Assessing the histidine-rich protein 2/3 gene deletion in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Dual hrp2/hrp3 genes deletions in P. falciparum isolates are increasingly reported in malaria-endemic countries and can produce false negative RDT results leading to inadequate case management. Data on the frequency of hrp2/hrp3 deleted parasites are rarely available and it has become necessary to investigate the issue in Burkina Faso. METHODS: Plasmodium falciparum-positive dried blood spots were collected during a cross-sectional household survey of the malaria asymptomatic children from Orodara, Gaoua, and Banfora. Amplicons from the target regions (exon 2 of hrp2 and hrp3 genes) were generated using multiplexed nested PCR and sequenced according to Illumina's MiSeq protocol. RESULTS: A total of 251 microscopically positive parasite isolates were sequenced to detect hrp2 and hrp3 gene deletions. The proportion of RDTs negative cases among microscopy positive slides was 12.7% (32/251). The highest prevalence of negative RDTs was found in Orodara 14.3% (5/35), followed by Gaoua 13.1%(24/183), and Banfora 9.1% (3/33). The study found that 95.6% of the parasite isolates were wild type hrp2/ hrp3 while 4.4% (11/251) had a single hrp2 deletion. Of the 11 hrp2 deletion samples, 2 samples were RDT negative (mean parasitaemia was 83 parasites/ µL) while 9 samples were RDT positive with a mean parasitaemia of 520 parasites /µL (CI95%: 192-1239). The highest frequency of hrp2 deletion 4/35 (11.4%) was found in Orodara, while it was similar in the other two sites (< 3.5%). No single deletion of the hrp3 or dual deletion hrp2/3 gene was detected in this study. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that P. falciparum isolates lacking hrp2 genes are present in 4.4% of samples obtained from the asymptomatic children population in three sites in Burkina Faso. These parasites are circulating and causing malaria, but they are also still detectable by HRP2-based RTDs due to the presence of the intact pfhrp3 gene.

Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance-associated mutations in isolates from children living in endemic areas of Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Artemisinin-based combinations therapy (ACT) is the current frontline curative therapy for uncomplicated malaria in Burkina Faso. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is used for the preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp), while SP plus amodiaquine (SP-AQ) is recommended for children under five in seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). This study aimed to assess the proportions of mutations in the P. falciparum multidrug-resistance 1 (Pfmdr1), P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt), P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr), and P. falciparum dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps), genes from isolates collected during household surveys in Burkina Faso. METHODS: Dried blood spots from Plasmodium falciparum-positive cases at three sites (Orodara, Gaoua, and Banfora) collected during the peak of transmission were analysed for mutations in Pfcrt (codons 72-76, 93, 97, 145, 218, 343, 350 and 353), Pfmdr-1 (codons 86, 184, 1034, 1042 and 1246) dhfr (codons 51, 59, 108, 164) and dhps (at codons 431, 436, 437, 540, 581, 613) genes using deep sequencing of multiplexed Polymerase chaine reaction (PCR) amplicons. RESULTS: Of the 377 samples analysed, 346 (91.7%), 369 (97.9%), 368 (97.6%), and 374 (99.2%) were successfully sequenced for Pfcrt, Pfmdr-1, dhfr, and dhps, respectively. Most of the samples had a Pfcrt wild-type allele (89.3%). The 76T mutation was below 10%. The most frequent Pfmdr-1 mutation was detected at codon 184 (Y > F, 30.9%). The single mutant genotype (NFSND) predominated (66.7%), followed by the wild-type genotype (NYSND, 30.4%). The highest dhfr mutations were observed at codon 59R (69.8%), followed by codons 51I (66.6%) and 108 N (14.7%). The double mutant genotype (ACIRSI) predominated (52.4%). For mutation in the dhps gene, the highest frequency was observed at codon 437 K (89.3%), followed by codons 436 A (61.2%), and 613 S (14.4%). The double mutant genotype (IAKKAA) and the single mutant genotype (ISKKAA) were predominant (37.7% and 37.2%, respectively). The most frequent dhfr/dhps haplotypes were the triple mutant ACIRSI/IAKKAA (23%), the wild-type ACNCSI/ISKKAA (19%) and the double mutant ACIRSI/ISKKAA (14%). A septuple mutant ACIRNI/VAKKGA was observed in 2 isolates from Gaoua (0.5%). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of ACT partner drugs and drugs used in IPTp and SMC does not appear to be affected by the low proportion of highly resistant mutants observed in this study. Continued monitoring, including molecular surveillance, is critical for decision-making on effective treatment policy in Burkina Faso.

Emergence of New Delhi Metallo-ß-Lactamase (NDM) Genes Detected from Clinical Strains of Escherichia coli Isolated in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The emergence and spread of carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacilli such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through the production of carbapenemases is a global phenomenon. It threatens patient care and leads to therapeutic impasses. This study aims to genotypically determine the prevalence of the most frequent carbapenemase genes among multidrug-resistant E. coli strains isolated from patients at a biomedical analysis laboratory. A total of fifty-three unduplicated E. coli strains isolated from patient samples with a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for carbapenem resistance genes. This study allowed us to identify fifteen strains carrying resistance genes among the fifty-three E. coli strains. All fifteen strains produced the metallo-ß-lactamase enzymes; this represents a rate of 28.30% of study strains. Among these strains, ten carried the NDM resistance gene, NDM and VIM genes were detected in three strains and VIM was identified in two strains of E. coli. However, carbapenemases A (KPC and IMI), D (OXA-48), and IMP were not detected in the strains studied. Thus, NDM and VIM are the main carbapenemases detected in the strains in our study.

Research of Antibiotic Residues and Bacterial Strain's Antibiotic Resistance Profile in the Liquid Effluents Evacuated in Nature by Two CHUs and a Mixed WWTP of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

Background: In Burkina Faso, suspicions have been raised that hospital liquid effluents are a source of microbiological contaminants in surface waters of urban and peri-urban areas. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic residues and the antibiotic resistance phenotype of potential pathogenic bacteria in the hospital liquid effluents discharged into nature by the CHUs Bogodogo, Yalgado Ouédraogo and the WWTS of Kossodo. Methods: Fifteen samples of liquid effluents discharged into nature were collected. Antibiotic residues were identified by HPLC. A wavelength of 254 nm for the UV detector was set. Antibiotic testing was realized according to CASFM 2019 recommendations. Results: Three molecules including Amoxicillin, Chloramphenicol and Ceftriaxone were detected in 13 samples. The strains characterized were 06 E. coli, 09 Pseudomonas spp, 05 Staphylococcus aureus and 04 Salmonella spp. Thus, none of the strains was resistant to Imipenem, but they were resistant to Amoxiclav with rates of 83.33% (E. coli), 88.88% (Pseudomonas spp) and 100% (Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp). Conclusion: Ouagadougou hospital liquid effluents discharged into nature are contaminated with antibiotic residues and potential pathogenic bacteria.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and its association with HIV, HCV, HBV, HTLV-1&2 and syphilis among men who have sex with men in Burkina Faso.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seroprevalence and its association with HIV, HBV, HCV, HTLV-1&2 and syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We screened MSM sera for HSV-2 antibodies. A total of 329 sera were collected from an HIV and syphilis behavioral and biological cross-sectional survey conducted among MSM in Ouagadougou from January to April 2013. Serum samples were tested using Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgG antibodies to HSV-2. Also, antibodies to HTLV-1&2, HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies were screened by ELISA. Laboratory assays were performed according to manufacturers' instructions at the Biomedical Research Laboratory at the "Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante" (IRSS) in Burkina Faso. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of HSV-2 infection among MSM was 14.3%(95% CI: 10.6-18.1), with disparities according to age and occupation. HSV-2 seroprevalence was high among MSM who were seropositive for HIV (40% versus 13.9%), for syphilis (42.9% versus 13.3%), for HCV (32.5% versus 11.7%) and for HTLV-1&2 (38.5% versus 12.9%) compared to people seronegative for these pathogens. Multivariate analysis showed that HIV-positive (ORa â€‹= â€‹5.34, p â€‹= â€‹0.027), anti-HCV-positive (ORa â€‹= â€‹4.44, p â€‹= â€‹0.001), and HTLV-1&2 positive (aOR â€‹= â€‹4.11, p â€‹= â€‹0.046) were associated with HSV-2 infection among MSM. However, no significant statistical association between HSV-2 and syphilis was found. CONCLUSION: HSV-2 seroprevalence among MSM in Burkina Faso is relatively high. Positive associations between sexual transmitted infections including HIV with HSV-2 suggest that HSV-2 infection's prevention should be strengthened through HIV transmission control programs.

Antimalarial drugs resistance genes of Plasmodium falciparum: a review.

Malaria remains the most common parasitic disease on the planet, with 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths worldwide in 2019, including 274,030 children under the age of 5. It is one of the most important infectious diseases in the world and its control is compromised by the spread of the parasite's resistance to antimalarial drugs. This study aims to review the literature of resistant Plasmodium falciparum genes over the past twenty years. One hundred and five (105) articles were collected and read while the resistance of P. falciparum was being studied. Several P. falciparum gene resistances antimalarial drugs were discovered over the past twenty years. The most recent one is the Kelch13 gene of P. falciparum (Pfkelch13) which has showed resistance to artemisinin in Asia. In Africa, this gene represents a potential candidate for resistance to artemisinin, although no resistance was reported.

[Alloimmunisation in polytransfused patients with non-phenotyped red blood cells at the University Hospital Souro Sanou of Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)]. / Allo-immunisation chez les patients polytransfusés avec des concentrés de globules rouges non phénotypés au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro Sanou de Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso).

Introduction: in Burkina Faso, blood transfusion is carried out with only ABO and RHD compatibility between the donor and the recipient. Such a practice carries risks of alloimmunisation, which can lead to clinical complications especially in polytransfused patients. The objective is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with alloimmunisation in polytransfused patients with non-phenotyped red blood cells at Souro Sanou University Hospital. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study in polytransfused patients in the clinical departments of the University Hospital Souro Sanou over a 3-month period (March to May 2019). In each of the 141 patients included, 5 ml of whole blood was collected in an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tube for testing for irregular antibodies. Irregular antibody testing was performed using the indirect Coombs gel filtration technical. Results: in total, the frequency of alloimmunisation obtained was 5.67%. The majority of the antibodies identified belonged to the Rhesus systems and Kell. We found no statistically significant relationship between age, sex, disease history, number of bags transfused and the positivity of the Irregular Antibody test (p = 0.37, p = 0, 75, p = 0.96). Conclusion: we found that the risk of alloimmunisation is major. Additional measures should be taken to strengthen the immunological safety of transfusions in Burkina Faso. We propose that in Burkina Faso, anti-globulin compatibility testing should be performed systematically in patients with a high risk of immunisation.

[Humoral response to Plasmodium falciparum antigenic peptides (MSP1, MSP2, and SR-11.1) in subjects living in endemic areas]. / La réponse humorale contre les peptides antigéniques de Plasmodium falciparum (MSP1, MSP2 et SR-11.1) chez des sujets vivant en zone endémique.

Introduction: vaccines are the key tools for controlling and eradicating malaria worldwide. Currently, research and development are focused on three types of vaccine candidates that target different life stages of Plasmodium falciparum in humans and the vector. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the humoral response to Plasmodium falciparum antigenic peptides (MSP1, MSP2 and SR-11.1) in subjects living in endemic areas. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study of serum samples collected from 182 Vietnamese subjects living in endemic areas over a period of 5 months. Whole blood was centrifuged and the serum was aliquoted into cryovials and preserved at -20°C until IgG testing. ELISA was used for total immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies testing after peptide coupling with glutaraldehyde. Results: a total of 182 sera samples from Vietnamese subjects living in endemic areas were included. In the different study age groups, total antigen-specific IgG antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum antigenic peptides (MSP-1; MSP-2 and SR-11.1) showed age-dependent distribution. In subjects aged 3-19 years, the level of total antigen-specific IgG antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum were lower than those of the age groups over 20 years of age (p=0.07). Comparison of specific antigen-specific IgG antibody levels with Plasmodium falciparum antigenic peptides MSP-1, MSP-2, and SR-11.1 in the age groups showed a significantly higher mean in MSP-1 and MSP-2 compared to anti-SR-11.1 (p=0.04). Conclusion: this study highlights that the level of specific antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum antigenic peptides (MSP-1; MSP-2 and SR-11.1) is age dependent. Of the three antigenic peptides, MSP-1 and MSP-2 appear to be more immunogenic than SR.11.1. Therefore, SR.11.1 is a macromolecule to the immune system and, from this point of view, appears to be significantly less immunogenic than other peptides.

(GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli bacteria isolates from hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common bacterial species implicated in various types of infections including septicemia, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, meningitis and others pathologies. These involve several bacterial clones with multidrug resistance making them difficult to treat. The aims of this study was to perform molecular typing of E. coli strains using universal primer (GTG)5. In this study, 53 E. coli strains were collected from inpatients and outpatients. The test of antimicrobial sensibility was realized using CA-SFM /EUCAST method and strains were identified by conventional microbiological tests. The carbapenemase-producing strains were demonstrated by phenotypic method. Bacterial DNA was extracted by boiling method. (GTG)5-PCR was used for strain subtyping. The DendroUPGMA software was used for grouping of strains from the genetic fingerprints obtained by (GTG)5-PCR. RESULTS: Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that all strains were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Its strains showed resistance to at least three different families of antibiotics. Of this MDR strains, only one was a metallo-ß-lactamase producer. The dendrogram obtained using genetic fingerprinting allowed the E. coli strains to be grouped into 22 clusters (G1 to G22). CONCLUSION: The (GTG) 5-PCR assay enabled rapid molecular typing of E. coli strains. The strains of E. coli typed in this study would belong to different clones.

Mapping the variability in physical, cooking, and nutritional properties of Zamnè, a wild food in Burkina Faso.

Zamnè is an Acacia seed used as a terroir food in Burkina Faso. It has been introduced as a famine-resilience crop and has become a cultural diet. However, little is known about its culinary and nutritional properties. This study aimed to explore the cooking and nutritional properties of Zamnè (Senegalia macrostachya (Reichenb. ex DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr.). Zamnè presented characteristics of medium size, flattened, dry, and hard-to-cook legume. The moisture, cylindrical ratio, diameter, thickness, weight, true density, coat percentage, coat thickness, and cooking time of the seeds were in the range of 4.5-5.8%, 1.1, 7.4-8.0 mm, 1.6-1.8 mm, 65.0-76.4 mg, 1.1 g/ml, 16.8-22.2%, 9.0-11.9 mg/cm2, and 180 min, respectively. The raw Zamnè showed 39.8-43.6, 9.7-11.5, 16.6-29.4, 13.3-20.2, 16.6-26.4, and 3.7-3.9 (g/100 g dry weight) of protein, fat, total dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber, digestible carbohydrate, and ash contents, respectively. The traditional cooking process improved most of the parameters determining the proximate compositions but resulted in 51-52% of protein and 47-50% carbohydrate losses into the cooking wastewater. Besides, pseudoZamnè, a famine-emergency crop similar to Zamnè, revealed inferior cooking quality than Zamnè. The data reported here provide a basis for alternative cooking techniques and further investigations of Zamnè and pseudoZamnè seeds' nutritional quality.

Association of TNF-α-308G/A and IL-18 Polymorphisms with risk of HPV infection among sexually active women in Burkina Faso.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Persistence infection can lead to the development of cervical cancer potentially due to some genetic factors such as polymorphisms in regulatory and coding regions of cytokine genes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between TNF-308 G/A or IL18 polymorphisms and high-risk HPV infection among sexually active women from Burkina Faso. Ninety-one HPV infected and two hundred and nine HPV negative women (the latter used as healthy controls) were screened. TNFA-308 G/A and IL18-607 C/A polymorphisms were detected using the TaqMan allelic discrimination. HPV 52 (21.19%), HPV 39 (11.86%) and HPV 33 (11.02%) were the most common HPV genotypes. The TNFA-308A and IL18-607 C alleles were predominant in all women in the study. None of the TNFA and IL18 alleles were associated with HPV infection. The results suggest that there is no relationship between TNF-308 G/A or IL18-607C/A polymorphisms and HPV infection among women in the study.

Nutritional, biochemical and microbiological composition of Borassus aethiopum Mart. sap in Burkina Faso.

The palmyra palm Borassus aethiopum Mart. grow wild and gives natural stands in several localities of central-eastern and eastern regions of Burkina Faso. This work aimed to determine the nutritional, biochemical and microbiological composition of fresh palm sap from B. aethiopum Mart. during the first 4 days of tapping. The composition of palm sap was carried out by HPLC and standard methods. The sap collected during the first 4 days were sugary and contained less alcohol. The mean values of the pH, total and reducing sugars content were 4.84 ± 0.5, 11.36 ± 3.97 and 2.93 ± 1.22% w/v respectively. Sucrose, glucose, fructose and Vitamin C values were 6.75% w/v, 4.99 g/L, 7.09 g/L, 8.93% w/v respectively. Galactose and xylose were not detected. Soluble proteins, arabinose, phenols and ethanol were present in low concentration. Calcium, potassium, magnesium and ammonium were present in palm sap with highest potassium content (13.26 g/L). Lactate (2.41 ± 0.86 g/L), succinate (2.49 ± 1.46 g/L), acetate (0.01 ± 0.006 g/L), malate (0.17 ± 0.31 g/L), propionate (0.07 ± 0.04 g/L), citrate (0.19 ± 0.11 g/L), tartrate (0.08 ± 0.09 g/L) and pyruvate (0.05 ± 0.03 g/L) were detected in palm sap. The microbiological analysis of sap gave 1.23 ± 1.01 × 108 cfu/mL for total aerobic flora, 7.27 ± 1.19 × 105 cfu/mL for yeasts, 1.86 ± 1.63 × 107 cfu/mL for lactic acid bacteria and 3.75 ± 0.75 × 105 cfu/mL for acetic acid bacteria. The fresh sap from B. aethiopum presents good nutritional value and its consumption can help to improve dairy food intake of rural population. It can be used for the manufacture of various products like palm wine, syrups, sugars, functional foods, etc.

Seroepidemiology of syphilis among men who have sex with men in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a disproportionate risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis. However, prevalence and determinants of syphilis among this population are less known in West Africa. This study aims to estimate syphilis prevalence among MSM in Burkina Faso. We conducted a cross-sectional biological and behavior survey in the two main cities of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. MSM were recruited using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) methods. Data were collected from January to April 2013 in Ouagadougou and from May to August 2013 in Bobo-Dioulasso. Out of the 657 MSM screened for syphilis, 6.1% (40/657) tested positive for Treponema pallidum antibodies and 1.1% (7/657) for active syphilis. Population-weighted prevalence of active syphilis was 2.1% (95% CI, 01.1-04.4) in Ouagadougou and 0.0% in Bobo-Dioulasso. Serologic markers of syphilis (anti-Treponema antibodies) were found among 7.4% (95% CI 5.0-10.8) of MSM in Ouagadougou and 5.0% (95% CI 3.1-8.0) in Bobo-Dioulasso. No significant differences were found in syphilis serological markers prevalence by participants' sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. The prevalence of syphilis among MSM is low and comparable to that of other individuals of reproductive age in Burkina Faso. This low prevalence is very encouraging and suggests implementation of effective public health intervention programs which direct resources and services toward MSM to prevent further spread of syphilis infection and to limit HIV transmission in this group.

Assessment of safety and quality of fermented milk of camels, cows, and goats sold and consumed in five localities of Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Fermented milk is food produced and consumed all over the world and plays an important role in human nutrition. This work aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical quality and mineral composition of fermented milk consumed in Burkina Faso. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 114 samples of fermented milk from camels, goats, and cows were purchased in the market in five localities in Burkina Faso; Bobo Dioulasso, Djibo, Dori, Gorom-Gorom, and Sebba. Microbiological and physical parameters were monitored using standards methods. RESULTS: Microbiological analysis of fermented milks showed high average values of 7.60±1.50×109 colony-forming unit per milliliter (CFU/ml), 5.72±3.60×107 CFU/ml, 5.53±2.00×105 CFU/ml, 1.97±0.18×103 CFU/ml, 1.98±0.25×103 CFU/ml, and 0.10±0.09×103 CFU/ml for total microbial flora, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds, Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms, and thermotolerant coliforms, respectively. None of the samples were contaminated by Salmonella or Shigella. The average values of pH, acidity, dry matter, ash, fats, proteins, and total carbohydrates content of samples were ranged, respectively: 3.830-4.137, 1.888-2.822%, 8.271-13.004%, 0.199-0.476%, 1.210-3.863%, 2.125-3.764%, and 3.080-5.428 % (w/w). Na/K and Ca/Mg ratio ranged from 0.104 to 0.909 and from 3.392 to 16.996, respectively. Total microbial flora, yeasts and molds, total coliforms, fats, calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc were significantly different. CONCLUSION: This research contributed in the evaluation of the hygienic and nutritional qualities of local fermented milk. Results obtained in this study confirm the need to set up the training program on the sanitary condition to traditional maker's to ensure the good fermented milk with high organoleptic and nutritional qualities.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among men who have sex with men: results of the first integrated biological and behavioral survey in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

BACKGROUND: Many men who have sex with men (MSM) are at significant risk for HIV infection. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of HIV infection among MSM in Burkina Faso. METHODS: A cross-sectional biological and behavioral survey was conducted from January to August 2013 among MSM in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. MSM 18 years old and above were recruited using respondent driven sampling (RDS). A survey was administered to study participants followed by HIV testing. Population prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for the RDS design were produced using the RDS Analysis Tool version 6.0.1 (RDS, Inc., Ithaca, NY). RESULTS: A total of 662 MSM were enrolled in Ouagadougou (n = 333) and Bobo-Dioulasso (n = 329). The majority were unmarried, with an average age of 22.1 ± 4.4 years old in Ouagadougou and 23.1 ± 4.7 years old in Bobo-Dioulasso. RDS-adjusted HIV prevalence was 1.7% (95% CI: 0.9-3.1) in Ouagadougou and 2.7% (95% CI: 1.6-4.6) in Bobo-Dioulasso. HIV prevalence among MSM under 25 years old was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.6-2.8) and 0.9% (95% CI: 0.4-2.5) respectively in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, compared to 5.4% (95% CI: 2.2-12.5) and 6.6% (95% CI: 3.4-12.3) among those 25 years old or older in these cities (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this first biological and behavioral survey among MSM in Burkina Faso suggest a need for programs to raise awareness among MSM and promote safer sex, particularly for young MSM to prevent HIV transmission. These programs would need support from donors for innovative actions such as promoting and providing pre-exposure prophylaxis, condoms and water-based lubricants, HIV counseling, testing, early treatment initiation and effective involvement of the MSM communities.

Syphilis among Female Sex Workers: Results of Point-of-Care Screening during a Cross-Sectional Behavioral Survey in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis among female sex workers (FSW) remains a public health concern due to its potential impact on their health and the possibility of transmission to their clients, partners, and children. Recent data on the prevalence of syphilis in the population in West Africa are scarce. The objective of this study was to measure the seroprevalence of syphilis serological markers among female sex workers in Burkina Faso. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among FSW between February 2013 and May 2014. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) methods in five cities of Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, Ouahigouya, and Tenkodogo). FSW were enrolled and screened for syphilis using a syphilis serological rapid diagnostic test. Data from all cities were analyzed with Stata version 14.0. RESULTS: A total of 1045 FSW were screened for syphilis. Participants' mean age was 27.2 ± 0.2 years. The syphilis serological markers were detected in 5.6% (95% CI: 4.4-7.2) of the participants whereas active syphilis was seen in 1.4% (95% CI: 0.9-2.4). RDS weighted prevalence of syphilis serological markers and active syphilis by city were, respectively, estimated to be 0.0% to 11.0% (95% CI: 8.1-14.7) and 0.0% to 2.2% (95% CI: 1.1-4.4). No syphilis markers were found among Ouahigouya FSW. Low education level and high number of clients were factors associated with syphilis markers among the FSW. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of syphilis markers was high during this study among FSW. This highlights the need to reinforce the comprehensive preventive measures and treatment of syphilis in this population.

Hepatitis B, C, and D virus and human T-cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2 infections and correlates among men who have sex with men in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are considered to be at significant risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and bloodborne viruses including viral hepatitis types B, C, and D (HBV, HCV, and HDV) and human T-cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV 1&2). This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and correlates of HBV, HCV, HDV, and HTLV 1&2 antibodies among MSM in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the biological and behavourial characteristics among MSM in Ouagadougou from January to April 2013. Serum specimens obtained were tested for the presence of HBV, HCV, HDV and HTLV-1&2 infections. MSM 18 years and older were recruited using respondent driven sampling (RDS). Population estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for the RDS design were calculated using RDS Analysis Tool (RDSAT) version 6.0.1 (RDS, Inc., Ithaca, NY). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess correlates of these infections using Stata 14. RESULTS: A total of 329 MSM were tested. Prevalence was 20.4% (95% CI: 16.4-25.1) for HBV, 11.0% (95% CI: 8.0-14.8) for HCV, and 0.0% for HDV. Anti-HTLV 1&2 antibodies were found in 4.0% (95% CI: 2.3-6.8) of MSM. Factors independently associated with HBV infection were lack of condom use during the last anal sex act with a main male sexual partner and experience of condom tearing during anal sex. Presence of anti-HTLV 1&2 antibodies was associated with history of genital or anal lesions and injection drug use. None of the variables included in our study were associated with HCV. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that HBV, HCV and HTLV 1&2 prevalence among MSM in Burkina is high and suggests that comprehensive STI prevention and sexual health education services for this group are needed.

Safety of ready-to-eat chicken in Burkina Faso: Microbiological quality, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolated from chicken samples of Ouagadougou.

In Burkina Faso, flamed/grilled chickens are very popular and well known to consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality, the antibiotic resistance, and the virulence gene from Escherichia coli isolated from these chickens in Ouagadougou. A total of 102 grilled, flamed, and fumed chickens were collected in Ouagadougou and analyzed, using standard microbiological methods. All E. coli isolates were checked with the antimicrobial test and also typed by 16-plex PCR. The mean of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) and thermo-tolerant coliforms (TTC) was found respectively between 6.90 ± 0.12 × 107 CFU/g to 2.76 ± 0.44 × 108 CFU/g and 2.4 ± 0.82 × 107 CFU/g to 1.27 ± 0.9 × 108 CFU/g. E. coli strains were found to 27.45%. Forty samples (38.24%) were unacceptable based on the AMB load. Fifty-nine samples (57.85%) were contaminated with TTCs. Low resistance was observed with antibiotics of betalactamin family. Diarrheagenic E. coli strains were detected in 21.43% of all samples. This study showed that flamed/grilled chickens sold in Ouagadougou could pose health risks for the consumers. Need of hygienic practices or system and good manufacturing practices is necessary to improve the hygienic quality of flamed/grilled chickens. Our results highlight the need of control of good hygiene and production practices to contribute to the improvement of the safety of the products and also to avoid antibiotic resistance. Slaughter, scalding, evisceration, plucking, bleeding, washing, rinsing, preserving, grilling, and selling may be the ways of contamination.

HIV among Female Sex Workers in Five Cities in Burkina Faso: A Cross-Sectional Baseline Survey to Inform HIV/AIDS Programs.

BACKGROUND: Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a vulnerable population for HIV infection and a priority for HIV/AIDS response programs. This study aimed to determine HIV prevalence among FSWs in five cities in Burkina Faso. METHODS: FSWs aged 18 and older were recruited using respondent driven sampling (RDS) in five cities (Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, Ouahigouya, and Tenkodogo) in Burkina Faso from 2013 to 2014. HIV testing was performed using the HIV testing national algorithm. We conducted bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess correlates of HIV in all cities combined (not RDS-adjusted). RESULTS: Among Ouagadougou, Koudougou, and Ouahigouya FSWs, RDS-adjusted HIV prevalence was 13.5% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 9.6-18.7), 13.3% (95% CI: 7.6-22.4), and 13.0% (95% CI: 7.6-21.3), respectively, compared to 30.1% (95% CI: 25.5-35.1) among Bobo-Dioulasso FSWs. Factors associated with HIV infection were age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.84 95% CI: 3.78-16.20), being married or cohabitating (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.31-4.49), and history of pregnancy (aOR = 5.24, 95% CI: 1.44-18.97). CONCLUSION: These results highlight the need to strengthen HIV prevention among FSWs, through behavior change strategies, and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services.