[Hepatitis A virus immune status of Antilles military personnel: incidence after prophylaxis]. / Statut immunologique des militaires d'origine antillaise vis-à-vis du virus de i'hépatite A: incidence sur la prophylaxie.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the value of systematic vaccination of recruits from French overseas departments and territories (DOM-TOM) against hepatitis A. Between July 1994 and May 1995 tests to defect anti-HVA antibodies were performed on all new recruits from the French West Indies (Guadeloupe and Martinique). Of the 1685 subjects tested 346 presented type IgG anti-HVA antibodies, i.e. 20.5% overall. Seroprevalence increased from 4% in 18 year-olds to 35% in 25 year-olds and was significantly higher in recruits from Gaudeloupe (26.7%) than from Martinique (15.6%) (p < 0.001). The overall seroprevalence rate was similar to the rate observed in young recruits from mainland France in 1990. These findings indicate that hepatitis A has decreased in the French West Indies in agreement with improvements with sanitary and housing conditions. This study also supports vaccination of recruits from DOM-TOM against hepatitis A after control of their immune status.

Sickle cell trait in Ivory Coast athletic champions, 1956-1989.

Thirteen sickle cell trait carriers (SCTC) were found among 129 Ivory Coast champions or record holders in races for the period from 1956 to 1989 (10.1%). These 13 SCTC won 33 titles and national records (7.0%): 32 (12.5%) in races of 400 m or less and only one (0.004%) in races of 800 m or more, and the highest-performing SCTC won 8 titles and national records. A comparison with non-SCTC Ivory Coast champions shows that SCTC won significantly fewer titles than non-SCTC in long-distance races and that they won fewer titles during their careers.

Risk of transfusion-associated HIV transmission in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Between 5 March and 12 April 1990, we assessed transfusion practices and the risk of transfusion-associated HIV transmission in all the hospitals and medical centres in Kinshasa, Zaire. Of the 733 hospitals and medical centres surveyed, 62 (8.5%) transfuse blood. Of 3741 units of blood transfused in February 1990, 1045 (27.9%) were not screened for HIV infection. Eighteen out of 62 centres (29%) received HIV test kits on a regular basis. Twenty of the centres (32.3%) recorded HIV test results. Major blood group cross-matching was done by 9.7% (six out of 62) of the centres. Bacteriological results indicated contamination in 17% (four out of 23) of stocked blood units, 6.4% (four out of 62) of solutions for disinfections, and 22% (13 out of 59) of sterilized instruments (possessed by 59 centres only). Transfusion practices in Kinshasa are associated with considerable health risks. The establishment and appropriate supervision of HIV screening facilities should be integrated into primary health-care programmes in order to increase safe transfusions in Kinshasa.

PIP: Between March 5-April 12, 1990, the authors assessed transfusion practices and the risk of transfusion-associated HIV transmission in all of the hospitals and medical centers in Kinshasa, Zaire. Of the 733 hospitals and medical centers surveyed, 62 (8.5%) transfuse blood. Of 3741 units of blood transfused in February 1990, 1045 (27.9%) were not screened for HIV infection. 18 of 62 centers (29%) received HIV test kits on a regular basis. 20 of the centers (32.3%) recorded HIV test results. Major blood group cross-matching was done by 9.7% (6 of 62) of the centers. Bacteriological results indicated contamination in 17% (4 of 23) of stocked blood units, 6.4% (4 of 62) solutions for disinfections, and 22% (13 of 59) of sterilized instruments (possessed by only 59 centers). Transfusion practices in Kinshasa are associated with considerable health risks. The establishment and appropriate supervision of HIV screening facilities should be integrated into primary healthcare programs in order to increase safe transfusions in Kinshasa.

[Immunomodulating properties of an extract isolated and partially purified from Aloe vahombe. 3. Study of antitumoral properties and contribution to the chemical nature and active principle]. / Etude des propriétés immunodulatrices d'un extrait isolé et partiéllement purifié à partir de l'Aloe vahombe. 3. Etude des propriétés antitumorales et contribution à l'étude de la nature chimique du principe actif.

An immuno-modulator fraction (Alva) extracted from an endemic plant, in the south of Madagascar, the Aloe vahombe, significantly protects mice against bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. Wishing to verify whether the fraction Alva was active in tumour reduction, we studied its effect on the development of experimental fibrosarcoma and melanoma in mice by intravenous and intracutaneous injections and injections directly into the tumour of the immunostimulant fraction. We have observed cures, only in the case of the McC3-1 tumour but it is encouraging to note that under different experimental conditions the rate of growth of tumours in animals which were treated is slower than in those not treated. The Alva fraction is a substance which is hydrosoluble, thermostabile, having a molecular weight exceeding 30 000 and is a polysaccharide. The predominant sugars are glucose and mannose in 3:1 ratio. Preliminary studies of its action seem to indicate that the Alva fraction acts upon non-specific response and could possibly stimulate the phagocyte activity of the peritoneal macrophagus.

[Leukocyte count in French people living in Mali]. / La formule leucocytaire des Français vivant au Mali.

The authors studied the leucocytes count of 173 French people living in Mali (West Africa) during 4 years. 8.3% of these subjects presented neutropenia under 1,800/mm3, 12.2% had lymphocytosis over 4,000/mm3 and 11.6% hypereosinophilia over 500/mm3. These abnormalities differ considerably from one year to another in the same subject; their frequency does not depend upon the age, the sex, the duration of the stay in Africa. Eosinophilia is secondary to helminthiasis. Neutropenia and lymphocytosis are probably secondary to unknown evironmental factors.