Epidemiological phenotypic characteristics of vaginal yeasts at the Comoros.

The aim of the prospective, descriptive survey conducted in Moroni, Comoros was to establish the distribution of vulvovaginal mycoses in pregnant and symptomatic women and to study the epidemiological characteristics of the yeast isolates. All isolated strains were epidemiologically evaluated by phenotypical methods. Three phenotypic epidemiological studies were performed by morphotyping methods (including the colour reaction according to Quindòs et al. and structural morphotypes as described by Soll), by determination of phospholipase and by chemosensitivity evaluation according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute approved standard. Out of 253 women, 108 were found positive for yeast culture (42.7%). Fungal identification results showed that 61.6% was Candida albicans and 28.6%C. sake (32/112). Candida sake was a frequent vaginal inhabitant.

[Malaria in the Comoros Archipelago in 2015: status after 15 years of fight]. / Le paludisme dans l'Archipel des Comores : état des lieux en 2015 après quinze années de lutte.

The four volcanic islands of the Comoros archipelago are an area of intense, stable and permanent malaria transmission, almost exclusively with Plasmodium falciparum. Our purpose is to describe the current situation on malaria in Mayotte and Comoros in 2015, after the implementation of various strategies of control during the past 15 years. In 2015, Mayotte is in the phase of elimination of malaria. In the three islands forming the Union of Comoros, the transmission is much lower in the islands of Anjouan (incidence of 0.02‰) and Moheli (incidence of 0.14‰), ranking the two islands in pre-elimination phase. Grande Comore (incidence of 3.68‰) remains in the control phase with not enough time to assess what the mass treatment campaign long-term effects might be. These strategies could be applied in other islands with endemic malaria and with limited population.

[AIDS and HIV infection in the Federal Islamic Republic of Comores (1988-1995)]. / SIDA et infection à VIH en République Fédérale Islamique des Comores (1988-1995).

Since 1991 AIDS and HIV infection in the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros have been monitored through a network of sentinel sites including predetermined target populations. In all cases seropositivity for HIV was confirmed by western blotting after two ELISA screening tests. AIDS was diagnosed on Bangui clinical criteria and positive western blotting results. As of June 30, 1996, the cumulative number of AIDS cases reported to the World Health Organization was 7 for a prevalence of 1.4 per 100000 inhabitants. The prevalence of HIV antibodies has remained at less than 1% in target populations, i.e. women undergoing prenatal examinations, patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis, blood donors, and patients presenting sexually transmitted diseases (STD). This low stable prevalence rate which is similar to those reported in other Indian Ocean countries is in sharp contrast with the high incidence of syphilis and STD in the region.

[Heath history and health challenges in the Union of Comoros in 2012]. / Histoire sanitaire et enjeux sanitaires de l'Union des Comores en 2012.

Located in the Mozambican Channel in the southwestern Indian Ocean, near Africa, the islands that form the Union of the Comoros present, despite improved health and social progress, epidemiological features still dominated by communicable diseases, primarily malaria, diarrheal diseases, respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal parasites. The archipelago is the regional gateway to vectorborne diseases, such as malaria and arboviruses, and to cholera. The prevalence of AIDS is 0.025%. The Union is facing a major upsurge in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Natural hazards (cyclones, floods, volcanoes and tsunamis) also threaten these islands.

STI epidemics in the Indian Ocean region: can the phase be assessed?

The Indian Ocean provides a unique opportunity to curb the HIV epidemic in its nascent phase through strengthening STI control programmes. Making effective and appropriate health services available should be regarded as the first priority for STI control in the region and, whenever possible, core groups should be identified and targeted to interrupt transmission within such networks.