[Frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (A-376/202) in three Malian ethnic groups]. / Fréquence du déficit en glucose-6-phosphate déshydrogénase (A-376/202) dans trois groupes ethniques vivant en zone d'endémie palustre au Mali.

Erythrocyte G6PD deficiency is the most common worldwide enzymopathy. The aim of this study was to determine erythrocyte G6PD deficiency in 3 ethnic groups of Mali and to investigate whether erythrocyte G6PD deficiency was associated to the observed protection against malaria seen in Fulani ethnic group. The study was conducted in two different areas of Mali: in the Sahel region of Mopti where Fulani and Dogon live as sympatric ethnic groups and in the Sudanese savannah area where lives mostly the Malinke ethnic group. The study was conducted in 2007 in Koro and in 2008 in Naguilabougou. It included a total 90 Dogon, 42 Fulani and 80 Malinke ethnic groups. Malaria was diagnosed using microscopic examination after Giemsa-staining of thick and thin blood smear. G6PD deficiency (A-(376/202)) samples were identified using RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) assay and analysis of PCR-amplified DNA amplicon. G6PD deficiency (A-(376/202)) rate was 11.1%, 2.4%, and 13.3% in Dogon, Fulani, and Malinke ethnic group respectively. Heterozygous state for G6PD (A-(376/202)) was found in 7.8% in Dogon; 2.4% in Fulani and 9.3% in Malinke ethnic groups while hemizygous state was found at the frequency of 2.2% in Dogon and 4% in Malinke. No homozygous state was found in our study population.We conclude that G6PD deficiency is not differing significantly between the three ethnic groups, Fulani, Dogon and Malinke.

[Knowledge and attitudes of medical personnel in blood transfusion in Bamako, Mali]. / Connaissances et attitudes du personnel médical en matière de transfusion sanguine au Mali.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We undertook a study to determine the level of knowledge and practice of medical staff personnel on transfusion medicine in Mali at Bamako and Kati. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from January to April 2010 in the three main teaching hospitals of Bamako and Kati and in the six referral health centers of the district of Bamako. Medical staff knowledge and practice were assessed using a questionnaire. The study population consisted of specialized practitioners (15%), general practitioners (21.4%), nurses (41.6%), and midwives (22%). RESULTS: Overall, 70.9% of the staff did not receive any training in blood transfusion since their graduation. The general knowledge about blood transfusion was insufficient in 53.9% of staff and excellent in 46.1%. Only 42.9% of medical staff has a good basic knowledge of blood products, their indications, and related accidents. CONCLUSION: Our study showed weaknesses in the transfusion system in Bamako, with insufficient knowledge of the medical staff in blood transfusion and little experience.