[Resistance of Anopheles labranchiae to DDT in Morocco: identification of the mechanisms and choice of replacement insecticide]

A study of Anopheles labranchiae resistance in Morocco was conducted in the provinces of K‚nitra, Khouribga, Larache, Kh‚misset and Sal‚ during 2005. An. labranchiae was susceptible to propoxur, fenitrothion and permethrin and resistant to varying degrees to DDT. Genetically there was no change to the target site common to DDT and pyrethroids, the voltage gated sodium channel. The resistance seemed to be due to detoxification mechanisms specific to DDT. In principle, there should be no obstacle to the substitution of DDT by pyrethroids in Morocco. Resistance can then be detected and supervised by more reliable molecular tools in the Laboratory of Medical Entomology of the National Institute of Hygiene

Estimation of malaria transmission in high-risk provinces of Morocco

The malaria transmission level of Plasmodium vivax was monitored in four high-risk provinces in Morocco. Intensive mosquito collection by light traps and manual catches resulted in the capture of four species: Anopheles labranchiae, An. sergenti, An. cinereus, and An. claviger. All An. sergenti and An. labranchiae females collected were tested for the presence of two phenotypes of P. vivax [PVK210 and PVK247] antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. No P. vivax antigen was detected in 1347 mosquitoes analysed. A parallel parasitological investigation was conducted. Of 2665 slides examined from a population of 4343 people for detection of P. vivax, no slide was positive. The results confirm the break in malaria transmission in residual foci. The use of ELISA is recommended in future epidemiological studies of human malaria

[Prevalence of intestinal parasites disease in three provinces in Morocco]

A study of intestinal parasites was carried out in Taounate, Beni Mellal and Tizinit provinces in Morocco on a sample of 1682 individuals who were representative of the urban and rural area population. For each stool specimen, three microscopic examinations and a Kato test were performed. In the three provinces, about two-thirds of the study participants from rural areas and around 50% of those from urban areas had parasites. The reproducibility of the prevalence figures allowed the study results be generalized to the other provinces of the country. Among the parasite groups encountered, amoebas were the most frequent, followed by flagellates and helminths. Concerning pathogenic species, Entamoeba histolytica, in the amoebic group, was the most commonly found. All the positive cases were treated by specific medication

Le paludisme post transfusionnel a plasmodium falciparum

We report here two cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria due to a blood transfusion. This entity, although rare, is severe because cerebral malaria can occur. The clinician usually does not suspect this disease which is, presently in Morocco, only imported and the diagnosis is delayed. The treatment must be undertaken in emergency and must be adapted to the current distribution of the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The notification of cases in the transfusion centers and a good sensitisation of the travellers in the endemic areas will reduce the risk of contamination by this parasite