[Air pollution in urban area in Cotonou and Lokossa, Benin]. / Pollution atmosphérique en milieu urbain a cotonou et a Lokossa, Bénin.

In some African countries, time of clean environment with no air pollution belongs to the past. From now on, pollution is a problem of public heath in addition to malnutrition and infectious diseases still badly controlled. The sanitary consequences induced by pollution is now a cause for concern in the population. Yet, very few data are available to develop awareness of the population and convince the authorities to implement urgent policy in order to put a brake on the phenomenon. The objective of this document aims at describing the atmospheric pollution recorded in Cotonou and Lokossa as well as possible symptoms linked to exposure of pollutants of the population. Therefore we carried out a transversal study in the city of Cotonou and Lokossa (125 kilometers from Cotonou). Air samples were taken at crossroads levels and motorbikes to measure the different chemical components, 400 taxi drivers were questioned on symptoms affecting them. The toxicological analysis of air and blood sample is carried out at the laboratory of the Université Libre in Brussels. The data analysis revealed a high pollution in Cotonou. The carbon monoxide concentration varies from 26 ppm to 38,6 ppm in the morning and increases in the afternoon (58 to 78,6 ppm). Benzene is found with an average of 7,2 micro/m3 in Cotonou. These concentrations are not so high in the town of Lokossa (carbon monoxide from 45 to 51ppm). In Cotonou motorbike taxis account for 90% of the cases with intoxication symptoms 1,5 time higher than in the non-drivers of these motorbikes. The symptoms recorded on statement are intoxication disorders such as conjunctival hyperemia (18%) among which 12% of lacrimation, respiratory disorders (23%). On the other hand, registered disorders were not so important in Lokossa: conjunctival hyperemia (5,6%), nausea (32%) and other signs as sight disorders (4%). The disorders frequency in non drivers is not so high in Cotonou and Lokossa. In the blood test, the Hbco rate is abnormal in more than 66% of the drivers. The authors suggest the regular checking of imported secondhand cars, measures to reduce exhaust emissions and the reinforcement of the law on air pollution as well as a proper management of crossroads.

[Epidemiological aspects of snakebites in Benin]. / Aspects épidémiologiques des morsures de serpent au Bénin.

Among rural environmental health emergencies, snakebite was common in villages community and agriculture activities. Their frequency and fatal complication depend on the venomous character of the species and the lack of early treatment. The aim of this work was to describe some epidemiological aspects of the snakebites and to suggest preventive strategies to avoid complication. So, we conducted a retrospective survey using health centre data of the statistic office of MOH from 2000 to 2002. During the three years, 10,954 cases were notified with an annual total average of 3,651 bites with 158 for kid's average. The wounded distribution indicated more wounded male than female (sex-ratio = 2:1), with a yearly rising trend in adults. Fatality rate was 0.94% in 2001 and rose to 1.57% in 2002. Fatality rate was higher in kids (1.67%) than in adults (1.08%). According to the ecological environment northern provinces were more exposed (71.6%) than central and south areas. But in central area, fatality rate was higher (1.05%) than in others (0.80%). Based on these findings, authors suggested the training of caregivers in rural health centre on earlier treatment, community training on snakebite primary health care and implementation of snakebite register

[Contact eczema and allergens: an analysis of the preliminary results of patch tests in the Dermatology Service of the National Hospital and University Center in Cotonou]. / Eczema de contact et allergenes: analyse des resultats preliminaires des tests epicutanes du Service de Dermatologie du Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire (CNHU) de Cotonou.

About a preliminary study of patch-test in 39 cases of contact dermatitis with allergens of international Contact Dermatitis Research (ICDRG), the authors noted 27 (69.2%) positive patch-tests. Men are frequently exposed to formaldehyde and dichromate potassium. Women are more exposed to fragrance-mix and formaldehyde. Hand workers have the uppermost percentage of positive patch-test (90.9%). The authors observed also 16 cases of contact polysensitivity for at least two allergens.

[Prevalence of induced abortions and family planning in Benin]. / Prévalence des interruptions de grossesse et de la régulation des naissances au Bénin.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the extent of induced abortion as a practice of family planning. STUDY DESIGN: Benin regional public and private records from 1990 to 1994 were used to examine frequencies of induced abortion and contraceptive utilization and describe trends. Descriptive statistics such as variation coefficient and chi 2 were use to compare inter-regional prevalence. RESULTS: Prevalence of induced abortion was 1.5/1000 delivery and that of contraceptive use 11.4/1000. From 1990 to 1994 prevalence of induced abortion and of contraceptive use increased significantly (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for inter-regional contraceptive use. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that increasing use of contraceptives did not lead to decreased induced abortion prevalence in Benin. They may help decision makers to reinforce sensibilization about the danger of induced abortion.

[Low levels of chloroquine resistance of Plasmodium falciparum in the province of Zou in Benin]. / Faible niveau de chloroquinorésistance de Plasmodium falciparum dans la province du Zou au Bénin.

An in vivo test using the WHO protocol (chloroquine 25 mg/kg within 3 days, trial over 7 days) was performed in 72 children in the province of Zou, Benin, in July-August 1987. The blood concentration of chloroquine was dosed before, during and after treatment by a sensitive method. This study showed a low rate of drug resistance (4.2%), even though surveys in Cotonou exhibited a high level of chloroquine resistance.