Virgibacillus doumboii sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from the stool of a healthy child in Mali.

A moderately halophilic and strictly aerobic bacterium was isolated from a human stool as part of a study on the diagnosis of childhood malnutrition in Mali. Strain Marseille-Q1616T is a Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative bacterium. It has a genome size of 3.91 Mbp with 39.79% G+C content, which contains 3954 protein-coding genes including genes encoding phosphomycin resistance and Listeria monocytogenes, 16 rRNA genes and 64 tRNA genes. Strain Marseille-Q1616T exhibited a 96.3% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and shared an OrthoANI value of 70.64% (the highest observed) with Virgibacillus kekensis, the phylogenetically closest validly published species. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence and genomic average nucleotide identity values, we suggest the creation of a new species within the Virgibacillus genus, named Virgibacillus doumboii sp. nov., type strain Marseille-Q1616T (= CSURQ1616).

Virgibacillus ihumii sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from the stool of healthy African children.

During a case-control study on severe acute malnutrition, strain Marseille-Q1233 was isolated. It is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped and halophilic bacillus isolated from a stool sample of Malian child under the age of 5. The fatty acid profile of the strain consisted of C15:0-anteiso and C14:0-iso as major components. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity calculation showed 23.10% and 80.81% similarity respectively between strain Marseille-Q1233 and Virgibacillus siamensis strain Marseille-P2607, the phylogenetically closely related species with standing in nomenclature. On the basis of these results, we report the description of Virgibacillus ihumii sp. nov. strain Marseille-Q1233 as a new bacterial species.

Halobacillus ihumii sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from stool of healthy children living in Mali.

Strain Marseille-Q1234T is a new species from the genus Halobacillus that was isolated in 2019 from a stool sample in a healthy Malian child <5 years old. Cells are Gram-positive and strictly halophilic bacilli. Strain Marseille-Q1234T exhibits 98.46% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Halobacillus naozhouensis strain JSM 071068T (NR_116505.1), the phylogenetically closely related species with standing in nomenclature. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, OrthoANI values and results of the biochemical tests, the new species is named Halobacillus ihumii sp. nov., for which strain Marseille-Q1234T (= CSURQ1234) is proposed as the type strain.

Building a center of excellence in biomedical research in an unfavorable environment: the Malaria Research and Training Center in Mali.

By choosing a capacity-building strategy based on human resources, the late Professor Ogobara Doumbo and Professor Yeya Toure have succeeded in establishing a center devoted to malaria research in the economically unfavorable environment of Mali. By taking advantage of the advent of a pluralist democracy in Mali in 1991, the Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC) has become a model of excellence in training in biomedical research and a renowned clinical research center. Since 2003, MRTC researchers have conducted more than 20 phase-1 and -2 clinical trials of antimalarial vaccines, thus becoming a reference both in Africa and globally. The MRTC owes its success to several factors. While the focus on human capacity building has been critical for sustainability, the quality of the partnerships and the density of the partnership network have also played a critical role. The NIH partnership enabled us to construct new buildings to house modern laboratories. These facilities made it possible to conduct leading-edge research programs, the results of which in turn provided access to significant other funding sources, not only to finance new projects, but also to purchase modern heavy equipment. Lastly, it has been possible to set up a policy for training Malian researchers at the Masters and PhD levels, with the aim of fueling a critical mass of scientific expertise. The combination of each of these factors has created an environment conducive to sustainable research and whose recent results have heightened expectations for a rich future.

Lactimicrobium massiliense gen. nov., sp. nov.; Anaerolactibacter massiliensis gen. nov., sp. nov.; Galactobacillus timonensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Acidipropionibacterium timonense sp. nov. isolated from breast milk from healthy breastfeeding African women.

Four strains isolated by microbial culturomics from breast milk of healthy mothers from Mali were not identified and characterized by taxono-genomics. This led us to propose the new genera and species Lactimicrobium massiliense, Anaerolactibacter massiliensis and Galactobacillus timonensis containing type strain Marseille-P4301T (CSUR P4301T), Marseille-P4302T (CSUR P4302T) and Marseille-P4641T (CSUR P4641T), respectively. The strain Marseille-P4482 represents a novel species, Acidipropionibacterium timonense, in a previously known genus with type strain being Marseille-P4482T (CSUR P4482T).

[Lice in Mali: frequency of infestation, genotyping, infection rate and case management]. / Poux au Mali: fréquence de portage, génotypage, taux d'infection et prise en charge.

OBJECTIVES: Because lice-transmitted infections are a real public health problem, epidemiological studies in different ecoclimatic zones of Africa are useful. This article aims to describe the frequency of lice infestation, their genotypes, and their infection by pathogens in the regions of Koulikoro and Mopti. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey allowed us to collect lice from rural populations. Techniques of molecular biology (real-time PCR, standard PCR, and genotyping) were used for analysis of lice samples. RESULTS: Infestation rates were 57% (12/21) among subjects in Diankabou, in the Sahelian zone; 91% (39/43) in Doneguebougou, and 86% (59/69) in Zorocoro, in a savanna zone. The overall lice infestation rate in the samples in the three localities was 83% (110/133). Real-time PCR showed 3% (4/92) of Acinetobacter baumanii but no B. quintana in Diankabou. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial gene (Cytb) showed that head lice in Mali belong to genotype C. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of lice infestation in the study population indicates that it would be useful to conduct national epidemiological surveys to estimate the magnitude of this public health problem.

High dermatophyte contamination levels in hairdressing salons of a West African suburban community.

Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte infection of scalp is commonly spread by currently infected patients, asymptomatic carriers or by fomites, such as hairdressing tools. However, studies on the risk factors of Tinea capitis remain scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dermatophytes contamination level of the hairdressing tools to which hairdressing salon customers are exposed in Sirakoro-Méguétana, a suburb of Bamako, the capital city of Mali. A total of 41 hairdressing tools were sampled in five hairdressing salons. Two anthropophilic dermatophytes species, Microsporum audouinii (53.3%) and Trichophyton soudanense (46.7%), were cultured from 30 (73.2%) samples. This first study, addressing hairdressing salons dermatophyte contamination, revealed a strikingly high contamination of hairdressing tools with dermatophyte propagules, which exposes hairdressing salons customers to an important dermatophytosis risk. The sterilisation of hairdressing tools is central to preventing dermatophytoses spreading. Appropriate community information and hairdressers training should be implemented in this view.

[Malian first observation of disseminated African histoplasmosis with predominant bone localizations in an HIV-negative child in Bamako (Mali). Review of the literature]. / Première observation malienne d'histoplasmose africaine disséminée à prédominance osseuse chez un enfant VIH négatif. Revue de la littérature.

Endemic deep fungal infections are still under recognised diseases in daily medical practice because of their rarity in sub-Saharan area. The African histoplasmosis Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii (H. capsulatum duboisii) is the most frequent variety described in Mali through limited studies in adult patients, since the first case described by Catanei and Kervran (1945). Our case report is a disseminated histoplasmosis in a young 6-year-old african child. He was male and rural. The infectious localisations were mucosae, skin, lymphnodes, urinary tract and bones. Evolution has been marred by an episode of worsening of symptoms despite initial clinical improvement with ketoconazole. After healing of mucocutaneous lesions, we noticed a limitation of ampliation of both wrists. The radiographic bone lesions were lysis of the right lower end of the right radius and cubitus and fragmentation of cubital epiphysis of the same arm. Lacunes were present on the fifth right finger in metatarsus and phalanx; lacune and blowing aspect of the second phalanx of the left third finger was noted. The disseminated form of African histoplasmosis may occur in HIV-negative subject. The prognosis depends on early diagnosis and administration of appropriate and well-conducted therapy.

[Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in five villages of Dogon country, Mali]. / Épidémiologie clinique et parasitologique de la leishmaniose cutanée dans cinq villages du Pays Dogon, Mali.

The epidemiology of the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with Leishmania major is poorly documented in Mali. Following reports of CL in the tourist areas of the Dogon country (Bandiagara Escarpment), a joint French and Malian bio-clinical team conducted a field study from 16 to 27 January, 2010. The population of 5 villages has been examined by a dermato-infectiologist and cases were selected by visual inspection of skin lesions. Smears and biopsies (from the lesions) and venous blood were obtained from suspected cases of CL. Diagnosis was performed by light microscopy, in vitro cultures, serology and molecular biology. Fifty patients with skin lesions have been examined. Twenty-one have been suspected as CL. At least one sample was obtained from 18 patients. The lesions were predominantly old, more or less scarring and secondary infected. A skin smear was performed for 15 patients, a skin biopsy for 14 patients: smears and cultures were all negative. The PCR (Leishmania spp.) made on 14 biopsies was positive for 12 patients (86%). The low amount of amplified DNA obtained did not allow the sequencing and identification of the species of Leishmania. Western blot (WB) serology was positive in 11 cases out of 12 (92%). This investigation showed the presence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Bandiagara. A further investigation is required during transmission period (September-October) to confirm the presence of Leishmania major epidemic in Dogon country.

[Immunity in human schistosomiasis: hope for a vaccine]. / L'immunité dans les schistosomoses humaines: perspectives vaccinales.

Schistosomiasis remains a major worldwide public health problem in several endemic areas despite implementation of control measures. Vaccination would be an effective, long-term treatment option for future control of schistosomiasis. Although several parasite antigens have been identified as schistosomiasis vaccine candidates, major hurdles must still be overcome to develop a vaccine suitable for clinical trials in the field. Better understanding of immune responses to Schistosoma infection in both animal models and humans suggests that development of a vaccine is possible. The purpose of this review is to summarize the mechanisms of protective immunity against Schistosoma infection and to provide perspective on the development of a vaccine.

[Development of anti-malarial vaccines and need for clinical trials in accordance with international standards in South Africa]. / Le développement de vaccins antipaludiques et la nécessité des essais cliniques conformes aux normes internationales en Afrique.

In the 20th century malaria remains a major problem of public health in sub-Saharan Africa. This haemosporidium discovered in Africa by Laveran in 1880, kills one child every 30 seconds which amounts to three "tsunami" flowing each year into the African continent. The current international solidarity raises new hopes as regards the possibility to suppress the morbidity effects on the population's health condition. In order to be efficient, today's strategies (impregnated mosquito nets, intermittent preventive treatments, artemisinin based combination therapy) should reach at least 80% of the targeted population (pregnant women and children). By 2025, the uncontrolled urbanization of the African population and the social disorders will make a new population a target for malaria. The new data of functional genomics and proteonics open new avenues of research for new mechanisms, new therapeutics and vaccine targets and new tools of diagnosis and prognosis. The current candidate vaccines of the first generation have allowed the development of African competences in clinical trials of international standard. Although they represent scientific advances they will not resolve the problem of public health. Research on candidate vaccines of 2nd and 3rd generation remains a challenge for the international scientific community. Africa should play a determining role in this process. Scientific information on the field remains essential for these generations of new anti-malarial vaccines. The ethical aspects regarding those clinical trials and actions of public health and research remain an universal necessity Deontology and ethics are two complementary approaches for the good practice of medicine and research of a good practitioner. For the protection and advantages of the patient and/or volunteer of the research are the cornerstones of the ethical approach. The scientific quality of a research protocol submitted to an independent research ethics committee and the volunteer 's informed consent are universal ethical obligations. For the quality of ethics observance in a country reflects best the quality of the efficiency of its research system and its democracy.

Evaluation of an immunofluorescent-antibody test using monoclonal antibodies directed against Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis for diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis in Bamako (Mali).

A 2-month study was carried out in Mali to evaluate an immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) using monoclonal probes specific for Enterocytozoon bieneusi or Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Sixty-one human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive adult patients and 71 immunocompetent children were enrolled. Microsporidia were detected in stools from 8 of 61 patients (13.1%) seropositive for HIV. A single species, E. bieneusi, was identified. All the children were negative for microsporidia. The sensitivity and specificity of IFAT were 100% compared with those of PCR, which was used as the "gold standard." Moreover, species identification by IFAT was more rapid and less expensive than that by PCR. These results show the suitability of IFAT for detection of microsporidia in developing countries.

[Systematic search for parasites among leprosy patients in Mali]. / Recherche systématique de parasites chez les lépreux au Mali.

Practice of multidrug therapy in leprosy (combination Dapsone + Rifampicine + Clofazimine) established since 1981, has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease. However, immunosuppression due to treatment of multi-drugs therapy induced adverse reactions with glucocorticoid and the change in host immune response due to the leprosy itself, might increase the risk of parasitic infections. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a case-control study at the "Institut Marchoux" in Bamako. Stool and urine samples from all patients included in the study were examined for parasites identification. In addition, we performed thick and thin blood film to identify malaria infection and skin biopsy (snip) to detect onchocerciasis. A total of 121 cases of leprosy and 219 controls aged 10-84 years old were included in the study from March 1999 to February 2000. Sixty two percent (n = 121) of cases were treated with glucocorticoid. The prevalence of infection due to Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba histolytica were higher in cases than in controls (p = 0.02). The prevalence of infection due to hookworms was higher in cases than in controls. There was no difference of the infections to the other intestinal parasites. Three cases of cryptosporidiosis and one case of isosporosis were observed in leprosy group vs none in the control group. There was no significant difference between cases and controls with regard to prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, Trichomonas vaginalis and Onchocera volvulus. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 4.9% (6/121) in the leprosy case and 7.8% (17/219) in the control group. In conclusion, despite the corticotherapy and immunosuppression due to leprosy, there was no difference in prevalence of pathogenic parasites. Entomoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica which have significantly higher prevalence among the cases were not pathogen therefore there was no higher risk of severe intestinal parasitosis among the cases of leprosy. Treatment with glycocorticoid in patients with leprosy did not suggest any impact on the prevalence of this parasitic infections. In addition, multidrug therapy did not show any effect on the carriage of Plasmodium falciparum.

Recherche systematique de parasites chez les lepreux au Mali / Systematic search for parasites among patients with leprosy in Mali

Practice of multidrug therapy in leprosy (combination Dapsone + Rifampicine + Clofazimine) established since 1981, has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease. However, immunosuppression due to treatment of multi-drugs therapy induced adverse reactions with glucocorticoid and the change in host immune response due to the leprosy itself, might increase the risk of parasitic infections. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a case-control study at the "Institut Marchoux" in Bamako. Stool and urine samples from all patients included in the study were examined for parasites identification. In addition, we performed thick and thin blood film to identify malaria infection and skin biopsy (snip) to detect onchocerciasis. A total of 121 cases of leprosy and 219 controls aged 10-84 years old were included in the study from March 1999 to February 2000. Sixty two percent (n = 121) of cases were treated with glucocorticoid. The prevalence of infection due to Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba histolytica were higher in cases than in controls (p = 0.02). The prevalence of infection due to hookworms was higher in cases than in controls. There was no difference of the infections to the other intestinal parasites. Three cases of cryptosporidiosis and one case of isosporosis were observed in leprosy group vs none in the control group. There was no significant difference between cases and controls with regard to prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, Trichomonas vaginalis and Onchocera volvulus. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 4.9% (6/121) in the leprosy case and 7.8% (17/219) in the control group. In conclusion, despite the corticotherapy and immunosuppression due to leprosy, there was no difference in prevalence of pathogenic parasites. Entomoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica which have significantly higher prevalence among the cases were not pathogen therefore there was no higher risk of severe intestinal parasitosis among the cases of leprosy. Treatment with glycocorticoid in patients with leprosy did not suggest any impact on the prevalence of this parasitic infections. In addition, multidrug therapy did not show any effect on the carriage of Plasmodium falciparum.

Child malaria treatment practices among mothers in the district of Yanfolila, Sikasso region, Mali.

We studied child malaria treatment practices among mothers living in the District of Yanfolila in southern Mali. For sampling, we first chose five of 13 health areas with probability proportional to size. Then villages, compounds and mothers with at least one child aged 1-5 years were randomly chosen. We assessed the spleen size of one 1-5 year-old child of each mother, collected a thick blood film and recorded the body temperature of every child whose mother thought he/she was sick. 399 mothers in 28 villages were interviewed with a structured questionnaire divided into two parts. If the child had had soumaya (a term previously associated with uncomplicated malaria) during the past rainy season, we asked about signs and symptoms, health-seeking behaviour (who the mother consulted first) and treatment. If not, information about knowledge of the disease and treatment to be given was collected. 86% of the mothers interviewed stated that their child had been sick and almost half of them had had soumaya. All mothers named at least one sign by which they recognized the disease. Vomiting, fever and dark urine/yellow eyes/jaundice were the three most common signs mentioned. 75.8% managed their child's disease at home and used both traditional and modern treatment. The most common anti-malarial drug was chloroquine, often given at inappropriate dosage. The sensitivity and specificity of the mothers' diagnosis was poor, although this might be explained by the large percentage of children who had already been treated at the time of the interview. The results of our survey call for prompt educational action for the correct treatment of uncomplicated malaria/soumaya, particularly for mothers and possibly for shopkeepers. The high spleen rate (58.1%) among randomly selected children confirms that malaria is a common disease in this area. Improved case-management at home could only be beneficial.