Detection of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Pork Sold in Saint-Louis, the North of Senegal.

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen with various hosts, including pigs, which act as reservoirs. In industrialized countries, sporadic cases caused by genotype 3, contracted by ingesting contaminated uncooked or undercooked meat, have been reported. However, in developing countries, HEV infection is mainly dominated by genotype 2 and often associated with poor hygiene conditions and drinking water supplies. HEV infection and its circulation in domestic fauna in West Africa are poorly documented. This study aimed to assess the presence of HEV in pork sold in Saint-Louis, Senegal. Meat products (250 g samples, n = 74) were purchased in August 2022 from three locations. Then, 2 g/sample was minced to extract total nucleic acids using the Purelink™ Viral DNA/RNA kit. RT-PCR reactions were performed using the One-Taq™ One-Step RT-PCR kit targeting the HEV ORF2 genomic region. The products obtained were visualized on a 1% agarose gel. Of a total of 74 samples, divided into pork meat (n = 65) and pork liver (n = 9), 5.4% (n = 4) tested positive for HEV. In both cases, two samples were positive, representing a rate of 3.1% and 22.2% for meat and pork liver, respectively. All new viral sequences were obtained from a monophyletic group within HEV genotype 3. This study is the first to report the presence of HEV in pork sold in Senegal and the results reveal a potential circulation of HEV in the pig population. The high proportion of contamination in the pork liver samples highlights a major risk associated with their consumption.

The Emergence of Carbapenem- and Colistin-Resistant Enterobacteria in Senegal.

Antibiotic resistance is a public health problem. The emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) infections is a concern, particularly in Senegal. (1) Methods: Between January 2019 and July 2022, 240 isolates of enterobacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and imipenem from biological samples from Fann Hospital (Dakar) and Hôpital Paix (Ziguinchor) were selected. The isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and susceptibility tests were performed by the disk diffusion method. Antibiotic-resistance genes for class A beta-lactamases, carbapenemases, and plasmid resistance to colistin resistance (mcr-1-8) were screened by RT-PCR. (2) Results: The 240 enterobacteria were composed of: Escherichia coli (60.83%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.67%), Enterobacter cloacae (13.75%), Citrobacter freundii (2.08%), Serratia marcescens (0.83%), Klebsiella aerogenes (0.42%), and Proteus mirabilis (0.42%). Class A beta-lactamase genes were found in 229 isolates (70.41% blaTEM, 37.5% blaSHV, 83.75% blaCTX-A, and 0.42% blaCTX-B). The carbapenemase genes blaOXA-48 and blaNDM were found in 25 isolates, including 14 isolates with blaOXA-48, 13 isolates with blaNDM, and 2 isolates with both genes simultaneously. The mcr-8 gene was found in one isolate of E. cloacae. (3) Conclusions: The epidemiology of antibiotic-resistance genes in enterobacteria in Senegal shows the emergence of CPEs. This phenomenon is worrying, and rigorous surveillance is necessary to avoid further spread.

Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Consultations in Senegal.

In West Africa, research on the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is barely covered, despite the recorded outbreaks. The low level of access to safe water and adequate sanitation is still one of the main factors of HEV spread in developing countries. HEV infection induces acute or sub-clinical liver diseases with a mortality rate ranging from 0.5 to 4%. The mortality rate is more alarming (15 to 25%) among pregnant women, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. Herein, we conducted a multicentric socio-demographic and seroepidemiological survey of HEV in Senegal among pregnant women. A consecutive and non-redundant recruitment of participants was carried out over the period of 5 months, from March to July 2021. A total of 1227 consenting participants attending antenatal clinics responded to a standard questionnaire. Plasma samples were collected and tested for anti-HEV IgM and IgG by using the WANTAI HEV-IgM and IgG ELISA assay. The overall HEV seroprevalence was 7.8% (n = 96), with 0.5% (n = 6) and 7.4% (n = 91) for HEV IgM and HEV IgG, respectively. One of the participant samples was IgM/IgG-positive, while four were declared indeterminate to anti-HEV IgM as per the manufacturer's instructions. From one locality to another, the seroprevalence of HEV antibodies varied from 0 to 1% for HEV IgM and from 1.5 to 10.5% for HEV IgG. The data also showed that seroprevalence varied significantly by marital status (p < 0.0001), by the regularity of income (p = 0.0043), and by access to sanitation services (p = 0.0006). These data could serve as a basis to setup national prevention strategies focused on socio-cultural, environmental, and behavioral aspects for a better management of HEV infection in Senegal.

High HIV-1 Virological Failure and Drug Resistance among Adult Patients Receiving First-Line ART for At least 12 Months at a Decentralized Urban HIV Clinic Setting in Senegal before the Test-and-Treat.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of antiretroviral therapy (ART) monitoring remains problematic in decentralized HIV clinic settings of sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the rates and correlates of HIV-1 virological failure (VF) and drug resistance (DR) in 2 pre-test-and-treat urban clinic settings of Senegal. METHODS: Consenting HIV-1-infected adults (⩾18 years) receiving first-line ART for ⩾12 months were cross-sectionally enrolled between January and March 2015, at the referral outpatient treatment center of Dakar (n = 151) and decentralized regional hospital of Saint-Louis (n = 127). In the 12 months preceding plasma specimens' collection patients at Saint-Louis had no viral load (VL) testing. Significant predictors of VF (VL ⩾ 1000 copies/ml) and DR (clinically relevant mutations) were determined using binomial logistic regression in R software. RESULTS: Of the 278 adults on EFV-/NVP-based regimens, 32 (11.5% [95%CI: 8.0-15.9]) experienced VF. Failing and non-failing patients had comparable median time [interquartile] on ART (69.5 [23.0-89.5] vs 64.0 [34.0-99.0] months; P = .46, Mann-Whitney U-test). Of the 27 viraemic isolates successfully genotyped, 20 (74.1%) carried DR mutations; most frequent were M184VI (55.6%), K103N (37.1%), thymidine analog mutations (29.6%), Y181CY (22.2%). The pattern of mutations did not always correspond to the ongoing treatment. The adjusted odds of VF was significantly associated with the decentralized clinic site (P < .001) and CD4 < 350 cells/mm3 (P < .006). Strong correlates of DR also included Saint-Louis (P < .009), CD4 < 350 cells/mm3 (P <. 001), and nevirapine-based therapies (comparator: efavirenz-based therapies; P < .027). In stratification analyses by site, higher rate of VF at Saint-Louis (20.5% [95%CI: 13.8-28.5] vs 4.0% [95%CI: 1.5-8.5] in Dakar) was associated with nevirapine-based therapies (OR = 3.34 [1.07-11.75], P = .038), self-reported missing doses (OR = 3.30 [1.13-10.24], P = .029), and medical appointments (OR = 2.91 [1.05-8.47], P = .039) in the last 1 and 12 months(s), respectively. The higher rate of DR at Saint-Louis (12.9% [95%CI: 7.6-20.1] vs 2.7% [95%CI: 0.7-6.7] in Dakar) was associated with nevirapine-based therapies (OR = 5.13 [1.12-37.35], P = .035). CONCLUSION: At decentralized urban settings, there is need for enhanced virological monitoring and adherence support. HIV programs in Senegal should intensify early HIV diagnosis for effective test-and-treat. These interventions, in addition to the superiority of efavirenz-based therapies provide a favorable framework for transitioning to the recommended potent drug dolutegravir, thereby ensuring its long-term use.

The Association of Molecular Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Cervical Pre-Cancer and Cancer and Risk Factors in Senegalese.

BACKGROUND: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grading is subjective and affected by substantial rates of discordance among pathologists. Although recent studies have suggested that p16INK4a may be a useful surrogate biomarker of cervical neoplasia, Ki-67 and human papillomavirus testing have also been shown to be useful in detecting neoplasia. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of p16INK4a and Ki-67 in cervical neoplasia and its correlations with cofactors. METHODS: The study involved 69 patients with and without cervical neoplasia who underwent colposcopic directed biopsy. On each patient, two samples were taken; the first was used for immunohistochemistry and the second for molecular testing, using HPV16and18 genotyping Real-Time PCR Kit. RESULTS: The study revealed the expression level of p16INK4a and Ki-67 in a descending order, from invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), CIN2/3, CIN1 and non-dysplastic lesions. Correlations showed an association between the staining of p16NK4a and Ki-67 with the increase of age (OR: 1.79 (95%IC: 0.49 - 6.55), p = 0.037) and marital status (OR: 0.17 (95%IC: 0.04 - 0.68), p = 0.003). We found that the expressions of p16INK4a and Ki-67 were significantly different between invasive SCC vs non-dysplasia (OR: 44.57 (95%IC: 4.91 - 403.91), p <0.0001). The study showed significant correlation between HPV 16and18 infection with p16 INK4a and Ki-67 expression (OR: 0.13 (95%IC: 0.03 - 0.52), p <0.0001). Strong expression of p16INK4a and Ki-67 were observed in invasive squamous cell carcinoma, moderate staining was found in CIN2/3, weak staining in CIN1 and normal histology. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that p16INK4a and Ki-67 expressions associated strongly with cervical pathology. Therefore, p16/Ki-67 could be considered as a suitable biomarker for cervical cancer screening, particularly in HPV-based screening programs.

Surveillance of transmitted HIV-1 antiretroviral drug resistance in the context of decentralized HIV care in Senegal and the Ebola outbreak in Guinea.

OBJECTIVES: Disruption in HIV care provision may enhance the development and spread of drug resistance due to inadequate antiretroviral therapy. This study thus determined the prevalence of HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in settings of decentralized therapy and care in Senegal and, the Ebola outbreak in Guinea. Antiretroviral-naïve patients were enrolled following a modified WHO TDR Threshold Survey method, implemented in Senegal (January-March 2015) and Guinea (August-September 2015). Plasma and dried blood spots specimens, respectively from Senegalese (n = 69) and Guinean (n = 50) patients, were collected for direct sequencing of HIV-1 pol genes. The Stanford Calibrated Population Resistance program v6.0 was used for Surveillance Drug Resistance Mutations (SDRMs). RESULTS: Genotyping was successful from 54/69 (78.2%) and 31/50 (62.0%) isolates. In Senegal, TDR prevalence was 0% (mean duration since HIV diagnosis 4.08 ± 3.53 years). In Guinea, two patients exhibited SDRMs M184V (NRTI), T215F (TAM) and, G190A (NNRTI), respectively. TDR prevalence at this second site, however, could not be ascertained because of low sample size. Phylogenetic inference confirmed CRF02_AG predominance in Senegal (62.96%) and Guinea (77.42%). TDR prevalence in Senegal remains extremely low suggesting improved control measures. Continuous surveillance in both settings is mandatory and, should be done closest to diagnosis/transmission time and with larger sample size.

Emergence and clonal transmission of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis among patients in Chad.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains constitutes a significant public health problem worldwide. Prevalence of MDR tuberculosis from Chad is unavailable to date. METHODS: We collected samples from consecutive TB patients nationwide in the seven major cities of Chad between 2007 and 2012 to characterize drug resistance and the population structure of circulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) strains. We tested drug sensitivity using Line Probe Assays and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) were used for second line drugs. We genotyped the isolates using spoligotype analysis and MIRU-VNTR. RESULTS: A total of 311 cultures were isolated from 593 patients. The MDR prevalence was 0.9% among new patients and 3.5% among retreatment patients, and no second line drug resistance was identified. The distribution of genotypes suggests a dissemination of MDR strains in the Southern city of Moundou, bordering Cameroon and Central African Republic. CONCLUSION: Emerging MDR isolates pose a public health threat to Southern Chad, with risk to neighboring countries. This study informs public health practitioners, justifying the implementation of continuous surveillance with DST for all retreatment cases as well as contacts of MDR patients, in parallel with provision of adequate 2nd line regimens in the region.

A National Medical Information System for Senegal: Architecture and Services.

In Senegal, great amounts of data are daily generated by medical activities such as consultation, hospitalization, blood test, x-ray, birth, death, etc. These data are still recorded in register, printed images, audios and movies which are manually processed. However, some medical organizations have their own software for non-standardized patient record management, appointment, wages, etc. without any possibility of sharing these data or communicating with other medical structures. This leads to lots of limitations in reusing or sharing these data because of their possible structural and semantic heterogeneity. To overcome these problems we have proposed a National Medical Information System for Senegal (SIMENS). As an integrated platform, SIMENS provides an EHR system that supports healthcare activities, a mobile version and a web portal. The SIMENS architecture proposes also a data and application integration services for supporting interoperability and decision making.

[Performance of GeneXpert MTB / RIF® in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Dakar: 2010-2015]. / Performance du GeneXpert MTB/RIF® dans le diagnostic de la tuberculose extra-pulmonaire à Dakar: 2010-2015.

INTRODUCTION: The challenge facing developing countries is the availability of methods for rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis. Some molecular techniques offer this advantage, so we used GeneXpert MTB / RIF test in the diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis to evaluate its performance compared with conventional methods. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2015, 544 extrapulmonary clinical specimens were collected and analyzed by microscopy, culture and GeneXpert. The evaluation of antitubercular susceptibility testing was performed using the MGIT 960 system. Genotype MTBDRplus was used to confirm the cases of rifampicin resistance detected by the GX system. RESULTS: The study population included 544 patients, 55.15% men and 44.85% women. Patients age ranged from 1-92 years with the majority in the 18-45 age group. The sensitivity and the overall specificity of microscopy was 43.86% and 98.36%, 94.74% and 97.95% for GeneXpert® respectively (95% CI). There were two discrepant rifampicin-resistant results between GeneXpert test and phenotypic method. Among these cases MTBDRplus test results showed 100% agreement with those of the MGIT 960. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the GeneXpert test exhibits high sensitivity for routine diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and should be used instead of microscopy. The cases of rifampicin resistance detected by GeneXpert should be confirmed by other molecular testing methods before initiating treatment.

Urinary tract infection with Corynebacterium aurimucosum after urethroplasty stricture of the urethra: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Corynebacteria have an important place among the commensal flora of the skin and mucous membranes. Except for Corynebacterium diphtheriae, they were once considered contaminants of mucosa. Recent publications in medical bacteriology have highlighted the importance of several species, such as C. aurimucosum. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first isolation of this strain from urine. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a patient with a urinary tract infection with C. aurimucosum. We isolated this bacterium from a 52-year-old man of Wolof ethniticity (an ethnic group in Senegal, West Africa) at the regional hospital of Saint Louis, Senegal. Microscopic examination of his total urine sample showed coryneform Gram-positive bacilli associated with a high leukocyte reaction. After repeated isolation of the corynebacteria in three samples from the patient's urine, it was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The strain was susceptible to antibiotics, except for penicillin and co-trimoxazole. The potential infectious role of these commensal species in several infections should be taken into consideration. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the significant proportion of species in the genus Corynebacterium other than dyphteriae in the infectious process. The use of mass spectrometry for identification highlights the originality of this work and the importance of these new diagnostic tools that are unavailable in most health facilities of countries with limited resources. We share the results of our method of identification of the isolated bacteria. This case should prompt attention to these rare bacteria, which can cause severe infections.