Prevalence of cervical cancer in Ain Defla region (Algeria)

The high rate of cervical cancer in Algeria and the absence of organized screening programs are well shown in this study, which aims to determine the prevalence of cervical cancer and describe the risk factors associated with this alarming prevalence. This retrospective study is based on data collected from medical records and A questionnaire was developed to assess the risk factors (such as: parity, age at first marriage, smoking, oral contraceptive, and Hormonal status) of cervical cancer among the participants. Face to Face interview were conducted with the participants. The result obtained from this study revealed that cervical cancer occupies the fourth place of cancer in the Wilaya of Ain Defla (4,71 %); the results confirm the effect of several risk factors such as early marriage age (below 20 years: 46.66 %), multiparity (53.33%), menopause (66.66 %); taking contraception (53.33%) and smoking in the development of this pathology. The adoption of an early and annual screening program in our region would be very important to us. In addition, the interest of annual screening is to raise women's awareness of this pathology, particularly in isolated regions. (

Caracterización clinicoepidemiológica de niños argelinos con enfermedades infecciosas / Clinical epidemiological characterization of Algerian children with infectious diseases

Introducción: Los niños representan el futuro, y su crecimiento y desarrollo saludable deben ser una de las máximas prioridades para todas las sociedades, ellos son vulnerables frente a la malnutrición y enfermedades infecciosas, que son prevenibles o tratables en su gran mayoría, por lo que la Organización Mundial de la Salud crea estrategias para minimizar las causas que conspiren en contra de la salud de los niños y adolescentes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y longitudinal de los 4 109 niños mayores de 28 días de nacidos y menores de 14 años de edad con enfermedades infecciosas, atendidos en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Docente Mohamed Boudiaf, de la provincia del Bayadh, en la República Popular y Democrática de Argelia, en el período 2017-2018. Objetivo: Caracterizar desde el punto de vista clinicoepidemiológico a los niños argelinos entre 28 días de nacidos y menores de 14 años de edad con enfermedades infecciosas. Resultados: Se obtuvo que 88,4 % de los integrantes del estudio padecieron de enfermedades infecciosas y 11,6 % no infecciosas; igualmente, los menores de un año y del sexo masculino fueron los que más enfermaron (58,0 %), en tanto, las enfermedades diarreicas agudas y las infecciones respiratorias resultaron ser las más frecuentes (48,0 y 32,0 %, respectivamente). Del total de pacientes, 3 607 evolucionaron favorablemente (99,8 %). Conclusiones: Las enfermedades infecciosas constituyen un problema de salud en Argelia que sigue aportando niños enfermos y fallecidos por esta causa; asimismo, las enfermedades diarreicas agudas y las infecciones respiratorias agudas son las principales causas de asistencia hospitalaria en la provincia del Bayadh, ocasionado por el destete precoz y la desnutrición, factores que contribuyen a que la morbilidad tenga una alta incidencia y la mortalidad sea baja, por lo que se debe prestar especial atención a los pacientes menores de 5 años, entre ellos a los menores de un año, que son los que enferman con mayor frecuencia.

Introduction: Children represent the future, so their healthy growth and development should be a priority for all societies, that is the reason why the Health World Organization creates strategies to minimize the causes that conspire against the health of children and adolescents. Methods: A descriptive and longitudinal study of the 4 109 children over 28 days and under 14 years with infectious diseases was carried out, who were assisted in the Pediatrics Service of Mohamed Boudiaf Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital, in the Bayadh province, Popular and Democratic Republic of Algeria, during 2017-2018. Objective: To characterize Algerian children with 28 days and under 14 years with infectious diseases from the clinical epidemiological point of view. Results: It was obtained that 88.4 % of the members in the study suffered from infectious diseases and 11.6 % suffered from non infectious diseases; equally, those under one year and from the male sex were the ones that mostly get ill (58.0 %), as long as, acute diarrheic diseases and breathing infections were the most frequent (48.0 and 32.0 %, respectively). Of the total of patients, 3 607 had a favorable clinical course (99.8 %). Conclusions: Infectious diseases constitute a health problem in Algeria that continues contributing to increase sick and dead children due to this cause; also, acute diarrheic diseases and acute breathing infections are the main causes of hospital assistance in Bayadh province, caused due to the early weaning and malnutrition, factors that contribute to the high incidence of morbidity and low mortality, reason why patients under 5 years should receive a special care, mainly those under one year who get sick with more frequency.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus in Sidi Bel Abbes region (North-west Algeria) / Estudio etnobotánico de plantas medicinales utilizadas para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus en la región de Sidi Bel Abbes (noroeste de Argelia)

An ethnobotanical study was conducted with the aim to identify the medicinal plants used for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus (DM) in Sidi Bel Abbes region (Northwest Algeria). Sidi Bel Abbes, known for its diverse ecological habitats, such as mountains, steppe, lake, and fertile plains with diverse medicinal plants. The data was collected through questionnaire and interviews with inhabitants and traditional healers. The results obtained revealed that 33 plant species distributed in 20 genera belonging to 21 families for the treatment of DM were used. The most represented families were Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae and Lauraceae. Medicinal plants commonly used were Trigonella foenum-graecum, Olea europaea, Cinamomum cassia, Artemisia herba-alba, Lupinus albus, Juniperus communis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Prunus dulcis and Berberis vulgaris. The study revealed that, leaves, followed by seeds and stem bark were mostly used parts. Also, decoction and infusion were the most frequently used method of preparation. This study confirms that most people with Diabetes mellitus in the study areas rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs.

Se realizó un estudio etnobotánico con el objetivo de identificar las plantas medicinales utilizadas para el tratamiento de la Diabetes mellitus (DM) en la región de Sidi Bel Abbes (noroeste de Algeria). Sidi Bel Abbes, conocida por sus diversos hábitats ecológicos, como montañas, estepas, lagos y fértiles llanuras con plantas medicinales. Los datos se recopilaron mediante cuestionarios y entrevistas con habitantes y curanderos tradicionales. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron que 33 especies vegetales distribuidas en 20 géneros pertenecientes à 21 familias fueron utilizadas para el tratamiento de DM. Las familias más representadas fueron Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Fabaceae y Lauraceae. Las plantas medicinales comúnmente utilizadas fueron Trigonella foenum-graecum, Olea europaea, Cinamomum cassia, Artemisia herba-alba, Lupinus albus, Juniperus communis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Prunus amygdalus y Berberis vulgaris. El estudio reveló que las hojas, seguidas de las semillas y la corteza de tallo, eran en su mayoría partes usadas. Sin embargo, la infusión y la decocción son el método de preparación más utilizado. El estudio reveló que las hojas, seguidas de las semillas y las partes del área, eran en su mayoría partes utilizadas. Tambien, la decocción y la infusión fueron los métodos de preparación más utilizado. Este estudio confirma que la mayoría de las personas con Diabetes mellitus en las áreas d'estudio dependen de la medicina tradicional para sus necesidades d'atenciónn primaria de la salud.

Primary antibiotic resistance and its relationship with cagA and vacA genes in Helicobacter pylori isolates from Algerian patients

Abstract The epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori resistance to antibiotics is poorly documented in Africa and especially in Algeria. The aim of our study was to determine the antibiotic resistance rates, as well as its possible relationship with VacA and CagA virulence markers of isolates from Algerian patients. One hundred and fifty one H. pylori isolate were obtained between 2012 and 2015 from 200 patients with upper abdominal pain. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin and tetracycline. Molecular identification of H. pylori and the detection of vacA and cagA genes were performed using specific primers. We found that H. pylori was present in 83.5% of collected biopsies, 54.9% of the samples were cagA positive, 49.67% were vacA s1m1, 18.30% were vacA s1m2 and 25.49% were vacA s2m2. Isolates were characterized by no resistance to amoxicillin (0%), tetracycline (0%), rifampicin (0%), a high rate of resistance to metronidazole (61.1%) and a lower rate of resistance to clarithromycin (22.8%) and ciprofloxacin (16.8%). No statically significant relationship was found between vagA and cagA genotypes and antibiotic resistance results (p > 0.5) except for the metronidazole, which had relation with the presence of cagA genotype (p = 0.001).

Investigation of SLC30A4 and SLC39A14 Zinc Transporter Gene’s Mutations in the Pathogenesis of Neural Tube Defects in Setif, Algeria

Aims: This study was designed to investigate a common polymorphism in the exon 5 of the solute carrier SLC30A4 (ZNT4) gene 915 T-C in a group of mothers with neural tube defects (NTDs) babies compared to healthy controls in Setif region of Algeria, as well as the detection of a pathogenic mutation of the SLC39A14 (ZIP 14) gene in the NTD group. Methodology: The case-control study, included 94 healthy mothers and 88 mothers with previous NTDs child; aged between 24 and 48 years. Peripheric blood DNA extraction was done by phenol-chloroform method. T915C polymorphism in ZnT4 gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, sequencing of promoter 1: 333 base pairs of ZIP 14 gene was investigated. Odds ratio and Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Our results revealed that homozygous mutant (CC) carriers in the control group were 6%, and in the NTDs mothers it was 7%, with a risk of 0.97 (CI 95%: (0.29- 3.26). The difference between the allelic frequency of the allele C among NTD s mothers compared to control mothers was not significant (Odds ratio 0.9, CI: 0.57 - 1.43). Sequencing of ZIP 14 gene didn’t show any mutation and alteration in mothers with a previous NTD child. Conclusion: The majority of pregnancies carrying neural tube abnormalities occur in Algerian mothers without previous NTDs cases. Furthermore, despite the lack of a relationship between zinc transporter genes and NTDs in our study, further investigations focusing on the molecular mechanisms and relevance of nutritional zinc status in relation with these malformations should be considered, attempting to find some highlights about pathogenesis of these defects in our country.

Forecasting and prediction of scorpion sting cases in Biskra province, Algeria, using a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to highlight some epidemiological aspects of scorpion envenomations, to analyse and interpret the available data for Biskra province, Algeria, and to develop a forecasting model for scorpion sting cases in Biskra province, which records the highest number of scorpion stings in Algeria. METHODS: In addition to analysing the epidemiological profile of scorpion stings that occurred throughout the year 2013, we used the Box-Jenkins approach to fit a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model to the monthly recorded scorpion sting cases in Biskra from 2000 to 2012. RESULTS: The epidemiological analysis revealed that scorpion stings were reported continuously throughout the year, with peaks in the summer months. The most affected age group was 15 to 49 years old, with a male predominance. The most prone human body areas were the upper and lower limbs. The majority of cases (95.9%) were classified as mild envenomations. The time series analysis showed that a (5,1,0)×(0,1,1)12 SARIMA model offered the best fit to the scorpion sting surveillance data. This model was used to predict scorpion sting cases for the year 2013, and the fitted data showed considerable agreement with the actual data. CONCLUSIONS: SARIMA models are useful for monitoring scorpion sting cases, and provide an estimate of the variability to be expected in future scorpion sting cases. This knowledge is helpful in predicting whether an unusual situation is developing or not, and could therefore assist decision-makers in strengthening the province’s prevention and control measures and in initiating rapid response measures.

Molecular characterization and epidemiology of cefoxitin resistance among Enterobacteriaceae lacking inducible chromosomal ampC genes from hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients in Algeria: description of new sequence type in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates

In this study, 922 consecutive non-duplicate clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae obtained from hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients at Bejaia, Algeria were analyzed for AmpC-type β-lactamases production. The ampC genes and their genetic environment were characterized using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Plasmid incompatibility groups were determined by using PCR-based replicon typing. Phylogenetic grouping and multilocus sequence typing were determined for molecular typing of the plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC) isolates.Of the isolates, 15 (1.6%) were identified as AmpC producers including 14 CMY-4- producing isolates and one DHA-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. All AmpC-producing isolates co-expressed the broad-spectrum TEM-1 β-lactamase and three of them co-produced CTX-M and/or SHV-12 ESBL. Phylogenetic grouping and virulence genotyping of the E. coli isolates revealed that most of them belonged to groups D and B1. Multilocus sequence typing analysis of K. pneumoniae isolates identified four different sequence types (STs) with two new sequences: ST1617 and ST1618. Plasmid replicon typing indicates that bla CMY-4 gene was located on broad host range A/C plasmid, while LVPK replicon was associated with bla DHA-1. All isolates carrying bla CMY-4 displayed the transposon-like structures ISEcp1/AISEcp1-blaCMY-blc-sugE. Our study showed that CMY-4 was the main pAmpC in the Enterobacteriaceae isolates inAlgeria.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil of Launaea lanifera Pau grown in Algerian arid steppes

Objective: To evaluate the essential oil composition and the antibacterial activity of an Algerian endemic plant, Launaea lanifera Pau (L. lanifera), grown in arid steppe regions. Methods:L. lanifera essential oil was isolated from aerial parts by steam distillation and its chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometry. Furthermore, its in vitro antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains was tested following the agar disk diffusion method. Results: This species had a very low essential oil yield (0.005%). Twenty-four (92.6%) individual components were identified. The main constituents were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (31.6%), (E)-β-ionone (8.5%), (E)-β-damascenone (7.0%), 2-methyltetradecane (3.8%), n-heptadecane (3.8%), limonene (2.8%) andβ-caryophyllene (2.8%). No noteworthy antimicrobial activity was observed on the tested bacteria, neither Gram negative nor Gram positive. Conclusions:This is the first report on the volatile constituents and antibacterial activity of L. lanifera. The studied essential oil does not possess significant activity against the tested microorganisms.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil of Launaea lanifera Pau grown in Algerian arid steppes

Objective: To evaluate the essential oil composition and the antibacterial activity of an Algerian endemic plant, Launaea lanifera Pau ( L. lanifera), grown in arid steppe regions. Methods: L. lanifera essential oil was isolated from aerial parts by steam distillation and its chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometry. Furthermore, its in vitro antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains was tested following the agar disk diffusion method. Results: This species had a very low essential oil yield (0.005%). Twenty-four (92.6%) individual components were identified. The main constituents were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (31.6%), (E)-β-ionone (8.5%), (E)-β-damascenone (7.0%), 2-methyltetradecane (3.8%), n-heptadecane (3.8%), limonene (2.8%) and β-caryophyllene (2.8%). No noteworthy antimicrobial activity was observed on the tested bacteria, neither Gram negative nor Gram positive. Conclusions: This is the first report on the volatile constituents and antibacterial activity of L. lanifera. The studied essential oil does not possess significant activity against the tested microorganisms.

Limits of a rapid identification of common Mediterranean sandflies using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism

A total of 131 phlebotomine Algerian sandflies have been processed in the present study. They belong to the species Phlebotomus bergeroti, Phlebotomus alexandri, Phlebotomus sergenti, Phlebotomus chabaudi, Phlebotomus riouxi, Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus longicuspis, Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus ariasi, Phlebotomus chadlii, Sergentomyia fallax, Sergentomyia minuta, Sergentomyia antennata, Sergentomyia schwetzi, Sergentomyia clydei, Sergentomyia christophersi and Grassomyia dreyfussi. They have been characterised by sequencing of a part of the cytochrome b (cyt b), t RNA serine and NADH1 on the one hand and of the cytochrome C oxidase I of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on the other hand. Our study highlights two sympatric populations within P. sergenti in the area of its type-locality and new haplotypes of P. perniciosus and P. longicuspis without recording the specimens called lcx previously found in North Africa. We tried to use a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method based on a combined double digestion of each marker. These method is not interesting to identify sandflies all over the Mediterranean Basin.

Antibacterial Activity of Essential oils of Juniperus phoenicea from Eastern Algeria.

The present study evaluates the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) of Juniperus Phoenicea of five localities from eastern Algeria. The analysis and identification of the components of the Eos was performed using the (GC-MS). The average yield of essential oil of the samples is 0.82%. The chemical composition of the EOs of J. Phoenicea is dominated by the presence of a major product, α-pinene (36.3-55.9%). Three components are represented with large concentrations, terpinolene (0-13%), Δ3-carene (0- 12.4%) and the β-phellandrene (0-7.3%). Our investigation allows us to support the species Juniperus phoenicea of eastern Algeria has several variability quantitative and qualitative. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of J. phoenicea was evaluated against nine bacteria. The results showed a variable degree of antibacterial activity being the population Elhadjaz most effective.

Chemical composition, antibacterial activity and chromosome number of Algerian populations of two Chrysanthemum species.

The chemical composition of essential oil isolated from Chrysanthemum fontanesii and C. coronarium by hydrodistillation, was analysed by GC and GC/MS. A total 66 compounds representing 97.9% of the oil were identified in C. fontanesii, and 44 components representing 97.2% of the total oil in C. coronarium. The chemical composition of C. fontanesii and C. coronarium, is very different, the only common components are α-pinene, β- pinene, myrcene and Δ3-carene. The Essential oil of C. fontanesii and C. coronarium was tested for antibacterial activity against nine bacteria strains. The oil showed modest effect against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and it has no significant antibacterial activity against the other bacteria tested. The population of C. fontanesii studied showed a diploid chromosome number 2n = 2x = 18 and a tetraploid 2n = 4x = 36 for C. coronarium.

Cutis laxa en una lactante / Cutis laxa in an infant

Se describe el caso clínico de una lactante de 18 meses de edad, quien fue atendida en la consulta externa del Hospital Oftalmológico "Amistad Argelia-Cuba" de la Wilaya de Djelfa en la República Democrática y Popular de Argelia, por caída de los párpados. En el examen físico se observó facies tosca, piel laxa, arrugada, caída e hiperextensible, con grandes pliegues, así como aspecto de envejecimiento, blefarocalasia y ectropion. No se detectaron alteraciones musculoesqueléticas, hernia inguinal o umbilical, ni otras manifestaciones gastrointestinales, genitourinarias o cardiorrespiratorias. Por las características clínicas se concluyó que la paciente presentaba cutis laxa.

The clinical case of an infant aged 18 months is described, who was attended in the Outpatient Department from "Amistad Argelia-Cuba" Ophthalmology Hospital of the Wilaya of Djelfa in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria due to eyelid drooping. On physical examination coarse facies, hiperextensible and sagging, wrinkled lax skin with large folds were observed, as well as aging appearance, blepharochalasis and ectropion. There were not musculoskeletal changes, groin or umbilical hernia, or other gastrointestinal, genitourinary or cardiopulmonary manifestations. Taking into account clinical characteristics it was concluded that the patient presented with cutis laxa.

Incidence and severity of scorpion stings in Algeria

Scorpion stings are a public health problem in the Maghreb region. In Algeria, epidemiological data were collected over the past twenty years by the Algerian health authorities. This study is an analysis of morbidity and mortality data collected from 2001 to 2010. Annual incidence and mortality due to scorpion envenoming were 152 ± 3.6 stings and 0.236 ± 0.041 deaths per 100,000 people (95% CI), respectively. The risk of being stung by a scorpion was dramatically higher in southern areas and central highlands due to environmental conditions. Incidence of envenoming was especially higher in the adult population, and among young males. In contrast, mortality was significantly higher among children under 15 years, particularly ages 1-4. Upper limbs were more often affected than lower limbs. Most stings occurred at night, indoors and during the summer. Data collected since 2001 showed a reduction of mortality by nearly 50%, suggesting that the medical care defined by the national anti-scorpion project is bearing fruit.(AU)

Characterization of Lactobacillus from Algerian goat's milk based on phenotypic, 16S rDNA sequencing and their technological properties

Nineteen strains of Lactobacillus isolated from goat's milk from farms in north-west of Algeria were characterized. Isolates were identified by phenotypic, physiological and genotypic methods and some of their important technological properties were studied. Phenotypic characterization was carried out by studying physiological, morphological characteristics and carbohydrate fermentation patterns using API 50 CHL system. Isolates were also characterized by partial 16S rDNA sequencing. Results obtained with phenotypic methods were correlated with the genotypic characterization and 13 isolates were identified as L. plantarum, two isolates as L. rhamnosus and one isolate as L. fermentum. Three isolates identified as L. plantarum by phenotypic characterization were found to be L. pentosus by the genotypic method. A large diversity in technological properties (acid production in skim milk, exopolysaccharide production, aminopeptidase activity, antibacterial activity and antibiotic susceptibility) was observed. Based on these results, two strains of L. plantarum (LbMS16 and LbMS21) and one strain of L. rhamnosus (LbMF25) have been tentatively selected for use as starter cultures in the manufacture of artisanal fermented dairy products in Algeria.

A ergologia na Argélia / The ergology in Algeria

O depoimento revela aspectos das relações de trabalho, focalizando principalmente nos direitos do trabalho de proteção aos riscos e à saúde. Além disso, apresenta elementos históricos da colaboração entre professores-pesquisadores da Universidade de Oran, na Argélia, e professores-pesquisadores do Departamento de Ergologia da Universidade de Provence, na França, para a implementação de projetos e formação de médicos do trabalho.

The testimony reveals aspects of labor relations, focusing primarily on labor rights protection and health risks. Maneover, it presents historical elements of collaboration between teachers and researchers at the Univesity of Oran, Algeria, and research faculty of the Departement of Ergology University of Provence, France for project implementation and training of occupational physicians.