Genomic profiling and characterization of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis reference strain B/HAR36.

The human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis has multiple serovariants that have distinct organotropisms. We recently revised genomic sequence data linked to ocular reference strain, B/HAR36. Now linked to its correct genomic data in the European Nucleotide Archive, we describe its genomic features.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in adipose tissue of women from Grand Tunis and their association with demographic factors and dietary habits.

Dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychloronated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in 25 woman adipose tissues collected in 2016 from Grand Tunis, Tunisia. p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, HCB and ß-HCH were the dominant organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in decreasing order in all samples. The total OCP levels varied from 79 to 343 ng g-1 lipid with a median value of 189 ng g-1 lipid and DDTs contributed approximately 88% to sum OCP. The ratio of p,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDE across all samples is below one, which suggests mainly historic exposure but may indicate some recent exposure to the banned pesticide. The median concentration of PCBs was 109 ng g-1 lipid and ranged between 27 and 204 ng g-1 lipid. PCB-153, PCB-180, PCB-138 and PCB-170 were the most abundant congeners, which contributed about 78% of the total PCBs. Spearman analysis showed that dominant organochlorine compounds (OCs) are highly positive correlated except for PCB-28/31, indicating that women from Tunis are exposed via similar routes. Inhalation exposure could be a possible pathway for the uptake of the less chlorinated congeners. We found positive and statistically significant association with subjects age for HCB (r = 0.517; p = 0.009) and PCBs (r = 0.65; p = 0.001) levels and a weak age-dependent accumulation was found for HCHs (r = 0.375; p = 0.065) and DDTs (r = 0.388; p = 0.056). The concentrations of OC subgroups were not associated with BMI, parity and residence. No association was observed between fish, red/white meat, milk and dairy products consumption and levels of HCB, HCHs and PCBs. DDTs levels were significantly correlated only with milk (p = 0.048) and milk products (p = 0.047) intake.

Spatio-temporal distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Tunis Lagoon: Concentrations in sediments and Marphysa sanguinea body and excrement.

Despite international recognition as an important coastal wetland, Tunis Lagoon is still subjected to anthropogenic pressures. This article provides valuable data on the spatio-temporal distribution, toxicity, and origins of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Tunis Lagoon complex. PAHs' concentrations were measured in Marphysa sanguinea body and excrements, as well as in surface sediments. Total mean PAHs' concentrations reached a maximum of 2398 ng/g dry weight (DW) in sediments, 1007.19 ng/g DW in M. sanguinea, and 2602.05 ng/g DW in excrements. Diagnostic PAHs' ratios were used to determine whether PAHs' origins were pyrogenic or petrogenic. Our data showed a predominance of PAHs with a pyrogenic source. Principal component analysis showed PAHs isolated from polychaetes clearly separated from those measured in sediment and excrement. We believe that sediments are not the main source of bioaccumulation by M. sanguinea. Moreover, the toxicity of PAHs in sediments is moderate to high for benthic organisms.

Comparative study of immunological biomarkers in the carpet shell clams (Ruditapes decussatus) from metal-contaminated sites in the South Lagoon of Tunis (Tunisia).

The South Lagoon of Tunis (Tunisia) is a Mediterranean lagoon adversely affected by industrial contaminants, harbour activity and untreated urban sewage. In this lagoon, the clam Ruditapes decussatus has been widely used as a biomonitor of seawater pollution through measurements of parameters related to oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. However, few studies have considered parameters of the immune system of this species in the South Lagoon of Tunis. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate several immune-related parameters in the cell-free haemolymph of carpet shell clams sampled during August and February from three polluted sites in the South Lagoon of Tunis (S1, S2 and S3) and one less polluted site as a reference site (RS) in order to identify suitable biomarkers for environmental quality assessments of this ecosystem. Concerning the immune-related parameters, seasonal factors modulated phenoloxidase, lysozyme, protease and esterase activity, with lower values measured for samples collected in August than for samples collected in February. In fact, bactericidal activity against two of the pathogenic bacteria tested and the activity of most immune-related enzymes were reduced in the cell-free haemolymph of clams collected from the most sampling sites in August compared to February one. In addition, values of abiotic parameters (temperature, salinity and pH) and metal (cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc) concentrations in the clams' soft tissues, previously obtained and published by the authors, as well as the values of immune-related parameters were integrated using principal component analyses. Results indicated that the values of all measured immune-related parameters were negatively correlated with the temperature values and the variations most of these parameters highlighted that the chemical industrial area (S3) was the most impacted location within the South Lagoon of Tunis. The present study illustrates that the immune-related parameters measured in carpet shell clam cell-free haemolymph represent suitable biomarkers for environmental quality assessments because they provide effective seasonal and spatial discrimination.

Bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in Polychaeta Marphysa sanguinea in the anthropogenically impacted Tunis Lagoon: DNA damage and immune biomarkers.

This work assessed the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the polychaeta Marphysa sanguinea in Tunis Lagoon. Highest PAHs concentrations were accumulated at station E with maximum Σ PAH of 6028,87 ng/g DW. Changes in animal physiology were clearly related to bioaccumulated PAH. In fact, high levels of immune biomarkers (cyclooxygenase [COX] and lysozyme activity with maximum of 44631,10 FU/mn/mg protein and 0,017 lysozyme activity/mn/mg protein, respectively) were recorded at stations B and E. Triacylglycerol (TAG), the energy source, was lowest at the most polluted stations (E and B), while phospholipids (PL) were highest at the control station. Statistical analysis revealed a probable effect of both low and high molecular weight PAHs on variations in energy storage lipids (TAG and sterol and wax esters [SE/WE]) and membrane lipids, particularly PL. Our results encourage the use of M. sanguinea to assess pollution levels in coastal ecosystems.

[Tinea capitis: epidemiological study in Tunis from 2012 to 2020]. / Les teignes du cuir chevelu: étude épidémiologique dans la région de Tunis de 2012 à 2020.

Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common superficial mycosis seen in children before puberty. The distribution of these dermatophytes changes over time and varies from country to country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of TC in Tunis. We conducted a retrospective study, involving 474 patients referred for mycological analysis of the scalp between January 2012 and December 2020. For each patient, a Clinical Information Sheet was completed, and a mycological sample was taken. The identification of isolated dermatophytes was based on macroscopic and microscopic colony criteria. Molecular real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection of 4 isolates was performed using the DermaGenius®2.0 kit. We collected 210 positive samples, reflecting a prevalence of 44.3% (n=210). Male patients were more frequently affected by TC (81%, n=170). The average age of patients was 6,2±3,4 years. Ring-shaped large patches were predominant (88%, n=184). Direct examination had a sensitivity of 87% (n=182). Microsporic ectothrix parasitism was detected in (79%, n=166) of cases and trichophytic endothrix in (7%, n=14) of cases. Culture was positive in (98%, n=207) of cases and five dermatophyte species were isolated: Microsporum canis (87%, n=182), Trichophyton violaceum (9%, n=19), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var mentagrophytes (3%, n=6), Microsporum gypsum (0.5%, n=1) and Trichophyton verrucosum (0.5%, n=1). This study reveals the occurrence of zoophilic dermatophytes, in particular M. canis. Mycological examination is essential to confirm the diagnosis, conduct epidemiological surveillance of dermatophytes in the districts and for therapeutic management.

Comparative biomarker responses to urban pollution in three polychaete species: Perinereis cultrifera, Diopatra neapolitana, and Marphysa sanguinea from the lagoon of Tunis.

Coastal lagoons are among the most vulnerable ecosystems as they are often exposed to different anthropogenic activities. The Polychaetes, which are dominant components in macrobenthic community, are particularly exposed to contamination. The current study was designed to assess and compare the sensitivity of different polychaetes species towards urban pollution. To do this, three polychaete species: Perinereis cultrifera, Diopatra neapolitana, and Marphysa sanguinea, were collected from the Tunis South Lagoon during summer 2013. A set of biomarkers indicative of genotoxicity (DNA damage), biotransformation, and oxidative stress (glutathione S-transferase, GST) as well as immune response (cyclooxygenase activity (COX), lysozyme activity, and nitric oxide level (NOx)), was used. The results revealed that D. neapolitana and P. cultrifera exhibited higher genetic alteration and GST activity and more prominent immune response when compared with M. sanguinea. These findings denote of the higher sensitivity of D. neapolitana and P. cultrifera to urban pollution and suggest their possible use in environmental biomonitoring programs.

Study of organic pollution in superficial sediments of Meliane river catchment area: aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Organic contaminants can be accumulated in aquatic systems even at trace concentrations with potential threats to the environment and human health. The present study has been performed to evaluate the effects of organochlorines and polyaromatic hydrocarbons on surface sediments of the Meliane river catchment. Their determination provides an essential scientific approach for a better understanding of the expected sources and the processes of bioaccumulation. The concentrations of saturated hydrocarbons in extractable organic matter of the dry sediment were found ranging from 0.58 to 3 83 µg kg-1 and PAHs content ranged from 63 to 131 µg kg-1. These results indicated the adherence of Oued Meliane to the pollution of the Tunis Gulf. The fraction of saturated hydrocarbons extracted from the sediments of Oued Meliane included a majority of organic compounds of biogenic nature with a small oil input. In addition, characterization with the TAR index and the LMW/HMW index confirmed that terrigenous inputs in this fraction are more abundant than aquatic inputs. The characterization of PAHs fraction has shown its pyrolitic origin with a predominance of high molecular weight PAHs.

High temperature effect on daily all-cause mortality in Tunis 2005-2007.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between thermal stress and health has been only marginally investigated in North Africa. This study aimed to estimate the short-term effect of heat on total mortality, in the city of Tunis in 2005-2007, using time series analysis. METHODS: The study period was restricted to the summer season (May-October) and heat effect was assessed using maximum temperature as exposure variable. We estimated the breakpoint above which heat-related mortality begins to increase using a segmented linear regression. A Poisson Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model was then used to estimate the impact of heat on daily mortality. Models were adjusted for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), trend, calendar month, day of the week, the Ramadan period, and holidays. RESULTS: The estimated breakpoint was 31.5°C (standard deviation: 0.9°C). After adjustment for potential confounders, the daily mortality increased significantly by 2.00% [95% confidence interval: 0.68-3.16] for a 1°C increase in daily maximum temperature above the breakpoint. An increase of 10mg/m3 in NO2 was associated with a significant increase in daily mortality (0.48% [0.08-0.88]). CONCLUSION: There is an important effect of heat on daily mortality in the city of Tunis. This is the first evaluation of such an association in a North African city with hot and dry summers and a lower middle economy.

Occurrence, sources and effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Tunis lagoon, Tunisia: an integrated approach using multi-level biological responses in Ruditapes decussatus.

Coastal lagoons are critical ecosystems presenting a strategic economic importance, but they are subjected to potential anthropogenic impact. As part of the Tunis lagoon (Tunisia) biomonitoring study, levels, composition pattern and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments along with their bioavailability in clam Ruditapes decussatus were investigated in polluted (S2-S4) and reference (S1) sites. In order to investigate the contamination effects at different biological levels in clams, a wide set of biomarkers, including gene expression changes, enzymatic activities disruption and histopathological alterations, was analysed. Biomarkers were integrated in a biomarker index (IBR index) to allow a global assessment of the biological response. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for chemical and biological data integration to rank the sampling sites according to their global environmental quality. Sediment PAHs levels ranged between 144.5 and 3887.0 ng g-1 dw in the Tunis lagoon sites versus 92.6 ng g-1 dw in the reference site. The high PAH concentrations are due to anthropogenic activities around the lagoon. PAH composition profiles and diagnostic isomer ratios analysis indicated that PAHs were of both pyrolitic and petrogenic origins. Clams sampled from S2 and S3 exhibited the highest PAH contents with 2192.6 ng g-1 dw and 2371.4 ng g-1 dw, respectively. Elevated levels of tissue PAHs were associated to an increase in biotransformation and antioxidant activities, and lipid peroxidation levels along with an overexpression of different genes encoding for general stress response, mitochondrial metabolism and antioxidant defence, in addition to the emergence of severe and diverse histopathological alterations in the clams' digestive glands. IBR index was suitable for sampling sites ranking (S1 = 0 < S4 = 0.4 < S3 = 1.15 < S2 = 1.27) based on the level of PAH-induced stress in clams. PCA approach produced two components (PC1, 83.8% and PC2, 12.2%) that describe 96% of the variance in the data and thus highlighted the importance of integrating contaminants in sediments, their bioaccumulation and a battery of biomarkers of different dimensions for the assessment of global health status of coastal and lagoon areas.

A new species of Flabelligeridae (Annelida), Trophoniella radesiensis n. sp., from Tunisia.

The family Flabelligeridae was previously represented in Tunisia by four genera including four species: Bradabyssa villosa (Rathke, 1843), Therochaeta flabellata (M. Sars in G.O. Sars, 1872), Pherusa plumosa (Müller, 1776), and Piromis eruca (Claparède, 1869). In this paper we report a fifth genus, Trophoniella, for the first time in Tunisia. The specimens were collected in Radés Station, Gulf of Tunis (Central Mediterranean) and belong to a new species, namely Trophoniella radesiensis n. sp., which is characterized by having: (1) a very smooth tunic, body covered dorsally, ventrally, and laterally by sediment grains (except in the posterior region), and (2) well-developed parapodia showing short neurohooks from chaetiger 6 to 19 and anchylosed neurohooks from chaetiger 20. Based on the 16S, the new species belongs to a low supported Piromis/Trophoniella clade and shows a 16.1% of genetic distance from Trophoniella hephaistos Jimi Fujiwara, 2016, the single known species of the genus sequenced to date. [Zoobank lsid: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:D7C85C70-87FF-4AF4-8599-A8462B3FB8B1].

[Clinical Features and Prognosis Factors of Spinal Tuberculosis in Northern Tunisia: A Case Series of 60 Patients]. / Profil clinique et facteurs pronostiques du mal de Pott au nord de la Tunisie : à propos de 60 cas.

Spondylodiscitis is a common but potentially serious form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Very few descriptions are known from Tunisia. We have conducted a retrospective study including 60 cases of spinal tuberculosis, performed over a period of 20 years (1996-2016). The diagnosis was retained on bacteriological, radiological and anatomopathologic evidence. Sixty cases including 31 women and 29 men of spinal tuberculosis were involved. The mean age was 54.4 ±â€…21.3 years. The delay from onset to diagnosis was 6 months (1-14). Lumbar region was the most common infection site (68%). The magnetic resonance imaging has confirmed spinal infection in all cases. The percutaneous image guided spinal biopsy was conclusive in 24/42 cases (57.1%). All patients were put under anti-tuberculosis treatment with total treatment duration of 14 months. Fourteen patients underwent surgical act. The outcome was favorable in 42 cases (7%). Advanced age ≥ 65 years (P = 0.026), radiological evidence of spinal cord compression (P = 0.033) or abscess (P = 0.024), hyperleucocytosis higher than 11,500 elements/mm3 (0.031), or fractures on bone imaging (P = 0.018) and vertebral deformity (P < 0.001) were strongly linked to a bad outcome. Early diagnosis and treatment onset may ensure better outcomes and reduce neurological complications and vertebral deformity.

La spondylodiscite est une forme fréquente et potentiellement grave de tuberculose extrapulmonaire. Elle n'a été que peu décrite en Tunisie. Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective portant sur 60 cas de spondylodiscite tuberculeuse (SPDT) colligés sur une période de 20 ans (1996­2016) dans un centre hospitalier universitaire au nord de la Tunisie. Le diagnostic a été retenu sur des preuves bactériologiques, anatomopathologiques et radiologiques. Il s'agit de 31 femmes et de 29 hommes âgés en moyenne de 54,4 ±â€…21,3 ans. Le délai moyen de diagnostic était de six mois (1­14 mois). L'étage lombaire était le plus touché (68 %). L'imagerie par résonance magnétique était évocatrice du diagnostic dans tous les cas. La ponction-biopsie discovertébrale a permis de porter le diagnostic dans 24/42 cas (57,1 %), fondé sur des preuves histologiques. Tous les patients ont reçu un traitement antituberculeux d'une durée moyenne de 14 mois, associé à un geste interventionnel dans 14 cas. L'évolution était favorable dans 42 cas (70 %). Les facteurs de mauvais pronostic étaient l'âge avancé de plus de 65 ans (p = 0,026), la présence de signes radiologiques de compression médullaire (p = 0,033) ou d'abcès paravertébral (p = 0,024), l'hyperleucocytose initiale supérieure ou égale à 11 500 éléments/mm3 (p = 0,031), la présence de fracture vertébrale (p = 0,018) et d'une déformation vertébrale (p < 0,001). La SPDT est une maladie insidieuse dont le diagnostic et le traitement précoces sont la clé pour éviter les complications neurologiques et ostéoarticulaires.

Spatio-temporal variability of biomarker responses and lipid composition of Marphysa sanguinea, Montagu (1813) in the anthropic impacted lagoon of Tunis.

In this study the Polychaeta Marphysa sanguinea, was tested to investigate the impact of metal pollution on the environmental state of a coastal Mediterranean lagoon, Tunis Lagoon (Tunisia). A multi-biomarker approach comprising glutathione-stransferase, cyclooxygenase, lysozyme activity, and lipid class composition of the Polychaeta was employed on a seasonal basis in the present investigation. The multivariate statistical approach (principal component analysis and Pearson correlation) clearly demonstrated different spatial patterns in biomarker values and lipid class concentrations. The phospholipids were the dominant lipid class in M. sanguinea, with the highest value found at the control station. The impact of pollution was most clearly observed on the main storage lipid class, triacylglycerol, which was lowest in the most impacted sites. Our work suggests that M. sanguinea can be used in warmer Mediterranean costal habitats as a sentinel species of contaminated ecosystems.

Harmful epiphytic dinoflagellate assemblages on macrophytes in the Gulf of Tunis.

The spatio-temporal distribution of epiphytic and planktonic microalgae coupled with environmental factors was investigated for a one-year period in the Gulf of Tunis (northeastern Tunisia). Harmful microalgae assemblages were dominated by three toxic epiphytic dinoflagellates: Ostreopsis sp., Prorocentrum lima and Coolia monotis. They were observed, both on macrophytes (1.03 × 105 cells g-1 FW ; 1.3 × 104 cells g-1 FW and 865 cells g-1 FW, respectively) and in the water column (2.35 × 104 cells L-1; 3.72 × 103 cells L-1; 1.04 × 103 cells L-1, respectively). Species abundances decreased with depth and maximum concentrations were found in shallow waters (0.5-1 m). The highest species abundance was registered both on macroalgae and seagrass with no special preference observed for either of these substrates. Redundancy analyses (RDA) show significant changes in these species abundances according to sites and seasons. The proliferation of Ostreopsis sp. is widespread in summer, when water temperature is warm, and especially in bay zones. The occurrence of P. lima and C. monotis blooms was mainly correlated to nutrients. In this study, macrophyte beds in the Gulf of Tunis were a reservoir of potentially toxic species that could pose a real threat, both to ecosystems and to public health.

[Management of Toxoplasmic Seroconversion in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy in Tunisia]. / Particularités de la prise en charge en Tunisie des séroconversions toxoplasmiques du troisième trimestre de grossesse.

The purpose of our study was to report the particularities of the management of toxoplasmosis seroconversion cases occurred during the third trimester of pregnancy and diagnosed in the Institute Pasteur of Tunis. The study was conducted in the Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology of the Institute Pasteur of Tunis between January 2005 and December 2017. A total of 27 cases of toxoplasmosis seroconversion during the third trimester were included. Prenatal diagnosis was performed in five cases. PCR was positive in one case. Pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine was prescribed in one case with positive PCR and in another case as soon as maternal infection was confirmed. Spiramycine was prescribed in 24 cases for the duration of the pregnancy. One woman did not take any treatment because seroconversion was diagnosed just before delivery. Twenty newborns had congenital toxoplasmosis: 19 cases were diagnosed by serology and one case was diagnosed after amniocentesis. Two newborns (10%) were symptomatic at birth. All the newborns had neither clinical nor radiological signs during the follow-up.

L'objectif de notre travail était de rapporter les particularités de la prise en charge d'une série de cas de séroconversion toxoplasmique du troisième trimestre de grossesse diagnostiquée à l'institut Pasteur de Tunis. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective colligée au laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie de l'institut Pasteur de Tunis entre janvier 2005 et décembre 2017, incluant 27 femmes enceintes ayant présenté une séroconversion toxoplasmique au cours du troisième trimestre de la grossesse diagnostiquée au cours de leurs suivis sérologiques. Cinq femmes ont bénéficié d'un diagnostic anténatal. La PCR (polymerase chain reaction) s'est révélée positive dans un seul cas. Deux femmes ont été mises sous pyriméthamine-sulfadoxine dont une avait une PCR positive. La spiramycine a été instituée chez 24 femmes jusqu'à l'accouchement. Une femme n'a reçu aucun traitement, la séroconversion ayant été diagnostiquée la veille de l'accouchement. Le diagnostic de la toxoplasmose congénitale a été retenu chez 20 nouveau-nés (74 %) dont un en anténatal et 19 à la naissance. Deux étaient symptomatiques (10 %) à la naissance. Aucune manifestation clinique ou radiologique n'a été observée au cours de leurs suivis.

Symptoms of Canine Leishmaniosis in Tunisian Dogs.

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a fatal disease caused by Leishmania infantum which is a zoonotic protozoan transmitted to humans from dogs through sandflies. In Tunisia, there is a lack of knowledge on CanL risk and protective factors that limits the possibilities to design control strategies. In this study, 269 dogs suffering from CanL that were presented by their owners to the clinic of the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet (Tunisia), were examined. Male dogs were more infected than female dogs (sex-ratio = 1.53). The age distribution in dogs has a normal distribution; mostly animals less than 4 years old (48.7%) gets affected by this disease. The majority of the animals were German Shepherded (14.4%) followed by Staffordshire (12.6%) and Rottweiler (9.6%). Most of the dogs live outdoor (87%), did not receive any acaricidal treatment (88.5%) and were not dewormed (70.3%). Poor body condition (73.2%), depilation (69.1%), lymph node enlargement (67.3%) and lethargy (60.2%) were the most frequent symptoms. Further studies need to be carried out to establish the presence of a relation between the zymodems and the clinical typology of CanL. It is also important to know if these disparities were due to differences in the canine population under study, to inherent differences in susceptibility to the disease or to a genetic diversity of the parasite.

La leishmaniose viscérale canine est une maladie fatale due à Leishmania infantum qui est un protozoaire zoonotique transmis aux humains par les chiens par l'intermédiaire de phlébotomes. En Tunisie, il y a un manque d'informations sur la leishmaniose viscérale canine, les facteurs de risque et de protection, limitant les possibilités de développement de stratégies de contrôle. Les auteurs ont examiné 269 chiens présentés par leurs propriétaires en consultation à la clinique de l'École nationale de médecine vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet (Tunisie), présentant une leishmaniose viscérale canine en Tunisie. Les chiens mâles étaient plus infectés que les chiens femelles (sex-ratio = 1,53). La distribution de l'âge des chiens est en cloche, la maladie a concerné principalement les animaux âgés de moins de 4 ans (48,7 %). La majorité des animaux étaient de race berger allemand (14,4 %), suivis par les Staffordshire bull-terrier (12,6 %) et les rottweilers (9,6 %). La majorité des chiens vivaient à l'extérieur (87 %), ne recevaient pas de traitements acaricides (88,5 %) et n'étaient pas vermifugés (70,3 %). Le mauvais état général (73,2 %), la dépilation (69,1 %), l'hypertrophie des nœuds lymphatiques (67,3 %) et la léthargie (60,2 %) étaient les symptômes les plus fréquents. Des études ultérieures sont nécessaires pour établir une relation entre les zymodèmes et la typologie clinique de la leishmaniose viscérale du chien. Il serait intéressant également de savoir si ces disparités étaient dues à une différence de la population canine étudiée, à une différence de la sensibilité des chiens ou à une diversité génétique du parasite.

Clinical and diagnostic features of trochanteric tuberculosis.

Trochanteric tuberculosis is a very rare localization of musculo-skeletal tuberculosis. The diagnosis is difficult and is often made in a late stage. The authors describe five cases of trochanteric tuberculosis. The mean age of patients was 46.6 years. Time to diagnosis was long (7.6 months on average). The tuberculosis was plurifocal in all cases. Diagnosis was based on positive Lowenstein culture in one case, on the presence of caseum granuloma in one case and through a pathognommonic manifestation in one case. For the remaining two cases, diagnosis was established on clinical and paraclinical arguments. The patients recovered after medical treatment alone.

[Trans-hepatico cystic coledochostomy for the opening hydatid cyst in the biliary tract: Indications and outcome evaluation of 25 cases]. / La cholédochostomie transhépaticokystique dans le traitement des kystes hydatiques ouverts dans les voies biliaires : revue des indications et analyse des résultats d'une série de 25 cas.

The treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver opened in the bile ducts is sometimes difficult and complex. The trans-hepaticocystic coledochostomy (CTHK) is one of these processes. We conducted a review of the indications for this surgical procedure and its perioperative outcomes through a series of 25 patients and then we analyzed predictor factors of complications. During the period's study, 909 patients with liver hydatid cyst went under the surgery. Ninety two (92, i.e. 10.1%) of them had an opening in the bile ducts through a large fistula. Twenty five (25, i.e. 27%) had a trans-hepaticocystic coledochostomy. The sex ratio was 0.6. The population was young with an average age of 47 years. The trans-hepaticocystic coledochostomy was performed because of a thick pericyst associated with a nonsutured fistula in 18 cases, a voluminous residual cavity with a soft pericyst but the fistula was unexposed in six cases and in a case where the pericyst was thick, fistula was exposed. Its suture was associated with a high risk of bile duct stenosis. Specific morbidity was 20% due to a length of the intraductal coledochostomy under 2 cm (P = 0.016), the absence of an epiploplasty (P = 0.004) and the existence of a leak of contrast material outside the fistula on the cholangiography (P = 0.005). The trans-hepaticocystic coledochostomy is a safe and reliable technique, often indicated when other conservative methods are failing. The application of its technical requirements and avoidance of mounting errors allow reducing its morbidity.

[Seroprevalence of human parvovirus B19 in children with fever and rash in the North of Tunisia]. / Prévalence de l'infection par le parvovirus B19 humain au cours des éruptions fébriles de l'enfant dans le Nord tunisien.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of specific antibodies anti-human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG in children with fever and rash. This study involved 257 children aged from 7 months to 15 years with febrile rash unrelated to measles and rubella (seronegative for IgM). The sera were examined by immunoenzymatic assay. Detection of antibodies of PVB19 was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa). In our study, prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM were 44 and 11.3%, respectively. Clinically, children with positive IgM serology had submitted an erythema infectiosum (13/29 cases), myocarditis (1 case), encephalitis (1 case), severe sickle cell anemia (7 cases), and immunocompromised (7 cases). The incidence rate of viral infection was 11.3%; most of the cases of PVB19 infection occurred between the months of May and August. Incidence was higher in the 10-15 years age group (21%). The prevalence of IgG antibody varied and increased with age, it rises from 38.2% in preschool children (19 months-4 years) to 53.5% in those aged between 4.5 and 15 years, reaching 58% in the 10-15 years age group. The four risk factors of PVB19 infection are: (1) those aged between 4.5 and 9 years, which is the most affected age group (P = 0.0018); (2) female gender in children aged between 19 months and 4 years (P = 0.037); (3) transfusion and (4) immune deficiency (P = 0.022 and P = 0.001, respectively). The study of the prevalence of PVB19 infection shows that viral infection is acquired early in childhood, increases with age; viral transmission is favored by the community life. Because of the widespread vaccination program against measles and rubella, the systematic search of PVB19 in front of eruptive fevers becomes important.

Genomic Characterization of the Genus Nairovirus (Family Bunyaviridae).

Nairovirus, one of five bunyaviral genera, includes seven species. Genomic sequence information is limited for members of the Dera Ghazi Khan, Hughes, Qalyub, Sakhalin, and Thiafora nairovirus species. We used next-generation sequencing and historical virus-culture samples to determine 14 complete and nine coding-complete nairoviral genome sequences to further characterize these species. Previously unsequenced viruses include Abu Mina, Clo Mor, Great Saltee, Hughes, Raza, Sakhalin, Soldado, and Tillamook viruses. In addition, we present genomic sequence information on additional isolates of previously sequenced Avalon, Dugbe, Sapphire II, and Zirqa viruses. Finally, we identify Tunis virus, previously thought to be a phlebovirus, as an isolate of Abu Hammad virus. Phylogenetic analyses indicate the need for reassignment of Sapphire II virus to Dera Ghazi Khan nairovirus and reassignment of Hazara, Tofla, and Nairobi sheep disease viruses to novel species. We also propose new species for the Kasokero group (Kasokero, Leopards Hill, Yogue viruses), the Ketarah group (Gossas, Issyk-kul, Keterah/soft tick viruses) and the Burana group (Wenzhou tick virus, Huángpí tick virus 1, Tǎchéng tick virus 1). Our analyses emphasize the sister relationship of nairoviruses and arenaviruses, and indicate that several nairo-like viruses (Shayáng spider virus 1, Xinzhou spider virus, Sanxiá water strider virus 1, South Bay virus, Wǔhàn millipede virus 2) require establishment of novel genera in a larger nairovirus-arenavirus supergroup.