[Epidemiological data on scorpion envenomation in Algeria]. / Données épidémiologiques sur l'envenimation scorpionique en Algérie.

The scorpion envenomation is a major public health problem in Algeria. Given this fact, the Ministry of Health has developed a national strategy for prevention and control based on the training of health personnel, information, education and communication, and standardization of care on the basis of a therapeutic consensus. The monitoring and evaluation activities are carried out by epidemiological indicators through the implementation of an information system based in the services of Epidemiology, INSP (National Institute of Public Health) and Prevention Department of the Health Ministry. The information carriers are report cards implemented in different health facilities that collect data on bites and deaths from scorpion envenomation. Summaries of notifications from the wilayas are collected monthly, and processed by the Epi info software using monitoring indicators. From 1991 to 2010, there has been a stagnation in the number of stings with an average of 50,000 cases per year, but mortality decreased from more than 100 deaths in the last fifty years to 50 nowadays. The higher proportion of stings was recorded during the summer period. The most affected group is from 15 to 49 years which constitute the workforce, but children from 5 to 14 years rank first in terms of mortality. But these rates vary across years and regions. Despite all these efforts, the scorpion envenomation in Algeria remains of concern and our main challenges are to strengthen cross-sectional actions at the local level and improving the quality of care.

Incidence and severity of scorpion stings in Algeria

Scorpion stings are a public health problem in the Maghreb region. In Algeria, epidemiological data were collected over the past twenty years by the Algerian health authorities. This study is an analysis of morbidity and mortality data collected from 2001 to 2010. Annual incidence and mortality due to scorpion envenoming were 152 ± 3.6 stings and 0.236 ± 0.041 deaths per 100,000 people (95% CI), respectively. The risk of being stung by a scorpion was dramatically higher in southern areas and central highlands due to environmental conditions. Incidence of envenoming was especially higher in the adult population, and among young males. In contrast, mortality was significantly higher among children under 15 years, particularly ages 1-4. Upper limbs were more often affected than lower limbs. Most stings occurred at night, indoors and during the summer. Data collected since 2001 showed a reduction of mortality by nearly 50%, suggesting that the medical care defined by the national anti-scorpion project is bearing fruit.(AU)

A high calorie diet induces type 2 diabetes in the desert sand rat (Psammomys obesus).

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a major factor for cardiovascular diseases. The toxic effects of chronic hyperglycemia involve many alterations in the vascular tissue, including atherosclerosis. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the diabetic syndrome (DS-II) has not been fully elucidated. A better understanding of the progress of DS-II at the level of the aorta could help us to identify inhibitors of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that obesity and high calorie diet (HCD) are associated with the development of DS-II, however the lack of naturally occurring experimental models of DS-II have impaired to directly address these issues. We hypothesize that a HCD induces DS-II. This study (15 months duration) is designed to determine if HCD induces DS-II in the desert sand rat (Psammomys obesus; P. obesus). We also evaluated the histopathology of the aorta in animals fed with a laboratory chow pellets ad libitum (hypercaloric) and in control (animals fed with the naturally occurring hypocaloric diet; halophile plants). The weight and blood chemistry (glucose, lipids, and insulin levels) were evaluated periodically (once per week), and the histology of the aortas of these animals were assessed every 3 months for up to 12 months, during the development of DS-II. This study demonstrates that 40% of the animals in HCD develop DS-II at 3 months. Histological characterization demonstrates the typical alterations observed in atherosclerosis, i.e., alteration of the elastic fibers of the media layer and enrichment in collagen and glucosaminoglycans. This study demonstrates that P. obesus is an excellent animal model to study the progression of DS-II and the development of atherosclerosis.

[Fifteen years' experience in scorpion envenomation control in Algeria]. / Expérience de quinze années de lutte contre l'envenimation scorpionique en Algérie.

In Algeria, scorpion envenomation is real public health problem. Since the creation of the National Committee of Control of Scorpion envenomations (CNLES), several steps have been taken to deal with this problem. After a brief historical introduction, we present the main elements of the action carried out both in terms of treatment and of prevention of scorpion proliferation. The epidemiological situation is presented by stressing the difficulties involved in collecting reliable data. We also address the question of citizen and stakeholder awareness since public participation is crucial in all prevention programmes. Training for healthcare providers is also one of the principal axes of the Committee's programme which includes national, regional, and even local seminars. We describe the improvement of production and research on venoms carried out by the Institute Pasteur of Algeria. We conclude by discussing the action plan for 2001 and prospects for an enhanced strategy in the fight against the scorpion envenomation.