Detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in water: proposition of a strategy and evaluation in Champagne-Ardenne Region, France

Water is a vehicle for disseminating human and veterinary toxoplasmosis due to oocyst contamination. Several outbreaks of toxoplasmosis throughout the world have been related to contaminated drinking water. We have developed a method for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in water and we propose a strategy for the detection of multiple waterborne parasites, including Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia. Water samples were filtered to recover Toxoplasma oocysts and, after the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts by immunofluorescence, as recommended by French norm procedure NF T 90-455, the samples were purified on a sucrose density gradient. Detection of Toxoplasma was based on PCR amplification and mouse inoculation to determine the presence and infectivity of recovered oocysts. After experimental seeding assays, we determined that the PCR assay was more sensitive than the bioassay. This strategy was then applied to 482 environmental water samples collected since 2001. We detected Toxoplasma DNA in 37 environmental samples (7.7 percent), including public drinking water; however, none of them were positive by bioassay. This strategy efficiently detects Toxoplasma oocysts in water and may be suitable as a public health sentinel method. Alternative methods can be used in conjunction with this one to determine the infectivity of parasites that were detected by molecular methods.

Transfer of surgical competences in the treatment of intersex disorders in Togo

Background: To evaluate the impact of scientific seminar on the sexual ambiguity on patients and paediatric surgeons in French-speaking African countries. Materials and Methods: This was a report of the proceeding of a teaching seminar on intersex management; which was held from December 4 th to 8 th ; 2006; in the Paediatric Surgery Department of Tokoin Teaching Hospital and the Surgery Department of ""Saint Jean de Dieu"" Hospital of Afagnan; Togo. Results: There were 107 participants [five professors of paediatric surgery; 62 African paediatric surgeons (including 15 from African French- speaking countries); and 40 general surgeons]. The workshop involved a two-day theoretical teaching session (aimed at understanding; recognising; and treating the sexual ambiguities); and practical session; during these sessions different intersexes (one case of mixed gonadal dysgenesis; two of female pseudohermaphroditism; and two of male pseudohermaphroditism); were operated free of charge. Participants expressed satisfaction and confidence with regard to the management of intersex after the seminar. Conclusion: This scientific forum allowed possible exchange of competence among the paediatric surgeons with regard to efficient treatment of sexual ambiguities"