Epidemiological aspects and molecular characterization of the hepatitis B virus among blood donors in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

OBJECTIVES: The strains of HBV circulating among blood donors in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are not yet characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine seroprevalence, changes in biochemical parameters during HBV infection and molecular characterization of HBV in blood donors in Lubumbashi. METHODS: The detection of HBsAg was carried out by rapid diagnostic test then confirmed by the Liaison XL® Quant HBsAg technique. PCR targeting the P gene was carried out on LightCycler® 96 and genotyping by the sequencing technique on ABI 3500. RESULTS: The seroprevalence was 7.9%. The genotypes E (53.1%), A (41.8%), A3/E (3.8%), A1/E (1.3%) and some drug resistance mutations were identified. Disturbances of HDL-cholesterol, direct bilirubin, transaminases (ASAT and ALAT), PAL, GGT and albumin have been observed in HBsAg positive blood donors. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicated that Lubumbashi is in a region with high endemicity for HBV and report for the first time HBV of genotypes A, E, A1/E and A3/E. They highlight the need to implement strategies to improve transfusion safety in blood transfusion centers and hospital blood banks in Lubumbashi in order to reduce HBV infection in recipients. They could also contribute to the implementation of treatment strategies and the development of mapping of circulating HBV genotypes in the DRC.

Respiratory health of women selling cassava, corn and soybean flour in Lumbumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory complaints in Congolese women selling grain flours in Lubumbashi. The study enrolled 370 women, including 183 cassava, corn and soybean flour selling women (exposed group) and 187 tax collectors in municipal markets (control group) in Lubumbashi, DRC. A standardized respiratory health questionnaire was used, and a lung function test performed with the use of peak flow-meters. The prevalence of respiratory complaints was markedly higher in dust-exposed women than controls. In addition, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was significantly lower in the exposed group than in controls (342.46 ± 65.62 vs. 410.89 ± 70.91, respectively ; P<0.05). After adjustment for age and education level, women involved in cassava, corn and soybean flour selling business were more likely to develop respiratory complaints ad disorders as compared to controls.