[Bacteriologic characteristics of 25 strains of Vibrio cholerae, biotype eltor isolated in Mali]. / Etude des caractères bactériologiques de 25 souches de Vibrio cholerae, biotype eltor isolées au Mali.

This work studies bacteriological characters of 25 strains of V. cholerae isolated in Mali during the outbreak of 1984-1987. These strains were precisely identified by biochemistry characters, toxin secretion, presence of a structure considered as attachment factor. Antibiotic susceptibility study confirmed the great sensibility of V. cholerae to this products, and allowed to classify them according to their Cl90. This contribution of the laboratory is very interesting for the control of the disease and the choice of standardized scheme of treatment.

[Evaluation of endemic leprosy in an urban zone--sampling survey at the household level: results at Bamako, Republic of Mali]. / Evaluation de l'endémie lépreuse en zone urbaine--enquête par sondage au niveau des ménages: résultats à Bamako, République du Mali.

A sample survey on households was conducted in Bamako (capital of the Republic of Mali) in order to estimate epidemiological and logistical indexes relating to Hansen's disease. With a prevalence rate reaching 7.37 +/- 1.83 per thousand, a detection rate reaching 0.91 +/- 0.49 per thousand the city is a high level endemic area. All observed parameters (age, sex, racial, hygiene status, geographic distribution) seem to have no influence on disease aspect. The majority of the patients (80%) are treated by monotherapy with Dapsone, generally for excessive duration. The sociocultural impact of the Hansen's disease is very important, the physical and sensorial handicaps are frequent (34%). The survey's results could be used in order to elaborate a strategy for leprosy control based on multi-drug therapy in urban areas.

[Bacteriological study of shigellosis in the Lake Kivu area (Central Africa). Developments in the last 15 years (1968-1983)]. / Etude bactériologique des shigelloses dans la région du lac Kivu (Afrique centrale). Evolution au cours des quinze dernières années (1968-1983).

1913 Shigella strains were isolated from 1968 to 1983 in lake Kivu area (Central Africa). Distribution and evolution of serotypes, biotypes and antibiotypes were studied. The majority of serotypes and biotypes were stable. However, few of these strains showed variations, among them Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1, causing epidemic dysenteriae since 1981. Epidemiologic survey of shigellosis in Kivu seems to be rather underdeveloped (4 bacteriology laboratories for an area of 10 million inhabitants) and the number of registered cases is probably underestimated. This problem is threatening the public health and coordination of laboratory activities, either local or regional, should be improved.

[3-year study of shigellosis epidemic in Rwanda, Central Africa. Problems of public health and bacteriological aspects]. / Etude sur trois ans d'une épidémie de shigellose au Rwanda--Afrique centrale. Problèmes de santé publique et aspects bactériologiques.

Since 1979, the Lakes region (Kivu in Zaïre, Western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi) has been stricken by a bacillary dysentery epidemic at S. dysenteriae type 1. Supposed to be extinct since the 1950s., this bacillus has revealed a very noticeable virulence as well by the number of registered cases (524/100.000 in 1983 at Ruhengeri-Rwanda) as its fast break through. Demographic density (from 400 to 600/km2) has played an important role and has facilitated the transition toward epidemicity. Systematic bacteriological exams on the spot has allowed prompt identification of the involved germ, antibiotics to be used, and resistance variations during the period under consideration. The role of a regional laboratory to monitor diarrheal diseases has been demonstrated as of prime importance to set up a fighting strategy at regional level.

[Epidemic of Neisseria meningitidis cerebrospinal meningitis in the Ruhengeri health district (Rwanda)]. / Epidémie de méningite cérébrospinale à Neisseria meningitidis dans la région sanitaire de Ruhengeri (Rwanda).

Rwanda is a central african country where mean altitude is high (1,800 m), dwelling scattered, and population density important (372/km2). In 1978, a CSM epidemic broke out and raged for 4 years. Death incidence was very noticeable: 223/100 000. Treatment by an unique doses of chloramphenicol proved to be effective. As a consequence of an experimental immunization campaign, limited to one township, local population immunity is still solid after three years.