Comparative analysis of two molecular tests for the detection of COVID-19 in Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 equation in Cameroon is yet to be resolved. There is an urgent need for a rapid response strategy to the increasing demand of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results for both patients, travelers and competitors to various games. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the AmpliQuick® SARS-CoV-2 against the classic Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). METHODS: a cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted from April 27th to May 29th, 2021 in the city of Douala, Cameroon. The samples consisted of any nasopharyngeal sample received at the Douala Gynaeco-Obstetrics and Pediatric Hospital molecular biology laboratory, regardless of its origin. Sociodemographic parameters (age, profession (footballers, travelers, other), matrimonial status, nationality), comorbidity and known status of COVID-19, were recorded at collection sites. The main collection sites were the Deido Health District and the Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. We performed testing using AmpliQuick® SARS-CoV-2 and the classic RT-PCR (Da An Gene Co.Ltd) on each sample during the one month period. Analytical performance parameters were determined. To determine the sensitivity of both methods, the Bayesian latent class model was performed on the median with 95% confidence interval, with p≤0.05 as significant level, as well as Kappa (κ) agreement between tests. An ethical clearance was sought and obtained from the University of Douala Institutional Ethics Committee. RESULTS: a total of 1813 participants were enrolled, with the predominance of male (68.68%) and the age group 31 to 40 years old (31.33%). Most participants were married (53.46%) with only few with known COVID-19 status (5.47%). One thousand eight hundred and ten (1810) tests were performed by AMPLIQUICK® SARS-CoV-2 while only 1107 could be achieved with the classic RT-PCR. Over the study period, it was noted a drastic reduction in the time necessary to render results with the AMPLIQUICK® SARS-CoV-2 from 24 hours to 3 hours. The AMPLIQUICK® SARS-CoV-2 reduced technician hands-on time and its practicability was noticed based on the prefilled and ready-to-use microplates. A prevalence of 1.93% and 1.45% were obtained for AMPLIQUICK® SARS-CoV-2 and the classic RT-PCR respectively. This difference in the prevalence showed that AMPLIQUICK® SARS-CoV-2 (Sensitivity 83.5% [CI=64.6-95.2]) was more accurate than the classic RT-PCR (67.8% [CI=46.6-84.9]). CONCLUSION: it is time for a change of attitude to scale up the COVID-19 testing ability in Cameroon and the AMPLIQUICK® SARS-CoV-2 is an alternative diagnosis strategy which should help resolve the situation of timely and reliable results.

[Evaluation of two COVID-19 antigenic diagnostic tests: BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS and BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag + BSS compared to AmpliQuick® SARS-CoV-2 PCR]. / Evaluation de deux tests de diagnostic antigénique du COVID-19: BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS et BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag+ BSS comparés à la PCR AmpliQuick® SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION: the COVID-19 pandemic causes biological diagnostic problems that remain relevant in low-income countries in general and in Cameroon in particular. Rapids tests that reliably detect SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen present themselves as an important alternative in several contexts. The objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of two rapid diagnostic tests BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS and BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag + BSS, compared to each other and to the AmpliQuick® SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. METHODS: a cross-sectional and comparative study was carried out from April 27 to May 29, 2021 in the city of Douala in Cameroon. The samples consisted of nasopharyngeal swabs received at the molecular biology laboratory of the Douala Gyneco-obstetric and pediatric hospital, whatever their origin. The socio-demographic parameters (age, profession, football players, travelers, others), marital status, nationality), comorbidity and known status of COVID-19, were recorded on the collection sites. The main collection sites were the Deïdo Health District and the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. We performed the diagnosis of COVID-19 using the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS and RDT BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag + BSS compared to each other and to the AmpliQuick® SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on each sample. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 17 software. To determine the sensitivity of the two RDTs, the Bayesian latent class model was performed on the median with a 95% confidence interval with p<0.05 as the significant level. An ethical clearance was sought and obtained from the University of Douala Institutional Ethics Committee. RESULTS: a total of 1813 participants were included in our study, with a predominance of men (1226, 68.68 %) and the most represented age group was that of 31 to 40 years (568, 31.33 %). Most of the participants were married (888, 53.46%) and only a few had a known COVID-19 status (75, 5.47%). The two rapid tests on our study population show much closed COVID-19 prevalence values, respectively 2.03 for BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS and 2.17 for BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag + BSS. RDT BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag + BSS showed higher sensitivity 94.1% vs. 87.5% for RDT BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS with almost identical specificity 98.9% for RDT BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag + BSS vs. 98.7% for RDT BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS compared to AmpliQuick® SARS-CoV-2. BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag + BSS RDT showed a negative predictive value of 99.9% compared to BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS RDT. There is a 99.9% agreement between the RDT BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS and the RDT BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag + BSS. Conclusion: the RDT BIOSYNEX®COVID-19 Ag + BSS and RDT BIOSYNEX® COVID-19 Ag BSS can be used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 and can have an important contribution in the context of mass screenings and screening in remote areas.

Management of a post-coital recto vaginal fistula at the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital: a case report.

Recto vaginal fistula can be secondary to various and multiple causes. However, intercourse is an exceptional cause. The objective of this work is to expose its clinical, therapeutic and prognostic particularities. We report the case of rectovaginal fistula in a 29-year-old patient, following consensual sex. She underwent posterior colpoperineorraphy under spinal anesthesia, with a favorable outcome. Post-coital recto vaginal fistula is a stigmatizing pathology responsible for polymorphic complications. Prompt care can improve quality of life and the obstetrical prognosis of the patient.

Facteurs associés au portage de l'Aghbs en grossesse dans un pays de haute endémicité : une étude cas-témoin

Objectif. L'objectif était d'évaluer les facteurs associés au portage de l'aghbs en grossesse afin d'identifier des cibles de prévention. Matériels et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude cas témoin réalisée dans trois hôpitaux universitaires de Douala et Yaoundé. Les cas étaient constitués de femmes enceintes avec une sérologie AgHBs positive. Nous avons recruté 121 femmes enceintes Ag HBs positifs et les avons appariées à 242 mères Ag HBs négatifs après régression logistique. Résultats. Les facteurs associés au portage de l'AgHBs en grossesses étaient l'union libre [OR : 5,01 IC 95% (2,51-10,02) p=0,001 ]; la religion pentecôtiste [OR 4,3 IC 95% (1,41-13,47) p=0,01]; les antécédents d'ictère [OR : 5,3 IC 95% (1,20-23,37) p=0,02 ]; de soins dentaires [OR : 2,4 IC 95% (2,26-4,96) p=0,01 ]; et de scarifications [OR 7,4 IC 95% (3,77-14,58) p=0,00], l'hépatite B dans l'entourage [OR : 4,86 IC 95% (1,20-19,65) p=0,02] et l'antécédent familial d'infection à l'hépatite B au premier degré [OR : 7,08 IC 95% (1,44-34,78) p=0,01]. Conclusion. Plusieurs facteurs associés à l'hépatite B en grossesse précédemment identifiés dans la littérature récente ont été retrouvés. Le rôle des congrégations pentecôtistes, donnée spécifique de notre travail reste à confirmer

Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy in a population of Cameroonian women: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy (EP) in a population of Cameroonian women. SAMPLE AND METHODS: We performed a matched case-control study; 88 women with diagnosed EP (cases), and 176 women with first trimester intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) (controls), who underwent questionnaires. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and adjusted for potential confounding factors via multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the fifteen identified risk factors, 4 were independently associated with increased odds of EP: prior pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 13.18; 95% CI 6.19-27.42), followed by current use of levonorgestrel-only pills for emergency contraception (LNG-EC) (AOR 10.15; 95% CI 2.21-46.56), previous use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (AOR 3.01; 95% CI 1.04-8.69) and smoking at the time of conception (AOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.12-6.40). CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the wide variety of EP's risk factors. Moreover, some new findings including current use of LNG-EC, previous use of DMPA, smoking at the time of conception are noteworthy. Thus, in our limited resources country where prevention remains the cornerstone for reducing EP chances of occurrence, clinicians should do enough counselling, especially to women with known risk factors. The necessity to facilitate access to more equipment to enable early diagnosis of EP is very crucial and should be seriously considered, in order to reduce the burden of EP in Cameroonian women.

Evaluation of patients' satisfaction after laparoscopic surgery in a tertiary hospital in Cameroon (Africa).

INTRODUCTION: Access to laparoscopy is low in Cameroon where customers' satisfaction has not been reported so far. We assessed patients' satisfaction with the process of care during laparoscopic surgery in a new tertiary hospital. METHODS: A questionnaire was addressed to consenting patients (guardians for patients under 18) with complete medical records who underwent laparoscopy at the Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital (Cameroon) from November 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016. The following modified Likert's scale was used to assess satisfaction: very weak: 0-2.5; weak 2.6-5; good: 5.1-7.5; very good: 7.6-10. Only descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Response rate was 90% (45/50). Of the 45 respondents, 39 (86.7%) were female, 14(31.1%) were referred and 39 (86.7%) paid by direct cash deposit. Mean age was 36.8±11.9 years. Laparoscopies were carried out in emergency for 3 (6.7%) patients. Digestive abnormalities indicated 13 (28.9%) laparoscopies while gynaecologic diseases accounted for 32 (71.1%) cases. Perception of the overall care process was good with a mean satisfaction score of 6.8 ± 1.4. Scores in categories were: 0% (Very weak); 13.3% (weak); 57.8% (good) and 28.9% (very good). Specifically mean satisfaction scores were: 7.8 ± 1.0 with doctors' care; 7.1 ± 1.3 with hospital administration; 7.0 ± 1.2 with nursing and 4.7 ± 1.4 with the costs. Main complaints were: long waiting time (73.3%), constraining geographical access (66.7%) and expensiveness (48.9%). CONCLUSION: Patients were globally satisfied with the process of care but financial and geographical barriers should be addressed.

[Prognosis of referred patients with an obstetric emergency at the Yaoundé Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital]. / Pronostic des références obstétricales à l'Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé (HGOPY).

INTRODUCTION: The impact of referred patients with an obstetric emergency due to complications is not yet known. This study aimed to identify the complications associated with obstetric emergency in referred patients in Yaoundé. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study at the Yaoundé Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital from 1 February to 31 July 2015. We compared the women referred to the Emergency Department with the non-referred women and their newborns respectively. Consecutive and comprehensive sampling technique was used for early analysis of the sociodemographic, obstetric and neonatal features. Chi-squared tests and Fisher exact probability test helped to compare the qualitative variables. Logistic regression analysis helped to eliminate the confounding factors. The significant level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: After multivariate analysis, statistically significant obstetric complications in referred patients were: premature rupture of membranes (adjusted OR = 9.37, CI 95%: 2,52-66,98, p = 0.002); preterm birth (adjusted OR = 4.14 (1,88-9,16; p < 0.001) and death after severe neonatal asphyxia (adjusted OR = 6.48 (1,17-35,80); p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Premature rupture of the membranes, preterm birth and death after severe neonatal asphyxia are the complications associated with obstetric emergency in referred patients in Yaoundé.

Pronostic des références obstétricales à l'Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé (HGOPY)

Introduction: l'impact des références sur la survenue des complications obstétricales n'est pas encore connu. Notre but était d'identifier les complications associées aux références obstétricales à Yaoundé.Méthodes: il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive et analytique du 1er Février au 31 Juillet 2015 à l'Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé, ayant comparé les femmes référées aux non référées et leurs nouveau-nés respectifs. L'échantillonnage était consécutif et exhaustif pour l'analyse des caractéristiques sociodémographiques, obstétricales et néonatales précoces. Les tests de Chi carré et exact de Fisher ont aidé à comparer les variables qualitatives. L'analyse par régression logistique a permis d'éliminer les facteurs confondants. P était significatif si p < 0,05.Résultats: après analyse multi variée, les complications obstétricales statistiquement significatives chez les patientes référées étaient: la rupture prématurée des membranes (OR ajusté = 9,37, IC95%: 2,52-66,98, p = 0,002); la prématurité (OR ajusté = 4,14 (1,88-9,16; P < 0,001) et le décès après asphyxie néonatale sévère (OR ajusté = 6,48 (1,17-35,80); P = 0,032).Conclusion: la rupture prématurée des membranes, la prématurité et le décès après asphyxie néonatale sévère sont les complications associées aux références obstétricales à Yaoundé

[Factors associated with the failure of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for malaria among pregnant women in Yaounde]. / Facteurs prédictifs de l'échec du Traitement Préventif Intermittent du paludisme à la sulfadoxine - pyriméthamine (TPIp-SP) dans une population de femmes enceintes à Yaoundé.

INTRODUCTION: Intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is recommended for malaria prevention during pregnancy. We investigated factors associated with the failure of this strategy. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study in two health care facilities in Yaounde, from 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2015. Pregnant women treated with IPTp-SP, hospitalized for malaria and having a positive Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) result (case-subjects) were compared to pregnant women treated with IPTp-SP having a negative RDT result (control-subjects). Epi Info 7 software and SPSS 18.0 software were used with P< 0.05 as significance threshold. RESULTS: We recruited 234 subjects, 109 (46.6%) case-subjects and 125 control-subjects (53.4%). The associated factors found were: prematurity (P=0.03; OR=1.15; IC= 0.32 - 4.10), the non-use of LLIN (P=0.006; OR= 2.31; IC= 1.26 - 4.25), a history of hospitalization for malaria (P=0.007; OR= 2.19; IC= 1.23 - 3.89), IPTp-SP administration after 28 gestational weeks (P=0.001, OR= 3.55; IC= 1.7 - 7.61). After logistic regression, prematurity (P=0.024; OR=2.01; IC=1.1-3.7) and a history of hospitalization for malaria (P=0.001; OR=2.83; IC=1.50-5.4) remained associated with IPTp-SP failure. CONCLUSION: A history of hospitalization for malaria and prematurity are independent predictor of IPTp-SP failure.

Etiologies de la mortalite maternelle a l'hopital gyneco-obstetrique et pediatrique de Yaounde: une serie de 58 deces

Objectifs: L'objectif de ce travail etait d'analyser les etiologies des deces maternels survenant dans un hopital de niveau tertiaire. Methodologie: Il s'agit d'une etude transversale avec collecte des donnees retrolective des deces maternels ayant eu lieu a l'Hopital Gyneco-Obstetrique et Pediatrique de Yaounde du 1er Janvier 2007 au 31 Decembre 2010. Tous les cas de deces maternels conformes a la definition de l'Organisation Mondiale de la Sante ont ete inclus. Les donnees ont ete analysees par les logiciels informatiques Epi info 3.5.1 et Excel 2007. Resultats: Cinquante-huit (58) deces maternels ont ete identifies pendant la periode de l'etude. Les principales causes de mortalite maternelle etaient : l'hypertension (22;4%); le VIH/SIDA (19;0%); les avortements septiques (17;2%); les hemorragies (13;8%); les cancers (10;3%) et la septicemie du post-partum (8;6%). Conclusion: L'hypertension; le VIH; et les avortements septiques sont les principales causes de mortalite dans cet hopital de niveau tertiaire. Les hemorragies ne sont responsables que d'une faible proportion des deces maternels. Nous recommandons la mise en place d'interventions visant a prevenir les deces maternels dus a l'hypertension en grossesse; a l'infection au VIH et aux avortements septiques. D'autre part; une politique hospitaliere basee sur la mise a disposition; sans frais exigibles en urgence; des paquets minimum pour les interventions obstetricales; de poches de sang et des equipes chirurgicales et anesthesiques; pourrait reduire efficacement la part des hemorragies dans la survenue des deces maternels en Afrique subsaharienne

Sexual activity during pregnancy and prognosis of labor in Cameroonian women: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the effects of sexual activity during pregnancy on the prognosis of labor. METHODS: It was a prospective cohort study of labor comparing 72 women declaring unprotected vaginal sexual intercourse after 37 weeks of pregnancy consecutively recruited to 72 women claiming no sexual contact after 37 weeks of pregnancy also consecutively recruited. RESULTS: The sexually active group at term were significantly involved in more frequent heterosexual intercourse after 28 weeks pregnancy and before term (RR = 37.8; CI = 19.8-515.4). Women sexually active were significantly admitted during the active phase of labor (RR = 2.4; IC = 1.6-5.3), with the fetal head at station 0 and more (RR = 1.5; CI = 1.3-5.2). They significantly had a shorter active phase (RR = 1.7; CI = 1.5-3.7) and a shorter second stage (RR = 1.5; CI = 1.2-3.3). They significantly had a normal pattern of labor (RR = 2.1; CI = 1.2-5.3), a higher rate of spontaneous deliveries (RR = 2.1; CI = 1.5-4.5), a lower rate of caesarean sections (RR = 0.46; CI = 0.1-0.8) and needed less oxytocin usage before expulsion (RR = 0.5; CI = 0.2-0.7). CONCLUSION: Sexual activity during pregnancy improves the prognosis of labor in Cameroonian women. In the absence of contraindications, consented unprotected heterosexual intercourse should be promoted in pregnant women.

The diagnosis of uterine cervical polyps in a low resource setting: the positive predictive value of clinical judgment--a series of 192 cases at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Cameroon.

As far as we know, the accuracy of clinical judgment in diagnosing uterine cervical polyps has not been assessed in sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was to discover the positive predictive value (PPV) of clinical judgment in the diagnosis of cervical polyps. This is a retrospective descriptive study of 192 patients, carried out by the Departments of Pathology and Gynaecology of the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Cameroon. The diagnosis of cervical polyp was confirmed by histopathology examination in 169 patients, giving a PPV rate of 88.0%. The PPV of clinical judgment in the diagnosis of cervical polyps is acceptable in our setting but the frequency of premalignant and malignant lesions encountered is too high (10.4%), even in the presence of a confirmed cervical polyp (8.9%). Even in areas where there are limited resources, we recommend a systematic histopathology examination of any clinically suspected cervical polyp.

Facteurs predisposant au traitement chirurgical dans la prise en charge de la pelviperitonite a Yaounde; Cameroun

Contexte et objectifs: Les facteurs d'echec de l'antibiotherapie en cas de pelviperitonite sont peu connus. L'objectif de cette etude etait de determiner les facteurs predisposant du traitement chirurgical dans la prise en charge de la pelviperitonite. Methodologie: Il s'agissait d'une etude cas-temoins avec collecte retrospective des donnees; concernant tous les cas de pelviperitonite traitees a l'Hopital Gyneco-Obstetrique et Pediatrique de Yaounde du 1er janvier 2007 au 31 decembre 2011. Resultats: Quatre-vingt-douze malades ont ete incluses; parmi lesquelles 75 patientes (75/92 ; 81;5) n'avaient recu que le traitement medical (groupe temoin) et dix-sept (17/92 ; 18;5) avaient necessite une prise en charge chirurgicale (groupe cas); soit une incidence de la chirurgie dans le traitement des pelviperitonites de 18;5. Les facteurs predisposant au traitement chirurgical etaient: un age 25 ans [P

Indications et aspects histopathologiques des biopsies de l'endometre a l'Hopital Gyneco-Obstetrique et Pediatrique de Yaoundé (Cameroun)

Une étude rétrospective et descriptive de 118 biopsies endo-métriales a été effectuée à l'Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé pour répertorier les indications et les aspects histologiques. Résultats. L'âge moyen était de 46,85 ±13,57 ans. Les saignements utérins anormaux et l'hydrorrhée vaginale constituaient les indications les plus fréquentes (84,76% et 8,47% respectivement). Le mode de prélèvement le plus utilisé était le curetage biopsique (91,5%). Les lésions histologiques étaient dysfonctionnelles (79,66%), cancéreuses(13,56%) et inflammatoires (6,78%). Les cancers les plus fréquentes étaient l'adénocarcinome endométrial invasif (50,0%) et le carcinome épidermoïde invasif (25,0%); Certains de ces cancers étaient probablement d'origine cervicale. Les lésions dysfonctionnelles (69,49%)et cancéreuses (13,55%) étaient statistiquement associées aux saignements utérins anormaux et les lésions inflammatoires (3,38%) à l'hy-drorrhée vaginale. Conclusion. Les lésions dysfonctionnelles occupent une place plus importante chez les femmes en période d'activité géni-tale et devraient être pris en compte dans la mise en place des algo-rithmes de prise en charge de la pathologie endométriale