Anomalies électrocardiographiques chez les patients hospitalisés pour COVID-19 à Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

Les anomalies électrocardiographiques sont l'expression d'une atteinte cardiovasculaire lors de la COVID-19. Les troubles du rythme et de la conduction cardiaque peuvent mettre en jeu le pronostic vital à court terme au cours de la COVID -19. Notre objectif principal est de décrire les anomalies électrocardiographiques et leurs fréquences chez les patients atteints de la COVID -19. L'objectif secondaire est de déterminer l'association entre ces anomalies électrocardiographiques et la gravité de la maladie. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective à visée descriptive des patients hospitalisés pour COVID-19 dans les centres de traitement COVID -19 de Fianarantsoa sur une période de 14 mois. Résultats : Nous avons retenu 101 patients. Le sex-ratio était de 1,06. La moyenne d'âge était de 59,81ans +/- 11,9. Tous les patients retenus avaient un électrocardiogramme à 12 dérivations et un test positif à la COVID-19. L'électrocardiogramme (ECG) était anormal chez 87 (86,1%) patients. Dans les formes graves et modérées de la maladie nous avons enregistré à l'ECG: 51 (50,5%) tachycardies sinusales, 13 (12,8%) blocs de branche incomplets droits, 13 (12,8%) profil S1Q3T3, 24 (23,7%) ondes Q pathologiques, 19 (18,8%) anomalies du segment ST. Dans les formes graves de la maladie nous avons enregistré à l'ECG: 2 (3,8%) bloc auriculoventriculaire complet (BAV complet), 7 (13,4%) blocs de branche gauche complet (BBG), 5 (9,6%) blocs de branche droit complet (BBD). La tachycardie sinusale avait une association significative avec la gravité de la maladie (p=0,002). Conclusion : Des anomalies électrocardiographiques ont été observées dans notre étude. La tachycardie sinusale était associée à la gravité de la maladie. Une surveillance rythmique, des explorations cardiaques plus pertinentes sont nécessaires pour une meilleure prise charge de la COVID-19

Troubles de la conscience au service de réanimation polyvalente du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Analakininina, Toamasina, Madagascar / Impaired consciousness in the intensive care unit at Analankininina Teaching Hospital of Toamasina, Madagascar

La survenue d'un coma ou de troubles de la conscience en réanimation est très fréquemment observée et leur présence est associée à un pronostic sévère. Nos objectifs étaient de décrire le profil épidémio-clinique des patients admis pour coma et trouble de la conscience ainsi que les principales étiologies de ces manifestations cliniques. Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective, descriptive, longitudinale de Juin à Novembre 2019. Le cadre de notre étude était le service de réanimation polyvalente du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Analakininina Toamasina. Résultats : Nous avions recensé 77 patients dont 37 femmes et 40 hommes (sex ratio de 1,081). La moyenne d'âge était de 39 +/-17 ans. La majorité des patients soit 67% présentait un trouble de la conscience, le reste (31%) était comateux. La principale étiologie des troubles rencontrés était l'AVC (53%) dont 61% était hémorragiques, 17% ischémiques, et 22% non étiquetés. Plus de la moitié des patients avaient évolué vers le décès (61%). Conclusion : Pour l'amélioration du pronostic des patients, il serait nécessaire de connaitre les étiologies fréquentes afin d'adapter la prise en charge

Dyspnée récidivante révélatrice d'un syndrome de Kartagener: à propos d'un cas / Recurrent dyspnea revealing a Kartagener Syndrome: About one case

La triade bronchectasies, sinusites et situs inversus caractérisent le syndrome de Kartagener. Sa transmission est autosomique récessive. Le cas de cette jeune fille de 19 ans que nous rapportons permet de déterminer la place de l'imagerie dans la démarche diagnostique de cette pathologie. La patiente présentait un syndrome clinique respiratoire récidivant depuis sa naissance. Le diagnostic a été posé par l'examen scannographique. L'évolution de la maladie dépend de la précocité du diagnostic.

Intoxication par tortue de mer vue au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Antanambao, Toliara, Madagascar / Poisoning by sea turtle at the Antanambao University Hospital, Toliara, Madagasca

Le chélonitoxisme est une intoxication collective par consommation de la chair, de la peau et des viscères de la tortue marine. Elle est peu fréquente. Notre objectif était de décrire l'aspect épidémio-clinique et thérapeutique de l'intoxication par tortue de mer. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'un rapport de cas effectué au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Antanambao Toliara, Madagascar après une intoxication collective dans la commune rurale de Soalara Sud, Toliara. Résultats : Nous avons colligé 70 patients qui ont ingéré une tortue adulte du genre Eretmochelys imbricata. Les signes cliniques étaient du type chélonitoxisme. Parmi les 70 cas, 8 patients ont été hospitalisés. L'âge des patients intoxiqués variait de 2 ans à 65 ans avec un âge moyen de 20 ± 14 ans. La tranche d'âge entre 10-20 ans était la plus touchée (44%). Les hommes représentaient 54% des patients avec un sex ratio de 1,18. Cinquante-huit pourcent ont eu leurs premiers signes 24 heures après l'intoxication et 81% des patients ont été vus au CHU entre 24 et 48 heures. Les signes cliniques du chélonitoxisme sont polymorphes : 86% ont présenté une asthénie, 91% des nausées, 25% des vomissements, 71% des céphalées et 21% des stomatites. A l'issue de l'hospitalisation, 99% des malades ont été guéris et un patient est décédé. Les traitements étaient symptomatiques. Conclusion : L'intoxication par tortue de mer est généralement bénigne. La prise en charge est symptomatique.

Chirurgie des accidents vasculaires cérébraux hémorragiques au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, Antananarivo, Madagascar / Surgery of intracerebral haemorrhage at the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona teaching hospital, Antananarivo, Madagascar

L'accident vasculaire cérébral hémorragique (AVCH) est une interruption de la circulation sanguine par la rupture d'une artère cérébrale qui va provoquer une perte soudaine d'une ou plusieurs fonctions cérébrales. L'objectif de notre étude était de déterminer l'aspect épidemio-clinique et radiologique et de décrire la prise en charge chirurgicale d'un AVCH au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona (CHU JRA), Antananarivo Madagascar. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive de 125 cas d'AVCH opérés sur des patients hospitalisés du Janvier 2017 au 31 Décembre 2019. Résultats : Nous avons noté une prédominance masculine de 55% avec un Sex ratio de 0,82 ; dont l'âge moyen était de 52,8 ans. Le facteur de risque le plus rencontré était l'hypertension artérielle (HTA) avec 58,4% des cas. Les motifs d'admission étaient les troubles de la conscience (63,2%) et les déficits moteurs (44,8%). Les signes à l'examen étaient surtout l'hémiplégie (55,2%), la dysarthrie (22,4%). Les hématomes étaient lobaires dans 80,8% des cas et 19,2% au niveau de la fosse postérieure. La technique chirurgicale la plus utilisée était l'évacuation de l'hématome par craniotomie. Les séquelles étaient dominées par l'hémiparésie et l'aphasie respectivement 53.6% et 10.4%. Le taux de mortalité a été de 8%. Conclusion : La chirurgie tient une place primordiale dans la prise en charge des AVCH au CHU JRA.

Syndrome de QT long découvert en postpartum: à propos d'un cas à Fianarantsoa, Madagascar / Long QT syndrome discovered in postpartum: about a case in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

Le syndrome de QT long congénital est une canalopathie arythmogène rare mais grave pouvant être responsable d'une mort subite prématurée chez l'enfant et les sujets jeunes. La période du postpartum est particulièrement à risque de survenue d'évènement cardiaque chez la femme. Nous rapportons le cas d'une femme de 29 ans porteuse d'un syndrome de QT long congénitale probable déclenché avec trouble du rythme cardiaque déclenché par le postpartum dont le risque de mort subite à court terme a été imminent en absence de traitement

Aspects thérapeutiques et évolutifs des fractures diaphysaires de jambe au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Madagascar / Therapeutic and evolutive aspects of diaphyseal leg fractures at the Joseph Ravoahangy University Hospital Center Andrianavalona Madagascar

La prise en charge d'une fracture de jambe est fonction de la classification de la lésion, du plateau technique et de l'expérience du chirurgien. Le but de notre travail est de déterminer les aspects thérapeutique et évolutif des fractures diaphysaires de la jambe prises en charge au Service de Traumatologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona (CHU-JRA) Madagascar. Il s'agissait d'une étude descriptive de 74 patients hospitalisés dans le Service en 2017. Il y a une discrète prédominance des fractures ouvertes (52,7%) dont 41,01% étaient classés type II selon Gustilo Anderson. Les fractures concernaient les deux os dans 79,7%. Le traitement était orthopédique dans 74,7 % par un appareil plâtré cruro-pedieux précédé ou non d'une traction trans-calcanéenne. Parmi ceux qui ont été opérés, 47,4% ont bénéficié d'un enclouage centromédullaire type Kuntcher, 31,58% d'un fixateur externe et 21,02% d'une amputation transtibiale. L'évolution a été favorable dans 87,7%. Les complications étaient dominées par les infections (5,46%), lésions vasculo-nerveuses (4,09%) et les cals vicieux (1,36%). Le séjour hospitalier moyen étaient de 14 jours (1-86 jours). La prise en charge des fractures de jambe reste un challenge pour les chirurgiens dans les pays en voie de développement. L'optimisation de cette prise en charge passe par l'amélioration de l'accès aux soins et l'ajustement de la logistique hospitalière.

The management of a leg fracture depends on the classification of the lesion, the technical platform and the experience of the surgeon. The aim of our study is to determine the therapeutic and evolutive aspects of diaphyseal fractures of the leg treated at the Traumatology Department of the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona University Hospital Center (CHU-JRA) Madagascar. This was a descriptive study of 74 patients hospitalized in the Department in 2017. There is a slight predominance of open fractures (52.7%) of which 41.01% were classified as type II according to Gustilo Anderson. Fractures involved both bones in 79.7%. Treatment was orthopedic in 74.7% with a cruro-pedial cast, preceded or not by trans-calcaneal traction. Of those who underwent surgery, 47.4% received a Kuntcher intramedullary nailing, 31.58% an external fixator and 21.02% a transtibial amputation. The evolution was favorable in 87.7%. Complications were dominated by infections (5.46%), vascular nerve damage (4.09%) and malunion (1.36%). The average hospital stay was 14 days (1-86 days). The management of leg fractures remains a challenge for surgeons in developing countries. Optimizing this care involves improving access to care and adjusting hospital logistics

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of care providers about congenital rubella syndrome

Background: Behaviour of healthcare providers when facing an illness is an important part of their struggle. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, the attitude and the practice of health care providers regarding to the Congenital Rubella Syndrome.Methods: Authors did a descriptive study on the knowledge, the attitude and the practice of healthcare providers about Congenital Rubella Syndrome with 161 healthcare providers working in 8 hospitals in Madagascar. A self-introduced survey was used to collect the data.Results: There were 87% of all healthcare providers included in the study, who said that rubella in the first trimester of pregnancy was the cause of this syndrome for child, 87% knew at least 2 of the 3 major signs of Congenital Rubella Syndrome and more than 80% had a good knowledge of the criteria for diagnosing cases (suspected, clinically confirmed, laboratory confirmed). The referral to a hospital or to a specialist was the most proposed for the management of the case of Congenital Rubella Syndrome. The prescription of an IgG avidity for rubella and advising abortion were the main propositions for mothers having a positive test at the first trimester of pregnancy.Conclusions: A fairly satisfactory level of knowledge of healthcare providers was noted.

Epidemiology of gastrointestinal cancers in the hospital of Tambohobe Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

Background: Gastrointestinal cancers are among the top 10 cancers and causes of cancer death worldwide. Given the absence of cancer registry in Madagascar and absence of epidemiological study of gastrointestinal cancer in the province of Fianarantsoa, our aim was to describe the epidemiological aspect of gastrointestinal cancers at the University Hospital of Tambohobe Fianarantsoa.Methods: Authors have conducted a descriptive retrospective study over a three-year period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 at the University Hospital of Tambohobe Fianarantsoa (in oncology, internal medicine and visceral surgery departments). The variables analyzed were age, gender, tumor location.Results: Authors have collected 74 cases of gastrointestinal cancers. There were 46 males 62.16% and 28 females 37.84%. The mean age was 56.30±12.10 years old. The predominant age groups were 45-55 years. Authors found colorectal cancer in 43%, followed by liver carcinoma in 19%, then pancreatic cancer 14%, esophageal cancer 13%, gastric cancer 8%, duodenum cancer 3%.Conclusions: Gastrointestinal cancers at the hospital of Tambohobe Fianarantsoa affect young people, especially the male gender with a predominance of colorectal and liver cancer.So, it is important to continue the vaccination against hepatitis viral B infection and to implement a colorectal cancer screening program.

Epidemiology and clinical aspects of hematological malignancies at the military hospital of Antananarivo

Background: Malignant hemopathies constitute a group of pathologies having in common the anomalies of the bone marrow or of the lymphatic system cells. In developed countries, the number and actual distribution of cancers is provided by cancer registries. In Madagascar there is no effective cancer registry and only two studies on malignant hemopathies have been carried out to date, but neither has described their epidemiology and clinical aspects. Thus, we aimed to describe the epidemiology and clinical aspects of malignant hemopathies managed in the Medical Oncology Unit of the Military Hospital of Antananarivo.Methods: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study carried out at this unit from 1st December 2012 to 31st August 2015 (33 months). Authors included all patients followed, then excluded those without pathologic evidence, cases of monoclonal gammapathy of unknown significance and cases of solid cancers.Results: We followed up 57 cases of malignant hemopathies. The mean age was 49.39±15.46 years and the sex ratio was 1.71. Superficial lymphadenopathy was the most frequent warning signs (31.58%) and lymphomas were most represented (52.63%). There was a significant association between warning signs and diagnosis (p value <0.001).Conclusions: Present results are grossly similar to those of other African authors. Present results are distinguished by a low proportion of chronic myeloid leukemia and a very low proportion of chronic lymphocytic leukemia compared to literature data. The effectiveness of the cancer registry will allow us to improve the knowledge about frequency and current distribution of cancer in Madagascar.

Potential envenomation by the aglyphous pseudoxyrhophiine snake Leioheterodon madagascariensis and description of its dentition

We report on a case of potential envenomation caused by multiple bites by the aglyphous opisthodont snake Leioheterodon madagascariensis in the left thumb of a healthy adult man, which is among the most serious snakebites hitherto reported from Madagascar. The adult snake (total length > 1 meter) was unusually aggressive before and during capture. The symptoms included extensive bleeding, severe local pain, and substantial swelling of the hand and the distal part of the lower arm. The swelling disappeared entirely after five days, but pain in the thumb (when moved) was recognizable even longer. Although L. madagascariensis is widespread and common in anthropogenic habitats in eastern and western Madagascar, this case report seems to be the first description of long-lasting symptoms of its bite. Since aglyphous snakes are relatively rarely involved in "envenomation" and because hemolytic activity has been recorded in the secretions of the Duvernoy's glands of Leioheterodon, we describe its dentition using microcomputed tomography and discuss the potential mode of envenomation in this case.(AU)

Potential envenomation by the aglyphous pseudoxyrhophiine snake Leioheterodon madagascariensis and description of its dentition

We report on a case of potential envenomation caused by multiple bites by the aglyphous opisthodont snake Leioheterodon madagascariensis in the left thumb of a healthy adult man, which is among the most serious snakebites hitherto reported from Madagascar. The adult snake (total length > 1 meter) was unusually aggressive before and during capture. The symptoms included extensive bleeding, severe local pain, and substantial swelling of the hand and the distal part of the lower arm. The swelling disappeared entirely after five days, but pain in the thumb (when moved) was recognizable even longer. Although L. madagascariensis is widespread and common in anthropogenic habitats in eastern and western Madagascar, this case report seems to be the first description of long-lasting symptoms of its bite. Since aglyphous snakes are relatively rarely involved in envenomation and because hemolytic activity has been recorded in the secretions of the Duvernoys glands of Leioheterodon, we describe its dentition using microcomputed tomography and discuss the potential mode of envenomation in this case.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet. & H. y su potencial uso como fuente de antioxidantes y colorantes naturales / Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet. & H. and its potential use as a source of natural antioxidants and colorants

Introducción: la especie Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet. & H. es una planta que presenta muy poca información sobre estudios de capacidad antioxidante, a pesar de su amplio uso en la medicina tradicional, lo cual presupone una fuente potencial de sustancias bioactivas con propiedades antioxidantes. Objetivo: evaluar el potencial antioxidante de los extractos de hojas y flores de Kalanchoe daigremontiana. Métodos: los extractos de hojas y flores se obtuvieron en metanol acidulado (HCl 10 % v/v) y su capacidad antioxidante se determinó sobre la base de los métodos del radical DPPH, del catión-radical ABTS y contenido de antocianinas totales. Resultados: los extractos, tanto de hojas como flores, mostraron un potencial antioxidante promisorio (EC50= 4,2-4,4 g extracto/mmol DPPH; 1,71-2,05 mmol Trolox/kg extracto). Adicionalmente se determinó la presencia en las flores de las antocianinas delfinidina, cianidina y pelargonidina. Conclusiones: la Kalanchoe drageimontiana presentó efecto antioxidante significativo tanto en las hojas como en las flores, comparable con el mostrado por el ácido ascórbico. Se identificó de modo tentativo la presencia de delfinidina 3-O-glucósido, cianidina 3-O-glucósido y pelargonidina 3-O-glucósido en el extracto flores; por tanto la especie bajo estudio puede ser aprovechada como fuente de sustancias bioactivas para su aplicación como aditivos en la industria de alimentos, cosmética o farmacéutica.

Introduction: little information is available on the antioxidant capacity of the species Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet. & H. However, its widespread use in traditional medicine points to its potential as a source of bioactive substances with antioxidant properties. Objective: evaluate the antioxidant potential of extracts from Kalanchoe daigremontiana leaves and flowers. Methods: leaf and flower extracts were obtained in acidulated methanol (HCl 10 % v/v), and their antioxidant capacity was gauged by DPPH and ABTS radical cation assay and total anthocyanin content determination. Results: both leaf and flower extracts displayed promising antioxidant potential (EC50= 4.2-4.4 g extract/mmol DPPH; 1.71-2.05 mmol Trolox/kg extract). Determination was also made of the presence of anthocyanins delphinidin, cyanidin and pelargonidin in the flowers. Conclusions: Kalanchoe drageimontiana leaves and flowers displayed significant antioxidant capacity, comparable to that of ascorbic acid. The presence of delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside was tentatively identified in the flower extract. Therefore, the study species may be used as a source of bioactive substances for use as additives in the food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry.

Isolation and structural elucidation of cytotoxic compounds from the root bark of Diospyros quercina (Baill.) endemic to Madagascar

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To isolate and characterize the cytotoxic compounds from Diospyros quercina (Baill.) G.E. Schatz & Lowry (Ebenaceae).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An ethno-botanical survey was conducted in the south of Madagascar from July to August 2010. Bio-guided fractionation assay was carried out on the root bark of Diospyros quercina, using cytotoxicity bioassay on murine P388 leukemia cell lines as model. The structures of the cytotoxic compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Biological experiments resulted in the isolation of three bioactive pure compounds (named TR-21, TR-22, and TR-23) which exhibited very good in vitro cytotoxic activities with the IC50 values of (0.017 5±0.0060) µg/mL, (0.089±0.005) µg/mL and (1.027±0.070) µg/mL respectively. Thus, they support the claims of traditional healers and suggest the possible correlation between the chemical composition of this plant and its wide use in Malagasy folk medicine to treat cancer.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The ability of isolated compounds in this study to inhibit cell growth may represent a rational explanation for the use of Diospyros quercina root bark in treating cancer by Malagasy traditional healers. Further studies are, therefore, necessary to evaluate the in vivo anti-neoplastic activity of these cytotoxic compounds as effective anticancer drugs.</p>

Analysis of blood donors situation and anti-HIV antibody screening in a hospital of Madagascar / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To understand the basic situation of blood donors and their anti-HIV antibody screening in a hospital of Madagascar during 2008- 2009 in order to provide the reference information for giving better medical aid and promoting the devel-opment of the clinical transfusion in Madagascar.Methods The blood doner′s personal informations were understood by inquiry and the anti-HIV antibody was detected by the rapid testing,the results were recorded,the constituent ratio of the data was calcu-lated and the chi-square test was performed.Results There were 2 298 blood donors including teenages less than 15 years old dur-ing 2008-2009,female doners were more than male donors,among them 366 cases were pregrant women.The blood donors from village were more than those from city,the education level was dominated by the middle school students,accounting for 51.65%. There were 22 tuberculosis patients in 2008,none in 2009.The detection rate of anti-HIV antibody was 0.04% for these 2 years. Conclusion The protection on the blood donors in Africa area is not optimistic.The phenomenon of pregrant women and teenages as the blood donors exists in Madagascar.

Antiplasmodial, cytotoxic activities and characterization of a new naturally occurring quinone methide pentacyclic triterpenoid derivative isolated from Salacia leptoclada Tul. (Celastraceae) originated from Madagascar

Objective:To validate scientifically the traditional use of Salacia leptoclada Tul. (Celastraceae) (S. leptoclada) and to isolate and elucidate the structure of the biologically active compound. Methods:Bioassay-guided fractionation of the acetonic extract of the stem barks of S. leptoclada was carried out by a combination of chromatography technique and biological experiments in viro using Plasmodium falciparum and P388 leukemia cell lines as models. The structure of the biologically active pure compound was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Results:Biological screening of S. leptoclada extracts resulted in the isolation of a pentacyclic triterpenic quinone methide. The pure compound exhibited both in vitro a cytotoxic effect on murine P388 leukemia cells with IC50 value of (0.041±0.020) μg/mL and an antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-resistant strain FC29 of Plasmodium falciparum with an IC50 value of (0.052±0.030) μg/mL. Despite this interesting anti-malarial property of the lead compound, the therapeutic index was weak (0.788). In the best of our knowledge, the quinone methide pentacyclic triterpenoid derivative compound is reported for the first time in S. leptoclada. Conclusions:The results suggest that furthers studies involving antineoplastic activity is needed for the development of this lead compound as anticancer drug.

Validation of an immunochromatographic assay kit for the identification of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

The performance of the immunochromatographic assay, SD BIOLINE TB Ag MPT64 RAPID®, was evaluated in Madagascar. Using mouse anti-MPT64 monoclonal antibodies for rapid discrimination between the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and nontuberculous mycobacteria, the kit was tested on mycobacteria and other pathogens using conventional methods as the gold standard. The results presented here indicate that this kit has excellent sensitivity (100 percent) and specificity (100 percent) compared to standard biochemical detection and can be easily used for the rapid identification of M. tuberculosis complex.

Myospila bekilyana (Séguy) (Diptera, Muscidae, Mydaeinae): redescription of male and female and description of terminalia / Myospila bekilyana (Séguy) (Diptera, Muscidae, Mydaeinae): redescrições do macho e da fêmea e descrição da terminália

Myospila bekilyana Séguy (Diptera, Muscidae, Mydaeainae) is an endemic species from Madagascar. Since the original description, the species has been referred in literature only in catalogues. A material recently collected by the Madagascar Arthropod Biodiversity project, mostly deposited at the California Academy of Sciences collection enabled the exam of a large series of this species. Male and female are herein redescribed and the terminalia of both sexes are described and illustrated for the first time. The paper also records Myospila as a new host for Stylogaster Macquart (Diptera, Conopidae).

Myospila bekilyana Séguy (Diptera, Muscidae, Mydaeainae) é uma espécie endêmica de Madagascar. Desde a sua descrição original, tem sido referida na literatura apenas em catálogos. Material recentemente coletado pelo "Madagascar Arthropod Biodiversity project", e quase em sua totalidade depositado na coleção da "California Academy of Sciences" permitiu o exame de uma larga série desta espécie. Macho e fêmea são redescritos e a terminália de ambos os sexos é descrita e ilustrada pela primeira vez. O artigo também registra Myospila como novo hospedeiro de Stylogaster Macquart (Diptera, Conopidae).

Envenomation by the Malagasy colubrid snake Langaha madagascariensis

This report documents a case of envenomation by a Malagasy opisthoglyphous snake, Langaha madagascariensis. The snake bit the finger of a healthy adult man who was attempting to record its morphological measurements as part of a biodiversity survey which was being conducted in the extreme north of Madagascar. Symptoms of this case included severe local pain accompanied by observable swelling which lasted for several days. The present observations indicate that bite by L. madagascariensis potentially causes notable physiological effects in humans although the snake is generally calm and reluctant to bite unless provoked.(AU)

Envenomation by the madagascan colubrid snake, Ithycyphus miniatus

We report two cases of envenomation by a Madagascan opisthoglyphous snake, Ithycyphus miniatus. In both cases, the snake bit the finger of a human who was preparing an experiment by tying a string around the snake body. Symptoms of the first case included temporal severe local pain and extensive bleeding. In the second case, severe pain accompanying obvious local swelling was caused and lasted for several hours. The present observations indicate that bite by I. miniatus potentially causes serious physiological effects in humans although the snake is basically calm and reluctant to bite.