Squamous and glandular metaplasia related to a renal pelvis stone leading to secondary pyeloureteral junction syndrome.

Keratinizing squamous metaplasia of the renal pelvis is a rare lesion of the upper urinary tract that can occur in the context of chronic aggression to the urothelium, potentially leading to a secondary pyeloureteral junction syndrome. We report the case of a 43-year-old patient discovered intraoperatively in relation to a renal pelvis stone causing a pyeloureteral junction syndrome. The extemporaneous histological examination ruled out a malignant process, and we performed a pyeloplasty according to KUSS-ANDERSON technique. This pathology should be recognized by the urologist for appropriate management. Treatment is conservative, with extended follow-up to detect recurrences or carcinomatous degenerations.

[Hepatitis B virus serologic status among hospital health care staff in Lome]. / Évaluation de la protection vaccinale contre le virus de l'hépatite B chez le personnel soignant hospitalier à Lomé

To assess the hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic status of hospital health care personnel in Lome. From June 1 to August 31, 2007, 100 workers vaccinated against HBV and 50 unvaccinated workers participated in this comparative cross-sectional study. The data studied were: age, sex, vaccination status, history of accidental exposure to blood, and enzyme-linked immunoassay results for HBs antigen (Ag), total anti-HBc antibodies (Ab), and anti-HBs Ab. Vaccinated subjects had a mean age of 33.2 ± 8.2 years and unvaccinated subjects of 35.2 ± 9.6 years; their respective sex ratios (M:W) were 2:1 and 3:1. Protective levels (>10 IU/L) of anti-HBs Ab were found in 78% (n = 78) of vaccinated subjects compared with 44% (n = 22) of those unvaccinated. HBs Ag was found in 36% (n = 36) of vaccinated and 56% (n = 28) of unvaccinated subjects. Of subjects previously accidentally exposed to blood, 67% (n = 35) had HBs Ag compared with 30% (n = 29) of those subjects without such exposure. This study has proved the high prevalence of HBs Ag carrier status among health care workers in Lome and confirms the importance of vaccination against HBV.

Profil de l'hypertension arterielle de l'enfant en milieu hospitalier pediatrique a Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

La frequence de l'hypertension arterielle (HTA) chez l'enfant en milieu hospitalier n'est pas connue au Burkina Faso. Il s'agit d' une etude retrospective de 23 dossiers d'enfants hospitalises pour HTA sur une periode de 9 ans (1er janvier 2002 au 31 decembre 2010) dans notre service afin de decrire les caracteristiques de l'hypertension arterielle de l'enfant ; l'HTA a ete definie selon la classification de la Societe Francaise de Nephrologie Pediatrique. La moyenne annuelle de cas d'HTA etait de 2 a 3 enfants . Le sex-ratio a ete de 1;3 et l'age moyen de 10 ans (extremes = 4 et 14 ans). Les motifs d'admission ont ete domines par les odemes (69;60);; les douleurs abdominales (65;2) et l'asthenie (56;5). L'HTA a ete classee confirmee dans 39;13; maligne dans 30;40 et limite dans 30;40 des cas. L'HTA a ete associee a une anemie dans 82;60 des cas. Les etiologies etaient surtout d'origine renale (87;10); dominees par le syndrome nephrotique impur (34;89). Tous les patients ont recu un traitement diuretique en association avec les inhibiteurs calciques (30;40); les inhibiteurs de l'enzyme de conversion (17;40) et les antihypertenseurs centraux dans (4;30). L'evolution a ete favorable chez 52;20 des patients ; 39;20 des patients ont ete transferes dans le service d'hemodialyse ; un enfant etait decede dans le service .L'HTA confirmee est plus frequente ; la principale etiologie etait le syndrome nephrotique impur

[Multiple facial squamous cell carcinomas in a child, revealing a xeroderma pigmentosum]. / Xeroderma pigmentosum révélé par des carcinomes épidermoïdes multiples de la face chez un enfant.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is very rare in children. One of its most common risk factors is xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), an autosomal recessive disease characterized by defective cellular DNA repair, and hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. CASE REPORT: We report a case of XP in a 7-year-old black African boy, revealed by squamous cell carcinomas of the inferior lip and upper left eyelid. DISCUSSION: In sub-Saharan regions, the early diagnosis of XP is difficult because of its uncommon occurrence on black skin and black skin specificities. The strong sun radiation in the tropics and a late diagnosis make XP treatment challenging. Thus, prevention in patients' families is mandatory.

Genotypic diversity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from African traditional alkaline-fermented foods.

AIM: To identify and compare lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from alkaline fermentations of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves, roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) seeds for production of, respectively, Ntoba Mbodi, Bikalga and Soumbala. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 121 LAB were isolated, identified and compared by phenotyping and genotyping using PCR amplification of 16S-23S rDNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS-PCR), repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) and DNA sequencing. The results revealed a diversity of genera, species and subspecies of LAB in African alkaline fermentations. The isolates were characterized as nonmotile (in most cases) Gram-positive rods, cocci or coccobacilli, catalase and oxidase negative. ITS-PCR allowed typing mainly at species level, with differentiation of a few bacteria at subspecies level. Rep-PCR permitted typing at subspecies level and revealed significant genotypic differences between the same species of bacteria from different raw materials. DNA sequencing combined with use of API 50CHL and API 20Strep systems allowed identification of bacteria as Weissella confusa, Weissella cibaria, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus avium and Enterococcus hirae from Ntoba Mbodi; Ent. faecium, Ent. hirae and Pediococcus acidilactici from Bikalga and Soumbala. CONCLUSION: LAB found in African alkaline-fermented foods belong to a range of genera, species and subspecies of bacteria and vary considerably according to raw material. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our study confirms that LAB survive in alkaline fermentations, a first crucial stage in determining their significance and possible value as probiotic bacteria.