[Community acute bacterial pneumonitis of the subject age in pulmonology at the Point-g hospital and university center, Bamako-Mali]. / La pneumopathie aigue bacterienne communautaire du sujet age en pneumologie au centre hospitalier et universitaire du Point-g, Bamako-Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired acute bacterial pneumonia (ABP) is an acute, non-suppurative, non-tuberculosis lower respiratory infection of the lung parenchyma acquired within the community. They have an atypical clinical presentation and a poor prognosis in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Pneumology department of the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Point-G, from October 30, 2018 to September 30, 2019. The objective was to determine the clinical, etiological, therapeutic and progression of BAP in the elderly. Were included any age ≥ 65 years, presenting clinical and radiological signs of a PAB. RESULTS: During the study period, 85 patients met the inclusion criteria out of 178 hospitalized. The sex ratio was 3/1. About 2/3 were smokers and 11% were HIV positive. Fever was not constant recorded in 51.76% of cases. Respiratory signs were dominated by cough (96.47%), dyspnea (94.11%) and extra respiratory by impaired consciousness. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most found germ. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The average length of hospitalization was 9 days. Mortality was 19%. CONCLUSION: The PAB in the elderly is of a frustrating clinical symptomatology. It is serious with excess mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Les pneumopathies aiguës bactériennes (PAB) communautaires sont des infections respiratoires basses aiguës, non suppurées, non tuberculeuses du parenchyme pulmonaire acquises au sein de la communauté. Elles ont une présentation clinique atypique et un mauvais pronostic chez le sujet âgé. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale prospective menée au service de pneumologie du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) du Point-G, du 30 Octobre 2018 au 30 Septembre 2019. L'objectif était de déterminer les particularités cliniques, étiologiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de la PAB chez le sujet âgé. Ont été inclus tout âge ≥ 65 ans, présentant des signes cliniques et radiologiques d'une PAB. RÉSULTATS: Durant la période d'étude 85 patients répondaient aux critères d'inclusion sur 178 hospitalisés. Le sex-ratio était de 3/1. Environ 2/3 étaient tabagiques et 11% était positif au VIH. La fièvre n'était pas constante enregistrée dans 51,76% des cas. Les signes respiratoires étaient dominés par la toux (96, 47%), la dyspnée (94, 11%) et extra respiratoires par le trouble de la conscience. Le Klebsiellapneumoniae était le germe le plus retrouvé. L'antibiotique le plus utilisé était l'amoxicilline-acide clavulanique. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 9 jours. La mortalité était de 19%. CONCLUSION: La PAB chez le sujet âgé est d'une symptomatologie clinique frustre. Elle est grave avec une surmortalité.

La pneumopathie aigue bactérienne communautaire du sujet âge en pneumologie au centre hospitalier et universitaire du point-g, Bamako-mali / Community acute bacterial pneumonitis of the subject age in pulmonology at the Point-g hospital and university center, Bamako- Mali

Introduction : Les pneumopathies aiguës bactériennes (PAB) communautaires sont des infections respiratoires basses aiguës, non suppurées, non tuberculeuses du parenchyme pulmonaire acquises au sein de la communauté. Elles ont une présentation clinique atypique et un mauvais pronostic chez le sujet âgé. Matériels et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale prospective menée au service de pneumologie du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) du Point-G, du 30 Octobre 2018 au 30 Septembre 2019. L'objectif était de déterminer les particularités cliniques, étiologiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de la PAB chez le sujet âgé. Ont été inclus tout âge ≥ 65 ans, présentant des signes cliniques et radiologiques d'une PAB Résultats : Durant la période d'étude 85 patients répondaient aux critères d'inclusion sur 178 hospitalisés. Le sex-ratio était de 3/1. Environ 2/3 étaient tabagiques et 11% était positif au VIH. La fièvre n'était pas constante enregistrée dans 51,76% des cas. Les signes respiratoires étaient dominés par la toux (96, 47%), la dyspnée (94, 11%) et extra respiratoires par le trouble de la conscience. Le Klebsiellapneumoniae était le germe le plus retrouvé. L'antibiotique le plus utilisé était l'amoxicilline-acide clavulanique. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 9 jours. La mortalité était de 19%. Conclusion: La PAB chez le sujet âgé est d'une symptomatologie clinique frustre. Elle est grave avec une surmortalité

Introduction: Community-acquired acute bacterial pneumonia (ABP) is an acute, non-suppurative, non-tuberculosis lower respiratory infection of the lung parenchyma acquired within the community. They have an atypical clinical presentation and a poor prognosis in the elderly. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Pneumology department of the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Point-G, from October 30, 2018, to September 30, 2019. The objective was to determine the clinical, etiological, therapeutic and progression of BAP in the elderly. Were included any age ≥ 65 years, presenting clinical and radiological signs of a PAB. Results During the study period, 85 patients met the inclusion criteria out of 178 hospitalized. The sex ratio was 3/1. About 2/3 were smokers and 11% were HIV positive. Fever was not constant recorded in 51.76% of cases. Respiratory signs were dominated by cough (96.47%), dyspnea (94.11%) and extra respiratory by impaired consciousness. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most found germ. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The average length of hospitalization was 9 days. Mortality was 19%. Conclusion: The PAB in the elderly is of a frustrating clinical symptomatology. It is serious with excess mortality

Study of charged particle activation analysis (II): Determination of boron concentration in human blood samples.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapy for the treatment of intractable cancer. In BNCT precise determination of 10B concentration in whole blood sample before neutron irradiation of the patient, as well as accurate neutron dosimetry, is crucial for control of the neutron irradiation time. For this purpose ICP-AES and neutron induced prompt γ-ray analysis are generally used. In Ibaraki Neutron Medical Research Center (iNMRC), an intense proton beam will be accelerated up to 8 MeV, which can also be used for Charged Particle Activation Analysis (CPAA). Thus, in this study, we apply the CPAA utilizing the proton beam to non-destructive and accurate determination of 10B concentration in whole blood sample. A CPAA experiment is performed by utilizing an 8 MeV proton beam from the tandem accelerator of Nuclear Science Research Institute in Japan Atomic Energy Agency. The 478 keV γ-ray of 7Be produced by the 10B(p, α)7Be reaction is used to quantify the 10B in human blood. The 478 keV γ-ray intensity is normalized by the intensities of the 847 keV and 1238 keV γ-rays of 56Co originating from Fe in blood. The normalization methods were found to be linear in the range of 3.27 µg 10B/g to 322 µg 10B/g with correlation coefficients of better than 0.9999.

[Onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso: a Re-Emerging Vector-Borne Endemic Disease]. / Onchocercose au Burkina Faso : une endémie à transmission vectorielle en voie de réémergence.

Burkina Faso, like other countries, reported a focal interruption of onchocerciasis transmission and was thus placed under post-therapeutic surveillance. However, the country seems to be experiencing a resurgence of the disease according to recent surveys at certain sentinel sites and data from various surveys. The aim of our study is to take stock of the evolution of the current epidemiological situation of onchocerciasis in Burkina Faso. For data collection, in addition to the scientific articles, we have used data from different epidemiological and entomological surveys conducted by the National Program for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (PNLMTN) through its onchocerciasis elimination unit in Burkina Faso. Prior to implementation of the Onchocerciasis Control Program in West Africa (OCP), Burkina Faso had onchocerciasis prevalence between 60% and 80%. In 2002, the maximum prevalence dropped to 15%. However, in 2010 and 2011, epidemiological surveys indicated that some villages in the Comoé River basin had prevalence rate ranging from 0.7% to 71%. Thirteen (13) villages had prevalence rates above the tolerable threshold of 5%. Despite the implementation of the community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) since 2011, recent surveys show a tendency for a recrudescence of the disease in some sites, yet covered by the TIDC. This suggests that the elimination of onchocerciasis requires the integration of new control strategies. Thus, an essential condition for the elimination of onchocerciasis is the analysis of the situation in each focus in order to define the most cost-effective strategy for permanently interrupting the transmission of the parasite. National onchocerciasis elimination committees put in place will play a key role in determining the best strategy.

Le Burkina Faso, comme d'autres pays, avait signalé une interruption focale de la transmission de l'onchocercose et était ainsi placé sous surveillance post-thérapeutique. Cependant, le pays semble connaître une résurgence de la maladie selon les récentes enquêtes au niveau de certains sites sentinelles et les données de diverses enquêtes. Le but de notre étude est de faire le point sur l'évolution de la situation épidémiologique actuelle de l'onchocercose au Burkina Faso. Pour la collecte des données, nous nous sommes servis, en plus des articles scientifiques, des données des différentes enquêtes épidémiologiques et entomologiques menées par le Programme national de lutte contre les maladies tropicales négligées (PNLMTN) au travers de son unité d'élimination de l'onchocercose au Burkina Faso. Avant la mise en oeuvre du Programme de lutte contre l'onchocercose en Afrique de l'Ouest (Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa), le Burkina Faso enregistrait des prévalences de l'onchocercose comprises entre 60 et 80 %. En 2002, la prévalence maximale a chuté à 15 %. Cependant, en 2010 et 2011, des enquêtes épidémiologiques indiquent que certains villages du bassin de la Comoé avaient des prévalences allant de 0,7 à 71 %. Treize villages avaient des prévalences supérieures au seuil tolérable de 5 %.Malgré la mise en place du traitement à l'ivermectine sous directives communautaires (TIDC) depuis 2011, les récentes enquêtes montrent une tendance à la recrudescence de la maladie dans certains sites, pourtant couverts par le TIDC. Cela suggère que l'élimination de l'onchocercose nécessite l'intégration de nouvelles stratégies de lutte. Ainsi, une condition essentielle pour l'élimination de l'onchocercose est l'analyse de la situation dans chaque foyer afin de définir la stratégie la plus rentable pour interrompre de manière permanente la transmission du parasite. Les comités nationaux d'élimination de l'onchocercose mis en place joueront un rôle clé dans la détermination de la meilleure stratégie.

Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnancy at three health centers in Burkina Faso.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women are more susceptible to vaginal colonization and infection by yeast. The role of Candida colonization in the occurrence of preterm birth is well established. The knowledge of local epidemiology and identification of risk factors for preterm birth is important for the prevention and management strategies. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of Candida sp. in vaginal swabs of pregnant women. METHODS: Pregnant women attending routine antenatal visits in three primary health centres in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) were enrolled into a cross-sectional study carried out from February to April 2015. Vaginal swabs samples were taken from participants after obtaining oral consent. The swabs were inoculated into Sabouraud's glucose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and incubated at 37°C for 24 to 48hours under aerobic conditions in order to perform fungal culture. The identification of the Candida species was done by culture on HiCrome Candida Differential Agar at 35°C for 48h for production of species-specific colors. RESULTS: A total of 229 pregnant women were included. The prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was 22.71%, (95% CI [17.45-28.69]). Candida albicans accounted for 40.39% and non-Candida albicans species for 59.61% of the isolates, with mainly C. glabrata (32.69%), C. tropicalis (15.38%) and C. krusei (11.54%). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high prevalence of non-C. albicans species. The syndromic management guidelines for VVC in Burkina Faso will be revised to include a specific protocol for pregnant women.

Expression of human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 in inflammatory bowel disease.

Cathelicidin peptide LL-37 plays an important role in the early host response against invading pathogens via its broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity. In this study, we investigated LL-37 expression in the inflamed mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of LL-37 induction was investigated in human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs). LL-37 mRNA expression and protein secretion were analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Intracellular signalling pathways were analysed using immunoblotting and specific small interference RNA (siRNA). The expression of LL-37 mRNA was increased significantly in the inflamed mucosa of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 ligand, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C), induced LL-37 mRNA expression and stimulated LL-37 secretion in colonic SEMFs. The transfection of siRNAs specific for intracellular signalling proteins [Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon (IFN) (TRIF), tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)6, transforming growth factor ß-activated kinase (TAK)1] suppressed the poly(I:C)-induced LL-37 mRNA expression significantly. Poly(I:C)-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activating factor protein (AP)-1. siRNAs specific for NF-κB and c-Jun inhibited poly(I:C)-induced LL-37 mRNA expression. LL-37 suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 expression significantly in colonic SEMFs. The expression of LL-37 was up-regulated in the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. LL-37 was induced by TLR-3 stimulation and exhibited an anti-microbial effect via interaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

In vitro susceptibility of Candida albicans clinical isolates to eight antifungal agents in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the infection Candida albicans infection worldwide has risen, and the incidence of resistance to traditional antifungal therapies is also increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro susceptibility of C. albicans clinical isolates to eight antifungal agents in Ouagadougou. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2015 at Yalgado Ouédraogo University Teaching Hospital. Two hundred seven strains have been isolated from 347 symptomatic patients received in different clinical services. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with Cloramphenicol. Isolates were diagnosed as C. albicans using germ tube test, chlamydospore formation on Corn Meal Agar, and Api-Candida test (Biomérieux). Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method and isolates classified as susceptible, susceptible dose-dependent and resistant. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-seven (347) patients are included in this study. Two hundred and six (206) out of 347 collected samples (59.36%) were found positive for C. albicans. The strains were mostly isolated from vulvovaginal (49%) and oral infections (40.3%). The highest resistance rates of azoles were obtained with fluconazole (66.5%), itraconazole (52.3%) and ketoconazole (22.9%) when all clinical isolates were included. The resistance rates of fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole remain highest for vulvovaginal and oral isolates. The rate of resistance to the polyene amphotericin B was 32.0% for all clinical isolates and was 56.4% for vulvovaginal strains. Resistance rate to nystatin was 6.3% for all clinical isolates. Cross-resistance analysis with data of all clinical strains revealed that the incidence of resistance to ketoconazole and itraconazole in fluconazole-resistant isolates was significantly higher than recorded for fluconazole-susceptible isolates. CONCLUSION: In vitro C. albicans antifungal susceptibility test in this study showed relatively high resistance to commonly and widely used azoles (fluconazole, ketoconazole). Most C. albicans clinical isolates were susceptible to nystatin.

[A case of rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis in Soudano-Sahelian tropical climate in Burkina Faso]. / Un cas d'entomophthoromycose rhinofaciale en climat tropical soudano-sahélien au Burkina Faso.

We describe a rhinofacial entomophthoramycosis case in a sexagenarian (65 years old) housewife. She was immunocompetent and resident of Burkina Faso. She consulted both the service of dermatology and the service of stomatology of the Teaching Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso in February 2016 for a diffuse facial tumefaction evolving over six months. This tumefaction was associated with headaches and a left nasal obstruction. Histological examination of the lesion showed an important and polymorphic inflammatory reaction. Also, a filamentous fungus with wide non-septated hyphae and right-angled fungal branching, consistent with mucormycosis was isolated. Mycological diagnosis based on fungal culture with Sabouraud medium without any antibiotic and cyclohexemide after incubation at 27°C and at 30°C was negative. Furthermore, it was not possible to amplify the DNA extracted from biopsy. Antifungal therapy based on the administration of fluconazole per os at 800mg/day was started allowing clinical improvement. This is the first case of a rhinofacial entomophtharomycosis documented in Bobo-Dioulasso. Rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis is largely unknown, even in tropical regions such as Burkina Faso. This lack of knowledge results in a delay in the diagnosis, and subsequently a bad prognosis. It is therefore urgent to improve knowledge on this disease to guide diagnostic steps, prognosis of outcome, and antifungal therapy.

Anti-Candida albicans natural products, sources of new antifungal drugs: A review.

INTRODUCTION: Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen in humans. Due to the development of drug resistance, there is today a need for new antifungal agents for the efficient management of C. albicans infections. Therefore, we reviewed antifungal activity, mechanisms of action, possible synergism with antifungal drugs of all natural substances experimented to be efficient against C. albicans for future. METHODS: An extensive and systematic review of the literature was undertaken and all relevant abstracts and full-text articles analyzed and included in the review. REVIEW: A total of 111 documents were published and highlighted 142 anti-C. albicans natural products. These products are mostly are reported in Asia (44.37%) and America (28.17%). According to in vitro model criteria, from the 142 natural substances, antifungal activity can be considered as important for 40 (28.20%) and moderate for 24 (16.90%). Sixteen products have their antifungal activity confirmed by in vivo gold standard experimentation. Microbial natural products, source of antifungals, have their antifungal mechanism well described in the literature: interaction with ergosterol (polyenes), inhibition 1,3-ß-d-glucan synthase (Echinocandins), inhibition of the synthesis of cell wall components (chitin and mannoproteins), inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis (serine palmitoyltransferase, ceramide synthase, inositol phosphoceramide synthase) and inhibition of protein synthesis (sordarins). Natural products from plants mostly exert their antifungal effects by membrane-active mechanism. Some substances from arthropods are also explored to act on the fungal membrane. Interestingly, synergistic effects were found between different classes of natural products as well as between natural products and azoles. CONCLUSION: Search for anti-C. albicans new drugs is promising since the list of natural substances, which disclose activity against this yeast is today long. Investigations must be pursued not only to found more new anti-Candida compounds from plants and organisms but also to carried out details on molecules from already known anti-Candida compounds and to more elucidate mechanisms of action.

[Multiple sites extrapodal actinomycetoma: Favorable outcome to treatment with a combination of cotrimoxazole and NSAI]. / Mycétome actinomycosique extrapodal plurifocal : bonne réponse au traitement par l'association cotrimoxazole et AINS.

Mycetoma is a bacteriological or fungal infectious disease affecting the skin and/or soft tissues, which can be complicated by bone involvement. The most common feature is a tumor of the foot, but extrapodal localizations have been described. We report one case of a 47-year-old man who presented with tumefaction of a leg with multiple skin fistulae. Histopathological examination permitted to confirm the diagnosis of actinomycetoma and TDM showed the degree of bone and soft tissues involvement. Our case was characterized by the very inflammatory aspect of the tumor, its localization to the leg without foot involvement, the modest functional signs compared to the importance of radiological bone involvements, the deep destruction of the fibula while the tibia was apparently intact and the good response to treatment. In spite of its characteristic features, diagnosis of mycetoma is still late in our country, often with bone and/or articular spread. Priority may be given to measures for reduction of mycetoma diagnosis lateness.

[Cryptococcosis: a potential aetiology of facial ulceration]. / La cryptococcose: une étiologie potentielle d'ulcération faciale.

UNLABELLED: Cutaneous cryptococcosis is an uncommon aetiology of chronic facial ulceration but which may be associated to a potentially lethal focus of cryptococcosis. OBSERVATION: A 35-year-old AIDS patient under antiretroviral therapy, presented with a chronic facial ulceration. Histopathological examination of a biopsy of the facial ulceration showed an inflammatory granuloma and masses of yeasts. Mycological culture of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed Cryptococcus neoformans. The diagnosis of AIDS-related cutaneous cryptococcosis of the face and cryptococcal meningitis was concluded. DISCUSSION: Cryptococcosis should be thought as a potential aetiology of a chronic facial ulceration in an AIDS patient. Screening of other foci of the cryptococcosis such as that of the central nervous system is mandatory. Mycological examinations are of great interest for the diagnosis in rare resources setting.

[Management of suspected cases of malaria before admission to a district hospital in Burkina Faso]. / Chemin de soin des cas présomptifs de paludisme admis dans un hôpital de district au Burkina Faso.

After widespread use and misuse of antimalarial drugs led to the emergence of resistance, new guidelines for malaria treatment with artemisinine-based combination therapy (ACT) were introduced in Burkina Faso in 2005. To describe the management (drug therapy and other practices) of patients with suspected malaria before their admission to the district hospital of Dô, seven years later. This cross-sectional study was conducted during admission to the district hospital, during the low season for malaria, from December 2010 to May 2011. It included all patients aged 6 months or older diagnosed with suspected malaria according to the criteria of the national malaria control program, excluding those with severe comorbidities. The study included 476 suspected cases, 422 (88.7%) uncomplicated and 54 (11.3%) complicated. They accounted for 7.9% of all admissions. Their mean age was 14.4 years, and 35.3% (n = 168) were younger than 5 years. Only 23 (4.8%) had first consulted in a primary health care facility; 346 (72.7%) had used initial self-medication (or, more precisely in some cases, parental administration of medication without medical consultation). Overall, 435 (91.4%) came directly to the district hospital, 331 (76.1%) of them after self-medication; 10 (2.1%) had first consulted a traditional healer. The practice of self-medication did not differ according to age, gender, or complications (p>0.05). The drugs used for self-medication were mainly antipyretics (94.5%) and antimalarials (16.8%); the latter included ACT (39.6%), quinine (19.0%), and non-recommended antimalarial agents (41.4%). During the malaria low season, the treatment itinerary of suspected malaria cases is marked by equal use of ACT and non-recommended antimalarials for self-medication and minimal use of the primary level of care. A study underway of this management and these itineraries during the epidemic season may provide more data about use of ACT, the last armament against malaria in drug-resistant areas such as Burkina Faso.

[Intestinal parasites in prisoners in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)]. / Prévalence du parasitisme intestinal en milieu carcéral à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of intestinal parasitosis in prisoners at the prison in Ouagadougou (MACO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: cross-sectional study from November 2009 to January 2010, including a survey to determine the risk factors and clinical signs of intestinal parasitosis. It also included laboratory examination of feces samples from 403 prisoners, by direct analysis, the Willis and Ritchie methods, and a scotch test for oxyuris (Enterobios vermicularis). RESULTS: The global prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 71.5%. There was a link between parasitism and the prison section. Amebae were the most frequent parasites (66.7%), with high prevalence of Entamœba coli (55.6%). They were followed by flagellata (16.6%), mainly Trichomonas intestinalis (9.2%). Helminths were less frequent (7.4%). Most subjects with parasites were symptomatic (diarrhea or constipation) (p = 10(-4)). CONCLUSION: our results highlight the need to improve sanitation at the prison and provide hygiene education for the prison population.

Seroprevalence of latent Toxoplasma gondii infection among HIV-infected pregnant women in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

The deficit of cellular immunity, as found in HIV infected individuals, may lead to the reactivation of latent Toxoplasma gondii cysts, with as consequence, the occurrence of toxoplasmosis and an eventual vertical transmission of the disease during pregnancy. The present study was designed for determining the occurrence of latent Toxoplasma gondii among HIV-infected pregnant women during the first trimester in Bobo-Dioulasso. Thus, 348 pregnant women aged from 17 to 47 years (average age of 6.64 ± 4.75 yaers) were enrolled. The specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were quantified from whole blood specimens using the high-sensitivity direct agglutination and the enzyme linked fluorescent assays, respectively, the IgG avidity test being used for the dating of the primary infection. The results revealed that the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii latent infection was 34.7%. It was significantly higher in HIV-infected women compared with uninfected ones (68,7%; CI 95%: 43,6%-88,9%) versus (33,1%; CI 95%: 28, 2%-38,3%). In addition, all the occurrences of the high IgG avidity were closely linked with the presence of IgM. These results underlined the need for the clinical follow-up of the maternal HIV diseases including the toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy since; the newborns are still exposed to vertical transmission of Toxoplasma infection in endemic areas like Burkina Faso.

[Screening and management of the maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso]. / Depistage et prise en charge de la toxoplasmose maternelle et congenitale a Bobo-Doulasso, Burkina Faso.

The objectives of this prospective study, conducted from November 2011 to July 2013, in Bobo-Dioulasso were to evaluate seroprevalence of toxoplasma infection and to screen for maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis during pergravidic monitoring. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Techniques of High Sensitivity Direct Agglutination (HSDA) and Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) were used for the detection of IgG and IgM toxoplasma respectively. The IgG avidity assay was used for the dating of seroconversion. Screening and monitoring for fetal lesions were echographic. In case of seroconversion, a prenatal treatment with pyrimethamine and sulphonamide was introduced. Systematically and regularly immunoassay surveillance of newborn from cases of recent pergravidic toxoplasmosis was performed until complete and final negativity of serology. RESULTS: In total 301 pregnant women were included. The overall seroprevalence was 31.9%. Three cases of seroconversion (0.9%) including two cases at the 22nd and one at the 41th week of amenorrhea were noted. Series of obstetrical echography have detected no case of fetal Toxoplasma gondii infection and no congenital toxoplasmosis was detected. CONCLUSION: This study underlines the importance of implementation of a legal disposition for screening and routine monitoring of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. This is due to the low rate (31.9%) of toxoplasma immunity among gestante in Burkina Faso that may lead to pergravidic acute toxoplasmosis or congenital toxoplasmosis whose outcome is often fatal.

Les objectifs de la présente étude prospective conduite de Novembre 2011 à Juillet 2013 à Bobo-Dioulasso ont été d'évaluer la séroprévalence de l'infection toxoplasmique et de dépister une toxoplasmose maternelle et congénitale au cours du suivi pergravidique. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Les techniques d'agglutination haute sensibilité (ADHS) et ELFA (enzyme linked fluorescent assay) ont respectivement servi à la détection des IgG et d'IgM anti toxoplasmiques. Le test d'avidité des IgG a servi à la datation de la séroconversion. Le dépistage et le suivi des lésions fœtales ont été échographiques. En cas de séroconversion, un traitement anténatal associant pyriméthamine et sulfamide a été instauré. Une surveillance immunologique systématique et régulière du nouveau-né issu de cas de séroconversion toxoplasmqiue a été faite jusqu'à négativation complète et définitive de la sérologie. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 301 gestantes ont été incluses. La séroprévalence globale a été de 31,9%. Trois cas de séroconversion (0,9%) dont deux à la 22 ème et un à la 41ème semaine d'aménorrhée ont été notés. Les séries d'échographies obstétricales n'ont dépisté aucun cas d'infection toxoplasmique fœtale et aucune toxoplasmose congénitale n'a été détectée. CONCLUSION: Cette étude souligne l'intérêt de la mise en place d'une disposition légale de dépistage et de surveillance systématique de la toxoplasmose gestationnelle. Ceci en raison du faible taux (31,9%) de l'immunité toxoplasmique de la gestante au Burkina Faso qui peut conduire à une toxoplasmose aiguë pergravidique voire une toxoplasmose congénitale dont l'issue est parfois fatale.

[Epidemiological profile, clinical and therapeutic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Department of Dermatology at University Hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso]. / Profil épidémiologique, clinique et thérapeutique de la leishmaniose cutanée dans le Service de Dermatologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

It is a retrospective study in the Service of Dermatology at the University Hospital Center Yalgado Ouédraogo of Ouagadougou (C.H.U.-YO). This study aimed to list the leishmaniasis clinical cases reported in the registers of this department from January 1999 to December 2007. In total, 251 leishmaniasis clinical cases have been reported. The hospital prevalence was 1,1%. Women represented 53% versus 47% men. The average age of patients was 22,78 ans +/- 121. The most frequent clinical forms were those often crusted (40.2%), papulo ulcerative (16.7%) and papulonodular (13.9%). Lesions most often sat on the lower limbs (33%) and thoracic limbs (45%). On the therapeutic level, the first line treatment meglumine antimonite (Glucantime) accounted for only 25.9% of prescriptions.

Regulation of eotaxin-3/CC chemokine ligand 26 expression by T helper type 2 cytokines in human colonic myofibroblasts.

Eotaxins induce the trafficking of eosinophils to the sites of inflammation via CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3). In this study, we investigated eotaxin-3/CC chemokine ligand 26 (CCL26) expression in the inflamed mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and characterized the molecular mechanisms responsible for eotaxin-3 expression in human colonic myofibroblasts. Eotaxin-3 mRNA and protein expression was evaluated by real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Eotaxin-3 mRNA expression was elevated significantly in the active lesions of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Significant elevations were also observed in the active lesions of Crohn's disease (CD) patients, but this was significantly lower than that detected in the active UC lesions. There were no significant increases in the inactive lesions of UC or CD patients. Colonic myofibroblasts were identified as a major source of eotaxin-3 in the colonic mucosa, and interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 enhanced eotaxin-3 mRNA and protein expression significantly in these cells. There was a significant positive correlation between mucosal eotaxin-3 and IL-4 mRNA expression in the active lesions of IBD patients. The IL-4- and IL-13-induced eotaxin-3 mRNA expression was regulated by the signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT-6) and suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)1-mediated pathways. Interferon (IFN)-γ acts as a negative regulator on the IL-4- and IL-13-induced eotaxin-3 expression via STAT-1 activation. Eotaxin-3 expression was elevated specifically in the active lesions of IBD, in particular UC. Eotaxin-3 derived from colonic myofibroblasts may play an important role in the pathophysiology of UC.

Epithelial expression of interleukin-37b in inflammatory bowel disease.

Interleukin (IL)-37 is a member of the IL-1 cytokine family. We investigated IL-37b expression in the inflamed mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Furthermore, we analysed IL-37b expression in human colonic epithelial cells. The human colonic epithelial cell line T84 and human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs) were used. IL-37b expression in the IBD mucosa was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. IL-37b mRNA and protein expression were determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. IL-37b was not detected in the normal colonic mucosa. In the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients, epithelial IL-37b expression was increased markedly. In ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients, IL-37b expression was enhanced in the affected mucosa. In the intestinal epithelial cell line T84, the expression of IL-37b mRNA and protein was enhanced by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. This IL-37b induction by TNF-α was mediated by nuclear factor (NF)-κB and activator protein (AP)-1 activation. Furthermore, IL-37b inhibited TNF-α-induced interferon-γ-inducible protein (IP)-10 expression significantly in human colonic SEMFs. Epithelial IL-37b expression was increased in IBD patients, especially UC patients. IL-37b may be involved in the pathophysiology of IBD as an anti-inflammatory cytokine and an inhibitor of both innate and acquired immune responses.