Prevalence of HIV infection and hepatitis B and factors associated with them among men who had sex with men in Togo in 2017.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a population at risk of contracting both HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of these diseases and the factors associated with them among MSM in Togo in 2017. This cross-sectional study took place in eight major cities in Togo from August through September, 2017. MSM aged 18 years and older were recruited with the respondent-driven sampling method. Data on sexual behavior were collected with a standardized questionnaire. Rapid tests were used to screen for HIV and HBV. In all, 678 MSM with a median age of 23 years (interquartile range: 21-26) were recruited, 68.7% of them living in Lomé, the capital of Togo. The prevalence of HIV was 22.0% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 18.9-25.3) and that of HBV 7.1% (95% CI 5.3-9.3). Seven (1.0%) MSM were co-infected with HIV and HBV. Age, place of residence, living with a male partner, the number of male partners in the 12 months before the study, and history of HIV testing were associated with HIV infection (P<0.05). Age and living in Lomé were associated with HBV infection (P<0.05). The results of this study highlight the importance of focusing response efforts on populations at risk of contracting STIs through routine screening and vaccination.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Togo: a national cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: Sub-Saharan Africa is a region with high incidence of both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cervical cancer. We conducted the first national study in Togo to assess prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSW). METHODS: A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted among FSW recruited in hot spots (clubs, streets) in four Togolese cities. HPV and STIs were tested from cervical and anal swabs. HIV and syphilis were screened with rapid tests. RESULTS: In all, 310 FSW were recruited; HIV and cervical high-risk HPV (hrHPV) prevalence were 10.6% (33/310) and 32.9% (102/310), respectively. The most frequent hrHPV types were HPV58 (13.6%, 19/140), HPV35 (12.9%, 18/140), HPV31 (12.1%, 17/140) and HPV16 (10.7%, 15/140). Prevalence of hrHPV and multiple hrHPV infections showed higher rates in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative FSW (48.5% versus 31.0%, p 0.04 and 21.2% versus 9.0%, p 0.03; respectively). Prevalence of hrHPV was higher in cervical than anal swabs (34.1% versus 20.7%, p 0.0004). High-risk HPV anal infections were more frequent among HIV-positive than HIV-negative FSW (51.9% versus 17.3%, p 2 × 10-5). Concomitant anal and cervical hrHPV infections were present in 43.2% (41/95) of hrHPV-positive FSW. Overall prevalence in the cervix of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis were 4.2%, 6.1%, 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This first African study on paired cervical and anal samples showed a high prevalence of genital HPV infections with a rather high rate of concomitant HPV infections but low type concordance. We report an unusual distribution of hrHPV types. These findings highlight the critical need for implementation of a national HPV vaccination strategy.

Resistance profile of children and adolescents infected with HIV-1 in urban areas in Togo.

INTRODUCTION: Children and adolescents are more vulnerable than adults to virologic failure and the emergence of resistance. The objective of our study was to determine the resistance patterns in adolescents on antiretroviral therapy at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lome, Togo. METHODS: From June 1 to September 30, 2014, we included patients who had been on HAART for more than 12 months in the pediatric ward of Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital. Patients with an HIV viral load ≥ 1000 copies underwent resistance genotyping. RESULTS: Virologic failure was found in 36 of the 198 children and adolescents in the study (18.2%). Half were in WHO stage 3,72.2% were treated with a combination of two NRTIs (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) and one NNRTI (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor). The mutations were mostly found in the NNRTI class with 100% mutations for EFV and NVP. The mutations associated with the most frequent NRTIs were M184V, Y181C, and T215Y. CONCLUSION: Our study shows the need to use PIs (boosted protease inhibitors) in most children treated with NNRTI. It is necessary to strengthen the virological monitoring of children on HAART.

Hepatitis B infection in HIV-1-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy in Lomé, Togo: Prevalence and molecular consequences.

BACKGROUND: No data are available on HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus coinfection in Togo, and patients are not routinely tested for HBV infection. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of HBV and the risk of HBV drug resistance during antiretroviral treatment in HIV-coinfected patients in Togo. METHOD:  This cross-sectional study was carried out in Lomé, Togo, from January 2010 to December 2011 among HIV-infected patients who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months. RESULTS:  In total, 1 212 patients (74.9% female) living with HIV/AIDS and treated with ART were included in the study. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 9.7% (117/1 212; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.04 - 11.45). Of these 117 HBsAg-positive patients, 16 (13.7%) were hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive, and 115 (98.3%) were on lamivudine. The HBV DNA load was >10 IU/mL in 33/117 patients overall (38%), and in 87.5% of 16 HBeAg-positive patients (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with HBV DNA load >10 IU/mLwere HBeAg positivity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.4; p=0.001) and a higher level of education (aOR 6.5; p=0.026). The prevalence of HBV resistance to lamivudine was 13.0% (15/115; 95% CI 7.0 - 19.0). The detected resistance mutations were rtL180M (14/15 patients) and rtM204V/I (15/15). CONCLUSION:  The seroprevalence of HBV among ART-treated HIV-infected patients in Togo was 9.7%. The prevalence of HBV lamivudine resistance mutations after 2 years of ART was 13.0%. These results suggest that HBV screening before ART initiation can be based on HBsAg testing.

Hepatitis B Infection in HIV-1-Infected Patients Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Lome; Togo: Prevalence and Molecular Consequences

BACKGROUND:No data are available on HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus coinfection in Togo; and patients are not routinely tested for HBV infection.OBJECTIVE:To determine the prevalence of HBV and the risk of HBV drug resistance during antiretroviral treatment in HIV-coinfected patients in Togo.METHOD:This cross-sectional study was carried out in Lome; Togo; from January 2010 to December 2011 among HIV-infected patients who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months.RESULTS:In total; 1 212 patients (74.9% female) living with HIV/AIDS and treated with ART were included in the study. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 9.7% (117/1 212; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.04 - 11.45). Of these 117 HBsAg-positive patients; 16 (13.7%) were hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive; and 115 (98.3%) were on lamivudine. The HBV DNA load was etgt;10 IU/mL in 33/117 patients overall (38%); and in 87.5% of 16 HBeAg-positive patients (petlt;0.0001). In multivariate analysis; factors associated with HBV DNA load etgt;10 IU/mLwere HBeAg positivity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.4; p=0.001) and a higher level of education (aOR 6.5; p=0.026). The prevalence of HBV resistance to lamivudine was 13.0% (15/115; 95% CI 7.0 - 19.0). The detected resistance mutations were rtL180M (14/15 patients) and rtM204V/I (15/15).CONCLUSION:The seroprevalence of HBV among ART-treated HIV-infected patients in Togo was 9.7%. The prevalence of HBV lamivudine resistance mutations after 2 years of ART was 13.0%. These results suggest that HBV screening before ART initiation can be based on HBsAg testing

Profil épidémiologique des patientes suivies dans un protocole de prévention de la transmission mère-enfant du VIH-1 au CHU Sylvanus Olympio

But : Les objectifs de notre étude étaient de décrire les caractéristiques sociodémographiques et obstétricales des patientes d'un protocole de prévention de la transmission mère-enfant du VIH1 au Togo.Patients et méthodes : Nous avons réalisé une étude prospective transversale de type suivi de cohorte dans le site PTME du CHU Sylvanus Olympio. Elle s'était étendue du 27 juin 2011 au 27 juin 2015.Résultats : Au total 255 femmes ont été incluses. L'âge moyen de nos patientes était de 30 ans. Les revendeuses étaient de 38,8% et les femmes au foyer représentaient 17,6%. 48,2% de nos patients avaient un niveau scolaire secondaire. Les célibataires ont représenté 36,1% et 54,5% étaient mariées monogames. 64% des patientes ont été dépistées positives au VIH au cours de leur grossesse et 80,7% étaient au stade clinique I de l'OMS. Quarante-quatre virgule cinq pour cent (44,5%) des patientes ont consulté pour la première fois au 1er trimestre de grossesse.Conclusion : Les résultats de cette étude révèlent que la majorité de nos patientes était jeune, asymptomatique et a majoritairement été dépistée dans notre maternité

Chitinase 3-like proteins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Despite sensitivity of MRI to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS), prognostic biomarkers are still needed for optimized treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diagnostic biomarkers of MS using quantitative proteomics and to analyze their expression at different disease stages. METHODS: We conducted differential analysis of the CSF proteome from control and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients followed by verification by ELISA of candidate biomarkers in CSF and serum in control, clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), RRMS and progressive MS (PMS) patients. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 527 quantified proteins exhibited different abundances in control and RRMS CSF. These include chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and 2 (CHI3L2), which showed a strong expression in brain of MS patients, especially in astrocytes and microglial cells from white matter plaques. CSF and serum CHI3L1 levels increased with the disease stage and CIS patients with high CSF (>189 ng/ml) and serum (>33 ng/ml) CHI3L1 converted more rapidly to RRMS (log rank test, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, CSF CHI3L2 levels were lower in PMS than in RRMS patients. Accordingly, CSF CHI3L1/CHI3L2 ratio accurately discriminated PMS from RRMS. CONCLUSIONS: CSF CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 and serum CHI3L1 might help to define MS disease stage and have a prognostic value in CIS.

Evaluation of 9 rapid diagnostic tests for screening HIV infection, in Lomé, Togo.

PURPOSE: HIV rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) could be greatly contributive for a universal access to HIV diagnosis. However, according to the WHO, these tests need to be assessed before they can be used in routine. METHOD AND RESULTS: We assessed 9 RDT in routine clinical use between 2009 and 2013. The sensitivity and specificity observed for 7 tests were≥99% and≥98%, respectively: FIRST RESPONSE HIV1-2-O PMC Medical, India, GENIE Fast HIV 1-2 and GENIE™ III HIV(1/2) Bio-Rad, France, HIV TRI-DOT+Ag;J. Mitra, INDIA; SD BIOLINE HIV(1/2) 3.0 and SD BIOLINE HIV/SYPHILIS DUO Standard Diagnostic, Korea; and VIKIA HIV(1/2); BioMérieux, France. Two tests had performances inferior to WHO recommendations: INSTI HIV1/2 Biolytical Canada; sensitivity=97.8% and HEXAGON HIV HUMAN GmbH Germany; specificity=94.8%. CONCLUSION: Seven of 9 RDT had excellent performances. Nevertheless, they can be used only after training staff, and taking into account national algorithm for their safe use.

[Accessibility of early infant diagnosis of HIV infection in Lome (Togo)]. / Accessibilité au diagnostic précoce de l'infection à VIH chez les enfants à risque de Lomé (Togo).

BACKGROUND: Early infant diagnosis of HIV is the key step for the early initiation of HAART among HIV-exposed children. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of children born to mothers infected with HIV who completed the early infant HIV diagnosis process and the factors associated with this complete process. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Tokoin University Hospital in the pediatrics ward. This study included all HIV-exposed children born between July 2009 and June 2011. The association between the mother's, spouse's, and child's characteristics as well as access to early HIV diagnosis by PCR (blood collection and reporting of results before the 6months of age) was studied using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 455 HIV-exposed children were included: for 52.7%, the first test was PCR, 99 of them received their results, 59 of whom received their results before the 6th month of life (undergoing the complete process). In multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with the complete process of early HIV diagnosis was the maternal age≥28years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.75, 95% CI [1.18-2.76]). CONCLUSION: The availability of early infant PCR diagnosis remains a challenge and innovative strategies must be implemented.

[HIV seroprevalence and associated factors among men who have sex with men in Togo]. / Séroprévalence du VIH et facteurs associés chez les hommes ayant des rapports sexuels avec d'autres hommes au Togo.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on HIV infection among vulnerable populations in sub-saharan African countries, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to estimate HIV prevalence and the factors associated with HIV infection among MSM in Togo in 2011. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among MSM aged at least 18years old, living in Togo for at least 3months. They were recruited through the snowball method in six cities of Togo from November 2011 to January 2012. A survey form was used and an HIV screening test was proposed to the participants. The HIV prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with HIV infection. RESULTS: A total of 758 MSM were enrolled in this study, including 498 (67.5%) from Lomé, the capital of Togo. The median age was 24years with an interquartile range of [21-27years] and 271 MSM (35.7%) were students. The vast majority of MSM were Togolese (90.3%) and 14.6% were married or committed to a woman. HIV testing was accepted by 488 MSM (64.3%) but only 408 (53.8%) finally accepted a blood sample collection. The prevalence of HIV infection was 19.6% [95% confidence interval, 15.9-23.8]. In multivariate analysis, three factors were associated with HIV infection: living in Lomé, with an HIV prevalence of 29.8% against 4.3% in the other cities of Togo [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=9.68; P<0.001]; having a good knowledge of HIV transmission modes (aOR=0.59; P=0.049); and not having a regular sex partner (aOR=1.69; P=0.049). CONCLUSION: One MSM out of five was HIV-infected. Intervention programs targeting this vulnerable population are urgently needed, to reduce HIV incidence in Togo.

HIV seroprevalence among inmates in Togo.

BACKGROUND: There is no data on HIV seroprevalence among prisoners in Togo. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among prisoners in Togo from November 2011 to January 2012. The study population was included by selecting the most densely populated prison in each of the six Togo regions, and by including prisoners (at least18years of age and having been in prison for more than 30days) on a voluntary basis. HIV prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and fourty-two prisoners were included in the study. Their median age was 28years, (IQR 25-33years) and 39 (2.9%) were women. The median time spent in the prison was 10months, interquartile range [4-24months]. HIV testing was accepted by 96.0%. HIV seroprevalence in prisons was 4.3%, 95 CI% [3.2-5.5%]. Few prisoners (2.9%) reported having had sex in prisons. The only factor associated with HIV infection was gender with an HIV seroprevalence of 14.3% for women compared to 4.0% for men (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The prevention and the management of HIV infection should be a priority in Togolese prisons. This requires implementing healthcare facilities in prisons.

[Adaptative immunity and pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis]. / Immunité adaptative et physiopathologie de la sclérose en plaques.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The appearance of demyelinating patches in the CNS of patients with MS is associated with an inflammatory infiltrate mainly composed of macrophages and T lymphocytes. In this review, we focus on the evidence linking the development of the disease and the cell populations of the adaptative immune system. This evidence arises from anatomopathological, genetical and immunological studies, both on human and the animal model of the disease. Hence, we detail the implication of the effector lymphocytes, i.e. CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes, but also B lymphocytes, in the disease. The implication of the regulatory T and B lymphocytes is also approached. Finally, the main hypotheses proposing an explanation to the development of MS are presented.

[What remains today of neonatal conjunctivitis in prefecture of Kozah in Togo?]. / Que reste-t-il aujourd'hui des conjonctivites néonatales dans la préfecture de la Kozah au Togo ?

AIM: The purpose of this study is to screen the neonatal conjunctivitis in order to evaluate its incidence and especially to seek for the causative germs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have realized cross-sectional study in three health centers of the prefecture of Kozah from March 24 to May 12, 2009. All the newborns followed in these centers are examined in the search of signs of conjunctivitis. A biological diagnosis of conjunctival secretions was carried out at the suspect newborns. RESULTS: During the study period, 348 newborns were examined including 185 boys and 163 girls corresponding to a sex-ratio (M/F) of 1.1. The middle age was 3.7 days. Twenty-eight newborns presented conjunctivitis, that is to say a rate of incidence of 8%. The cases of conjunctivitis were observed the first four days of life in 39.3% of cases. Eighteen of the newborns presenting conjunctivitis were vaginal deliveries (64.3%) against ten (35.7%) by caesarian. All the mothers of the ill newborns had a syndrome of sexually transmissible infection (STI) during the third quarters of pregnancy. After biological diagnosis, Staphylococcus aureus was found in 25% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Despite the common herd of neonatal conjunctivitis prophylaxis by Crede's method, its remains in the prefecture of Kozah. In hope for neonatal conjunctivitis eradication, treatment of STI on pregnant women associated to education and communication on the prevention of the infection in neonatal health care centers and at home by hygiene rule application are necessary.

[Sputum smear conversion during intensive TB treatment phase according to HIV status, in hospitalised patients in Togo]. / Négativation des frottis respiratoires selon le statut VIH à la phase intensive du traitement antituberculeux chez les patients hospitalisés au Togo.

METHOD: We prospectively studied patients with pulmonary TB, with or without HIV-1 co-infection, from December 1, 2007 to December 1, 2008. Two groups of patients naive for TB and antiretroviral treatment (group A: 96 co-infected TB/HIV and group B: 171 TB infected but HIV negative) were selected randomly. The CD4 count was assessed according to HIV status, and all patients received RHEZ TB treatment for 2 months. Pulmonary smear was assessed at two weeks, four weeks, six weeks, and eight weeks. RESULT: Two hundred and sixty seven patients were treated (26.6% of admissions). The mean age was 34.62 ± 11 years and the sex ratio was 1.3. A proportion of 35.75% patients were HIV co-infected with a median CD4 count at 157 cells per millimeter cube. The sputum smear conversion was obtained for more than 87.5% of patients in group A and 24.56% in group B at two weeks; 94% of patients in group A and 61.83% in group B at four weeks; 100% of patients in group A and 87.33% in group B at six weeks, and 100% of patients in group A and 96.77% in group B at eight weeks. P<0.05 at six weeks. CONCLUSION: HIV infected TB patients were more susceptible to treatment than TB/HIV infected patients in the first six weeks.

[Trachoma rapid assessment in the infantile population of Togo]. / Evaluation rapide du trachome infantile au Togo.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of trachoma in children of central Togo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional investigation was conducted in central Togo in November 2009. At every peripheral health unit (PHU) in 2 villages of the sanitary district, 15 schoolchildren between 6 and 9 years old and 35 children from the community between 1 and 5 years old were examined to detect signs of trachoma using a lamp wipes coupled with binocular magnifying loupes (2.5X). Data were analysed with Excel 2007. RESULTS: A total of 8200 children were examined at 82 PHU in 164 villages in the sanitary districts. In the 1-5 year age group including 5,740 children, follicular trachomatous inflammation (TF) was observed in 326 cases and intense trachomatous inflammation (TI) in 9 for a prevalence rate of 5.83%. In the 6-9 year age group including 2,460 schoolchildren, TF was observed in 144 and TI in 8 for a prevalence rate of 6.18%. The overall prevalence rate of active trachoma was 5.94 % (n = 487). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the persistence of active trachoma in children in central Togo. Trachoma may be public health problem in 2 districts: Blitta and Sotouboua. A population-based survey will be carried our to evaluate trachoma prevalence prior to implementation of the SAFE strategy in this region.

[Immunophenotyping of acute leukemias: diagnostic and pronostic utility in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire]. / Apport de l'immunophénotypage dans le diagnostic et le pronostic des leucémies aiguës à abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Flow cytometry is nowadays the first-line method for immunophenotypic identification of blast cells but is not so usual in limited-resources countries. We have investigated on the usefulness of this tool in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Bone marrow sample from 13 patients with acute leukemia identified by cytology and cytochemical analysis was immunophenotyped by using monoclonal antibodies directed to: T lymphoid cells (CD3, CD5, CD7); B lymphoid cells (CD10, CD19, CD20, CD22, HLA-DR) and myeloid cells (CD13, CD33). Immunophenotyping allowed us to confirm the diagnosis of 6 de novo acute leukemias (2 acute myeloid leukaemias, 4 acute lymphoid leukemias) and 7 acute leukaemias resulting from chronic myeloid leukaemias. Immunophenotyping also characterizes the atypical/aberrant lineage essential for the prognosis: 2 biphenotypic acute leukemias (myeloid/lymphoid T) were identified. Our results suggest that flow cytometry may be a useful additional tool to identify the specific leukemic cell, to make a better classification as well as a prognosis evaluation of patients with acute leukemias.