[Prevalence of serum markers of hepatitis B and C virus in blood donors of Nouakchott, Mauritania]. / Prévalence des marqueurs sériques des virus des hépatites B et C chez les donneurs de sang à Nouakchott, Mauritanie.

This preliminary survey was intended to collect transversal data to ensure a better understanding of the hepatitis B and C epidemiology in Mauritania. The authors have studied the seroprevalence rate of HBs antigen and HCV antibodies among 349 blood donors. Data of this study showed that anti-HCV antibody was detected in 1.1% and HBs antigen in 20.3% blood donors.

[Acute carbamate poisoning: apropos of 7 cases occurring in a Senegalese industrial unit]. / Intoxication aiguë aux carbamates: à propos de sept cas survenus dans une unité industrielle sénégalaise.

The authors describe an onset of acute pesticide intoxication which occurred in an industrial site in Dakar. The substance responsible belongs to the class of carbamates which leads to variety of symptoms in relation with acetylcholin accumulation. All seven employees involved were young, males, unqualified temporary workers. Many factors appear to facilitate the intoxication: heat stress, inappropriate protective devices, and lack of information on pesticides' hazards. Routes of entry were cutaneous and respiratory. Symptoms were related to muscarinic and nicotinic syndromes. The course of this episode was favourable because of adequate treatment.