A pain in the rear.

Tuberculosis is an endemic disease in Senegal. Cutaneous forms are rare and are characterized by their clinical polymorphism. They account for 2% of the extrapulmonary locations of tuberculosis [1, 2]. We report an observation of a tuberculous gumma of the buttock that led to the discovery of an active pulmonary localization in an immunocompetent adult. A 47-year-old man was admitted for a painful swelling of the right buttock that had been developing for four years. The physical examination noted an indurated, multinodular, and polyfistulized plaque, with confluent yellowish pus emission, on the inferomedial face of the right buttock, associated with bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Cutaneous tuberculosis was found in the histology, which showed TB granuloma, and the gastric tube fluid was positive for acid-fast bacilli. Thoracoabdominopelvic CT showed multiple basal acinar micronodules in both lungs. Serology was negative for both HIV and HBV. All signs of tuberculosis disappeared after six months of treatment. In endemic zones, cutaneous tuberculosis is characterized by its clinical polymorphism. It must also be looked for in any perineal abscess. Early management greatly improves the prognosis.

The effectiveness and safety of introducing condom-catheter uterine balloon tamponade for postpartum haemorrhage at secondary level hospitals in Uganda, Egypt and Senegal: a stepped wedge, cluster-randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of introducing condom-catheter uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) management in low- and middle-income settings. DESIGN: Stepped wedge, cluster-randomised trial. SETTING: Eighteen secondary-level hospitals in Uganda, Egypt and Senegal. POPULATION: Women with vaginal delivery from October 2016 to March 2018. METHODS: Use of condom-catheter UBT for PPH management was introduced using a half-day training and provision of pre-packaged UBT kits. Hospitals were randomised to when UBT was introduced. The incident rate (IR) of study outcomes was compared in the control (i.e. before UBT) and intervention (i.e. after UBT) periods. Mixed effects regression models accounted for clustering (random effect) and time period (fixed effect). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Combined IR of PPH-related invasive surgery and/or maternal death. RESULTS: There were 28 183 and 31 928 deliveries in the control and intervention periods, respectively. UBT was used for 9/1357 and 55/1037 women diagnosed with PPH in control and intervention periods, respectively. PPH-related surgery or maternal death occurred in 19 women in the control period (IR = 6.7/10 000 deliveries) and 37 in the intervention period (IR = 11.6/10 000 deliveries). The adjusted IR ratio was 4.08 (95% confidence interval 1.07-15.58). Secondary outcomes, including rates of transfer and blood transfusion, were similar in the trial periods. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of condom-catheter UBT in these settings did not improve maternal outcomes and was associated with an increase in the combined incidence of PPH-related surgery and maternal death. The lack of demonstrated benefit of UBT introduction with respect to severe outcomes warrants reflection on its role. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Stepped wedge trial shows UBT introduction does not reduce the combined incidence of PPH-related surgery or death.

Spatial mRNA Expression and Response to Fasting and Refeeding of Neutral Amino Acid Transporters slc6a18 and slc6a19a in the Intestinal Epithelium of Mozambique tilapia.

The mRNA expressions of the epithelial neutral amino acid transporters slc6a18 and slc6a19a in the five segments (HL, PMC, GL, DMC, and TS) of the intestine of Mozambique tilapia, and their responses to fasting and refeeding were investigated for a better understanding of the functional and nutritional characteristics of slc6a18 and slc6a19a. Although both slc6a18 and slc6a19a were expressed mainly in the intestine, these genes showed opposing spatial distributions along the intestine. The slc6a18 was mainly expressed in the middle (GL) and posterior (DMC and TS) intestines, while slc6a19a was specifically expressed in the anterior intestine (HL and PMC). Large decreases of amino acid concentrations from the HL to GL imply that amino acids are mainly absorbed before reaching the GL, suggesting an important role of slc6a19a in the absorption. Moreover, substantial amounts of some neutral amino acids with the isoelectric point close to 6 remain in the GL. These are most likely the remaining unabsorbed amino acids or those from of amino acid antiporters which release neutral amino acids in exchange for uptake of its substrates. These amino acids were diminished in the TS, suggesting active absorption in the posterior intestine. This suggests that slc6a18 is essential to complete the absorption of neutral amino acids. At fasting, significant downregulation of slc6a19a expression was observed from the initial up to day 2 and became stable from day 4 to day 14 in the HL and PMC suggesting that slc6a19a expression reflects nutritional condition in the intestinal lumen. Refeeding stimulates slc6a19a expression, although expressions did not exceed the initial level within 3 days after refeeding. The slc6a18 expression was decreased during fasting in the GL but no significant change was observed in the DMC. Only a transient decrease was observed at day 2 in the TS. Refeeding did not stimulate slc6a18 expression. Results in this study suggest that Slc6a18 and Slc6a19 have different roles in the intestine, and that both of these contribute to establish the efficient neutral amino acid absorption system in the tilapia.

[Laryngeal Tuberculosis Diagnosed in a Pathological Laboratory in Senegal (2011-2015)]. / La tuberculose laryngée diagnostiquée dans un laboratoire d'anatomie pathologique du Sénégal (2011­2015).

Laryngeal tuberculosis (LT) is a rare disease. The therapy for LT is easy but the diagnosis remains a challenge for the pathologist and the laryngologist because of the absence of specific signs. The objective was to analyze the epidemiological and pathological profiles of LT cases in Dakar (Senegal) with a view to better understand this pathology. This study was a retrospective and descriptive of LT cases diagnosed in pathology laboratories in Senegal during five years (2011-2015). The LT was found in 9 cases. The mean age at diagnosis was 41.9 years (18/58) without sex predominance (sex-ratio = 0.8). Tobacco intoxication (3/9), tuberculosis contagion (1/9), HIV immunodepression (2/9), and diabetes (1/9) were the various risk factors found. Dysphonia was a constant symptom (9/9) associated with dysphagia (2/9) and cervical adenopathy (1/9). The macroscopic presentation was tumoral-like (7/9) and erythematosus and fibrinoid (2/9). The LT was of glottic seat in all the cases (9/9) with participation on top-glottic in two of the cases. The biopsy was performed in all patients. It reported tuberculous granuloma in four cases (4/9), tuberculoid granuloma in one case (1/9), and chronic lymphocytic laryngitis in four cases (4/9). CT-scan of the lungs was pathological in five patients (5/9). Evolution was favorable in all cases under "conventional tuberculosis treatment" over a period of six months. The diagnosis of LT requires a high collaboration between the laryngologist and the pathologist.

La tuberculose laryngée (TL) est une affection rare de diagnostic difficile à cause de l'absence de signes spécifiques. L'objectif de cette étude rétrospective était d'analyser les profils épidémiocliniques et anatomopathologiques des cas de TL diagnostiqués dans un laboratoire d'anatomie pathologique du Sénégal. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive des cas de TL sur cinq ans (2011­2015). La TL a été retrouvée dans neuf cas. L'âge moyen au diagnostic était de 41,9 ans (18/58) sans prédominance de sexe (sex-ratio = 0,8). Le tabagisme (3/9), le contage tuberculeux (1/9), l'immunodépression au VIH (2/9) et le diabète (1/9) étaient les différents facteurs de risque retrouvés. La dysphonie était un symptôme constant (9/9), accompagnée d'une dysphagie (2/9) et d'adénopathies cervicales (1/9). L'aspect macroscopique était pseudotumoral (7/9) et érythématoblanchâtre (2/9). La TL était de siège glottique dans tous les cas (9/9), avec participation sus-glottique dans deux cas. La biopsie systématique notait un granulome tuberculeux dans quatre cas (4/9), un granulome tuberculoïde dans un cas (1/9) et une laryngite chronique lymphocytaire dans quatre cas. L'évolution était favorable dans tous les cas sous traitement médical. Le diagnostic de la TL nécessite une collaboration parfaite et étroite entre l'otorhinolaryngologue et le pathologiste.

[Undifferentiated Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx in Dakar, an Area Supposed to be Non-Endemic: about 13 Cases]. / Carcinomes indifférenciés du nasopharynx à Dakar, une zone supposée non endémique : à propos de 13 cas.

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx (UCNT) has variable incidence throughout the world. Senegal is supposed to be a non-endemic zone. There is a constant connection with the Epstein-Barr virus. In this work, the authors study and discuss the pathological aspects of undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx in 13 cases. They also seek to make the link between this cancer and the presence of an Epstein-Barr virus infection in these patients. This is a retrospective series of cases involving patients with UCNT, diagnosed on histological basis in Dakar and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. An EBV search was performed on these cases through in situ hybridization by the EBER probe. 15 cases diagnosed on histological basis were able to benefit from immunohistochemistry, and 13 cases were confirmed, ie 87%. The mean age was 28.37 years with extremes of 5 and 56 years. The male sex predominated, with a sex ratio of 8/3. The macroscopic lesions were of ulcerous-budding type for cases revealed by a mass of the cavum. The histological aspect resulted in a proliferation of atypical undifferentiated cells, with large, clear, strongly nucleated nuclei, with eosinophilic cytoplasm, scarcely abundant. The stroma was of the lymphoid type. In situ hybridization with the EBER probe showed moderate or intense diffuse scarring of the tumor cells for 10 cases, ie 77%. The number of cases noted in our study taking into account the period of 10 years considered, is indicative of the rare nature of this type of cancer in Dakar. While globally, Epstein-Barr Virus is consistently associated with UCNT, for some of our cases we have not been able to highlight EBV, suggesting the possible involvement of other risk factors, such as HPV.

Les auteurs étudient et discutent les aspects anatomopathologiques du carcinome indifférencié du nasopharynx (UCNT) au Sénégal à propos de 13 cas. Ils recherchent par ailleurs à faire le lien entre ce cancer et la présence d'une infection par le virus d'Epstein-Barr (EBV) chez ces patients. Il s'agit d'une série rétrospective de patients porteurs d'UCNT, diagnostiqués sur base histologique à Dakar sur 10 ans, et confirmés par l'immunohistochimie. Une recherche d'EBV a été effectuée sur ces cas en hybridation in situ par la sonde EBER. Quinze cas diagnostiqués sur base histologique ont pu bénéficier de l'immunohistochimie et 13 cas ont été confirmés, soit 87 %. L'âge moyen était de 28,37 ans avec des extrêmes de 5 et 56 ans. Le sexe masculin prédominait, avec un sex-ratio de 8/3. Les lésions macroscopiques étaient de type ulcéro-bourgeonnant pour les cas se révélant par une masse du cavum. L'aspect histologique se traduisait par une prolifération de cellules indifférenciées atypiques, aux noyaux volumineux, clairs, fortement nucléolés, aux cytoplasmes éosinophiles, peu abondants. Le stroma était de type lymphoïde. L'hybridation in situ avec la sonde EBER montrait un marquage diffus modéré ou intense des cellules tumorales pour 10 cas, soit 77 %. Le nombre de cas notés dans notre étude, tenant compte de la période de 10 ans considérée, est révélateur du caractère rare de ce type de cancer à Dakar. Si à l'échelle mondiale, le virus d'Epstein-Barr est constamment associé à l'UCNT, pour certains de nos cas nous n'avons pas pu mettre en évidence EBV, suggérant l'implication possible d'autres facteurs de risque, tel que le papillomavirus humain (HPV).

Strengthening human genetics research in Africa: report of the 9th meeting of the African Society of Human Genetics in Dakar in May 2016.

The 9th meeting of the African Society of Human Genetics, in partnership with the Senegalese Cancer Research and Study Group and the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Consortium, was held in Dakar, Senegal. The theme was Strengthening Human Genetics Research in Africa. The 210 delegates came from 21 African countries and from France, Switzerland, UK, UAE, Canada and the USA. The goal was to highlight genetic and genomic science across the African continent with the ultimate goal of improving the health of Africans and those across the globe, and to promote the careers of young African scientists in the field. A session on the sustainability of genomic research in Africa brought to light innovative and practical approaches to supporting research in resource-limited settings and the importance of promoting genetics in academic, research funding, governmental and private sectors. This meeting led to the formation of the Senegalese Society for Human Genetics.

Le 9ème congrès de la Société Africaine de Génétique Humaine, en partenariat avec le Groupe d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Cancer (GERC) et le Consortium H3Africa, s'est tenu à Dakar, au Sénégal. Le thème était «Renforcer la recherche en Génétique Humaine en Afrique¼. Les 210 participants sont venus de 21 pays africains et de six non africains. L'objectif était de valoriser la génétique et la génomique à travers l'Afrique avec comme but ultime d'améliorer la santé des populations, et de promouvoir les carrières des jeunes chercheurs Africains. Une session sur la pérennité de la recherche génomique a révélé des approches innovantes et pratiques supportant la recherche dans des contextes de ressources limitées et l'importance de promouvoir la formation universitaire en génétique, le financement de la recherche par les gouvernements et le privé. Ce congrès conduisit à la création de la Société Sénégalaise de Génétique Humaine.

Effects of fasting and refeeding on gene expression of slc15a1a, a gene encoding an oligopeptide transporter (PepT1), in the intestine of Mozambique tilapia.

The tissue distribution of slc15a1a, a gene that encodes an oligopeptide transporter, PepT1, and its response to fasting and refeeding were investigated in the intestinal epithelium of Mozambique tilapia for a better understanding of its role on nutrient absorption. The slc15a1a was predominantly expressed in the absorptive epithelia of the anterior part of the intestine, suggesting that digested oligopeptides are primarily absorbed in the anterior intestine. The response of slc15a1a to fasting was evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14days after the last feeding. Fasting revealed a biphasic effect, where short-term fasting significantly upregulated slc15a1a expression and long-term fasting resulted in downregulation. The expression level continued to decrease and fell below the pre-fasted level from day 4 to 14. Proximal (the hepatic loop, HL) and distal parts (the proximal major coil, PMC) of the anterior intestine showed different magnitudes of responses to fasting; slc15a1a expression in the PMC showed greater upregulation and downregulation than that in the HL. Refeeding significantly stimulated slc15a1a expression at day 3, although the expression did not exceed the pre-fasted level. Observed responses of slc15a1a to fasting and refeeding suggest that the expression level of this gene can serve as a sensitive indicator of the changes that may occur in altering nutritional conditions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of PepT1 in nutrition and of the complex mechanisms underlying the absorption of oligopeptides and amino acids in the intestine, and may lead to development of possible means to manipulate the absorption processes for the improvement of growth and other metabolic and physiological conditions in fish.

Discoveries about tubercolosis from autopsies: topographical and morphological profiles of lesions in dakar (Senegal).

Tuberculosis is endemic in Senegal. It is rate of increase and high mortality rate make it a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to describe the topographic, macroscopic, and microscopic aspects of tuberculosis lesions responsible for deaths in Dakar. This is a retrospective study of 158 autopsy reports, collected over 10 years, of deaths due to tuberculosis. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was essentially macroscopic; only equivocal cases had histological analysis. The average age at death was 47 years, and nearly all patients were men (all but 5). The largest percentage of deaths were in the 56-60 year old age group (21.6%, n = 34). Cachexia (70.3%), pallor (44.3%), and hemoptysis (20.9%) were found in the external examination of these corpses. Autopsy of the viscera showed pulmonary disease in 98.7% of cases (n = 156), both bilateral and extensive. Renal and pericardial disease were rare, found in respectively 3.8% and 2.5% of cases. Macroscopic aspects of tuberculosis were various and often related. Miliary tuberculosis (81%), small nodule tuberculosis (76.6%), and tuberculomas (62%) were the lesions most commonly encountered. Histologic analysis showed these lesions were of different ages. Tubercles (Koster follicles) were found consistently. Caseous necrosis was pathognomonic. Tuberculosis remains a deadly disease in Dakar, it mainly affects men and older individuals.

[Assistance and Support Units for the elderly: A tool for promoting health in seniors: Example of the CAAPA unit of "Sicap Rue 10", in Dakar]. / Cellules D'aide et D'appui aux Personnes Agees : Outil de promotion de la sante des seniors : Exemple la CAAPA de « Sicap Rue 10 ¼ a Dakar.

As a body for reflection, dialogue and integration, the CAAPA Assistance and Support Unit of "Sicap Rue 10" allows the elderly to fully participate in the life of their society while being in good health. The unit has been set up by the local authorities following recommendations from interdepartmental cabinet meeting on 13 November, 200. Nine years after the creation of the unit, it becomes important to evaluate the degree of community participation of the elderly within that unit. This is a qualitative, descriptive and analytic study that took place from 9 October to 23 October, 2010. The two methods used to collect the data are interviewing and focus group. Using Bichmann's scale, which has been modified and adapted, the results have shown an "average-level" participation of the elderly in the creation of the CAAPA unit, its implementation as well as the follow-up and the evaluation of its activities; this participation being "open" in the composition of the piloting committee and "restricted" in mobilizing and managing material and financial resources. Recommendations have been stated for the CAAPA unit to fully play its role.

La Cellule d'Appui et d'Aide aux Personnes Agées (CAAPA) de la SICAP rue 10, instance de réflexion, de concertation et d'intégration permet aux personnes âgées de participer à la vie sociale tout en se maintenant en bonne santé. Elle a été mise en place par les autorités de la dite localité suite aux recommandations du conseil interministériel du 13 novembre 2003. Neuf années après sa mise en œuvre, il est important d'évaluer le degré de participation communautaire des personnes âgées dans le fonctionnement de cette CAAPA. Il s'agit d'une étude qualitative descriptive et analytique qui s'est déroulée du 09 au 23 Octobre 2010. Les techniques de collecte des données utilisées sont l'entretien individuel et le focus group. Grâce à l'échelle de Bichmann modifiée et adaptée, les résultats ont montré une participation des personnes âgées « moyenne ¼ dans la conception de la CAAAPA, la mise en œuvre ainsi que le suivi/évaluation des activités, « ouverte ¼ dans la composition du comité de pilotage et « restreinte ¼ dans la mobilisation et la gestion des ressources matérielles et financières. Des recommandations ont été proposées pour que la CAAPA puisse jouer pleinement son rôle.

[Satisfaction with obstetrical care: development and validation of a scale on quality of care]. / Satisfaction des soins obstétricaux : élaboration et validation d'une échelle de mesure de la qualité des soins.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a subjective and multidimensional scale to measure satisfaction in obstetrical care (SSO) during labour, delivery and two hours postpartum, which is relevant to the French-speaking context. PATIENTS ET METHODS: Forty partially directed patient interviews during the 48 hours after delivery and four care-giver interviews were conducted to build up the questionnaire. After a prior feasibility study on 40 patients, the psychometric validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by calculating the Cronbach coefficient of reliability for 432 patients. RESULTS: Hundred and eighty items were initially obtained after content analysis of the patient interviews. Expert meetings finally selected 49 items classified within 5 dimensions. The feasibility study showed that the questionnaire was easily accepted and understood with a mean time of 15 minutes to answer it. Cronbach coefficients were respectively at 0.941, 0.949, 0.808, 0.814 et 0.869 for the 5 dimensions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: SSO questionnaire is a reliable and relevant scale to measure immediate postpartum quality of care in French.

Plio-Pleistocene history and phylogeography of Acacia senegal in dry woodlands and savannahs of sub-Saharan tropical Africa: evidence of early colonisation and recent range expansion.

Drylands are extensive across sub-Saharan Africa, socio-economically and ecologically important yet highly sensitive to environmental changes. Evolutionary history, as revealed by contemporary intraspecific genetic variation, can provide valuable insight into how species have responded to past environmental and population changes and guide strategies to promote resilience to future changes. The gum arabic tree (Acacia senegal) is an arid-adapted, morphologically diverse species native to the sub-Saharan drylands. We used variation in nuclear sequences (internal transcribed spacer (ITS)) and two types of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers (PCR-RFLP, cpSSR) to study the phylogeography of the species with 293 individuals from 66 populations sampled across its natural range. cpDNA data showed high regional and rangewide haplotypic diversity (h(T(cpSSR))=0.903-0.948) and population differentiation (G(ST(RFLP))=0.700-0.782) with a phylogeographic pattern that indicated extensive historical gene flow via seed dispersal. Haplotypes were not restricted to any of the four varieties, but showed significant geographic structure (G(ST(cpSSR))=0.392; R(ST)=0.673; R(ST)>R(ST) (permuted)), with the major division separating East and Southern Africa populations from those in West and Central Africa. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS data indicated a more recent origin for the clade including West and Central African haplotypes, suggesting range expansion in this region, possibly during the Holocene humid period. In conjunction with paleobotanical evidence, our data suggest dispersal to West Africa, and across to the Arabian Peninsula and Indian subcontinent, from source populations located in the East African region during climate oscillations of the Plio-Pleistocene.

Amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy: a critical review.

Although amiodarone is the most commonly prescribed anti-arrhythmic drug, its use is limited by serious toxicities, including optic neuropathy. Current reports of amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy identified from the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System and published case reports were reviewed. A total of 296 reports were identified: 214 from the Adverse Event Reporting System, 59 from published case reports, and 23 from adverse events reports for patients enrolled in clinical trials. Mean duration of amiodarone therapy before vision loss was 9 months (range 1-84 months). Insidious onset of amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy (44%) was the most common presentation, and nearly one third were asymptomatic. Optic disk edema was present in 85% of cases. Following drug cessation, 58% had improved visual acuity, 21% were unchanged, and 21% had further decreased visual acuity. Legal blindness (<20/200) was noted in at least one eye in 20% of cases. Close ophthalmologic surveillance of patients during the tenure of amiodarone administration is warranted.

[Schistosoma-induced granulomatous panniculitis. An unusual presentation of cutaneous schistosomiasis]. / Panniculite granulomateuse bilharzienne. Une présentation inhabituelle de la bilharziose cutanée.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous schistosomiasis is extremely rare, even in endemic regions. It usually leads to non-specific papulonodular lesions in the perigenital area. We report a case of cutaneous schistosomiasis presenting as panniculitis. CASE REPORT: An 8-year-old girl was admitted for a large multinodular, indurated plaque over the perineum that gradually spread over a year in a setting of hypereosinophilia. Ultrasonography showed thickening of the bladder and a significant bilateral ureteral hydronephrosis. Histological examination revealed numerous granulomas Schistosoma haematobium ova at their centre and within the hypodermis. Treatment with praziquantel 40 mg/kg resulted in regression of cutaneous lesions within 3 weeks. DISCUSSION: We report a case of Schistosoma-induced granulomatous panniculitis that is noteworthy in terms of its clinical appearance, perineal location, association with severe urinary involvement and rapid regression under treatment. The current extent of endemic schistosomiasis and its severity justify greater awareness of this unusual cutaneous presentation, which to our knowledge has never previously been reported.

[Effect of intermittent presumptive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine on the acquisition of anti-VAR2CSA antibodies in pregnant women living in a hypoendemic area in Senegal]. / Influence du traitement présomptif intermittent par la sulfadoxinepyriméthamine sur l'acquisition d'anticorps anti-VAR2CSA chez la femme enceinte vivant en zone hypoendémique au Sénégal.

The impact of intermittent presumptive treatment (IPT) on the immunity of pregnant women in Senegal is still not very well known. We conducted a prospective study at the Roi-Baudouin maternity of Guediawaye in Senegal to assess IgG antibodies production against MSP1, GLURP and DBL5 in pregnant women under IPT. Blood samples were collected from the participating women at inclusion and delivery. Samples were analyzed after centrifugation for the detection of IgG antibodies in sera by Elisa. Informed consent was given by each study participant prior to their inclusion. A total of 101 eligible women aged from 18 to 44 were included in this study. Multigravidae women represented 70.3% of the study population, whereas primigravidae accounted for 29.7%. The IgG level decreased slightly from inclusion to delivery for the women with regard to anti-MSP1 (83.1at inclusion versus 79.5 at delivery, p = 0.52) as well as anti-GLURP-R2 (84.1 at inclusion versus 75.9 at delivery, p = 0.16). After adjustment for number of pregnancies, there was a significant decrease in the production of anti-VAR2CSA between inclusion and delivery (p < 0.05). By reducing the incidence of malaria during pregnancy, IPT reduced the acquisition of placental parasites antibodies suppressors which could delay the development of protective immunity against malaria. The application of IPT in pregnant women would thus be more appropriate in hypoendemic areas where malaria exposure is lower.

[Comparative study of two anti-antiretroviral protocols used for treatment of a cohort of HIV 1-positive patients followed at the Institute of Public Health and Hygiene in Dakar, Senegal]. / Etude comparative de deux protocoles de traite- ment antirétroviral des patients VIH-1 positifs de la cohorte suivie à l'lnstitut d'hygiène sociale de Dakar, Sénégal.

In the last ten years, the discovery of several antiretroviral drugs has greatly contributed to improving the survival and quality of life of HIV-infected persons. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the effectiveness and tolerance of two anti-retroviral combinations, i.e., Lamivudine + Zidovudine and Efavirenz versus Lamivudine + Zidovudine and Nevirapine. The files of HIV1-infected patients treated between July 2003 and December 2004 (18 months) and followed at the Institute of public health and hygiene in Dakar were reviewed. A total of 70 patients, i.e., 35 in each protocol group, were included. The following data were collected for each patient: age, sex, locality, elements to assess tolerance, and elements to assess effectiveness (CD4 count, viral load and opportunistic infection immuno-failure). Results indicated that the immunovirologic effectiveness of the two protocols was identical with regard to mean CD4 count, i.e., 327 cells/mm3 for AZT+3TC+EFV versus 334 cells/mm3 for AZT+ 3TC+NVP (p < 0.05). Immuno effectiveness was better for Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Efavirenz than Lamivudine + Zidovudine + Nevirapine. Significant therapeutic advances in recent years have improved survival and quality of life in patients under retroviral treatment. There are currently many anti-retroviral molecules available and several relatively well codified therapeutic protocols.

[Screening for HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoreae during a combined survey conducted in Malicouna, a Senegalese rural area]. / Dépistage du VIH, de la syphilis, des infections dues à Chlamydia trachomatis et à Neisseria gonorrhoreae au cours d'une enquête combinée conduite à Malicounda, une zone rurale du Sénégal.

To implement a second-generation HIV surveillance, through a prevention programme of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Senegal conducted a combined survey from 2003 September 2 to October 5 in Malicounda located in the region of Thiès in the center of Senegal. The objectives of this study were to collect data on sexual behaviours and prevalence of HIV gonorrhoea, Chlamydia infections and syphilis in the community. After obtaining their informed consent, 679 people were interviewed among whom 617 accepted blood sampling and 619 accepted urine sampling, that is to say an acceptance rate of 90% and 91% respectively. Women reported having fewer sexual risk behaviours than men. However, when having sexual risk behaviour men only reported using condoms. Overall, the prevalence of HIV as well as the prevalence of STI are low: 0.5% for HIV, 0.9% for syphilis, 0.3% for Chlamydia trachomatis and 0.2% for Neisseria gonorrhoea. In this study, the small numbers of cases of infection identified did not allow to analyse the influence of sexual behaviour at risk on the occurrence of these infections.

Placental malarial infection as a risk factor for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy in Africa: a case-control study in an urban area of Senegal, West Africa.

In tropical countries, malaria and hypertension are common diseases of pregnancy. They have physiopathologic similarities such as placental ischemia, endothelial dysfunction, and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Recent findings suggested their possible link. The authors conducted a case-control study to explore the relation between malaria and hypertension at Guediawaye, a hypoendemic malarial setting in Senegal. Cases were pregnant women admitted to the delivery unit for hypertension. Controls were pregnant women admitted for normal delivery, without any history of hypertension or proteinuria during the present pregnancy. Malarial infection was determined by placental tissue examination. From January to December 2002, 77 cases of gestational hypertension, 113 cases of preeclampsia, 59 cases of eclampsia, and 241 controls were enrolled. Placental malarial infection (PMI) was present in 14 cases (6.3%) and in 15 controls (6.2%). The prevalence of PMI was 4.6% for eclampsia, 4.0% for preeclampsia, and 11.6% for gestational hypertension. In multivariate analysis, PMI appeared to be an independent risk factor for gestational hypertension (adjusted odds ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 7.6). The authors found an association between PMI and nonproteinuric hypertension in women living in a malaria-hypoendemic area. The exact significance of such relation should be clarified in further studies in different settings of malarial endemicity.

HIV prevalence, previous HIV testing, and condom use with clients and regular partners among Senegalese commercial sex workers.

OBJECTIVES: To assess HIV prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection, to investigate condom use among registered female commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Senegal, West Africa, and to examine the association between previous HIV testing, knowledge of HIV serostatus and condom use with both regular sex partners and clients within this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at three sexually transmitted disease clinics among 1052 Senegalese registered CSWs between 2000 and 2004. Inperson interviews soliciting information concerning demographic characteristics, medical history, sexual behaviour with clients and regular partners, and previous HIV testing history were performed. Blood samples were collected for determination of HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 serostatus. Multivariable, Poisson and log-binomial models were used to calculate prevalence ratios. RESULTS: The overall HIV prevalence was 19.8%. Over 95% of CSWs reported always using a condom with clients, but only 18% reported always using a condom with their regular partners. A history of previous HIV testing was not associated with condom use with clients (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) = 0.98, 95% confidence intervals, CI: 0.90 to 1.06). However, prior HIV testing was associated with decreased condom use with their regular partners (APR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.69), especially in women who tested HIV negative (APR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: CSWs in Senegal have a high HIV prevalence; therefore preventing HIV transmission from this population to the general population is important. Condom use with regular partners is low among registered CSWs in Senegal, and a prior HIV negative test is associated with even less condom use with regular partners. Intervention efforts to increase condom use with regular sexual partners are needed.

[Glimpse of infectious diseases associated with HIV infected patients at general surgery department]. / Aperçu des pathologies infectieuses associées au terrain du VIH dans un service de chirurgie générale.

UNLABELLED: Because surgery is a bloody treatment its constitutes a situation of risk trannsmissibles disease like viral infections in peculiar the HIV. PURPOSE: To identify infectious pathologies associated with the ground with the HIV-infected patients and to report socio-demographic characteristics of the infected patients. METHOD: This descriptive and analytical study covered one period active of January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2005. We exploited the data base of the laboratory of bacteriology and virology of the CHU Aristide Dantec of Dakar. Thus on 530 requests for serology coming from the department of general surgery, 61 was positive with the HIV. And among these 61, 32 (52,4%) had an infectious disease and were the subject of this present study. RESULTS: There are 19 (59,3%) men and 13 (40,7%) women including 30 Senegalese, 1 Rwandan and 1 Guinean with an average age of 41,1+/-13,1 years. The housewives (7 cases), the tradesmen (5 cases) and the craftsmen/workers (5 cases) constituted the most represented professions. Matrimonial status was distributed as follow: 20 (62,5%) married, 6 (18,9%) unmarried, 2 (6,2%) widowed, 2 (6,2%) divorced, and for 2 (6,2%) patient this status was not specified. The HIV 1 was found at 25 (78,2%) patients, the HIV 2 at 5 (15,6%) patients and the association of the two viruses at 2 (6,2%) patients. Twenty seven (84,4%) patients was received in emergency and 5 (15,6%) had a programmed intervention. Suppuratives diseases of the proctologic area were in the first rang with 10 (31,2%) cases, followed by pleuro-pulmonary suppuratives diseases, 8 (25%) cases, then of the suppuratives wound infections, 6 (18,8%) and finally of the intra abdominal suppuratives infections and of the candidosis of the esofagus, 4 (12,5%) cases each one. CONCLUSION: Socio-demographic characteristics of HIV-infected patients and presenting a suppurative disease "surgical" is identical to those of the other HIV positive patients. These patients were generally received in an emergency context for anorectal, pleuro-pulmonary or parietal suppuratives diseases.