Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after natural infection: insights from a study on Pasteur Institute of Tunis employees.

This study aimed to assess the kinetics of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2, following natural infection in a cohort of employees of the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT) and to assess the risk of reinfection over a 12-months follow-up period. A prospective study was conducted among an open cohort of IPT employees with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection that were recruited between September 2020 and March 2021. Sera samples were taken at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after confirmation of COVID-19 infection and tested for SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the spike (S-RBD) protein (IgG anti-S-RBD) and for neutralizing antibodies. Participants who had an initial decline of IgG anti-S-RBD and neutralizing antibodies followed by a subsequent rise in antibody titers as well as those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR after at least 60 days of follow up were considered as reinfected. In total, 137 individuals were included with a mean age of 44.7 ± 12.3 years and a sex-ratio (Male/Female) of 0.33. Nearly all participants (92.7%) were symptomatic, and 2.2% required hospitalization. Among the 70 participants with three or more prospective blood samples, 32.8% were reinfected among whom 11 (47.8%) reported COVID-19 like symptoms. Up to 12 months of follow up, 100% and 42.9% of participants had detectable IgG anti-S-RBD and neutralizing antibodies, respectively. This study showed that humoral immune response following COVID-19 infection may persist up to 12 months after infection despite the potential risk for reinfection that is mainly explained by the emergence of new variants.

A Longitudinal Study in Tunisia to Assess the Anti-RBD IgG and IgA Responses Induced by Three Different COVID-19 Vaccine Platforms.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination constitutes the best strategy against COVID-19. In Tunisia, seven vaccines standing for the three main platforms, namely RNA, viral vector, and inactivated vaccines, have been used to vaccinate the population at a large scale. This study aimed to assess, in our setting, the kinetics of vaccine-induced anti-RBD IgG and IgA antibody responses. METHODS: Using in-house developed and validated ELISA assays, we measured anti-RBD IgG and IgA serum antibodies in 186 vaccinated workers at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis over 12 months. RESULTS: We showed that RNA vaccines were the most immunogenic vaccines, as compared to alum-adjuvanted inactivated and viral-vector vaccines, either in SARS-CoV-2-naïve or in SARS-CoV-2-experienced individuals. In addition to the IgG antibodies, the vaccination elicited RBD-specific IgAs. Vaccinated individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited more robust IgG and IgA antibody responses, as compared to SARS-CoV-2-naïve individuals. CONCLUSIONS: After following up for 12 months post-immunization, we concluded that the hierarchy between the platforms for anti-RBD antibody-titer dynamics was RNA vaccines, followed by viral-vector and alum-adjuvanted inactivated vaccines.

Immunogenicity and Tolerance of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) induces acquired immunodeficiency, potentially altering vaccine response. Herein, we aimed to explore the clinical tolerance and the humoral and cellular immune responses following anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in ASCT recipients. METHODS: A prospective, non-randomized, controlled study that involved 43 ASCT subjects and 31 healthy controls. Humoral response was investigated using the Elecsys® test anti-SARS-CoV-2. Cellular response was assessed using the QFN® SARS-CoV-2 test. The lymphocyte cytokine profile was tested using the LEGENDplex™ HU Th Cytokine Panel Kit (12-plex). RESULTS: Adverse effects (AE) were observed in 69% of patients, encompassing pain at the injection site, fever, asthenia, or headaches. Controls presented more side effects like pain in the injection site and asthenia with no difference in the overall AE frequency. Both groups exhibited robust humoral and cellular responses. Only the vaccine transplant delay impacted the humoral response alongside a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Noteworthily, controls displayed a Th1 cytokine profile, while patients showed a mixed Th1/Th2 profile. CONCLUSIONS: Pfizer-BioNTech® anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is well tolerated in ASCT patients, inducing robust humoral and cellular responses. Further exploration is warranted to understand the impact of a mixed cytokine profile in ASCT patients.

Influenza vaccine uptake in Tunisia from two high-risk groups' perception and attitudes: a qualitative study.

Background: Pregnant women (PW) and older adult with chronic diseases (ECD) are priority groups for the influenza vaccination. This study was designed to have a better insight into the influenza perceptions and barriers of the vaccine uptake from these groups' perspectives. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) enrolled from five governorates across the country (north, center, and south) between March 18 and July 10, 2019, in urban and rural areas. FGDs were conducted in Arabic (Tunisian dialect) and following the topic guide. Data were transcribed in the local language then translated into English and analyzed using Nvivo12 Software. This permitted the analysis thematic approach, using codes determined by the focus groups. Results: A total of 170 individuals participated in the FGDs (84 ECD and 86 PW). Both groups recognized the weakness of the immune system as key determinant for severity. While PW raised the lack of information about the vaccine, the ECD emphasized accessibility problems. Five main barriers to influenza vaccination were identified: cultural barriers and use of traditional medicine, misleading or lack of information about influenza and the vaccine, advice against its uptake, problems of availability and accessibility of the vaccine as well as mistrust towards the vaccine including adverse effects, vaccine composition and effectiveness. Conclusion: The study provided refined information from the perspectives of users to orient the policies regarding the promotion of influenza vaccine by decision makers among these two high risk groups.

Immunogenicity of Mix-and-Match CoronaVac/BNT162b2 Regimen versus Homologous CoronaVac/CoronaVac Vaccination: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Parallel Group Superiority Trial.

(1) Background: This study aimed to compare the immunogenicity of the mix-and-match CoronaVac/BNT162b2 vaccination to the homologous CoronaVac/CoronaVac regimen. (2) Methods: We conducted a simple-blinded randomized superiority trial to measure SARS-CoV-2 neutralization antibodies and anti-spike receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG concentrations in blood samples of participants who had received the first dose of CoronaVac vaccine followed by a dose of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccine. The primary endpoint for immunogenicity was the serum-neutralizing antibody level with a percentage of inhibition at 90% at 21-35 days after the boost. A difference of 25% between groups was considered clinically relevant. (3) Results: Among the 240 eligible participants, the primary endpoint data were available for 100 participants randomly allocated to the mix-and-match group versus 99 participants randomly allocated to the homologous dose group. The mix-and-match regimen elicited significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies (median level of 96%, interquartile range (IQR) (95-97) versus median level of 94%, IQR (81-96) and anti-spike IgG antibodies (median level of 13,460, IQR (2557-29,930) versus median level of 1190, IQR (347-4964) compared to the homologous group. Accordingly, the percentage of subjects with a percentage of neutralizing antibodies > 90% was significantly higher in the mix-and-match group (90.0%) versus the homologous (60.6%). Interestingly, no severe events were reported within 30 days after the second dose of vaccination in both groups. (4) Conclusions: Our data showed the superiority of the mix-and-match CoronaVac/BNT162b2 vaccination compared to the CoronaVac/CoronaVac regimen in terms of immunogenicity, thus constituting a proof-of-concept study supporting the use of inactivated vaccines in a mix-and-match strategy while ensuring good immunogenicity and safety.

Development and comparative evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD and N based ELISA tests in various African endemic settings.

Management of the COVID-19 pandemic relies on molecular diagnostic methods supported by serological tools. Herein, we developed S-RBD- and N- based ELISA assays useful for infection rate surveillance as well as the follow-up of acquired protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. ELISA assays were optimized using COVID-19 Tunisian patients' sera and prepandemic controls. Assays were further validated in 3 African countries with variable endemic settings. The receiver operating curve was used to evaluate the assay performances. The N- and S-RBD-based ELISA assays performances, in Tunisia, were very high (AUC: 0.966 and 0.98, respectively, p < 0.0001). Cross-validation analysis showed similar performances in different settings. Cross-reactivity, with malaria infection, against viral antigens, was noticed. In head-to-head comparisons with different commercial assays, the developed assays showed high agreement. This study demonstrates, the added value of the developed serological assays in low-income countries, particularly in ethnically diverse populations with variable exposure to local endemic infectious diseases.

Incidence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among workers in a public health laboratory in Tunisia.

The aim of this study was to measure the extent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among workers at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT), a public health laboratory involved in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia, and to identify risk factors for infection in this occupational setting. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on IPT workers not vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Participants completed a questionnaire that included a history of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of the spike antigen (anti-S-RBD IgG) and the nucleocapsid protein (anti-N IgG) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). A multivariate analysis was used to identify factors significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 428 workers were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of anti-S-RBD and/or anti-N IgG antibodies was 32.9% [28.7-37.4]. The cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive serology and/or previous positive RT-PCR test) was 40.0% [35.5-44.9], while the proportion with asymptomatic infection was 32.9%. One-third of the participants with RT-PCR-confirmed infection tested seronegative more than 90 days postinfection. Participants aged over 40 and laborers were more susceptible to infection (adjusted OR [AOR] = 1.65 [1.08-2.51] and AOR = 2.67 [1.45-4.89], respectively), while tobacco smokers had a lower risk of infection (AOR = 0.54 [0.29-0.97]). The SARS-CoV-2 infection rate among IPT workers was not significantly different from that detected concurrently in the general population. Hence, the professional activities conducted in this public health laboratory did not generate additional risk to that incurred outside the institute in day-to-day activities.

Culture filtrate protein 32 as a potential target to attenuate the heterogeneous antibody response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antigens in different endemic settings.

Background: We previously reported the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence factor - culture filtrate protein 32 (CFP32). The assay achieved high performance in comparing healthy Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated controls with active tuberculosis (TB) patients from the Tunisian population. Herein, we aimed to assess the anti-CFP32 IgG response in suspected or confirmed active pulmonary TB individuals in different endemic settings. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 224 donors from African and Latin American countries with variable levels of TB endemicity and different ethnical origins. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the performance of the serological assay. Results: The area under the curve was 0.70. The use of a cutoff level of 0.65 gave 67% and 68% sensitivity and specificity, respectively, regardless of ethnicity and endemicity. Except for the suspected Latin American group, overall multiple comparisons of medians pointed out the stability of the anti-CFP32 IgG response across the different endemic settings. Therefore, endemicity and ethnicity seem not to affect anti-CFP32 IgG response, mainly for detecting confirmed active TB individuals. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the inclusion of CFP32 epitopes in multi-antigen TB assay could attenuate serological differences related to heterogeneous endemicity and ethnicity. For this purpose, we further identified B-cell epitopes belonging to CFP32 by an in silico analysis.

First Report of Two Jaculus Rodents as Potential Reservoir Hosts of Leishmania Parasites in Tunisia.

This study shows, for the first time, natural Leishmania infection among Jaculus spp. in an endemic region of Tataouine, South Tunisia. To better characterize the transmission cycles in this complex focus of mixed transmission, Leishmania detection and species identification were performed by direct examination, internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS1)-PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and sequencing of Jaculus (J.) jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) and J. hirtipes (Lichtenstein, 1823) rodent species, which are frequently encountered in this area. Leishmania parasites were observed in 19 (41.3%) smears, while DNA parasites were detected in 28 (60.9%) Jaculus spp. spleens; among them, 12 (54.5%) were from 22 J. jaculus individuals and 16 (66.7%) were from 24 J. hirtipes individuals. Leishmania parasites were confirmed as Leishmania (L.) killicki (syn. L. tropica) in two J. hirtipes individuals (4.3%) and L. major (n = 24; 52.2%) in 10 J. jaculus and 14 J. hirtipes individuals. This finding represents the first evidence of natural infection with Leishmania parasites in rodents belonging to the Jaculus genus, providing the rationale to consider them as potential reservoir hosts of Old World Leishmania parasites in Tunisia and North Africa.

COVID-19 in Tunisia (North Africa): Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the General Population of the Capital City Tunis.

Seroprevalence studies are essential to get an accurate estimate of the actual SARS-CoV-2 diffusion within populations. We report on the findings of the first serosurvey conducted in Tunis prior to the implementation of mass vaccination and analyzed factors associated with seropositivity. A household cross sectional survey was conducted (March-April 2021) in Tunis, spanning the end of the second wave and the beginning of the third wave of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the spike (S-RBD) or the nucleocapsid (N) proteins were detected by in-house ELISA tests. The survey included 1676 individuals from 431 households. The mean age and sex ratio were 43.3 ± 20.9 years and 0.6, respectively. The weighted seroprevalence of anti-N and/or anti-S-RBD IgG antibodies was equal to 38.0% (34.6-41.5). In multivariate analysis, age under 10, no tobacco use, previous diagnosis of COVID-19, a history of COVID-19 related symptoms and contact with a COVID-19 case within the household, were independently associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. More than one third of people living in Tunis obtained antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Further studies are needed to monitor changes in these figures as Tunisian population is confronted to the subsequent epidemic waves and to guide the vaccine strategy.

Evaluation of the Taxonomic Status of Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, Jaculus jaculus: First Description of New Phylogroups in Tunisia.

The taxonomy of the Lesser Egyptian jerboa, Jaculus (J.) jaculus (Dipodinae subfamily), was recently reevaluated, and the taxonomic status was defined by the presence of two cryptic species, J. jaculus (Linnaeus 1758) and J. hirtipes (Lichtenstein, 1823), with a higher genetic divergence in the sympatric North African populations than in other studied parapatric populations. Using phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene from 46 specimens, we confirmed the new status in Tunisia; rodents were collected from two different biotopes belonging to the same locality at the ecological level (mountainous vs. Saharan) in the south of the country. The study of the eye lens weight of these specimens allowed the definition of a cutoff value (58.5 g), categorizing juveniles from adults. Moreover, this study confirmed the phylotaxonomic status of J. jaculus in Tunisia, as recently illustrated, into two distinct species, J. jaculus and J. hirtipes, and recorded for the first time the presence of two phylogroups among each of these rodent species. The lack of clear micro-geographical structure and biotope specificity between the two rodent species and their phylogroups was also highlighted.

Knowledge attitudes and practices toward seasonal influenza vaccine among pregnant women during the 2018/2019 influenza season in Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: The uptake and acceptance of the influenza vaccine (IV) among pregnant women remain unknown in Tunisia despite the increased influenza-related complications and death. The present study aimed to assess the IV uptake and acceptability and to describe related knowledge and attitudes among pregnant women in Tunisia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 84 Tunisian healthcare facilities over a period of three months (from March to May 2019). All pregnant women aged ≥18 years who sought antenatal care in related health structures were included in this study based on a multistage self-weighted sampling. We measured knowledge and attitudes towards the IV and assessed factors related to willingness for its uptake. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 1157 pregnant women. More than half of the participants (60.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] [57.3%-63.0%]) reported awareness about the IV. Among included PW, only 4.6%; 95% CI [3.5%-6.1%] received it during their current pregnancy. However, (36.8%; 95% CI [34.0%-39.6%]) declared their willingness to receive the vaccine in the next pregnancy. Recommendation by healthcare providers, identified to be the most trustful source of information, was the main reason for acceptance. However, the intention to accept the IV by pregnant women was significantly associated with such recommendation and perceived safety and effectiveness of this vaccine. CONCLUSION: Antenatal care visits are a precious opportunity that should not be missed by health care providers and especially gynecologists to promote the IV uptake by pregnant women in Tunisia.

Influenza vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Tunisian elderly with chronic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Generally, seasonal influenza does not cause severe infection in healthy adults, but for the elderly, an infection can pose a serious health concern. Although several measures can help prevent influenza, vaccination is considered the most effective. This study aimed to assess influenza vaccine uptake among elderly with chronic diseases in Tunisia during the 2018-2019 influenza season, and to identify knowledge, attitudes and barriers associated with influenza vaccine uptake. METHODS: During influenza season of 2018-2019, we conducted a national cross-sectional study among elderly with chronic disease who were attending primary and secondary health care facilities in Tunisia. We collected data regarding practices, general knowledge and attitudes related to influenza and influenza vaccine, using a standardized questionnaire. A multivariate analysis by logistic regression was performed to assess the factors influencing willingness to receive influenza vaccine. RESULTS: Among the 1191 surveyed elderly, 19.4% (95%CI 14.1-21.9) were vaccinated during the 2018-2019 influenza season and 64.7% (61.9-67.3) expressed willingness to be vaccinated in the next season regardless of vaccination status in the 2018-2019 season. Previous vaccination in the 2018-2019 influenza season was the most significantly associated factor with willingness to receive influenza vaccine (adjusted OR = 16.5 [3.7-72.4]). Significant associations were also observed between knowledge of influenza severity for the elderly as well as for those with chronic diseases and willingness to be vaccinated (p < 0.01). Likewise, participants who were convinced by flu vaccine effectiveness and those who were not concerned about vaccine side effects were more likely to be vaccinated (p < 0.001). The main reason that may lead to vaccine acceptance was a doctor's recommendation (41.1%), while the two main reasons that may lead to vaccine refusal were concerns about side effects (71.5%) and a belief that vaccine was ineffective in averting influenza illness (33.9%). Doctors were the most trusted source for information about influenza vaccine (91.5%). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed low influenza vaccination coverage among Tunisian elderly with chronic diseases believed to be at higher risk for severe acute respiratory infections and death if infected with influenza. Treating physicians' role in promoting influenza vaccination in this high-risk group seems to be crucial.

Knowledge, attitudes and uptake related to influenza vaccine among healthcare workers during the 2018-2019 influenza season in Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: The influenza vaccine (IV) is considered the most effective strategy to prevent seasonal influenza infection and annual vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is recommended by the World Health Organization given their high mixing with patients. We assessed IV uptake among HCWs in the 2018-2019 season and explored their knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza immunization. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 150 representative Tunisian health facilities from March to May 2019. We recruited 1231 HCWs with direct patient contact using self-weighted multistage sampling. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses permitted to assess the factors associated with IV uptake in the 2018-2019 influenza season. RESULTS: Among 1231 health professionals enrolled in this study, less than half (36.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.9-39.4) received the IV at least once in their lives and only 15.3% (CI: 13.3-17.4) were vaccinated against influenza in the 2018-2019 influenza season. High confidence regarding IV efficacy, belief about the mandatory character of influenza vaccination for HCWs, and IV uptake in the 4 years preceding the 2018-2019 influenza season were independently associated with higher IV uptake by multivariate analysis. However, participants with high educational level were less likely to receive the IV than those with the lowest educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a low vaccination rate among Tunisian HCWs confirming the importance of tailored education programs targeting this population.

Mental health status of adults under institutional quarantine: a cross-sectional survey in Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: restrictive measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as quarantine, may induce psychiatric outcomes among concerned individuals. The present study aimed to describe the mental health status of Tunisian adults under mandatory institutional quarantine imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine factors influencing the occurrence of psychiatric symptoms. METHODS: a cross-sectional phone survey was conducted from April to November 2020 using convenience sampling of persons who had experienced mandatory institutional quarantine. A standardized questionnaire was administered to participants including questions about socio-demographic characteristics and quarantine related information. Generalized anxiety disorder, depression symptoms, and sleep quality during quarantine were assessed using, respectively, the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), the centre for epidemiological studies depression (CES-D-10) and the insomnia severity index (ISI) scales. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with anxiety and/or depression and with clinical insomnia. RESULTS: among 506 participants, 38.3% experienced anxiety and/or depression symptoms (anxiety: 15.4%; depression: 37.4%) and 19.2% had clinical insomnia. The prevalence of anxiety and/or depression symptoms and insomnia were higher among women those who spent three hours or above on COVID-19 news, those who had economic difficulties due to COVID-19 pandemic, those who were not satisfied by the accommodation conditions of quarantine facilities, and those who had experienced stigma. CONCLUSION: high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms among quarantined individuals was found in this study. Psychological interventions should thus be an integral part of the COVID-19 control strategy in order to provide adequate psychological support to persons quarantined due to COVID-19.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus infection in Central-West of Tunisia.

Hepatitis A infections still represent a major global health concern. During the past years, a transition pattern of the hepatitis A epidemiology was noted in many parts of the world. In Tunisia, there is not a recent survey on age-specific hepatitis A virus seroprevalence. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus infection in Central-West Tunisia, representative of regions with lowest socioeconomic level in the country, before vaccine implementation. Sera obtained from the blood samples of subjects were screened for the detection of hepatitis A virus. The seroprevalence was evaluated by detection of total antibodies to hepatitis A virus using commercially available immunoassay kits. A total of 1379 subjects, aged 5-75 years (mean age: 29.0 ± 17.3 years) were studied. The global anti-hepatitis A virus seroplevalence was 84.7% (95% confidence interval: [82.6-86.5]). A higher hepatitis A virus seroprevalence was showed in subjects aged 10-14 years compared to those aged less than 10 years (50.0% vs. 31.0%). In subjects aged 20-29 years, a rapid increase in the hepatitis A virus prevalence was noted; it reached 97.0%. The seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus differed by zone of residence (81.1% in rural area vs. 72.4% in urban area, p = .005) and increased significantly with lower level of education (p = .019). There was no statistical significant seroprevalence difference between male and female: 84.2% versus 85.2%, respectively. Our study confirm the transition pattern of the hepatitis A virus endemicity in Tunisia from high to intermediate and provide an evaluation of the hepatitis A virus epidemiological situation before vaccine implementation.

Psycho-social impacts, experiences and perspectives of patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis regarding treatment options and case management: An exploratory qualitative study in Tunisia.

Although non-fatal and mostly self-healing in the case of Leishmania (L.) major, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is mainly treated to reduce lesion healing time. Less attention is paid to the improvement of scars, especially in aesthetically relevant areas of the body, which can dramatically affect patients' wellbeing. We explored patients' perspectives about treatment options and the social and psychological burden of disease (lesion and scar). Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with ten confirmed CL patients at two L. major endemic sites in Southern Tunisia (Sidi Bouzid and Gafsa). Participants were selected using a sampling approach along a spectrum covering e.g. age, sex, and clinical presentation. Patients' experiences, opinions and preferences were explored, and their detailed accounts gave an insight on the impact of CL on their everyday lives. The impact of CL was found to be considerable. Most patients were not satisfied with treatment performance and case management. They expected a shorter healing time and better accessibility of the health system. Tolerance of the burden of disease was variable and ranged from acceptance of hidden scars to suicidal thoughts resulting from the fear to become handicapped, and the stress caused by close relatives. Some believed CL to be a form of skin cancer. Unexpectedly, this finding shows the big gap between the perspectives of patients and assumptions of health professionals regarding this disease. This study provided valuable information for better case management emphasizing the importance of improving communication with patients, and accessibility to treatment. It generated context-specific knowledge to policy makers in Tunisia to implement effective case management in a country where access to treatment remains a challenge due to socio-economic and geographic barriers despite a long tradition in CL control.

A prospective cohort study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major: Dynamics of the Leishmanin skin test and its predictive value for protection against infection and disease.

BACKGROUND: Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) is considered as a useful indicator of past infection by Leishmania parasites. However, the temporal dynamics of a positive LST under different epidemiologic scenarios and whether it relates to the protection against the recurrence of an overt disease are not fully documented. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We report here on a population based prospective study conducted on 2686 individuals living in two foci located in Central Tunisia, to assess over a one-year epidemiologic season, the incidence of Leishmania (L.) major infection and disease and changes in LST reactivity. The two foci were both endemic for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) due to L. major, but contrasted in their history for this disease (ie: an old focus versus a recent focus). We found that most infections occurred in the new focus (290/1000; 95% CI: 265-315 person-years) with an incidence rate of CL lesions 2.4 times higher than in the old focus. Likewise, the rates of LST reactivity reversion and loss, in the new focus, were 99/1000[38-116] person-years and 14/1000[8-21] person-years, respectively. Loss of LST reactivity was not noticed in the old focus. Interestingly, the incidence rates of symptomatic infection did not differ significantly according to the LST status at enrolment (negative versus positive) between the combined foci and the new one. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings confirm LST as a good tool for assessing L. major cryptic infection. However, the instability of the LST positivity in new foci should be considered as an important confounder of the outcome of this infection when developing a research protocol for vaccine trial.

Hepatitis a virus infection in Central-West Tunisia: an age structured model of transmission and vaccination impact.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiological pattern of hepatitis A infection has shown dynamic changes in many parts of the world due to improved socio-economic conditions and the accumulation of seronegative subjects, which leads to possible outbreaks and increased morbidity rate. In Tunisia, the epidemiological status of hepatits A virus is currently unknown. However, over the past years higher numbers of symptomatic hepatitis A virus infection in school attendants and several outbreaks were reported to the Ministry of Health, especially from regions with the lowest socio-economic levels in the country. The aim of this study was to investigate the current seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies in central-west Tunisia and assess the impact of hepatitis A virus vaccination on hepatitis A epidemiology. METHODS: Serum samples from 1379 individuals, aged 5-75 years, were screened for hepatitis A virus antibodies. Adjusted seroprevalence, incidence and force of infection parameters were estimated by a linear age structured SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered) compartmental model. A vaccine model was then constructed to assess the impact on hepatitis A virus epidemiology of 3 scenarios of vaccination strategies: one dose at 12-months of age, one dose at 6-years and one dose at 12-months and another at 6-years of age during 6 years. RESULTS: A rapid increase in anti-hepatitis A virus seroprevalence was noted during infancy and adolescence: 47% of subjects under 10-years-old are infected; the prevalence increases to 77% at 15-years and reaches 97% in subjects aged 30-years. The force of infection is highest between 10 and 30-years of age and the incidence declines with increasing age. The vaccine model showed that the 3-scenarios lead to a significant reduction of the fraction of susceptibles. The two doses scenario gives the best results. Single-dose vaccination at 6-years of age provides more rapid decrease of disease burden in school-aged children, as compared to single-dose vaccination at 12-months, but keeps with a non-negligible fraction of susceptibles among children < 6-years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the epidemiological switch from high to intermediate endemicity of hepatitis A virus in Tunisia and provides models that may help undertake best decisions in terms of vaccinations strategies.

Attitudes towards plagiarism among academics of the faculty of Medicine of Tunis.

Assessing the extent of plagiarism within academics remains the first step in the fight against this behavior. The current study aimed to explore the attitudes of the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis (FMT)'s academics toward plagiarism. A cross-sectional study was conducted within the FMT during the 2018-2019 academic year. Data were collected using a questionnaire including the English version of the attitudes toward plagiarism questionnaire (ATPQ) which is composed of 29 statements divided into three attitudinal factors: positive, negative attitudes and subjective norms toward plagiarism. A total of 340 faculty members responded to the survey. The mean scores for both positive attitudes (28.8 ± 6.9) and subjective norms (24.6 ± 4.9) were between low to moderate and that of negative attitudes was moderate (22.4 ± 2.6). In multivariate analysis, participants with higher academic rank, those who had a good level of English or who attended English courses and those who attended workshops in scientific writing were less tolerant toward plagiarism. The implementation of courses on research practices as well as the introduction of medical English courses in the FMT's post graduate program could constitute relevant approaches to limit the extent of plagiarism.