Arthropod Ectoparasites of Two Rodent Species Occurring in Varied Elevations on Tanzania's Second Highest Mountain.

Climate change causes organisms, including species that act as parasite reservoirs and vectors, to shift their distribution to higher altitudes, affecting wildlife infestation patterns. We studied how ectoparasite distributions varied with altitude using two rodent species, Montemys delectorum and Rhabdomys dilectus, at different elevations (1500-3500 m). The ectoparasites infesting the two rodent species were influenced by the host sex, species, and temperature. We expected host density to predict parasite infestation patterns, because hosts in higher densities should have more parasites due to increased contact between individuals. However, temperature, not host density, affected ectoparasite distribution. Since temperatures decrease with elevation, parasite prevalences and abundances were lower at higher elevations, highlighting that the cold conditions at higher elevations limit reproduction and development-this shows that higher elevation zones are ideal for conservation. The rodents and ectoparasite species described in this study have been reported as vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary importance, necessitating precautions. Moreover, Mount Meru is a refuge for a number of endemic and threatened species on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the parasitic infection can also be an additional risk to these critical species as well as biodiversity in general. Therefore, our study lays the groundwork for future wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation management actions. The study found a previously uncharacterized mite species in the Mesostigmata group that was previously known to be a parasite of honeybees. Further investigations may shed light into the role of this mite species on Mount Meru.

[Legal and illicit drugs: diffusion of health information in schools. Results of cross-sectional epidemiological survey carried out among 663 adolescents in high schools in Le Havre]. / Drogues licites et illicites: diffusion de l'information sanitaire en milieu scolaire. Résultats d'une enquête épidémiologique transversale réalisée auprès de 663 collégiens du Havre.

In 1988, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in secondary modern schools from the city of Le Havre in order to assess the spread of health education regarding licit and illicit drugs and prepare a pedagogical kit including adolescent opinions on the subject. Through the school system, more than one adolescent out 5 had been taught about tobacco or alcohol, and 11% about illicit drugs. Only 6% had been informed about all 3 subjects, and 70% had not received any information. Regarding alcohol and tobacco, health education was positively appreciated by adolescents. Information related to potential health risk constituted the main source of satisfaction. Lastly, 62% of the adolescents were ready to set up a health promotion program on illicits drugs. This choice was not influenced by age, sex or school performance.

[Licit and illicit drug consumption in the school environment. Results of a cross-sectional epidemiologic survey carried out among 663 high school students in Le Havre]. / Consommation de drogues licites et illicites en milieu scolaire. Résultats d'une enquête épidémiologique transversale réalisée auprès de 663 collégiens du Havre.

A cross-sectional epidemiologic study was undertaken in 1988 in the city of Le Havre, in order to study the licit and illicit drug consumption of adolescents attending high schools. The regular consumption of alcohol was higher in boys (9.2% vs 5.8%) whereas girls smoked more (16.4% vs 12.5%). In the group (4.2%) of every day drinkers, cider was the first alcoholic beverage used. One of 5 adolescents had been drunk at least once in 6 months, those over 15 years of age being involved twice as often as the youngest (28.2% vs 14.1%). The use of neuropsychotropic drugs was independent of sex, age and performance in school. Typological classification according to patterns of alcohol and drug consumption identified 4 groups of adolescents: the excessive consumers (3.6%), the moderate (25.6%), the abstainers (58.1%) and the consumers of psychotropic drugs (12.7%). The distribution of adolescents into these classes was influenced by age and, to a lesser extent, by school performance.

[Graft versus host reaction following materno-fetal transfusion. Apropos of 1 case]. / Réaction du greffon contre l'hôte après transfusion materno-foetale. A propos d'une observation.

After GVHR by probable maternal-foetal in utero transfusion, a male infant carrying a serious combined immune deficit (DICS) has presented a second post transfusional GVHR. On the occasion of this observation, the authors recall the main signs which permit to evoke this rare diagnosis as early as possible, as well as some main preventive measures that can be applied in current practice.