Pediculosis capitis in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: Epidemiological profile and associated risk factors.

Pediculosis capitis (PC) is a parasitic infestation, common in children's communities caused by Pediculus humanus capitis. Various factors including infestation-related stigma, treatment cost and health risks make this infestation deserves special attention. This study aims to determine epidemiological profile of pediculosis capitis twenty years after the last study in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. An epidemiological cross-sectional survey was carried out from April to June 2018 across 40 public primary schools in the ten districts of Abidjan. Data from schoolchildren and parents and/or guardians were collected using a pretested questionnaire after agreement and signature of the informed consent form. Head lice were identified visually with a magnifying glass, and then collected using fine combs and hairbrushes. The positive diagnosis was made by the detection of living lice in the hair. Of the 4, 805 included participants, 28 (0.58%) were hosting living lice in hair. Analysis of associated factors showed that gender related-status was associated with PC. In this case, girls were more affected than boys (p=0.018). Plateau, Treichville and Port Bouët municipalities were the most affected (p=0.018). The length hair was associated with the occurrence of PC (p<0,001). Schoolchildren from families with low monthly income was most infected by PC (p=0.023). Some parameters such as promiscuity and collective use of washing facilities and bedding, were not found to be associated to head lice infestation. This study shows a drastic decrease of PC prevalence in Abidjan corresponding to 97%. This could be due to the improvement in the quality of life and education of the population of Abidjan. The establishment of hygiene committees and the teaching of basic hygiene practices from the first school years have contributed to these achievements. Maintaining these measures will contribute to the sustainable elimination of CP among children in Abidjan.

Recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire): Aetiology and associated factors.

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a major health problem for sexually active women because of its severe effect on their quality of life. A thorough knowledge of their epidemiology leads to their efficient management. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 in women with leucorrhoea associated or not with other clinical signs. Recurrence was based on the occurrence of at least four annual episodes of Candida vulvo-vaginitis. An individual interview based on a questionnaire was conducted to identify the socio-demographic parameters that could be associated with the RVVC. Vaginal samples were collected at the obstetrical gynaecology department of the University Hospital of Cocody and at the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire. On each sample, a direct examination and culture on Sabouraud-chloramphenicol medium with or without actidione were performed. Yeast identification was performed using chromogenic media (CandiSelect®4 [Bio-Rad]) and the study of sugar assimilation using the Auxacolor® 2 gallery (Bio-Rad). A total of 400 patients were included. The average age was 29.2 years (SD=7.2 years). Of these, 94 had recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, with a prevalence of 23.5% (CI95%: 19.49-28.02). Five species of the genus Candida have been identified: Candida albicans (59.6%), Candida glabrata (19.1%), Candida tropicalis (16%), Candida krusei (4.2%) and Candida inconspicua (1.1%). Some factors such as education level, history of sexually transmitted infection, type of underwear used, frequency of personal hygiene and type of product used for these hygiene have been associated with the occurrence of RVVCs. The occurrence of RVVCs is relatively high in our study population. Non-albicansCandida species occupy a significant place in this disease epidemiology. By addressing the factors associated with the occurrence and/or persistence of RVVCs, it will be possible to reduce their incidence in sexually active women.

[Clinical and mycological characteristics of onychomycosis due to Candida at Institut Pasteur of Côte d'Ivoire]. / Caractéristiques cliniques et mycologiques des onychomycoses à Candida à l'Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to study the clinical and mycological characteristics of onychomycosis due to Candida in mycology unit of Institut Pasteur of Côte d'Ivoire. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study which was carried out on patients from 1990 to 2016 for mycological diagnosis of onychomycosis and which socio-demographic characteristics, direct examination and culture results were recorded. RESULTS: In this study, 1898 patient files were selected. The average age of the patients was 31.69 years (standard deviation=15.11) with a sex ratio of 0.87. The frequency of Candida onychomycosis from patients received was 61.7%. Finger nails (67.7%) were more affected by this condition, followed by those of the toes (25.3%). Ninety cases of double localization of the nails of the hands and toes have been found. Candida albicans was the most frequent species accounting for 79.1% of isolated yeasts. Among the non-albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis were isolated at the level of the toenails with frequencies rate of 11.2 and 9.6%. CONCLUSION: Onychomycosis due to Candida are relatively common in Abidjan and are dominated by C. albicans. The mycological confirmation of the fungal etiology in onychopathy and a good hygiene of the nails will allow a better management.

[In vitro susceptibility of vaginal Candida albicans to antifungal drugs in Abidjan (Ivory Coast)]. / Sensibilité in vitro des souches de Candida albicans d'origine vaginale aux antifongiques à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro susceptibility of vaginal Candida albicans to common antifungal drugs in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January to September 2008, 150 women with leucorrhoea were sampled for vaginal mycosis at the Pasteur Institute (Ivory Coast). Samples were analyzed by direct examination, Sabouraud-chloramphenicol and Sabouraud-chloramphenicol-actidione culture. C. albicans was identified after blastesis, chlamydosporulation and auxanogram tests. The susceptibility of this fungus to amphotericine B, 5-fluorocytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole was evaluated by a semi-solid medium microdilution technique: ATB(®) Fungus 3. RESULTS: Among 62 yeasts strains isolated, C. albicans represented 45 cases or 72.6%. Vaginal itching (P=0.04) and urinary burning (P=0.002) was statistically correlated with vaginal candidosis. We observed a range of susceptibility of C. albicans strains to antifungals: 100% to amphotericine B (CMI90=0.5µg/mL); 98% to 5-fluorocytosine (CMI90=4µg/mL); 86.7% to voriconazole (CMI50=0.06µg/mL) and 80% to fluconazole (CMI50=2µg/mL and CMI90=32µg/mL). However, only 46.7% of C. albicans strains were sensitive to itraconazole (CMI50=0.125µg/mL). CONCLUSION: These results show that vaginal C. albicans remain sensitive to the most commonly antifungal drugs used in Abidjan. However, this susceptibility should be regularly monitored.