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Introduction. Chronic kidney disease (CKD)is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, becomes impaired, leading to a buildup of waste and toxins in the body. This aimed at at evaluating the perception of CKDamong newly diagnosed end-stage chronic renal failure patients. Methodology. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, which took place over the period from January 1 to , in the Nephrology department of the Brazzaville university hospital. It covered 128 patients who were exhaustively identified. sociodemographic data and data on illness perception were collected from medical records and during individual interviews using pre-established survey forms. Microsoft Excel 2021 software enabled data analysis and processing. Results. We studied 128participants with a sex ratio of 2.5 and the age was was 50. There was a misperception of CKDamong46.1% of our participants. CKD was thought in curableby 51,6% of them and it was considered a fairly worrying disease by 61.7% of patients. The belief of CKD having a supernatural cause was held by 46.9% of patients. Patients thought that CKD could be treated with traditional medicine (36,7%), modern medicine (27,3%) and through prayer(18%). CKD was unknown before hospitalization by 76,6% of patients. Conclusion. There is a wrong perception of chronic kidney failure by patients in the end stage of their kidney disease due to the general public's low level of knowledge about kidney diseases
Introduction.La maladie rénale chronique (MRC) est une affection à long terme au cours de laquelle les reins perdent progressivement leur fonction au fil du temps, deviennent altérés, ce qui entraîne une accumulation de déchets et de toxines dans le corps. Cette étudevisait à évaluer la perception de la MRC chez les patients atteints d'insuffisance rénale chronique au stade terminal récemment diagnostiqués. Méthodologie.Il s'agissait d'une étude descriptive transversale avec une collecte prospective des données, qui s'est déroulée du 1er janvier au 30 octobre 2023, au service de néphrologie de l'hôpital universitaire de Brazzaville. Elle concernait 128 patients qui ont été identifiés de manière exhaustive. Les données sociodémographiques et les données sur la perception de la maladie ont été collectées à partir des dossiers médicaux et lors d'entretiens individuels à l'aide de formulaires d'enquête préétablis. Le logiciel Microsoft Excel 2021 a permis l'analyse et le traitement des données. Résultats.Nous avons étudié128 participants, avec un ratio homme-femme de 2,5 et un âge médian de 50 ans. Il y avait une méconnaissance de la MRC chez 46,1% de nos participants. 51,6% d'entre eux pensaient que la MRC était incurable et 61,7% des patients considéraient cette maladiecomme assez inquiétante. 46,9% des patients pensaient que la MRC avait une cause surnaturelle. Les patients pensaient que la MRC pouvait être traitée avec la médecine traditionnelle (36,7%), la médecine moderne (27,3%) et par la prière (18%). La MRC étaitméconnue avant l'hospitalisation chez 76,6% des patients. Conclusion.Il existe une perception erronée de l'insuffisance rénale chronique chez les patients en stade terminal de leur maladie rénaledû à la faible connaissance du grand public sur les maladies rénales.
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Contexto: Amiloidose é um grupo de doenças caracterizadas pelo depósito de proteínas fibrilares, denominadas substância amiloide. Podem ser divididas em formas localizadas ou sistêmicas, sendo que dentre as localizadas, a forma nodular é a mais rara. Descrição do caso: Relatamos o caso de amiloidose primária localizada cutânea nodular que se apresentou com nódulos violáceos no dorso, e placas acastanhadas na região cervical há 8 anos sem evidências de envolvimento sistêmico. Discussão: Como cerca de 1% a 7% dos casos de amiloidose nodular localizada cutânea podem evoluir com envolvimento sistêmico, o seguimento dos pacientes faz-se necessário. O tratamento não é obrigatório, a retirada das lesões pode ser feita se o paciente o desejar, contudo as recidivas são frequentes. Conclusões: Mesmo possuindo baixa prevalência, a amiloidose nodular deve ser reconhecida pelo risco de progredir para acometimento sistêmico e associação com discrasias plasmocitárias, como mieloma múltiplo.
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Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Plasma Cells , Plasmacytoma , Congo Red , Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis , AmyloidosisABSTRACT
Introducción. El 65 % de las infecciones humanas son producidas por bacterias o levaduras, cuya capacidad de formar biopelículas las hace más resistentes a los antimicrobianos y antifúngicos. Objetivo. Determinar la capacidad de formación de biopelículas en aislamientos bacterianos y fúngicos por medio de los métodos cuantitativo de microtitulación con cristal violeta y cualitativo de cultivo en agar con rojo Congo. Materiales y métodos. Con el método cuantitativo, se utilizaron los medios de cultivo infusión cerebro-corazón, tripticasa de soya y Müeller-Hinton para aislamientos bacterianos; para levaduras, se usaron caldo infusión cerebro-corazón y Sabouraud dextrosa. Para el método cualitativo de cultivo en agar, se utilizaron los mismos medios de cultivo más una solución con 3 % de rojo Congo y 10 % de dextrosa. Cómo método de referencia, se utilizó la propuesta de Stepanovic et al. Resultados. Se evaluaron 103 aislamientos bacterianos y 108 de levaduras. No es recomendable sustituir el caldo infusión cerebro-corazón por los caldos tripticasa de soya y Müeller-Hinton en el método cuantitativo, para evaluar la formación de biopelículas en los aislamientos bacterianos. El medio Sabouraud dextrosa, en caldo y agar, puede sustituir al de infusión de cerebro-corazón para evaluar la formación de biopelículas en levaduras, tanto por el método cuantitativo como por el cualitativo. Conclusión. El estudio de las biopelículas en el laboratorio de microbiología, a partir del método cualitativo de cultivo en agar con rojo Congo, es un procedimiento sencillo, rápido y de bajo costo, que proporciona información útil para el diagnóstico y la terapéutica de infecciones persistentes causadas por bacterias y levaduras.
Introduction. Sixty-five percent of human infections are caused by bacteria or yeasts able to form biofilms. This feature makes them more resistant to antimicrobials and antifungals. Objective. To determine biofilm formation capacity of bacterial and fungal isolates by quantitative crystal violet microtiter and qualitative Congo red agar methods. Materials and methods. Brain-heart infusion, trypticase soy broth and Müeller-Hinton culture media were used in bacterial isolates for the quantitative method; brain-heart infusion broth and Sabouraud dextrose were used for yeasts. The same culture media plus 3% Congo red and 10% dextrose were used to apply the qualitative method in agar. The proposal by Stepanovic, et al. was used as a reference method. Results. We evaluated 103 bacterial isolates and 108 yeasts isolates. We did not recommend substitute brain-heart infusion broth for trypticase soy and Müeller-Hinton broths for biofilm formation assessment in bacterial isolates using the quantitative method. Sabouraud dextrose medium, both broth and agar, can replace brain-heart infusion to assess biofilm formation in yeasts, quantitatively and qualitatively. Conclusion. The study of biofilms in the microbiology laboratory, using Congo red agar qualitative method, is a simple, fast, and inexpensive procedure that provides precise information for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent infections caused by bacteria and yeasts.
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Gram-Negative Bacteria , Gram-Positive Bacteria , Yeasts , Biofilms , Congo RedABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Amyloidosis is a rare disease in which ocular involvement may occur as an isolated event or associated with a systemic disease. This paper describes two clinical cases of ophthalmologic manifestations of amyloidosis: a bilateral eyelid lesion similar to xanthelasma and tarsal conjunctival disease similar to follicular conjunctivitis. The anatomopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis.
RESUMO A amiloidose é uma doença rara que pode ter o acometimento ocular como forma isolada ou estar associada a doenças sistêmicas. Neste relato, são descritos dois casos clínicos de alterações oftalmológicas da amiloidose: um que se manifestou por meio de lesão palpebral bilateral de aspecto similar ao xantelasma. O outro era uma afecção em conjuntiva tarsal, semelhante à conjuntivite folicular. O estudo anatomopatológico confirmou o diagnóstico.
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Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Introduction: Little information is available regarding the characteristics of patients attending the emergency centre (EC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study aims to provide some epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients admitted to the emergency centre at Beni General Referral Hospital. Methodology: For a year, from January to December 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Data regarding patients' characteristics, admission modality, stay duration, reason for admission, and discharge modality was anonymously collected from patients' registers. A descriptive analysis was done with Epi-Info 7. Result: A total of 1404 patients were admitted to the EC, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2 to 1. The age group below 18 years accounted for 35.4%. Most of the patients (75.7%) originated from urban areas. In 83% of cases, there was no recommendation from another medical facility for EC admission. The most common reasons for admission are non-traumatic gathering on top of neuropsychiatric and non-specific symptoms. Road traffic accidents are the most frequent causes of trauma symptoms. Few patients (14.7%) spent less than 12 hours in the EC. Globally, 7.3% of patients admitted to the EC were discharged after being managed, and 89% were transferred to different wards. The intra-emergency centre mortality rate was 11.8% among admitted patients in the ER at Beni General Referral Hospital. Conclusion: This epidemiology database underlines the need for developing globalizing and multi-sectoral interventions (diagnosis, therapeutic strategy, organization, health program, or health policies) in the perspective of bringing change and/or taking action in the Democratic Republic of Congo's emergency medical system.
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Humans , Male , Female , Patient Admission , Wounds and Injuries , Emergencies , Emergency Medical Services , Health Policy , Accidents, TrafficABSTRACT
Objective:To grasp the distribution of fine antigenic epitope profiles of nucleoprotein (NP) and glycoprotein (GP) fragments of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and to clarify the value of dominant antigenic epitopes in laboratory testing of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).Methods:In a minimal synthetic short peptide consisting of 8 amino acids was segmentally expressed by CCHFV YL04057 strain using a modified bio-peptide synthesis method from 2014 to 2021 in the laboratory of Xinjiang University, College of Life Sciences. Using CCHFV polyclonal antibody or monoclonal antibody 14B7 (IgM) or CCHFV-positive sheep serum as antibodies, the minimal antigenic epitopes (BCEs) with antigenic activity on NP and GP fragments were identified by immunoblotting, and the obtained BCEs with sequence polymorphism were spatially clustered with CCHFV from different regions using the neighbor-joining method to determine the combination mode of BCEs with geographical correlation of regional distribution, to explore its application in establishing serological diagnosis. A prokaryotic expression plasmid (pET-32a), an E. coli expression plasmid (pGEX-KG) and a prokaryotic expression plasmid with an incomplete glutathione (GST188) tag (pXXGST-ST-1) were used to construct and express six dominant antigenic epitopes of different peptide lengths on NP fragments, and an indirect Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established. CCHF sheep serum identified by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used as a control, and the specificity, sensitivity and overall compliance of the recombinant proteins with different peptide lengths of antigenic epitopes with IFA assay results were statistically analyzed. Results:CCHFV, NP and GP fragments had a total of 30 antigenically active BCEs, among which the core intermediate fragment NP2 (aa 170 th-305 th), which had a concentration of antigenic epitopes in the NP fragment, has 6 BCEs, and the NP1 (aa 1 st-200 th) and NP3 (aa 286 th-482 nd) at both ends have 9 BCEs; the Gc (aa 1 st-558 th) and Gn (aa 533 th-708 th) fragments of the GP fragment have 14 BCEs and a long antigenic peptide (AP) containing 15 amino acids, and the amino acid sequence homology of the NP fragment BCEs was 97.1% and that of the GP fragment BCEs was 89.1%. There was a significant difference ( P=0.0281, P<0.05). Among the 9 BCEs with sequence polymorphism in the GP fragment, 6 combined BCEs from GnEc1, GnE2, GnE4, GcE3, GcE6 and GcAP-4 (Ap) could cluster 15 CCHFV strains from different regions of the world into 5 geographical taxa, AsiaⅠ, AsiaⅡ, AficaⅠ, AficaⅡ and Europe. The constructs expressing PET-32a-NP (full length), PGEX-KG-NP2 (aa 170 th-305 th), pGEX-KG-NP2-1 (aa 235 th-275 th), PGEX-KG-NP2-1-1 (aa 237 th-256 th), pXXGST-1-NP2-1-2 (aa 250 th-265 th) and PGEX KG-NP2-1-3 (aa 260 th-276 th), six recombinant proteins CCHFV NP rabbit polyclonal antiserum (pAb) Western Blotting reaction positive, 33 sheep sera tested by IFA XHF as a reference, the sensitivity of the assay established by indirect ELISA using the recombinant proteins constructed from two fragments of NP2 and NP2-1 as antigens. The sensitivity, specificity and overall compliance were the best, with 73.4% (11/15) and 66.7% (10/15) for sensitivity, 100% (18/18) and 94.4% (17/18) for specificity, and 87.9% (29/33) and 81.8% (27/33) for overall compliance. Conclusion:CCHFV NP and GP are distributed with a high number of BCEs with antigenic immunoreactivity, among which the dominant antigenic epitopes are of high value in the laboratory serological diagnosis of CCHF.
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@#The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance and diagnostic performance of the immature platelet fraction (%IPF) in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Samples obtained from 32 healthy control subjects and 40 CCHF patients (9 positive and 31 negative radiological findings) were evaluated in the study. The samples obtained from CT-positive subjects demonstrated higher IPF% values which also exhibited a positive correlation with mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet size deviation width (PDW) values.The patient group IPF% values were positively correlated with the duration of hospital stay. The ROC analysis also suggested the potential importance of IPF values higher than 10.5% in diagnosing CCHF patients with positive radiological findings.The results of our study showed that % IPF can be considered as a useful parameter in the follow-up of the disease course in patients with CCHF.
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Background and Aims: Manotes expansa Sol. ex Planch. and Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridl.) Schum. are two plants belonging respectively to the family Connaraceae R.Br. and Zingiberaceae Martino widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of eye diseases, fever, headaches, gastritis as well as asthma. The aim of the present study is the valorization of these two plants collected in the Democratic Republic of Congo by a quantitative and qualitative analysis of secondary metabolites and mineral elements in their leaves. Materials and Methods: The determination of secondary metabolites in the leaves of Manotes expansa and Aframomum alboviolaceum was carried out by UV-Visible spectrophotometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry for the identification and quantitative analysis of mineral elements. Results: The results showed that the leaves of these two plants are rich in phenolic compounds, i.e. 442.2 mgEqAG/g for the leaves of A. alboviolaceum, 370.64 mgEqAG/g for the red leaves and 282.64 mgEqAG/g green leaves of M. expansa. Although being part of the same plant, the red and green leaves of M. expansa presented a totally different phytochemical profile. The contents of condensed tannins, anthocyanins and flavonoids are respectively 0.3%, 0.68% and 3.29% for the leaves of A. alboviolaceum; 0.58%, 0.36% and 6.89% for the red leaves, and 0.65%, 0.26% and 7.55% for the green leaves of M. expansa. The mineral content in the leaves of both plants remains dominated by the high concentration of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe). Conclusion: The high content of phenolic compounds and essential trace elements makes the leaves of M. expansa and A. alboviolaceum potential candidates to alleviate several health problems in Africa in general and particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Background & objectives: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a deadly viral infection reported from more than 30 countries. It is considered a zoonosis? and tick bites are the main route of transmission in nature. So far, the virus has been identified in 31 species of hard (Ixodidae) and soft (Argasidae) ticks. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of CCHF virus infection in hard ticks from South-Khorasan province, east of Iran. Methods: In this study, 684 livestock including 302 sheep, 344 goats, 16 cows and 22 camels were sampled from Birjand, Qaen, Khusf, Darmian and Sarbisheh counties. Genus and species of the ticks were diagnosed under stereomicroscope according to valid morphological keys. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was used to detect the CCHF virus genome based on S segment in 100 ticks. Results: RT-PCR detected CCHF virus genome in 7 out of 100 ticks. Positive ticks belonged to Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus genera. CCHF virus infected species were Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hyalomma detritium and Hyalomma asiaticum. All the infected ticks were isolated from goat and sheep and were from Birjand county. Interpretation & conclusion: Our results suggest that Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus may be the main vectors of CCHF virus in the study area.
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Aim: To study the distribution of two invasive alien plants and associated plants as well as their distribution in the Malebo Pool eco-region. Methodology: The study was carried out by direct observation by circulating on a motorized canoe. Plant samples were randomly harvested (n=6) in August 2020 depends on the sites. Plant species identification was performed on the field, and those species of which the identification was difficult, were brought to the laboratory for proper identification according to APG III. Results: 19 species, including two Pteridophytes and 17 Angiosperms, belonging to 19 families and 12 orders were identified. The site of Molondo was the most diversified with 15 plant species, followed respectively by the sites of Mipongo (13 species), Japon (12 species) and Kingabwa (07 species). The plant species Ludwigia abyssinica A. Rich., Ipomoea aquatica Forsk, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart), Pistia stratiotes L, Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam) and Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell were present in all four prospected sites. E. pyramidalis and E. crassipes constitute a serious threat for the environment and are source of erosion/loss of aquatic biodiversity. Physiologically, these species form a mono-specific carpet and eliminate native or autochthonous species of aquatic flora.Conclusions and Suggestions: The invasion of alien species is a consequence of human activities and a concern, as it affects all sectors of society. These plants can alter, disrupt, and degrade many ecosystem services like the disturbing of habitats and the alteration of the environmental and biological conditions around them. They can also reduce light and diversity of native aquatic plant species. Controlling invasive alien species is thus a challenge for the Congolese society. Political decision-makers are therefore invited to take appropriate measures for managing and protecting the local aquatic flora and valorize the invasive plants as potential medicinal remedy.
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Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile of Senna alata LINN using chemical screening in solution and thin-layer chromatography, and to assess the antioxidant and anthelmintic activities of the plant抯 aqueous extracts. Methodology: All the analyses performed in this study were, respectively, done as described by the standard protocols. These were: the microscopic examination of the plant powders performed using a light microscope, the search for secondary metabolites carried out by chemical screening in solution and by thin-layer chromatography, the determination of the secondary metabolites, and the antioxidant activity carried out by UV-visible spectroscopy and the anthelmintic activity performed by dilution in decreasing order of concentration. Results: Micrographic analysis of the powder of Senna alata revealed the histological elements rich in unicellular covering hairs with a punctate surface and in fragments of palisade parenchyma, with elongated cells. The presence of polyphenols (flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, leuco anthocyanins, free quinones), steroids, terpenoids, and iridoids was detected by phytochemical screening in solution and confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. The determination of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, total tannins, and anthocyanins showed that Senna alata contains 254.64 mg EQ/g, 12.3%, 9.5%, and 6.5%, respectively, of these metabolites. The aqueous extract of the leaves of Senna alata showed a good anthelmintic activity after 41 minutes of exposure to 5.00 mg/mL of the extract and the antioxidant activity was reported, of which the value of IC50 ( g/mL) of the extract for the DPPH tests is 91.42 15.56. Conclusion: Histological elements rich in unicellular covering hairs with a punctate surface and in fragments of palisade parenchyma, with elongated cells were revealed in the micrographic analysis of Senna alata. The plant抯 leaf methanol extract showed good antioxidant activity, while the anthelmintic activity was demonstrated in its aqueous extract.
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Background & objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum TGF-?1 and PDGFB levels with the pathogenesis, clinical course and prognosis of adult Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) patients. Methods: 50 adult patients and 30 healthy individuals as a control group were included in the study, who were followed up and treated with the diagnosis of CCHF at the Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Clinic, between March 2017 and September 2019 in Eastern Anatolia Region in Turkey. Blood samples were taken from patients on the first day of their hospitalization and on the sixth day of their complaints. TGF-?1 and serum PDGF-B levels were studied by ELISA method using commercial kits, from serum samples taken from CCHF patient group and individuals in healthy control group and stored at -80°C. Results: While the serum TGF- ?1 levels of patients with CCHF were found to be significantly higher on the sixth day of their complaints compared to the first day of hospitalization (42.33 ± 15.42, 28.40 ± 7.06, p = 0.001, respectively), the serum PGDF-B levels were found to be significantly lower on the sixth day of their complaints compared to those measured on the day of hospitalization (62.14 ± 19.75, 93.96 ± 20.02, respectively, p = 0.001). Interpretation & conclusion: Serum TGF-?1 levels are higher and PDGF-B levels are lower in CCHF patients with severe disease, indicating that serum TGF-?1 and PDGF-B play an important role in the pathogenesis of CCHF
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Introduction?Preeclampsia and eclampsia are important causes of maternal morbidity. Preeclapmtic women secrete misfolded proteins in the urine. Buhimschi et al had developed a new test for diagnosis of preeclampsia. This test is based on staining of misfolded protein with Congo red dye. Misfolded proteins are derived from syncytiotrophoblast microparticles (STBMs). These STBM are membrane bound vesicles and contain misfolded proteins. In preeclampsia, glomeruli of kidneys are disrupted and these damaged protein reach the urine. Aim and Objective?This study aimed to investigate the role of urinary congophilia in early prediction of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods?This test was done in 250 pregnant women attending the Gynaecological Outpatient Department. Urine sample of early morning was taken and test was done in the Department of Biochemistry. The included pregnant women were of gestational age between 14 and 18 weeks. The staining of urine with Congo red dye was done and washed with methanol. The retention of dye was interpreted with naked eye. The more retention of dye, the more chances of developing preeclampsia later. The patients were followed-up till delivery. The patents who developed preeclampsia later part of pregnancy were recorded. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and past history and body mass index were also recorded. Results?Out of 250 patients, 30 developed preeclampsia later. A total of 34 patients were having positive urinary congophilia and only 20 patients developed preeclampsia later. MAP more than 90?mm Hg is abnormal but 66.7% of patients who developed preeclampsia had MAP >90?mm Hg. In 16.7% of patients, who developed preeclampsia later, had positive past history of hypertension. In 66.7% of patients, who were positive for urinary congophilia, later developed preeclampsia. Conclusion?Preeclampsia and eclampsia are important causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. So, early detection can prevent complications and timely management. Urinary congophilia is one of such test which can help in early prediction of preeclampsia. If it is combined with past maternal history and MAP, it gives more good results. The detection rate is much higher if signs and symptoms of preeclampsia are noticed timely.
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Aims of the Study: To identify plant species traditionally used to treat anemia in Yakoma territory and to evaluate their chemical composition. Place and Duration: Yakoma Territory (survey) and University of Kinshasa (Phytochemical study), from August and October 2019. Methods: Ethnobotanical survey according to the "snowball" sampling technique among traditional healers (based on the free consent of the respondents), chemical analyses of plant materials (chemical screening, TLC, phytomarkers content, minerals composition) according to standard methods. ED-XRF was used for mineral analysis. Microsoft Excel version 2010, Origin version 8.5 Pro and IBM SPSS statistics version 20 software packages were used for data processing and analysis. Results and Discussion: The survey showed that 18 plant species are traditionally used by Ngbandi traditional healers to treat anemia in Yakoma territory. They belong to 16 families and 17 genera. The most used organs are the leaves (68.4%) and the roots (10.5%). Decoction and infusion are the most used mode of preparation (33.3% each), followed by cooking (22.2%) and maceration (11.1%). The oral route (77.8%) is the most used mode of administration followed by the enema (16.7%) and the anal route (5.6%). Morphological types consist of herbs and trees (33.3% each) and shrubs and lianas (16.7% each). The biotope types consist of forest plants (44.4%), cultivated plants/Crops (38.9%), marshy ground plants (11.1%) and ruderal plants (5.6%). These plants belonging to five biological types: erected therophytes (44.4%), mesophanerophytes (27.8%), microphanerophytes and climbing phanerophytes (11.1% each) and lianescent phanerophytes (5.56%). These anti-anemic plant species are mostly Pantropical and Afro-tropical (39% of species each) followed by Guineo-Congolese (17% of species) and American (5%). Chemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, anthraquinones and terpenoids and various minerals including iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium and manganese. Conclusion: In the current state of knowledge, the survey of anemic plants from this part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is reported for the first time.
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Context and objective. The steady increase in the number of chronic hemodialysis patients in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) calls for improved management of those patients. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the prevalent genotypes, and the risk factors associated with HCV in hemodialysis patients in Kinshasa (DR Congo). Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2018 in all hemodialysis centers in Kinshasa. Blood samples were collected from 127 chronic hemodialysis patients and tested for the presence of antibodies against HCV. The HCV genotype was identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR). Results. Twenty-two (17.3 %) patients were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, ranging from 0 % to 52.9 % in different centers. Genotype 4 was detected in 18/22 (81.8 %), followed by genotype 2 in 2/22 (9.1%), and both genotypes 2 and 4 in one patient (4.5%). One patient had an undetermined genotype (4.5 %). Having received at least 4 transfusions [7,21 (1,09- 10,61); p=0.040)], not being under EPO treatment [5,81(1,47-12,96); p=0.012)], being on hemodialysis for at least 14 months [3,63(1,60-5,05); p=0.035)]and being dialyzed in an overloaded center [2,06(0,83-5,86); p=0.073)] were associated with a greater risk of HCV infection. Conclusion. This high HCV prevalence (17.3 %) represents a substantial health burden in HD patients from Kinshasa, DR Congo. It is largely driven by the number of blood transfusions, the duration time in hemodialysis. Observations from the present study underscore the need of reducing the number of blood transfusions in people on dialysis through the administration of erythropoietin, given the unaffordable cost of HCV therapy for most individuals in DR Congo.
Contexte et Objectifs. Le nombre des patients hémodialisés en Afrique subsaharienne en constante augmentation ; justifiant de ce fait une meilleure prise en charge de ces patients. La présente étude détermine la prévalence de l'infection par le virus de l'hépatite C en en determinant les génotypes ainsi que les facteurs y associés dans ce groupe de patients. Méthodes. 127 patients hémodialisés chroniques ont subis des tests sérologiques à la recherche des anticorps anti-VHC dans plusieurs centres de Kinshasa de février à juin 2018. Le génotype viral a été déterminé par la RT-PCR. Résultats. La fréquence des anticorps anti-VHC a varié de 0 à 52,9 % dans ce groupe. Les génotypes le plus fréquents ont été le 4 (18/22) et le 2 (2/22) ; étant sumultanément rétrouvé chez un patient, et indéterminé chez un autre sujet. Avoir reçu au moins 4 transfusions [7,21 (1,09-10,61; p=0.040)], ne pas être sous EPO [5,81(1,47-12,96); p=0.012)], être en hémodialyse depuis au moins 14 mois [3,63(1,60- 5,05); p=0.035)] et être dialysé dans un centre surchargé [2,06 (0,83-5,86); p=0.073)] étaient associés à un risque plus élevé d'infection par le VHC. Conclusion. Ses principaux déterminants sont : le nombre des transfusions sanguines et la durée d'HD ; d'où la nécessité de réduire les transfusions sanguines chez les sujets dialysés par l'administration d'EPO, étant donné le coût prohibitif du traitement contre le VHC dans notre contexte
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Epidemiologic Factors , Hepacivirus , Genotype , Prevalence , Renal DialysisABSTRACT
Contexte et objectif. Avec une grande majorité d'habitants sans couverture-maladie, l'inaccessibilité aux soins pour manque d'argent est un problème réel parmi les habitants de Kinshasa en raison des paiements directs. La présente étude a évalué le coût direct de la maladie du point de vue des ménages et identifié les facteurs déterminants dudit coût. Méthodes. Une enquête a été menée dans la commune de Limete auprès de 150 ménages choisis de manière aléatoire dans huit quartiers. Les données collectées ont été soumises d'abord à un traitement comptable, puis à l'analyse statistique et à l'analyse économétrique. Résultats. Le coût total direct moyen était de 145.258,88 CDF (environ 88 US $) par épisode-patient en ambulatoires. Dominés largement par les médicaments, les frais médicaux représentent 86,57 % du total (76 US $) contre 13,43 % de frais non médicaux (12 US $). Excepté la consultation, les autres frais médicaux influent positivement sur le total des frais médicaux. De même, tous les frais non médicaux, sauf les frais d'appel téléphonique, influent sur le total des frais non médicaux. Conclusion. Le coût médical en ambulatoire par patient-épisode est dominé à 65 % par les frais de médicaments mais dont l'impact sur le coût médical de la maladie reste plus faible.
Subject(s)
Humans , Burnout, Psychological , Insurance, Health, Reimbursement , Logistic Models , Area Under Curve , Delivery of Health CareABSTRACT
Contexte et objectif. L'épidémie à virus Chikungunya est émergente, invalidante et mortelle qui sévi partout. Le virus Chikungunya est transmis à l'homme par la piqûre des insectes infectés du genre Aedes. A Kinshasa, le récent épisode de l'épidémie remonte à 4 années. L'objectif de la présente étude a été d'évaluer les risques de réémergence de l'épidémie du virus Chikungunya à Kinshasa Mont Ngafula. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale menée à Mont Ngafula, dans laquelle 4 sites ont été sélectionnés à l'aide d'un plan d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés du 1er juin au 30 août 2021. Les larves et les nymphes des insectes ont constitué le matériel biologique de l'étude. Des variables environnementales (Température, pH, turbidité, Conductivité et Saturation en oxygène) ont été recueillies dans les gîtes larvaires. Une analyse de régression logistique multivariée a été effectuée pour identifier les prédicteurs de la densité des gîtes larvaires. Résultats. 400 ménages et 738 gîtes larvaires ont été explorés. Les indices entomologiques, indice récipient (IR), indice maison (IM) et indice de Breteau (IB) évalués étaient supérieurs aux critères et normes de l'OMS. La saturation en oxygène, la turbidité et la conductivité se sont avérées significativement associées à la densité des gîtes larvaires. Conclusion. Les risques de réémergence de l'épidémie de Chikungunya à Kinshasa sont réels. Une surveillance entomologique est nécessaire pour mettre en place des mesures de prévention et de contrôle de santé publique.
Subject(s)
Humans , Chikungunya Fever , Larva , Risk , Aedes , Insect Vectors , CulicidaeABSTRACT
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of malaria in the peacekeeping mission area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and to evaluate the efficacy of artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT), to provide clinical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of malaria.Methods:The clinical data of malaria-infected peacekeepers admitted to the Chinese Secondary Hospital of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) from January 2014 to September 2020 were collected, and the general information, incidence characteristics, treatment and clinical outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results:From January 2014 to September 2020, 362 peacekeepers were hospitalized with malaria, the average annual incidence case was 54 cases per year, and the annual incidence was 9.5/1 000, with a median of 2.5 days (1 - 9 days) from onset to diagnosis. Severe malaria accounted for 7.73% (28/362) and uncomplicated malaria accounted for 92.27% (334/362). The incidence rate was 37.57% (136/362) in the dry season (April to September) and 62.43% (226/362) in the rainy season (October to March of the following year). After ACT antimalarial treatment, all patients were cured clinically. Eight cases recurred and were cured clinically after drug conversion ACT retreatment.Conclusions:In the peacekeeping mission area of DRC, peacekeepers are generally susceptible to malaria. ACT has a high cure rate, safety and efficiency in clinical treatment.
ABSTRACT
L'article présente les résultats d'une recherche qui porte sur l'analyse des congés médico-psychiatriques, suite à un diagnostic d'anxiété et/ou de dépression, chez les professionnels de la santé (infirmiers et travailleurs sociaux), fonctionnaires des hôpitaux publics. L'approche théorique est la psychosociologie, discipline qui articule expériences subjectives et rapports sociaux. La méthode des «histoires de vie professionnelle¼ permet une analyse des récits et de l'avènement du congé psychiatrique; six dimensions socio-cliniques ont été identifiées: (1) la fragilité psychosociale; (2) la hiérarchie dans le travail hospitalier; (3) la perte de l'acte pouvoir sur le travail; (4) la souffrance éthico-politique; (5) la régulation de la souffrance; (6) le retour à une nouvelle condition de travailleur. Selon les personnes interrogées, avant l'arrêt, le travail était un organisateur de vie et un espace d'insertion sociale important; après ce congé, suite au congé maladie, - le côté organisateur de l'existence n'est plus présent. D'autres dimensions commencent à opérer. Le congé maladie crée une rupture: les professionnels élaborent de nouveaux sens à leur vie et leur condition de travailleurs, et ce, suite à la façon dont ils ont été traités par les institutions de santé.(AU)
The article presents the results of a research which focuses on the analysis of medico-psychiatric leave, following a diagnosis of anxiety and / or depression, among health professionals (nurses and social workers), civil servants of public hospitals. The theoretical approach is psychosociology, a discipline which articulates subjective experiences and social relationships. The method of "professional life stories" allows an analysis of the stories and the advent of psychiatric leave; six socio-clinical dimensions have been identified: (1) psychosocial fragility; (2) hierarchy in hospital work; (3) the part of power over work; (4) ethical-political suffering; (5) the regulation of suffering; (6) the return to a new condition of worker. According to the people questioned, before the stoppage, work was an important organizer of life and a space for social integration; after this leave, following sick leave, - the organizing side of life is no longer present. Other dimensions are starting to operate. Sick leave creates a rupture: professionals develop new meanings in their life and their condition as workers, following the way in which they have been treated by health institutions.(AU)
El artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación que se centra en el análisis de la baja médico-psiquiátrica, tras un diagnóstico de ansiedad y / o depresión, entre profesionales de la salud (enfermeras y trabajadores sociales), funcionarios de hospitales públicos. El enfoque teórico es la psicosociología, disciplina que articula experiencias subjetivas y relaciones sociales. El método de las "historias de vida profesional" permite analizar las historias y el advenimiento de la licencia psiquiátrica; Se han identificado seis dimensiones socio-clínicas: (1) fragilidad psicosocial; (2) jerarquía en el trabajo hospitalario; (3) la pérdida del acto de poder sobre el trabajo; (4) sufrimiento ético-político; (5) la regulación del sufrimiento; (6) el regreso a una nueva condición de trabajador. Según las personas entrevistadas, antes del paro, el trabajo era un importante organizador de la vida y un espacio de integración social; después de esta licencia, después de la licencia por enfermedad, el lado organizativo de la vida ya no está presente. Comienzan a operar otras dimensiones. La baja por enfermedad crea una ruptura: los profesionales desarrollan nuevos significados en su vida y en su condición de trabajadores, siguiendo la forma en que han sido tratados por las instituciones de salud.(AU)
O artigo apresenta os resultados de uma investigação que tem como foco a análise dos afastamentos médico-psiquiátricos, após um diagnóstico de ansiedade e/ou depressão, entre profissionais de saúde (enfermeiros e assistentes sociais), funcionários de hospitais públicos. O enfoque teórico é a psicossociologia, disciplina que articula experiências subjetivas e relações sociais. O método das "histórias de vida profissional" permite analisar as histórias e o advento da licença psiquiátrica. A análise das narrativas dos profissionais sobre o evento das licenças psiquiátricas permitiu compreender o sofrimento psíquico e o adoecimento mental no trabalho hospitalar, considerando a articulação de seis dimensões socioclínicas: (1) a fragilidade psicossocial; (2) a hierarquia no trabalho hospitalar; (3) a perda do ato-poder sobre o trabalho; (4) o sofrimento ético-político; (5) a tentativa de regulação do sofrimento; e (6) a religação a uma nova condição de trabalhador. O trabalho era um organizador de vida e espaço significativo de inserção social; advindo o acontecimento da licença, surgem outros organizadores da existência, e novas construções de sentido para o trabalho são produzidas. A licença produz uma ruptura em que nada mais se apresenta como antes, pois os profissionais ressignificam sua vida e sua condição de trabalhador.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Psychiatry , Mental Health , Health Personnel , Psychological Distress , HospitalsABSTRACT
But: Identifier les causes de réhospitalisation pour insuffisance cardiaque (IC) Patients et méthode: cette étude transversale a été menée entre avril 2014 et mars 2015 dans le service de cardiologie du centre hospitalier universitaire de Brazzaville (République du Congo). Ont été inclus, les patients ayant des antécédents d'hospitalisation pour IC. Résultats: Quatre-vingt-onze patients, 54 femmes (59,3%) ont été inclus. Le sexe-ratio était de 0,7. La fréquence de réhospitalisation pour IC était de 19%. L'âge moyen était de 62 ± 16 ans (extrêmes: 24-89 ans). Le nombre moyen de réadmissions était de 2 ± 0,8 (extrêmes: 1 à 5), les réhospitalisation fréquentes (supérieur à 3) étaient de 33 (36,2%). Les patients présentaient un statut socioéconomique faible dans 59 cas (64,8%), et une hypertension artérielle dans 40 cas (43,9%). L'examen physique a retrouvé : une insuffisance cardiaque globale 77 cas (84,6%), une insuffisance cardiaque droite exclusive 5 cas (5,5%). Les causes de l'insuffisance cardiaque étaient: la cardiopathie hypertensive 40 cas (43,9%), la cardiomyopathie dilatée 28 cas (30,8%) et les valvulopathies 9 cas (10%). Les principales causes de réhospitalisation étaient: les écarts du régime hyposodé 64 cas (70,3%), la mauvaise observance du traitement 56 cas (61,5%), la grippe 15 cas (16,5%), la fibrillation atriale 12 cas (13,2%), débit de filtration glomérulaire réduite 12 cas (13,2%). La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 11 ± 6,4 jours (extrêmes: 2-29). Le décès a été enregistré dans 5 cas (5,5%). Conclusion: L'absence de respect pour un régime pauvre en sodium et une mauvaise adhésion au médicament ont été les principales causes de réhospitalisation pour IC à Brazzaville. À cet égard, il est nécessaire de promouvoir l'éducation thérapeutique et d'améliorer l'accès au traitement.
Background: to identify the causes of readmission for heart failure (HF) Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2014 to march 2015 in the department of cardiology, University Hospital of Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo). We had included, the patients who had a history of hospitalization for HF. Results: Ninety-one patients, 54 women (59.3%) were included. Sex-ratio was 0.7. The frequency of readmission for HF was 19%. The mean age was 62±16 years (range: 24-89). The average number of readmission was 2±0.8 (range: 1-5), the history of readmission ≥ 3, were 33 (36.2%). The patients were low socio-economic status in 59 cases (64.8%). In examination, patients were in congestive HF (n=77, 84.6%), right-sided HF (n=5). The causes of HF were: hypertensive heart disease (n=40, 43.9%), dilated cardiomyopathy (n=28, 30.8%), and valvular heart disease (n=9). The main causes of readmission were: excessive salt intake (n=64, 70.3%), poor drug-adherence (n=56, 61.5%), influenza (n=15, 16.5%), atrial fibrillation (n=12, 13.2%), reduced estimate glomerular filtration rate (n=12, 13.2%). The average length of hospitalization was 11±6.4 days (range: 2-29). The death was recorded in 5 cases (5.5%). Conclusion: No respect of low sodium diet and poor drug adherence, were the most causes of readmission for HF at Brazzaville. In regard of this facts, promoting therapeutic education is needed, and increasing access to treatment