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Nakougou Mo&idigr;-bohm Biatougou,1 Muriel S Ouedraogo,2 Serge Theophile Soubeiga,3,4 Theodora Mahoukede Zohoncon,1,5 Paul Ouedraogo,5 Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah,6 Aziz Sidi Aristide Tapsoba,1 Touwendpoulimdé Isabelle Kiendrebeogo,1,3 Tani Sagna,4 Pascal Niamba,2 Adama Traore,2 Jacques Simpore1,3 1Biochemistry and Microbiology Department, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 2Department of Dermatology, Yalgado Ouedraogo Hospital University Centre, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 3Department of Biomedical Research, Biomolecular Research Centre Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 4Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 5Department of Medicine, Saint Thomas d’Aquin University (USTA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 6Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GhanaCorrespondence: Serge Theophile Soubeiga, Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Research Institute for Health Sciences (IRSS), P.O. 03. BOX 7047, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Tel +226 70 01 30 58, Email theo.soubeiga@gmail.comIntroduction: Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) is the main etiological agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma. This virus is frequently associated with immunocompromision. This study aimed to detect HHV-8 in people with compromised immune system.Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included 180 subjects: 179 HIV-infected patients and 1 patient with bullous pemphigoid. Blood samples were taken from all subjects, and swabs of lesions were then taken from individuals with symptoms of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Viral load and CD4+ T lymphocytes count were performed for persons living with HIV and real-time PCR detection of HHV-8 DNA was performed in all subjects in the study.Results: Among HIV-infected persons, 13.41% had a viral load of more than 10,000 copies/mL, and 22.91% had a CD4+ T l

Arzouma Paul Yooda,1–3 Salam Sawadogo,3 Serge Théophile Soubeiga,1,2 Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah,4 Koumpingnin Nebie,3 Abdoul Karim Ouattara,1,2 Birama Diarra,1,2 Abibou Simpore,3 Yetema Dieudonné Yonli,3 Abdoul-Guaniyi Sawadogo,3 Bia Emile Drabo,3 Seimbou Zalla,3 Anita Pierrette Siritié,3 Rodrigue Sosthène Nana,3 Honorine Dahourou,3 Jacques Simpore1,2 1Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LaBioGene), Training and Research Unit in Life and Earth Sciences, University Ouaga I Professor Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 2Pietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 3National Blood Transfusion Center (NBTC), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 4Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, the high endemicity of blood-borne infections is a serious threat to transfusion safety. In order to improve transfusion safety, Burkina Faso has undertaken in recent years a reorganization of its blood-transfusion system through the creation of a National Blood Transfusion Center, which is the only blood operator in the whole country. This study aimed to estimate the residual risk of transmission of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) by blood transfusion at the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (RBTC) of Ouagadougou.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the RBTC of Ouagadougou between 2015 and 2017. Prevalence of infectious markers was calculated for first-time donors and incidence rates calculated for repeat donors who had made at least two donations of blood over the study period. Residual risks were estimated for the three viruses (HIV, HBV, and HCV) by multiplying the incidence rate per 100,000 person-years by the respective durations of serological windows.Results: Between 2015 and 2017, of a total of 84,299 blood donors, 68,391 (81.13%) were first-time donor

Laure Stella Ghoma Linguissi1,2 Tani Sagna3,4, Serge Théophile Soubeiga1,4, Luc Christian Gwom,5 Céline Nguefeu Nkenfou6,5, Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah,7 Abdoul Karim Ouattara1,4, Virginio Pietra,4 Jacques Simpore1,41Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et de Génétique, Université Ouaga I Pr Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 2Institut National de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSSA), Brazzaville, Republic of Congo; 3Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 4Centre de Recherche Biomoleculaire Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 5“Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/Aids Prevention and Management (CBIRC), Yaoundé, Cameroon; 6Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon; 7Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GhanaBackground: Burkina-Faso’s HIV/AIDS program is one of the most successful in Africa, with a declining HIV prevalence and treatment outcomes that rival those of developed countries. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines in Burkina-Faso, initiated in the year 2000, were revised in 2004, 2006 and 2010. The guideline document has since undergone several stages of improvement, largely based on recommendations from WHO, with adaptations by local experts in the field. Option B+ adopted since August 2014 in Burkina-Faso has enabled maintenance of mothers on longer treatment and increasing their survival and that of their children. Through this review, we describe the achievements and challenges of HIV PMTCT programs in Burkina-Faso.Aims of study: This study had the following objectives: 1) describing the historical perspective of PMTCT implementation in Burkina-Faso; 2) presenting the

Sapoviruses (Says) are a common cause of gastroenteritis in children. In sub-Saharan Africa, there is a scarcity of information regarding SaV as an etiological agent of diarrhea. Here, we investigated the prevalence, molecular characterization and clinico-epidemiological features of SaV infections in children less than 5 years of age with diarrhea in Burkina Faso. We further investigated the role of type 1 histo blood group antigens as susceptibility factors. In total, 309 fecal and 208 saliva samples from diarrheal children in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, were collected between May 2009 and March 2010. Say was detected using real-time PCR, and genogrouped/genotyped by PCR or sequencing. Saliva samples were ABO, Lewis and secretor phenotyped using in house ELISA assays. We found a high prevalence (18%) and large genetic diversity with all 4 human genogroups, and 9 genotypes/genoclusters circulating during the study period. The SaV infections were generally associated with milder symptoms, and neither ABH, Lewis or secretor phenotypes affected susceptibility to Say infections. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council [10392]

Background. The live oral rotavirus (RV) vaccines have shown a reduced efficacy in Africa. Recent in vitro studies have shown binding of the RV surface protein (VP4) to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) in an RV genotype-dependent manner, suggesting them to be putative receptors for RV. The diversity of HBGA phenotypes in different ethnic populations, combined with prevalence/absence of specific RV genotypes, led us to hypothesize whether the genetic variations in HBGAs in a population limit susceptibility to certain RV genotypes, plausibly leading to reduced vaccine efficacy. Methods. Association between HBGAs status and susceptibility to RV P genotypes was investigated in children in Burkina Faso and Nicaragua. In total, 242 children with diarrhea in Burkina Faso and Nicaragua were investigated, 93 of whom were RV positive. Results. In Burkina Faso, the P[8] RV strains (n = 27) infected only Lewis-and secretor-positive children (27/27; P less than .0001), but no Lewis-negative children. In contrast, the P[6] strains (n = 27) infected predominantly Lewis-negative children (n = 18; P less than.0001) but also Lewis-positive children, irrespective of their secretor status. The results from Nicaragua confirmed that all P[8]-infected children (n = 22) were secretor Lewis positive. Conclusions. As VP4 of genotype P[8] is a component of current RV vaccines, our finding that Lewis-negative children are resistant to P[8] strains provides a plausible explanation for the reduced vaccine efficacy in populations with a high percentage of Lewis-negative individuals, such as in Africa. Furthermore, our findings provide a plausible explanation as to why P[6] RV strains are more common in Africa., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council [8266, 3485, dnr-348-2011-7420]

Background: A significant fraction of cases of diarrhea, a leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide, remain unexplained. Objectives: To identify viruses in unexplained cases of diarrhea using an unbiased metagenomics approach. Study design: Viral nucleic acids were enriched from the feces from 48 cases of unexplained diarrhea from Burkina Faso, sequenced, and compared against all known viral genomes. Results: The full genome of a highly divergent astrovirus was sequenced in a sample co-infected with parechovirus 1. RT-PCR identified a single astrovirus infection in these 48 patients indicating a low prevalence. Human astrovirus-BF34 was most closely related to mamastrovirus species 8 and 9 also found in human with which it shared 62%, 74%, and 57% amino acid identities over its protease, RNA dependent RNA polymerase and capsid proteins, respectively. Conclusions: Burkina Faso astrovirus is proposed as prototype for a novel species in the genus Mamastrovirus, here tentatively called Mamastrovirus 20, representing the fifth human astrovirus species.

Norovirus (NoV) constitutes the second most common viral pathogen causing pediatric diarrhea after rotavirus. In Africa, diarrhea is a major health problem in children, and yet few studies have been performed regarding NoV. The association of histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) and susceptibility to NoV infection is well established in Caucasian populations with non-secretors being resistant to many common NoV strains. No study regarding HBGA and NoV susceptibility has yet been performed in Africa. We collected 309 stool and 208 saliva samples from diarrheal children in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; May 2009 to March 2010. NoV was detected using real-time PCR, and genotyped by sequencing. Saliva samples were ABO, Lewis and secretor phenotyped using in house ELISA assays. NoV was detected in 12% (n = 37) of the samples. The genotype diversity was unusually large; overall the 37 positive samples belonged to 14 genotypes. Only children <2 years of age were NoV positive and the GII.4 NoVs were more frequent in the late dry season (Jan-May). NoV infections were observed less in children with the secretor-negative phenotype or blood group A (OR 0.18; p = 0.012 and OR 0.31; p = 0.054; respectively), with two non-secretors infected with genotypes GII.7 and GII.4 respectively. Lewis-negative (Lea−b−) children, representing 32% of the study population, were susceptible to GII, but were not infected with any NoV GI. GII.4 strains preferentially infected children with blood group B whereas secretor-positive children with blood group O were infected with the largest variety of genotypes. This is the first study identifying host genetic factors associated with susceptibility to NoV in an African population, and suggests that while the non-secretor phenotype provides protection; the Lewis b antigen is not necessary for GII infection.

Norovirus (NoV) constitutes the second most common viral pathogen causing pediatric diarrhea after rotavirus. In Africa, diarrhea is a major health problem in children, and yet few studies have been performed regarding NoV. The association of histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) and susceptibility to NoV infection is well established in Caucasian populations with non-secretors being resistant to many common NoV strains. No study regarding HBGA and NoV susceptibility has yet been performed in Africa. We collected 309 stool and 208 saliva samples from diarrheal children in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; May 2009 to March 2010. NoV was detected using real-time PCR, and genotyped by sequencing. Saliva samples were ABO, Lewis and secretor phenotyped using in house ELISA assays. NoV was detected in 12% (n = 37) of the samples. The genotype diversity was unusually large; overall the 37 positive samples belonged to 14 genotypes. Only children <2 years of age were NoV positive and the GII.4 NoVs were more frequent in the late dry season (Jan-May). NoV infections were observed less in children with the secretor-negative phenotype or blood group A (OR 0.18; p = 0.012 and OR 0.31; p = 0.054; respectively), with two non-secretors infected with genotypes GII.7 and GII.4 respectively. Lewis-negative (Lea−b−) children, representing 32% of the study population, were susceptible to GII, but were not infected with any NoV GI. GII.4 strains preferentially infected children with blood group B whereas secretor-positive children with blood group O were infected with the largest variety of genotypes. This is the first study identifying host genetic factors associated with susceptibility to NoV in an African population, and suggests that while the non-secretor phenotype provides protection; the Lewis b antigen is not necessary for GII infection.

Norovirus (NoV) constitutes the second most common viral pathogen causing pediatric diarrhea after rotavirus. In Africa, diarrhea is a major health problem in children, and yet few studies have been performed regarding NoV. The association of histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) and susceptibility to NoV infection is well established in Caucasian populations with non-secretors being resistant to many common NoV strains. No study regarding HBGA and NoV susceptibility has yet been performed in Africa. We collected 309 stool and 208 saliva samples from diarrheal children in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; May 2009 to March 2010. NoV was detected using real-time PCR, and genotyped by sequencing. Saliva samples were ABO, Lewis and secretor phenotyped using in house ELISA assays. NoV was detected in 12% (n = 37) of the samples. The genotype diversity was unusually large; overall the 37 positive samples belonged to 14 genotypes. Only children <2 years of age were NoV positive and the GII.4 NoVs were more frequent in the late dry season (Jan-May). NoV infections were observed less in children with the secretor-negative phenotype or blood group A (OR 0.18; p = 0.012 and OR 0.31; p = 0.054; respectively), with two non-secretors infected with genotypes GII.7 and GII.4 respectively. Lewis-negative (Lea−b−) children, representing 32% of the study population, were susceptible to GII, but were not infected with any NoV GI. GII.4 strains preferentially infected children with blood group B whereas secretor-positive children with blood group O were infected with the largest variety of genotypes. This is the first study identifying host genetic factors associated with susceptibility to NoV in an African population, and suggests that while the non-secretor phenotype provides protection; the Lewis b antigen is not necessary for GII infection.

Norovirus (NoV) constitutes the second most common viral pathogen causing pediatric diarrhea after rotavirus. In Africa, diarrhea is a major health problem in children, and yet few studies have been performed regarding NoV. The association of histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) and susceptibility to NoV infection is well established in Caucasian populations with non-secretors being resistant to many common NoV strains. No study regarding HBGA and NoV susceptibility has yet been performed in Africa. We collected 309 stool and 208 saliva samples from diarrheal children in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; May 2009 to March 2010. NoV was detected using real-time PCR, and genotyped by sequencing. Saliva samples were ABO, Lewis and secretor phenotyped using in house ELISA assays. NoV was detected in 12% (n = 37) of the samples. The genotype diversity was unusually large; overall the 37 positive samples belonged to 14 genotypes. Only children <2 years of age were NoV positive and the GII.4 NoVs were more frequent in the late dry season (Jan-May). NoV infections were observed less in children with the secretor-negative phenotype or blood group A (OR 0.18; p = 0.012 and OR 0.31; p = 0.054; respectively), with two non-secretors infected with genotypes GII.7 and GII.4 respectively. Lewis-negative (Lea−b−) children, representing 32% of the study population, were susceptible to GII, but were not infected with any NoV GI. GII.4 strains preferentially infected children with blood group B whereas secretor-positive children with blood group O were infected with the largest variety of genotypes. This is the first study identifying host genetic factors associated with susceptibility to NoV in an African population, and suggests that while the non-secretor phenotype provides protection; the Lewis b antigen is not necessary for GII infection.

Norovirus (NoV) constitutes the second most common viral pathogen causing pediatric diarrhea after rotavirus. In Africa, diarrhea is a major health problem in children, and yet few studies have been performed regarding NoV. The association of histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) and susceptibility to NoV infection is well established in Caucasian populations with non-secretors being resistant to many common NoV strains. No study regarding HBGA and NoV susceptibility has yet been performed in Africa. We collected 309 stool and 208 saliva samples from diarrheal children in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; May 2009 to March 2010. NoV was detected using real-time PCR, and genotyped by sequencing. Saliva samples were ABO, Lewis and secretor phenotyped using in house ELISA assays. NoV was detected in 12% (n = 37) of the samples. The genotype diversity was unusually large; overall the 37 positive samples belonged to 14 genotypes. Only children <2 years of age were NoV positive and the GII.4 NoVs were more frequent in the late dry season (Jan-May). NoV infections were observed less in children with the secretor-negative phenotype or blood group A (OR 0.18; p = 0.012 and OR 0.31; p = 0.054; respectively), with two non-secretors infected with genotypes GII.7 and GII.4 respectively. Lewis-negative (Lea−b−) children, representing 32% of the study population, were susceptible to GII, but were not infected with any NoV GI. GII.4 strains preferentially infected children with blood group B whereas secretor-positive children with blood group O were infected with the largest variety of genotypes. This is the first study identifying host genetic factors associated with susceptibility to NoV in an African population, and suggests that while the non-secretor phenotype provides protection; the Lewis b antigen is not necessary for GII infection.

Norovirus (NoV) constitutes the second most common viral pathogen causing pediatric diarrhea after rotavirus. In Africa, diarrhea is a major health problem in children, and yet few studies have been performed regarding NoV. The association of histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) and susceptibility to NoV infection is well established in Caucasian populations with non-secretors being resistant to many common NoV strains. No study regarding HBGA and NoV susceptibility has yet been performed in Africa. We collected 309 stool and 208 saliva samples from diarrheal children in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; May 2009 to March 2010. NoV was detected using real-time PCR, and genotyped by sequencing. Saliva samples were ABO, Lewis and secretor phenotyped using in house ELISA assays. NoV was detected in 12% (n = 37) of the samples. The genotype diversity was unusually large; overall the 37 positive samples belonged to 14 genotypes. Only children <2 years of age were NoV positive and the GII.4 NoVs were more frequent in the late dry season (Jan-May). NoV infections were observed less in children with the secretor-negative phenotype or blood group A (OR 0.18; p = 0.012 and OR 0.31; p = 0.054; respectively), with two non-secretors infected with genotypes GII.7 and GII.4 respectively. Lewis-negative (Lea−b−) children, representing 32% of the study population, were susceptible to GII, but were not infected with any NoV GI. GII.4 strains preferentially infected children with blood group B whereas secretor-positive children with blood group O were infected with the largest variety of genotypes. This is the first study identifying host genetic factors associated with susceptibility to NoV in an African population, and suggests that while the non-secretor phenotype provides protection; the Lewis b antigen is not necessary for GII infection.

To obtain more information about rotavirus (ROTAV) genotypes in Burkina Faso, we characterized 100 ROTAVs isolated from fecal samples of children with acute gastroenteritis in the capital city of Ouagadougou, during December 2009 March 2010. Of note, 13% of the ROTAV-positive samples, including those with mixed infections, were positive for the unusual G6 genotype ROTAV strain. The genotypes identified were G9P[8], G6P[6], G1P[6], G3P[6], G1P[8], and G2P[4]. G9P[8] subgroup (SG) II strains dominated during the beginning of the ROTAV season, but later in the season, other G types associated with P[6] and SGI specificity emerged. This emergence was related to a shift in the overall age of infected children; ROTAV SGII infected younger children and induced more severe symptoms. The finding of a high incidence of G6P[6] strains highlights the need for long-term surveillance of ROTAV strains in Burkina Faso, especially when ROTAV vaccination is being considered in several African countries., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council|10392

Group A rotavirus (RVA) is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children globally, and responsible for a significant number of deaths in African countries. While vaccines are available, trials have shown a lesser efficacy in Africa. One of the reasons could be the prevalence and/or emergence of unusual or novel RVA strains, as many strains detected in African countries remain uncharacterized. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanIn this study, we characterized RVA positive specimens from two remote rural areas in Burkina Faso, West Africa. In total 56 RVA positive specimens were subgrouped by their VP6 gene, and G-and P typed by PCR and/or sequencing of the VP7 and VP4 genes, respectively. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanNotably, we found a high prevalence of the unusual G6P[6]SGI strains (23%). It was the second most common constellation after G9P[8]SGII (32%); and followed by G1P[8]SGII (20%) and G2P[4]SGI (9%). We also detected a G8P[6]SGI strain, for the first time in Burkina Faso. The intra-genetic diversity was high for the VP4 gene with two subclusters within the P[8] genotype and three subclusters within the P[6] genotype which were each associated with a specific G-type, thereby suggesting a genetic linkage. The G6P[6]SGI and other SGI RVA strains infected younger children as compared to SGII strains (p andlt; 0.05). less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanTo conclude, in this study we observed the emergence of unusual RVA strains and high genetic diversity of RVA in remote rural areas of Burkina Faso. The results highlight the complexity of RVA epidemiology which may have implication for the introduction of rotavirus vaccines currently being evaluated in many African countries., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council|10392

Objective: There is limited information available regarding the etiology of gastrointestinal infections in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and epidemiology of enteric pathogens causing gastroenteritis in young children, with a focus on rotavirus, and to investigate the levels of malnutrition and other clinical factors in association with the severity of diarrhea. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods: A prospective study was undertaken from May 2009 to March 2010, covering the rainy and dry seasons, at the Saint Camille Medical Center in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of 309 children less than 5 years of age with diarrhea were enrolled and examined for rotavirus, bacterial, and parasitic infections, as well as clinico-epidemiological aspects. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults: At least one enteropathogen was detected in 57.9% (n = 179) of the children. Of these, 32.4% had rotavirus infections, 16.8% bacterial infections (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli 9.7%, Shigella spp 5.8%, and Salmonella spp 2.3%), and 18.8% parasitic infections (Giardia lamblia 11.3%, Trichomonas intestinalis 6.8%, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 1.3%). During the cold dry period from December 2009 to February 2010, we observed a large increase in diarrhea cases, which was mainly attributed to rotavirus infections, as 63.8% of these diarrhea cases were positive for rotavirus. In contrast, no rotavirus infection was observed during the rainy season (June-September 2009), when the frequency of parasitic infections was high. Rotavirus and parasitic infections were age-related, with rotavirus being more prevalent in young children (andlt;12 months) and parasites more common in older children (andgt;12 months), while bacteria were equally prevalent among all age groups. Rotavirus infections exhibited more severe symptoms compared to bacteria and parasites, and were associated with fever, vomiting, and severe dehydration.