Isolation and biocontrol of bacteriophages from wastewater in the city of Lomé, Togo: potential application as a novel source for antimicrobial therapy

Background: Bacteriophages offer one of the most promising solutions to the challenges of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. The aim of this study is to investigate bacteriophages as a source of new antimicrobial therapy. Methodology: Waste water samples were randomly collected from 8 different locations in the city of Lomé for bacteriophage isolation. The phages were isolated using multi-resistant clinical isolates (Escherichia coli 1642 and Staphylococcus aureus 0868) as hosts by means of a spot test. The host range of the phages was determined also by a spot test using 8 other clinical bacterial isolates including two reference strains (E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213). The virulence of the phages and their effects on bacterial growth were assessed by in vitro experiments using E. coli 1642 BBec phage suspension. Results: Isolation of phages by the spot test was positive only with the host E. coli 1642. A reduced host range was observed with the other bacteria. The BBec phage suspension showed a titer of 1.6 x 107 PFU/ml. Virulence studies revealed a latency time of less than 10 minutes, a degree of absorption of 87% and a burst size of 63 PFU/cell. The effect of BBec phage suspension on E. coli 1642 showed an almost total reduction in the population of E. coli 1642 after 4 hours. Conclusion: This study provided scientific data showing the antibacterial effect of a phage suspension (BBec) on a multi-resistant clinical isolate of E. coli 1642. This phage could therefore be explored as a candidate for the development of new antibacterial therapies.

Comas non traumatiques chez l'adulte à l'Unité de soins intensifs du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sylvanus Olympio: à propos de 484 cas / Non-traumatic comas with the adult in the intensise care unit of the Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital: concerning 484 cases

Introduction : Le coma non traumatique est une urgence médicale, relativement fréquente dont les différents aspects restent encore obscurs dans les services de réanimation en Afrique. Objectif : Cette étude avait pour but de décrire les aspects épidémiologiques, étiologiques et pronostiques des comas non traumatiques (CNT). Méthodes : Il s'était agi d'une étude rétrospective descriptive menée au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sylvanus Olympio à l'Unité des Soins Intensifs (USI) de janvier 2018 à décembre 2019. Résultats : L'étude avait concerné 484 patients hospitalisés pour comas non traumatiques sur un total de 1835 patients. Les comas non traumatiques de l'adulte représentaient 26,4% des admissions à l'USI. L'âge moyen des patients était de 52,8 ans (extrêmes de 18 et 92 ans) avec une sex-ratio (H/F) de 0,94. Plus de la moitié des patients avait été référée de structures sanitaires périphériques (55,4%). L'hypertension artérielle (HTA) était l'antécédent le plus retrouvé dans 36,4% ; suivi du diabète et de l'infection au virus de l'immunodéficience acquise (VIH) dans 14,9% chacun. Le coma était de survenue brutale dans 77,7% des cas. Les étiologies des comas étaient dominées par les causes vasculaires dans 32,2% des cas, puis les causes infectieuses dans 27,3% des cas et les comas urémiques dans 14,1% des cas. Le pronostic était défavorable avec une mortalité de 68,6%. La première étiologie de décès concernait les causes vasculaires. Conclusion : L'amélioration du pronostic des comas non traumatiques passe nécessairement par une amélioration du plateau technique pour une meilleure prise en charge des patients

Introduction: The non-traumatic coma is a medical emergency relatively frequent which different aspects remain obscure in intensive care units in Africa. Goals: The aim of this study was therefore to describe the epidemiological, etiological and prognostic aspects of non-traumatic comas. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out at the Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit (USI) from January 2018 to December 2019. Results: The study involved 484 patients hospitalized for non-traumatic comas out of 1835 patients. Non-traumatic comas in adults were 26.4% of admissions in the Intensive Care Unit. The mean age of patients was 52.8 years of a sex ratio (M / F) of 0.94. More than half of patients (55.4%) were referred from peripheral care centers. Arterial hypertension was the most common antecedent found in 36.4%, followed by diabetes and the infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at 14.9% each. The coma was sudden aspect in 77.7% of the cases. Aetiologies of the comas were dominated by vascular causes in 32.2% of causes, then infectious in 27.3% of cases and uremic comas in 14.1% of cases. The prognosis was unfavorable with 68.6% mortality. The first etiology of death was related to vascular cases. Conclusion: The Improving of the prognosis of non-traumatic comas needs an improvement of modern medical technology for a better patient care.

COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travellers at Lomé International airport (Togo), in 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic management leads to new health policies including the requirement of a vaccination pass or a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR)test for cross-border flights. The objective of this study was to estimate COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travelers, as well as factors associated with a full vaccination. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in July 2022 at the Gnassingbé Eyadema International Airport (LFW) in Lomé. Travellers met at LFW, aged 12 years or above, and who agreed to participate in the study have been submitted a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with full vaccination defined as having received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine according to a validated vaccine schedule. Results: A total of847travellerswere included. 67% were menThe median age was 40 years, Interquartile Range [31-48]. The main health document presented by travellers was the vaccination pass(69.1%). The majority (84.4%) of travellershad received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 63.9% had received at least two doses. Being 40 years of age or above(aOR=1.42;p=0.046), and travellingfrom a country outside Africa (aOR=2.18, p=0.003), were positively associated with full vaccination. Conclusion: Vaccination coverage among travellers at the LFWwas relatively high. Travellersfrom a region outside Africa and aged40 years or above were more likely to be full vaccinated. Better communication and strengthening of the vaccination strategiesin Africa could help reduce these gaps.

Tends of "Zero-dose" children aged 12-23 months in Togo from 2000 to 2017 and predictions for 2030

Guided by the principle of leaving no one behind by improving equitable access and use of new and existing vaccines, the Immunization Agenda 2030 aims, among other things, to halve the incidence of "zero-dose" at the national level. This study aimed at studying the tends of the prevalence of "zerodose" children from 2000 to 2017 and making predictions for 2030. The study consisted of secondary data analyses from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) conducted in Togo. The study population consisted of children aged 12-23 months surveyed during MICS2 in 2000, MICS3 in 2006, MICS4 in 2010 and MICS6 in 2017. The dependent variable was the "zero-dose" vaccination status (1=Yes vs 0=No). The explanatory variables were related to the child, mother, household and environment. The study generated the overall annual percentage changes (APC) and by the independent variables. As a result, the prevalence of children with "zero-dose" expected for 2030 was estimated using Excel 2013 and Stata 16.0 software. In total, 636, 864, 916 and 952 children aged 12-23 months were included for MICS2, MICS3, MICS4 and MICS7, respectively. The prevalence of "zerodose" children decreased from 37.15% in 2000 to 31.72% in 2006, then 30.10% in 2010 and 26.86% in 2017, with an overall APC= - 1.89%. The highest relative annual decrease was from 2000 to 2006. If the historical rate of decrease remains unchanged, we predict that percentage of "zero-dose" children aged 12-23 months will be 20.96% in 2030, with a decrease of 22% compared to 2017, against a target of 50%. We suggest that strengthening strategies to increase full immunization coverage of children will contribute to reducing the percentage of zero dose children. A prerequisite will be a better understanding of the predictors of the "zero-dose" phenomenon in children

Sodium, potassium food intake and global cardiovascular risks in Togo

Objectives. To assess urinary sodium/potassium intake and identify its links with global cardiovascular risk (RCVG) according to the WHOPEN approach to WHO/ISH (International High Blood Pressure Society). Methods. It was a cross-sectional and analytical study that took place from July 6, 2020, to September 17, 2021, in Togo, in the Aneho, Notse and Dapaong localities. It focused on 400 adults selected by sampling. The analysis of two urine samples was done. Cardiovascular risk scores were determined from specific graphs that take into account age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diabetes status and smoking behavior. Results. Among the 400 respondents, 49% lived in rural areas. The average age was 41 (30; 51) years. The average sodium and potassium intakes were respectively 3.2 g (1.04-5.99) or 7.95 g of salt and 1.4 g (1.89-5.62) per day. The risk of excessive sodium intake was 2.39 times higher in urban areas than in rural ones (p=0.049). Residing in rural areas was associated with high potassium intakes compared to urban ones (OR=3,2 IC [1.89-5.62]). Thirteen percent (13%) of respondents were likely to develop at least a deadly or non-deadly cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years 'time, of whom 5% present a high risk. Excessive sodium intake increases by 2.10 times the risk of a deadly cardiovascular disease occurrence. Conclusions. Sodium intakes are high while potassium intakes are low with a subsequent global cardiovascular risk (GCVR) in the three cities. Sodium intakes were associated with VCVR. It is necessary to take steps to reduce excessive sodium intake and improve potassium intake.

Phenotypic Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Associated with the Main Mycoses of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Aims: To study the diversity of fungal pathogens associated with cashew mycoses in Togo. Study Design: This research project was initiated by the Mycology Research and Applications Unit of the Botany and Plant Ecology Laboratory (LBEV) in order to have adequate information on cashew mycoses in Togo. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology (LBEV) of the University of Lome (UL) and of Crop Protection and Biosafety Laboratory of Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), February to August 2020. Methodology: A total of 148 symptomatic samples (leaves, buds, inflorescences, nuts, and apples) were collected from cashew trees in the East Mono prefecture of Togo. Malt-agar medium supplemented with chloramphenicol at 0.5 g/l was used for the isolation of fungal pathogens. The characterization of these fungal pathogens was carried out from the 7th day based on their macroscopic (texture, color, diameter of growth) and microscopic (hypha, spore, fruiting body) characters. Results: This study revealed the presence of five mycoses in cashew orchards in the East Mono prefecture. These are leaf anthracnose, bud’s dieback, black rust, leaf yellowing, and powdery mildew. In total, 12 fungal genera were encountered and 14 species of fungal pathogens were identified on all the samples collected: Rhizopus sp., Penicillium sp., Mucor sp., Sporotrichum sp., Fusarium nivale, Fusarium moliniforme, Fusarium moliniforme var. subglutinans, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia geneculata, Alternaria tenuissima, Alternaria brassicisola, Beltrania rhombica Penz., Thielavia coactilis Nicot, Helminthosporium avenae, Helminthosporium siccans, Phoma eupyrena, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger. Conclusion: It would be of great interest to train cashew producers in the East Mono prefecture on the recognition of the symptoms of these mycoses and their management.

Knowledge and practices among healthcare workers regarding dengue in Togo

In Togo where malaria is endemic, because main signs of malaria and dengue are similar, the use of malarial drugs first could contribute to a delay in the diagnosis of dengue and the dissemination of the disease. Thus, it is important that healthcare workers (HCW) have a good knowledge of these diseases. To assess the knowledge, and practices regarding dengue infection among HCW in Togo. A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2020 to March 2021 among HCW in Togo. A pre-tested digital questionnaire was used for data collection. Based on clinical signs of dengue, preventive measures, infection type and disease type, a knowledge score was constructed with eight questions. A total of 334 HCW with median age 32 years, IQR:(28-38) responded to the survey and the sex ratio male/female was 5.9. The majority (94.0%) of HCW have heard about dengue through training (73.3%), internet (38.0%) and media (33.2%). Compared with lower executive HCW, senior manager were more knowledgeable about the causative agent, the symptoms and preventive methods of dengue infection (p<0.001). Globally, good knowledge (score ≥6) about dengue was found for 47.1% of HCW. More than 9 out of 10 HCW (91.3%) reported the lack of dengue diagnostic tools. Providing health structures with dengue diagnostic tools and training health personnel in their use in any febrile patient with a negative or positive malaria test would help prevent dengue epidemic.

Knowledge and practices of female students at University of Kara regarding sexually transmitted infections in Togo, 2021

A good knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in female students is an important element in the prevention of STI transmission. The objective of this study is to describe the level of knowledge and practices on STI among female students at the University of Kara. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Kara from July to September 2021. Data were collected using a standard, digitalised, selfadministered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to describe factors associated with the level of knowledge of STIs. A total of 1,055 female students with a median age of 21 years (interquartile range: 20-24) participated in the study. More than one-third (33.7%) of the students had good knowledge of STI. Having already been tested for HIV (aOR=3.25; 95% CI 2.36-4.52), having already had sex (aOR=1.56; 95% CI 1.10-2.24) and the level of education (AOR=3.46; 95% CI 2.10-5.85) were significantly associated with good STIs knowledge. Among the 723 female students (68.5%) who already had sex, 32.5% reported inconsistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse and 18.9% reported having multiple sexual partners. The results of this study highlight the importance of intensifying STIs prevention efforts (awareness, screening, and vaccination) among female students at the University of Kara.

Maternal and neonatal complications of childbirth among adolescents at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Centre (CHU-SO), Lomé

Objective: To determine maternal and neonatal complications occurring at childbirth among adolescents.Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study conducted from 1st July to 31st December 2019 at the maternity ward of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Centre (CHU- SO), Lomé, Togo. The socio- demographic parameters of the mothers, details of prenatal and perinatal events and the clinical profile of the newborns at birth were studied. Results: The records of 332 adolescent mothers were studied. The average age of the mothers was 17.4 ± 1.5 years, with a range of 13-19 years. The pregnancies in two-thirds (66.3%) were supervised in centres without surgical facilities and by midwives in 83.1% of cases. A little over half of the mothers (53.3%) attended at least four antenatal clinic sessions, while 3.6% attended none. The modes of delivery were spontaneous vaginal (62.3%) and Caesarean section (35.2%). Complications of pregnancy were recorded in 12.9% of the mothers. There were statistically significant associations between the referred status of the mothers and haemorrhages, retained placenta and sepsis (p = 0.001, 0.038 and 0.011, respectively). There were no maternal deaths. The newborn babies required resuscitation in 6.3% of cases, while 7.0% were stillborn.There was a statistically significant relationship between the referred status of mothers and the occurrence of perinatal deaths (p =0.0001). Conclusion: Adolescent mothers are at risk of complications during childbirth, and these risks are increased by poor antenatal care and attempted deliveries in centres without surgical facilities.

The Togo national proficiency test pilot programme for basic clinical chemistry tests

Background: A national proficiency test (PT) programme is not currently implemented in most low-income countries. However, participation in such PT programmes assists improves test performance and result accuracy.Objective: This study assessed how well 11 government hospital laboratories performed 18 basic clinical chemistry tests and identified areas needing improvement.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by the Division of Laboratories of the Ministry of Health of Togo from 01 July 2016 to 31 December 2016. The test performance was evaluated using panels provided by One World Accuracy, Canada (Vancouver). The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments criteria were used in evaluating the laboratories, and their success rates were compared with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa's target of 80%.Results: The overall rate of acceptable results at the laboratories was over 80% for glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and triglycerides tests. The laboratories using fully automated spectrophotometers had an acceptable results rate of 89% (p = 0.001). The overall performance of the laboratories by cycles varied from 71% to 82%.Conclusion: This national PT programme identified the tests, which laboratories must improve their performance (urea, creatinine, uric acid, bilirubin, cholesterol, total protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus). It demonstrated the need for the use of routine appropriate internal quality control in all laboratories. The proficiency test programme should be extended to all clinical laboratories and target all biology disciplines

Evaluation dosimétrique des tomodensitométries adultes auTogo / Dosimetric evaluation of adult CT scans in Togo

Objectif: Evaluer les doses délivrées aux patients adultes lors des examens TDM en vue de l'établissement des niveaux de référence diagnostiques tomodensitométriques au Togo.Matériel et méthodes: Etude transversale réalisée du 6 Mars au 30 Juillet 2018 dans 5 structures sanitaires disposant d'une unité tomodensitométrique au Togo ayant inclus les TDM cranio-encéphaliques, abdomino-pelviennes, thoraciques, thoraco-abdomino-pelviennes, rachidiennes cervicales et lombaires des patients d'au moins 15 ans.Résultats: Les 1155 TDM adultes inclus étaient dominées par les TDM cranio-encéphaliques et abdomino-pelviens avec respectivement 34,2% et 15,15%. La sex-ratio était de 1,42. Les appareils de marque GE dans 80%, étaient de 6 et 16 barrettes et 60% installés 2010. L'IDSvol de la TDM cérébrale était le plus élevé par rapport à l'IDSvol des autres types d'examen. La dispersion des PDL par acquisition et pour un examen complet inter et intra structure sanitaire était significative. Les NRD (75e percentile du PDL) par acquisition était de 1199,14mGy.cm (cérébral non traumatique), 1596,45mGy.cm (cérébral-traumatique), 635,63mGy.cm (cervical), 401,98mGy.cm (thorax), 594,42mGy.cm (abdomino-pelvien), 675,73mGy.cm (thoraco-abdomino-pelvien) et 681,35mGy.cm (lombaire). Les doses efficaces moyennes associées auxdifférents types d'examens étaient comprises entre 2-3mSv pour l'exposition de la tête et le cou et de 24mSv pour la TDM abdomino-pelvienne.

Objective: To evaluate the doses delivered to adult patients during CT scans in order to establish CT-scans diagnostic reference levels (DRL) in Togo.Material and methods: Cross-sectional study carried out from 6 March to 30 July 2018 in 5 health facilities with a CT-scans unit in Togo that included cranio-encephalic, abdominal-pelvic, thoracic, thoraco-abdominal-pelvic, cervical and lumbar spines CT-scans in patients at least 15 years of age. Results: The 1155 adult CT-scans included were dominated by cranio-encephalic and abdominal-pelvic CTs with 34.2% and 15.15% respectively. The sex-ratio was 1.42. GE brand devices in 80%, were 6 and 16 bars and 60% installed 2010. The brain CT IDSvol was the highest compared to the CTDIvol of other types of exams. The dispersion of the DLP by acquisition and for a complete inter and intra-structure examination was significant. DRLs (75th percentile of DLP) per acquisition were 1199.14mGy.cm (non-traumatic cerebral), 1596.45mGy.cm (traumatic cerebral), 635.63mGy.cm (cervical), 401.98mGy.cm (thorax),594.42mGy.cm (abdominal-pelvic), 675.73mGy.cm (thoracic-abdominal-pelvic) and 681.35mGy.cm (lumbar). The average effective doses associated with the different types of exams ranged from 2-3mSv for head and neck exposure and 24mSv for abdominal-pelvic CT. Conclusion : The high dispersion of dose delivered during CT-scan in Togo requires a process of homogenization of procedures and optimization from DRLs thus determined.(abdominal-pelvic), 675.73mGy.cm (thoracic-abdominal-pelvic) and 681.35mGy.cm (lumbar). The average effective doses associated with the different types of exams ranged from 2-3mSv for head and neck exposure and 24mSv for abdominal-pelvic CT.Conclusion: The high dispersion of dose delivered during CT-scan in Togo requires a process of homogenization of procedures and optimization from DRLs thus determined.

Doenças digestivas em idosos e fatores associados à duração da permanência na unidade Hepatologia e Gastroenterologia do Hospital Universitário de Ensino de Lomé (Togo) / Digestive diseases in elderly and factors associated with length of stay in the hepatology and gastroenterology unit of the campus teaching hospital of lome (togo)

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The digestive pathologies are frequent in the elderly and often have a latent and atypical symptomatology. OBJECTIVE: To assess the epidemiological and evolutionary current data on digestive diseases in the elderly, and look for factors associated with length of hospital stay. METHODS: Retrospective study of 10 years, including patients aged 60 and over hospitalized for digestive diseases in the Gastroenterology Department of the Campus Teaching Hospital of Lome, Togo. RESULTS: Of 5933 hospitalized patients, there were 1054 patients (17.8%) aged 60 years and over with a digestive pathology (526 men and 528 women). The average age was 69.5 years ±7.9 ranging from 60 to 105 years. The average length of hospital stay was 7.45 days ±6.2 ranging from 1 to 44 days. HIV prevalence was 2.4%. In order of decreasing frequency, there were hepatobiliary pathologies (54.3%) with a predominance of cirrhosis and liver cancer, eso-gastroduodenal pathologies (23.1%) with predominance of ulcers, gastric cancer and esophageal cancer, intestinal pathologies (8.7%) with a predominance of food poisoning, pancreatic pathologies (4.2%) with a predominance of pancreatic cancer and peritoneal pathologies (1.4%). Gastric cancer was the second digestive cancer found after liver cancer. Pancreatic head cancer was the second disease after gastric cancer which need a transfer in a surgical ward (P=0.031). There were 204 deaths (19.4%). The longest duration of hospitalization was due to gastric cancer (9.16 days). CONCLUSION: Hepatobiliary diseases were the most frequent and associated with a high death rate and a long hospital stay.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: As patologias digestivas são frequentes no idoso e têm geralmente uma sintomatologia latente e atípica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os dados epidemiológicos e de evolução sobre as doenças digestivas nos idosos, e procurar fatores associados ao período de permanência hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 10 anos, incluindo pacientes com idades de 60 ou mais, hospitalizados para doenças digestivas no Departamento de Gastroenterologia do Hospital Universitário de Ensino de Lomé, Togo. RESULTADOS: De 5933 pacientes hospitalizados, havia 1054 pacientes (17,8%) com idade de 60 anos ou mais com uma patologia digestiva (526 homens e 528 mulheres). A idade média foi de 69,5 anos ± 7,9 variando de 60 a 105 anos. A duração média da estadia hospitalar foi de 7,45 dias ±6,2 variando de 1 a 44 dias. A prevalência do HIV foi de 2,4%. Em ordem de diminuição da frequência, houve patologias hepatobiliares (54,3%) com predominância de cirrose e câncer hepático, patologias do esôfago-gastroduodenal (23,1%) com predominância de úlceras, câncer gástrico e câncer esofágico, patologias intestinais (8,7%) com predominância de intoxicação alimentar, patologias pancreáticas (4,2%) com predominância de câncer pancreático e patologia peritoneal (1,4%). O câncer gástrico foi o segundo câncer digestivo encontrado após o câncer de fígado. Câncer de cabeça pancreática foi a segunda doença após o câncer gástrico, que necessitou transferência para a enfermaria cirúrgica (P=0,31). Houve 204 mortes (19,4%). A maior duração da internação foi devido ao câncer gástrico (9,16 dias). CONCLUSÃO: As doenças hepatobiliares foram as mais frequentes e associadas a uma elevada taxa de mortalidade e a uma longa estadia hospitalar.

Production Constraints and Farmers’ Cultivar Preference Criteria of Cultivated Yams (Dioscorea Cayenensis - D. Rotundata Complex) in Togo.

Fifty (50) villages randomly selected throughout agroecological zones in Togo were surveyed, using participatory approach, to identify and prioritize factors that affect production and farmers’ varietal preference criteria of Guinea yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-D. rotundata complex). A total of nineteen (19) constraints of varying importance across agro-ecological zones were identified among which the most important were insects’ damages on both leaves and tubers, nematodes attack on tubers, drought, soil poverty and wilting. For the majority (78.94%) of the constraints, the use of tolerant cultivars remains the most sustainable, economically profitable and environment preservative solution. Farmers’ cultivar preference criteria identified are many (24 in total). Among them, high productivity, good quality of pounded yam, resistance to drought and adaptability to all types of soils are the most important. A perfect match is noted between enumerated constraints and identified preference criteria. The knowledge of farmers’ selection criteria is of capital importance for breeders and also extension services for eventual yam cultivar exchange between agroecological zones in Togo.

Effect of cypermethrin-treated lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on wistar rat liver.

In this study, assessment of the potential effect of cypermethrin-treated lettuce on the rat liver physiology is carried out. Cypermethrin-treated lettuce and three doses of cypermethrin (CY) were administered during 28 days to rats. Along the experimental period, animal behavior was assessed, and at the end of administration, some hepatic enzymes were studied. The decrease in rat body weight was noted and animals have soft feces. Results showed plasmatic concentrations of ALAT, ASAT and total bilirubin increase in rats administered with cypermethrin-treated lettuce. The plasmatic concentration of total protein is not decreased significantly. Those results indicate that lettuce collected without waiting for the recommended pre-harvest intervals, might cause hazardous effects to vegetable consumers. Further investigations are needed to quantify pesticides such as cypermethrin in vegetables sold in the local market for consumption.