Risk factors of Salmonella infection in laying hens in Menoua Division, Western region of Cameroon (Central Africa).

Salmonella infections in poultry farms are overlooked in many African countries; yet these infections are mostly zoonotic with impact on both poultry industry and public health. Considering the impact of Salmonella in laying hens, and the role of laying hens as a source of Salmonella outbreak in human, knowledge of the status of Salmonella on laying hen farms as well as the factors influencing the presence of Salmonella is important. In a cross sectional study, cloacal swabs were collected from 270 commercial laying hens on 27 farms located in Menoua Division. These samples were cultured on standard media. A questionnaire was used to collect information on animals, farms and farmer's characteristics. The prevalence of Salmonella was 93.34%; three zoonotic isolates namely S. Enteritidis (75.90%), S. Paratyphi (11.90%), and S. Typhimurium (5.60%) were identified. The location of farms was significantly associated with presence of Salmonella, and the risk of infection was 10-fold higher in Nkong-ni than Santchou (p < 0.05). Other potential risk factors such as flock size, age of the farm (infrastructure), or water source were not associated with Salmonella infection. The prophylactic measures against avian diseases in the country must include measures against Salmonella to protect poultry industry and public health.

Knowledge and practice of family planning in Dschang municipality, Cameroon.

This study was conducted to examine factors which influence contraception in order to ameliorate services. For 12 consecutive months, 706 consenting women on fertility control presenting at the Dschang District Hospital, Cameroon were interviewed and cervical/blood samples collected for analysis. Study respondents were aged 15-50 years (mean 33.61 +/- 6.29 years). Levonorgestrel implants (46.7%) and medroxyprogesterone injections (27.6%) were cost effective over the intrauterine copper device (9.5%), Norgestrel (7.8%), Norethisterone enanthate (6.7%), male condoms (6.4%), Progestin only pills (1.4%) and spermicides (1.1%). Lack of expertise precluded tubal ligation or implants and vasectomy. Stigmatization, male rejection, giving or taking methods without adequate laboratory services or regular health checks and failure to recognize or report adverse reproductive health changes impacted on contraception. Genital infections were identified in 33.7% respondents, vaginal candidiasis 20%, bacterial vaginosis 19%, HIV/AIDS 90%, chlamydia 6% and < 2% other traditional venereal diseases. Sensitization, education, improved diagnostics and attitude change were adopted.