Unusual extra-podal fungal mycetoma with black grains in a Senegalese child.

Mycetoma remains endemic in the tropical and subtropical regions of the "mycetoma belt" including Senegal. It affects more commonly young men in the age group of 20 to 40 years. The foot represents the most commonly affected site. The most common extra-podal localizations are leg, knee, buttocks, hand and arm. We report an exceptional case of cervical fungal mycetoma that occurred in a 13-year-old Senegalese child. He consulted for a cervico-submandibular tumefaction with multiple sinuses and black grains discharge evolving since 6 years, associated to laryngeal dyspnoea. Mycological examination with culture isolated Madurella mycetomatis. Cervical CT Scan showed bone and soft tissue invasion. Terbinafine alone was administered. During the evolution, tracheotomy was performed following the aggravation of the laryngeal disorders. Death from severe sepsis occurred after 8 months of evolution. The particularities of our case are the occurrence of fungal mycetoma in a child, the cervical localization and the difficulties of therapeutic management largely due to the diagnostic delay.

Correlation between olfactory function, trigeminal sensitivity, and nasal anatomy in healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: Few studies have investigated the correlation between chemosensory function (trigeminal and olfactory) and nasal volume in humans, even though nasal anatomy is crucial for the sense of smell. Aim of this study was to evaluate these correlations in normosmic subjects. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-six healthy volunteers (age range 19-69 years) participated. Olfactory function was investigated for (the rose-like) phenylethyl alcohol odor threshold and odor identification (OI) using the Sniffin' Sticks test, while nasal structure was evaluated by acoustic rhinometry (AR); trigeminal sensitivity was assessed in terms of detection "thresholds" for the odorless carbon dioxide (CO2). RESULTS: There were negative correlations between olfactory sensitivity at threshold level and minimum cross-sectional area (MCSA) in both nostrils. No significant correlations were found between OI and nasal anatomy. Similar to olfactory sensitivity, with regard to the trigeminal stimulus CO2 for the right nostril subjects were the more sensitive the smaller the MCSA. CONCLUSIONS: The current results emphasize the significance of nasal anatomy for trigeminal/olfactory threshold perception. Interestingly, correlations were not found between suprathreshold odor identification and nasal anatomy. Other than odor identification, odor thresholds appear to depend on subtle differences in nasal anatomy.

Fenofibrate decreases plasma ceramide in type 2 diabetes patients: A novel marker of CVD?

AIM: The benefit of the lipid-lowering drug fenofibrate on cardiovascular outcomes is controversial. Our aim was to find new circulating markers to identify those patients most likely to benefit from fenofibrate prescription. METHODS: Analyses were conducted of plasma samples collected from 102 patients with type 2 diabetes, enrolled in the FIELD trial, before and after fenofibrate treatment (200mg/day). Non-targeted and targeted lipid analyses and apolipoprotein measurements were made using mass spectrometry methods. RESULTS: Lipidomics revealed a global decrease in ceramide after fenofibrate treatment confirmed by quantitative analysis (-18.2%, P<0.001). These changes were strongly associated with those found for plasma sphingomyelin (r=0.80, P<0.001) and, to a lesser extent, for sphingosine-1-phosphate (r=0.34, P<0.001). Ceramide levels decreased in 73.5% of patients. In addition to the expected lipid changes (decreases in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and increase in HDL cholesterol), fenofibrate also lowered plasma apoC-II (-11.1%, P<0.01), apoC-III (-24.6%; P<0.001), apoB100 (-27.0%, P<0.01) and sphingomyelinase (-7.6%, P<0.001), and increased plasma apoA-II (22.4%, P<0.001) as well as adiponectin (11.4%, P<0.001). No significant association was found between ceramide decrease and these modulations except for total cholesterol (r=0.20, P=0.047) and HDL protein components. At baseline, only elevated sphingolipid levels were significantly associated with ceramide reduction after fenofibrate treatment. CONCLUSION: Fenofibrate lowers plasma ceramide independently of the usual lipid parameters. As ceramide is a strong marker of atherosclerosis, our study underpins the need to further evaluate its contribution to cardiovascular events in fenofibrate-treated patients.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) associated with cosmetic skin whitening: 8 cases reported in Senegal.

BACKGROUND: The cosmetic use of bleaching products is common among women from sub-Saharan Africa. The most frequently used products are highly potent corticosteroids (clobetasol propionate) and hydroquinone. Herein, we report 8 cases of SCC in women using skin bleaching products for cosmetic purposes. Our aim is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of the carcinomas observed during the course of skin lightening. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive multicentre study from August 2005 to January 2016 in three dermatology units in Senegal. We included all patients consulting for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma associated with skin bleaching. Sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic data were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 8 female patients were included. The mean age was 48.1 years (37-63 years). Topical hydroquinone and highly potent corticosteroids were the main products used over the whole body, for an average duration of 20.3 years. No pre-neoplastic skin disease was found in our patients. The clinical aspects of tumours were as follows: cauliflower-like (n=4), ulcerated (n=3) and nodular (n=1). The average development time before consultation was 6.75 months. All the cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas were localized to lichenoid lesions or exogenous ochronotic lesions on photo-exposed areas: face (n=1), neck (n=3) or upper back (n=4). The most common histopathological type was the infiltrating form and there was one case of in situ carcinoma. The outcome was favourable in six of eight patients after surgical resection. Two deaths occurred: one through tumour recurrence and the other through haemorrhagic shock. CONCLUSIONS: From 2005 to 2016, eight cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas associated with cosmetic use of bleaching products were reported in Senegal. The mechanism was not fully elucidated and further studies are necessary. These observations provide an additional argument for combating this practice and including skin bleaching among known risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma.

Risques de chute et de dénutrition chez des personnes âgées vivant à domicile à Dakar (Sénégal)

Objectif : Déterminer la prévalence des risques de chutes et de dénutrition, ainsi que l'existence ou non d'un lien entre ces deux risques chez une population âgée de 60 ans ou plus, vivant à domicile, à Dakar au Sénégal. Patients et méthodes : L'étude est de type transversal descriptif. Le risque de dénutrition a été déterminé à partir des résultats du Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), le risque de chute par le Timed Up and Go test (TUG), et la co-morbidité évaluée par le Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G). L'Odds ratio, les lois normales centrées réduites et de Khi2 (χ2) ont été utilisés pour les tests statistiques.Résultats : Le sex-ratio de la population d'étude (n = 83) était de 1,18 en faveur des femmes, avec un âge moyen de 69,92 ans [68,38 ; 71,46]. Deux tiers de la population étaient mariés. La prévalence de la dénutrition, selon le MNA était à 2,4% [0,29 ; 8,43] et le risque de dénutrition évalué à 39,76% [29,23 ; 50,28]. Cette population a été divisée en deux groupes, en excluant les 2 patients dénutris, selon que les individus soient à risque de dénutrition (n = 33) ou en état nutritionnel normal (n = 48). La comorbidité selon le CIRS-G moyen était faible pour ces deux groupes et était de 4,33 pour les individus à risque de dénutrition et à 3,23 chez les individus à état nutritionnel normal. Le risque de chute était de 4,16% si l'état nutritionnel était normal et de 30,30% en cas de risque de dénutrition, avec un Odds ratio à 10 [2,02 ; 49,46] et une différence significative (p < 0,01).Conclusion : Les actions de prévention de la dénutrition, après le dépistage de son risque par MNA, doivent aussi tenir compte du risque de chute dont les conséquences sont souvent très délétères

Correction: Safety of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine when Delivered to Children under 10 Years of Age by District Health Services in Senegal: Results from a Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162563.].

Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Pancreatitis: A Rare Association with Multiple Facets.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is rarely associated with the occurrence of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Hypercalcemia plays a major role in the pathogenesis. We report five cases of pancreatitis revealing PHPT. Patients and Methods. This is a retrospective study of 4 years, including all patients admitted to intensive care unit or gastroenterology department, for an acute or chronic pancreatitis revealing primary hyperparathyroidism. Results. We included 5 patients, all female, with mean age 54 years [40-76 years]. The PHPT was in all cases revealed by acute pancreatitis (AP). This one was oedematous in four cases and severe in one case. It occurred twice in calcified chronic pancreatitis (CCP). There was hypercalcemia in all cases. The PHPT was associated with a high rate of parathyroid hormone in 4 cases. The secreting lesion was an adenoma in 5 cases. Two patients had in addition bilateral renal calcifications. The outcome was favorable in 4 patients among whom 3 have had parathyroid surgery. A death was noted by superinfection of necrosis in the case of severe AP. Conclusion. The occurrence of pancreatitis during hyperparathyroidism is rare. Normal or elevated calcemia during acute or chronic pancreatitis should always get attention.

Safety of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine when Delivered to Children under 10 Years of Age by District Health Services in Senegal: Results from a Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: It is recommended that children aged 3 months to five years of age living in areas of seasonal transmission in the sub-Sahel should receive Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ) during the malaria transmission season. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of SMC with SPAQ in children when delivered by community health workers in three districts in Senegal where SMC was introduced over three years, in children from 3 months of age to five years of age in the first year, then in children up to 10 years of age. METHODS: A surveillance system was established to record all deaths and all malaria cases diagnosed at health facilities and a pharmacovigilance system was established to detect adverse drug reactions. Health posts were randomized to introduce SMC in a stepped wedge design. SMC with SPAQ was administered once per month from September to November, by nine health-posts in 2008, by 27 in 2009 and by 45 in 2010. RESULTS: After three years, 780,000 documented courses of SMC had been administered. High coverage was achieved. No serious adverse events attributable to the intervention were detected, despite a high level of surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: SMC is being implemented in countries of the sub-Sahel for children under 5 years of age, but in some areas the age distribution of cases of malaria may justify extending this age limit, as has been done in Senegal. Our results show that SMC is well tolerated in children under five and in older children. However, pharmacovigilance should be maintained where SMC is implemented and provision for strengthening national pharmacovigilance systems should be included in plans for SMC implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 00712374.

[Assistance and Support Units for the elderly: A tool for promoting health in seniors: Example of the CAAPA unit of "Sicap Rue 10", in Dakar]. / Cellules D'aide et D'appui aux Personnes Agees : Outil de promotion de la sante des seniors : Exemple la CAAPA de « Sicap Rue 10 ¼ a Dakar.

As a body for reflection, dialogue and integration, the CAAPA Assistance and Support Unit of "Sicap Rue 10" allows the elderly to fully participate in the life of their society while being in good health. The unit has been set up by the local authorities following recommendations from interdepartmental cabinet meeting on 13 November, 200. Nine years after the creation of the unit, it becomes important to evaluate the degree of community participation of the elderly within that unit. This is a qualitative, descriptive and analytic study that took place from 9 October to 23 October, 2010. The two methods used to collect the data are interviewing and focus group. Using Bichmann's scale, which has been modified and adapted, the results have shown an "average-level" participation of the elderly in the creation of the CAAPA unit, its implementation as well as the follow-up and the evaluation of its activities; this participation being "open" in the composition of the piloting committee and "restricted" in mobilizing and managing material and financial resources. Recommendations have been stated for the CAAPA unit to fully play its role.

La Cellule d'Appui et d'Aide aux Personnes Agées (CAAPA) de la SICAP rue 10, instance de réflexion, de concertation et d'intégration permet aux personnes âgées de participer à la vie sociale tout en se maintenant en bonne santé. Elle a été mise en place par les autorités de la dite localité suite aux recommandations du conseil interministériel du 13 novembre 2003. Neuf années après sa mise en œuvre, il est important d'évaluer le degré de participation communautaire des personnes âgées dans le fonctionnement de cette CAAPA. Il s'agit d'une étude qualitative descriptive et analytique qui s'est déroulée du 09 au 23 Octobre 2010. Les techniques de collecte des données utilisées sont l'entretien individuel et le focus group. Grâce à l'échelle de Bichmann modifiée et adaptée, les résultats ont montré une participation des personnes âgées « moyenne ¼ dans la conception de la CAAAPA, la mise en œuvre ainsi que le suivi/évaluation des activités, « ouverte ¼ dans la composition du comité de pilotage et « restreinte ¼ dans la mobilisation et la gestion des ressources matérielles et financières. Des recommandations ont été proposées pour que la CAAPA puisse jouer pleinement son rôle.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis: a case in an adolescent girl.

Encapsulating peritonitis or "abdominal cocoon" is characterised by part or all of the digestive tube being encased in a thick membrane forming a sort of "cocoon". In addition to secondary forms related to peritoneal dialysis or those with drug related, inflammatory or tumour aetiologies, rare idiopathic forms have been described. We report here a case of an idiopathic form in a 15-year-old adolescent girl.

[Adult-onset Still's disease: case report in Dakar, Senegal]. / Maladie de Still de l'adulte: une observation à Dakar (Sénégal).

Adult-onset Still's disease is a uncommon form of inflammatory rheumatism. It has rarely been reported in black Africa. The purpose of this report is to describe a case in a 49-year-old woman from Dakar, Senegal.

[Dermatomyositis and polymyositis: 21 cases in Senegal]. / Dermatomyosites et polymyosites: 21 cas au Sénégal.

Dermatopolymyositis (DPM) is a term describing a group of disorders comprising multiple distinct entities depending on interactions between genetic and environmental factor. There is a paucity of studies on DPM in black Africa. The purpose of this report is to describe epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic aspects of dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) observed at the Principal Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. A retrospective review as conducted of patients hospitalized for DM and PM in Medical Departments of Principal Hospital. Diagnosis of DRM was based on the criteria of Bohan and Peter's in all cases. A series of 21 black African patients was compiled including 15 with DM and 6 with PM. Mean age was 52 years and the M/F sex ratio was 0.6. The mean delay for diagnosis was 6 weeks (range, 3 to 12 weeks). Initial signs were dermatological in 12 patients, pulmonary in one and muscular in the remaining cases. The most common dermatological sign was erythema characterized by a zebra-like aspect on the extended limbs. Erythema was frequently pruriginous with a flagellate aspect on the back. Muscular signs were observed in 18 patients and included pharyngeal manifestations in 10 patients. Amyopathic DM was not observed. Cardiac abnormalities included tachycardia (4 cases), AVB (1), ischemic lesion (1), relaxation disturbances (4), pericardial effusion (3), myocarditis (2) and pulmonary hypertension (1). The most common pulmonary manifestation was interstitial lung disease observed in 6 patients. Gastrointestinal signs were noted in 9 patients including endoscopic evidence of superficial erosion in 4 cases. Electromyography (EMG) tracings revealed myogenic disease in 14 cases including 2 associated with reduced peripheral nervous conduction speed. Severe lymphopenia was observed in 3 patients but HIV serology was negative in all cases. Paraneoplasic DM was observed in 3 cases. Death occurred in 5 cases due to the cancer-related, pulmonary and infectious complications. Based on the findings of this study, the three main features of DM and PM in Senegal are flagellated and often pruriginous erythema, cardiac and interstitial lung disease, and peripheral neural involvement.

[Diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: epidemiological aspects and management issues]. / Le diabète sucré en Afrique subsaharienne aspects épidémiologiques, difficultés de prise en charge.

In contradiction with long-standing conventional wisdom that it is a rich country's disease, diabetes mellitus is increasingly a major concern in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Care facilities have not kept pace with the sharp increase in diabetes mellitus. The WHO has predicted a worldwide rise in the prevalence of diabetes that is expected to affect 300 million people by 2025. This progression is more flagrant in developing countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In these countries, the expansion of diabetes is part of a broader epidemiological transition from transmissible diseases to non-transmissible diseases. A number of factors are causing this transition including aging of the population, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Aside from obesity, arterial hypertension is the main cardiovascular risk factor associated with diabetes. Alone or in association with other risk factors, diabetes mellitus accounts for high morbidity especially due to cardiovascular and kidney complications. Management in sub-Saharan Africa faces a number of issues: poor understanding of the extent of the problem, high cost of medications, socio-economic setting that is poorly suited to maintaining a proper diabetic diet, and limitations in infrastructure and personnel. The rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa is a serious challenge. There is an urgent need to obtain accurate figures about the extent of the pandemia as a basis for training an adequate number of health care personnel and implementing sufficient resources to allow local management. Meeting this challenge will require enhancement of the awareness and participation of all players involved in public health.

The cosmetic use of skin-lightening products during pregnancy in Dakar, Senegal: a common and potentially hazardous practice.

Many women of childbearing age from sub-Saharan Africa use topical skin lighteners, some of which present a risk of toxic systemic effects. The goals of this study were to evaluate, in this environment, the frequency of this practice during pregnancy, as well as eventual consequences on pregnancy. Ninety-nine women from 6 to 9 months pregnant were randomly selected among those attending a standard maternal centre in Dakar for a prenatal visit. Investigations consisted of questions about the use of skin lighteners, a standard clinical examination, follow-up until delivery and a morning blood sample for plasma cortisol levels. Sixty-eight of the 99 selected women used skin lighteners during their current pregnancy, the main active ingredients being hydroquinone and highly potent steroids (used by 64 and 28 women, respectively). No difference in the main outcomes of pregnancy were found between skin-lightener users and the others; however, women using highly potent steroids, when compared with those who did not, had a statistically significant lower plasma cortisol level and a smaller placenta, and presented a higher rate of low-birth-weight infants. Skin lightening is a common practice during pregnancy in Dakar, and the use of steroids may result in consequences in the mother and her child.

Le diabete sucre en Afrique subsaharienne. Aspects epidemiologiques; difficultes de prise en charge

Contrairement a une vieille opinion considerant le diabete sucre comme une maladie des pays riches; cette affection constitue de plus en plus une preoccupation majeure dans les pays en developpement et particulierement en Afrique subsaharienne. On note une croissance galopante de sa prevalence alors que parallelement les structures sanitaires n'ont pas connu un developpement adapte. L'OMS prevoit une croissance mondiale de la prevalence du diabete; qui devrait atteindre 300 millions de malades en 2025. Cette evolution est plus nette dans les pays en developpement; et particulierement en Afrique subsaharienne. Dans ces pays; cette expansion s'inscrit dans une veritable transition epidemiologique des maladies transmissibles vers les maladies non transmissibles. Ce phenomene reconnait plusieurs causes dont le vieillissement de la population; la seden- tarite et l'obesite. En dehors de l'obesite; l'hypertension arterielle est le principal facteur de risque cardio-vasculaire associe au diabete. Seul ou associe aux autres facteurs de risque; le diabete sucre est responsable d'une lourde morbidite notamment cardio-vasculaire et renale. La prise en charge connait de nombreuses difficultes : une meconnaissance de l'ampleur du probleme; le cout desmedicaments; un contexte socio-economique peu propice au regime diabetique; des infrastructures et du personnel sani- taires insuffisants. La croissance rapide de la prevalence du diabete sucre enAfrique subsaharienne constitue une menace. Il est urgent de proceder a une evaluation chiffree de la pandemie diabetique; permettant la formation en nombre consequent de personnels sanitaires qualifies; et l'acquisition d'un equipement suffisant pour une prise en charge decentralisee. Ces conditions appellent la sensibilisation et la participation de tous les acteurs intervenant dans la sante publique

[Leg ulcer due to hydroxyurea. A case report]. / Ulcère de jambe lié a l'hydroxyurée. A propos d'une observation.

Hydroxyurea is an antineoplasic agent usually used in myeloproliferative syndromes, but also in other benign pathological circumstances. Several dermatological manifestations have been recognized as being secondary to its prolonged use, of which the leg ulcer. We report an observation. Mrs. L.D, 47 years, were hospitalized on July 14, 2004 for an ulcer of left ankle in a feverish context. She was followed since 2001 for a chronic myelogenous leukaemia, and took hydroxyurea at a rate of 1500 mg per day, with a good clinical and hematologic answer. She presented a painful ulcer compared to the left external malleolus, with purulent bottom, without signs of vascular attack. The hemogram showed a hyperleucocytosis with 24.000 white elements/mm3 with neutrophilic polynucleosis. Pus sample on the ulcer showed Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the blood culture was negative. The cure was obtained two months after stopping hydroxyurea. The ulcer of leg related to hydroxyurea is a seldom described pathology. Its occurrence imposes the final stop of the treatment.

[Sciatic nerve in gluteal portion: application of sciatic nerve post injection lesion]. / Le nerf ischiatique à la fesse: application à la "névrite" ischiatique post-injection.

In our regions malaria is endemic and intraguteal injection is a common procedure. One unfortunate complication of that procedure appeared to be a sciatic nerve injury. The purpose of our study was to set up the anatomical feature and basis of this post injection lesion. We performed sciatic nerve gluteal dissection on 10 adults black African fresh cadavers on both side. The pathway of the nerve was 19 times in the subpiriformis canal. Only in one cadaver, the outlet of the nerve was above the piriformis muscle. In each case the pathway is identical with an oblique and vertical portion running down through the ischio-trochanteric channel. The nerve was crossed between its two portions by an arteriole coming from the inferior gluteal artery. The cutaneous projection of the sciatic nerve is distant from the upper lateral quadrant of the buttock. Intra-gluteal injections in this area doesn't damage the nerve. The anatomical variations of this nerve pathway are almost nonexistent. So, other hypothesis of sciatic nerve post injection lesion should be considered. We think that the local toxicity of quinine and its diffusion in the neurovascular gluteal area might explain the nerve lesion. Thus, the intramuscular injections should be replaced by the intravenous or rectal administration in children.

[T-cell lymphoma-leukemia caused by HTLV-1 in adults: two lymphomatous forms]. / Leucémie-lymphome à cellules T de l'adulte due au HTLV-1: à propos de deux formes lymphomateuses.

The adult T-cells lymphoma-leukemia is a serious complication by the HTLV-1 infection. It is a rarely described diseases in Africa, in spite of the frequency of the infection by this virus. We report two clinical observations of lymphomatous forms. The first observation concerned a 43 year old Senegalese woman, admitted for a deep alteration of her general status and peripheral polyadenopathies. The adenopathy biopsy set up the diagnosis of pleiomorph T lymphoma with great and medium cells. The HTLV-1 serology was positive. She had benefited of six polychemotherapy cures (cyclophosphamide, farmarubicine, oncovin, prednisone) within which she died in a cachectic presentation. The second observation concerned a 44 year old Senegalese man, admitted for peripheral polyadenopathies, ulcerated lesions of sole of the foot, and deep alteration of the general status. He presented a moderate hypercalcemia by 117 mg/l. The histological examination of a ganglionar biopsy concluded to a diffuse T lymphoma with great cells. The HTLV-1 serology was positive. The cutaneous lesions were due to a phaeohyphomycosis of Exophiala jeanselmei. The symptomatic therapeutic measures had been applied and he died within four weeks in a septicemic clinical manifestation. The adult T-cells lymphoma leukemia due to the HTLV-1 ought to be researched before any lymphomatous and leucemic manifestation by T-cells through a serological research. The prognostic stays very bad.

[Infective etiology of diarrhea in adults with HIV infection in Dakar: a case-control study on 594 patients]. / Etiologies infectieuses des diarrhées de l'adulte au cours de l'infection à VIH à Dakar: étude cas/témoins sur 594 malades.

A survey was conducted in Dakar, Senegal from May 1997 to May 1999, to identify major types and prevalences of bacteria, parasites, fungi and Rotaviruses associated with diarrhea in relation to human immunodeficiency virus serostatus with the aim to provide guidance to physicians for case management. Etiologic agents were identified in a case-control study: cases were HIV-infected patients with diarrhea (HIV+ D+) and HIV seronegative patients with diarrhea (HIV- D+); controls were HIV-infected patients without diarrhea (HIV+ D-) and seronegative controls without diarrhea (HIV- D-). Strict enteric pathogens were identified by conventional methods. Different E. coli pathotypes were characterized by PCR. Opportunistic parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Microsporidium were identified by the Kinyoun method and trichromic stain of Weber respectively. Rotaviruses were identified with a commercial latex agglutination kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by the disk diffusion method. A total of 594 patients were examined (158 HIV+D+, 121 HIV- D+, 160 HIV+ D- and 155 HIV- D-). In immunocompetent adults the main causes of diarrhea were: Shigella sp. (12.4%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.7%), Salmonella enterica (6,6%) and Giardia lamblia (4.9%). In the immunocompromised host the more frequent pathogens were: enteroaggregative E.coli (19,6%), Microsporidium(9.4%), Cryptosporidium sp.(8.2%), Rotavirus (8.2%), Shigella sp. (7.6%), Candida albicans (7.6%), Entamoeba histolytica (5,1%), Salmonella enterica (4.4%), Isospora belli (4.4%) and Blastocystis hominis (2,5%). Isolated enteropathogenic strains displayed high resistance to most antibiotics used in Senegal for treating diarrhea (tetracycline, cotrimoxazole); they were susceptible to quinolons and cephalosporins III .