the review include case studies, interregional comparisons, abstract-only papers and studies outside the range of 2012-2022. RESULTS: The findings discussed relate to the epidemiology of haemophilia B in Algeria, the clinical diagnostic process, disease symptoms, the benefits of molecular and genetic testing, advancements in prophylactic care, as well as unmet needs hindering the progression of optimal haemophilia B management. CONCLUSION: These findings are crucial to encourage the maintenance of national registries with updated epidemiological data, facilitate early and timely detection of disease symptoms, improve the provision of diagnostic facilities and enhance the overall treatment landscape for better patient outcomes.

Food consumption, nutritional intakes and the role of milk formulas in nutrient adequacy among young children from birth to 2 years living in urban Algeria.

OBJECTIVE: Undernutrition, stunted growth and obesity remain a concern in Algeria. Currently, limited data are available on nutrient intakes among children. Our study aimed to describe food and nutrient intakes and the role of milk formulas among Algerian children. DESIGN: Dietary intakes were collected using a 4-d interview-based survey for children aged 0-24 months, living in urban areas in Algeria in 2019. SETTING: Food consumptions were described. For children aged 6-24 months, nutrient intakes and adequacy were estimated. Modelling was used to estimate the nutritional impact of substituting cow's milk for age-appropriate infant formulas (IF). PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 446 children aged 0-24 months. RESULTS: Before 6 months, 91·6 % of infants were breastfed. Breastmilk was also the main milk consumed between 6 and 12 months, whereas cow's milk predominated after 12 months. In children aged 6-24 months, nutrient adequacy prevalence was above 75 % for the majority of nutrients. However, less than 30 % of the children had adequate intakes for total fats, Fe and vitamin D. Simulated substitution of cow's milk for IF led to improved adequacy for proteins, Fe, and vitamins D and E. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that breast-feeding rates were high until 6 months, then declined with age. Consumed foods allowed Algerian children aged 6-24 months to meet most of their nutritional needs, but inadequate intakes were reported for some key nutrients. Our modelling suggested that milk formulas may help to improve nutrient adequacy among non-breastfed infants. Other dietary changes could also be further investigated to enable children to meet all nutritional recommendations.

Fungal infections in Algeria.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive and superficial fungal infections are increasingly reported in Algeria, testifying to the increase in their frequency in parallel with the increase in risk factors and the availability of diagnostic means, at least in university hospitals (CHU). The latter, located in the major northern cities, are equipped with high-performance diagnostic tools compared to hospitals in the interior of the country. METHODS: A comprehensive search of published and grey literature was undertaken. Prevalence and incidence of discrete fungal diseases were estimated using a deterministic modelling approach based on populations at risk. Population (2021) and major underlying disease risk groups were obtained from UNAIDS, WHO Tuberculosis and the international transplant registries as well as published data for asthma and COPD. The health service profile was summarised from national documentation. RESULTS: Among the 43.6 million, including 12.9 million children, living in Algeria, the most prevalent fungal diseases are tinea capitis (>1.5 million), recurrent vaginal candidiasis (>500,000) and allergic fungal lung and sinus disorders (>110,000) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (>10,000). Life-threatening invasive fungal infection incidence includes 774 Pneumocystis pneumonia in AIDS, 361 cryptococcal meningitis, 2272 candidaemia and 2639 invasive aspergillosis cases. Fungal keratitis probably affects >6000 eyes each year. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal infections are underestimated in Algeria because they are sought in patients with risk factors only after bacterial infections when they should be sought in parallel. The diagnosis is only accessible in hospitals in large cities and the work carried out in mycology is rarely published, making the estimation of the burden of these conditions difficult.

Cattle co-infection patterns by hemopathogens and their phylogenetic analysis during the tick season in Constantine and Mila, Northeast Algeria.

Tropical theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis are the most dominant tick-borne infections in North Africa where they cause significant economic losses in ruminants' industry. The aim of the present work was to study infections and co-infection patterns in 66 cattle with clinical signs of piroplasmosis and/or anaplasmosis in two localities, Beni Hamidene and Grarem Gouga, districts of Constantine and Mila (Northeast of Algeria), respectively. This study was conducted between early May and late September during four years 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021. PCR showed that the most frequent pathogen in cattle with clinical signs of piroplasmosis and/or anaplasmosis was Theileria annulata (66/66; 100%) followed by Babesia bovis (21/66; 31.8%), Anaplasma marginale (15/66; 22.7%), and Babesia bigemina (3/66; 4.5%) (p < 0.001). Giemsa-stained blood smears examinations revealed that 66.7% (44/66); 10.6% (7/66); and 9.1% (6/66) of cattle were infected by T. annulata, Babesia spp., and A. marginale, respectively (p < 0.001). PCR revealed seven co-infection patterns: T. annulata/A. marginale (15/66; 22.7%), T. annulata/B. bovis (21/66; 31.8%), T. annulata/B. bigemina (3/66; 4.5%), T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bovis (7/66; 10.6%), T. annulata/B. bovis/B. bigemina (2/66; 3%), T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bigemina (1/66; 1.5%), and T. annulata/A. marginale/B. bigemina/B. bovis (1/66; 1.5%). Phylogenetic analyses showed that T. annulata Tams1 and B. bigemina gp45 sequences were identical to isolates from Mauritania and South Africa, respectively. The three A. marginale amplicons obtained herein had 99.63 to 99.88% similarity between them. This study provides data that can be used to improve control programs targeting these cattle hemopathogens.

[Prevalence of mental symptoms in the Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf camps, Algeria, determined using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire 28]. / Prevalencia de síntomas mentales entre los refugiados saharauis en Tinduf, Argelia, utilizando el Cuestionario de Salud General Goldberg 28.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of psychopathological symptoms among Saharawi refugees and the influence of sociodemographic factors on the phenotypic expression of mental disorders. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. LOCATION: Primary and hospital health care. PARTICIPANTS: 383 participants over 18 years of age, 59.8% women and 40.2% men, with a mean age of 37.2 (SD = 13.0), from the Laayoune camp, and from the Rabuni National Hospital. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out between January and August 2017. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling. The main variable was the presence of mental symptoms, measured with the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire - 28. A descriptive analysis of each sociodemographic variable (age, sex, educational level, occupation) and its association with the main variable was carried out using Logistic regression. RESULTS: 43.3%, 95%CI (38.4-48.3) obtained a score that suggests the presence of mental symptoms. Women presented a mean score higher than men, in subscales A (somatic symptoms) and in subscale B (anxiety). Age over 50 years and having no educational level were associated with a higher probability of having mental symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the prevalence of mental symptoms among Saharawi refugees is high, and reinforces the need for more scientific research in the field of mental health to put the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health in the focus of health policy.

Outbreak of Imported Seventh Pandemic Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor, Algeria, 2018.

After a lull of >20 years, Algeria experienced a cholera outbreak in 2018 that included 291 suspected cases. We found that outbreak isolates were Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa from seventh pandemic El Tor sublineage AFR14, which corresponds to a new introduction of cholera into Africa from South Asia.

Algerian Registry for Inborn Errors of Immunity in Children: Report of 887 Children (1985-2021).

INTRODUCTION: Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) represent a heterogeneous large group of genetic disorders characterized by susceptibility of affected individuals to recurrent infections, autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, allergy, and malignancy. We aimed to report for the first time the Algerian registry for IEI in children. METHODS: We described the characteristics of IEI in Algerian children from the data collected in the Algerian registry for IEI between 1985 and 2021. RESULTS: Over a period of 37 years, we included 887 children (530 male, 59.6%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 3.23 years and a mean diagnosis delay of 2 years. The prevalence rate was estimated at 1.97/100,000 inhabitants or 5.91/100,000 children. The parental consanguinity was found in 52.6%. The most prevalent category was combined immunodeficiencies (CID) (35.5%), followed by predominantly antibody deficiencies (24.5%) and CID with syndromic features (18.3%). The most predominant diseases were severe CID (134 cases), MHC II deficiency (99 cases), agammaglobulinemia (82 cases), common variable immunodeficiency (78 cases), hyper IgE syndromes (61 patients), ataxia-telangiectasia (46 patients), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (40 patients) and chronic granulomatous disease (39 cases). The clinical presentation was dominated by lower respiratory tract infections (69%), failure to thrive (38.3%), and chronic diarrhea (35.2%). Genetic analysis was performed in 156 patients (17.6%). The global mortality rate was 28.4% mainly caused by CID. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the Algerian registry for IEI in children. Data is globally similar to that of the Middle East and North African (MENA) registries with high consanguinity, predominance of CID, and significant mortality. This registry highlights the weak points that should be improved in order to provide better patient care.

Prevalence of specific and recurrent/founder pathogenic variants in BRCA genes in breast and ovarian cancer in North Africa.

BACKGROUND: Elucidation of specific and recurrent/founder pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA (BRCA1 and BRCA2) genes can make the genetic testing, for breast cancer (BC) and/or ovarian cancer (OC), affordable for developing nations. METHODS: To establish the knowledge about BRCA PVs and to determine the prevalence of the specific and recurrent/founder variants in BRCA genes in BC and/or OC women in North Africa, a systematic review was conducted in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. RESULTS: Search of the databases yielded 25 relevant references, including eleven studies in Morocco, five in Algeria, and nine in Tunisia. Overall, 15 studies investigated both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, four studies examined the entire coding region of the BRCA1 gene, and six studies in which the analysis was limited to a few BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 exons. Overall, 76 PVs (44 in BRCA1 and32 in BRCA2) were identified in 196 BC and/or OC patients (129 BRCA1 and 67 BRCA2 carriers). Eighteen of the 76 (23.7%) PVs [10/44 (22.7%) in BRCA1 and 8/32 (25%) in BRCA2] were reported for the first time and considered to be novel PVs. Among those identified as unlikely to be of North African origin, the BRCA1 c.68_69del and BRCA1 c.5266dupC Jewish founder alleles and PVs that have been reported as recurrent/founder variants in European populations (ex: BRCA1 c.181T>G, BRCA1 c1016dupA). The most well characterized PVs are four in BRCA1 gene [c.211dupA (14.7%), c.798_799detTT (14%), c.5266dup (8.5%), c.5309G>T (7.8%), c.3279delC (4.7%)] and one in BRCA2 [c.1310_1313detAAGA (38.9%)]. The c.211dupA and c.5309G>T PVs were identified as specific founder variants in Tunisia and Morocco, accounting for 35.2% (19/54) and 20.4% (10/49) of total established BRCA1 PVs, respectively. c.798_799delTT variant was identified in 14% (18/129) of all BRCA1 North African carriers, suggesting a founder allele. A broad spectrum of recurrent variants including BRCA1 3279delC, BRCA1 c.5266dup and BRCA2 c.1310_1313detAAGA was detected in 42 patients. BRCA1 founder variants explain around 36.4% (47/129) of BC and outnumber BRCA2 founder variants by a ratio of ≈3:1. CONCLUSIONS: Testing BC and/or OC patients for the panel of specific and recurrent/founder PVs might be the most cost-effective molecular diagnosis strategy.

Genomic basis of syndromic short stature in an Algerian patient cohort.

Short stature is one of the most common reasons for a referral to the pediatric endocrinology clinic. Thousands of patients with short stature are assessed annually at the Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases (DEMD) at Bab el Oued University Hospital in Algiers, Algeria. However, diagnostic rates in patients with syndromic short stature are not optimal due to the unavailability of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Here, we enrolled 10 Algerian patients with syndromic short stature in a pilot study to test the impact of genetic and genomic approaches in the DEMD. Using a combination of two different NGS modalities, namely exome sequencing and the Mendeliome (TruSight™ One sequencing panel) along with single gene testing, we were able to establish a confirmed molecular diagnosis in 7/10 patients (70%) and to identify strong likely disease-causing variants in a further two patients. Novel variants in NPR2 and VPS13B were identified. Using copy number variation analysis on the exome data, we also identified a de novo deletion of the short arm of chromosome X. These definitive diagnoses have made a substantial impact on patient treatment, management and genetic counseling. Genomic testing has the ability to transform clinical practice, and is an essential diagnostic tool in any tertiary pediatric clinic, particularly in resource limited settings.