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Abstract Background Schistosomiasis remains a public health concern worldwide. It is responsible for more than 240 million cases in 78 countries, 40 million of whom are women of childbearing age. In the Senegal River basin, both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are very prevalent in school-age children. However, there is a lack of information on the burden of schistosomiasis in pregnant women, which can cause complications in the pregnancy outcome. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of schistosomiasis in pregnant women. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the health center of the Senegalese Sugar Company and at the hospital of Richard Toll between August and December 2021. The urine and stool samples collected were examined using microscopy techniques and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect the presence of S. haematobium and S. mansoni. The urines were previously tested using urine reagent strips to detect hematuria and proteinuria. Socio-demographical, clinical, and diagnostically data were recorded by the midwife and the gynaecologist. The data were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Results Among the 298 women examined for the infection by microscopic, 65 (21.81%) were infected with urogenital schistosomiasis, 10 (3.36%) with intestinal schistosomiasis, and 4 (1.34%) were co-infected with both types of schistosomiasis. Out of the 288 samples tested by qPCR, 146 (48.99%) were positive for S. haematobium, 49 (35.51%) for S. mansoni and 22 (15.94%) for both species (co-infection). Pregnant women having microscopic haematuria and proteinuria were significantly more infected (p

We conducted a cross-sectional serosurvey for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) exposure in fruit bats in Senegal during 2020–2023. We found that 13.3% (89/671) of bats had CHIKV IgG; highest prevalence was in Eidolon helvum (18.3%, 15/82) and Epomophorus gambianus (13.7%, 63/461) bats. Our results suggest these bats are naturally exposed to CHIKV.

Improving sorghum adoption rates by developing adapted varieties that meet end-user preferences is a major challenge in West Africa. In this study, a participatory rural appraisal was undertaken to identify the main sorghum production constraints, farmers’ preferred variety traits and their perceptions on sorghum grain mold. The study was conducted in four representative rural communities located in the main sorghum producing area of Senegal. A total of 260 farmers were interviewed and data were collected through focus group discussions and individual questionnaires. Our results indicated that Striga, insects, poor soil fertility and drought are the major sorghum producing constraints in Senegal. Grain mold was identified as the second most important sorghum disease after the damping-off. Discoloration on grain surface was the most important criteria farmers used to recognize the disease. The most important sorghum traits farmers desired in improved varieties are medium to short plant maturity cycle, medium plant height, large open or semi-compact panicle, big and white grain, and adaptation to local growing conditions. The results showed that the sorghum cropping system is dominated by male farmers who mainly grow local landraces. These results will provide updated recommendations for the breeding products profile to meet end-user preferences in Senegal.

Abstract Background Ultra-processed foods (UPF), as proposed by the Nova food classification system, are linked to the development of obesity and several non-communicable chronic diseases and deaths from all causes. The Nova-UPF screener developed in Brazil is a simple and quick tool to assess and monitor the consumption of these food products. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate, against the 24-hour dietary recall, this short food-based screener to assess UPF consumption in the Senegalese context. Methods The tool adaptation was undertaken using DELPHI methodology with national experts and data from a food market survey. Following the adaptation, sub-categories were renamed, restructured and new ones introduced. The validation study was conducted in the urban area of Dakar in a convenience sample of 301 adults, using as a reference the dietary share of UPF on the day prior to the survey, expressed as a percentage of total energy intake obtained via 24-hour recall. Association between the Nova-UPF score and the dietary share of UPF was evaluated using linear regression models. The Pabak index was used to assess the agreement in participants’ classification according to quintiles of Nova-UPF score and quintiles of the dietary share of UPF. Results The results show a linear and positive association (p-value

Abstract Background Over the past two decades, preventive chemotherapy (PC) with praziquantel (PZQ) is the major strategy for controlling schistosomiasis in Senegal. The objective of this analysis was to update the endemicity of schistosomiasis at community level for better targeting mass treatment with PZQ in Senegal. Methods Demographic and epidemiological data from 1610 community health areas were analyzed using the schistosomiasis community data analysis tool of Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases which developed by World Health Organization/Africa Office (WHO/AFRO). The tool uses a WHO/AFRO decision tree for areas without epidemiological data to determine whether mass treatment should be continued at community level. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results Overall, the endemicity of 1610 community health areas were updated based on the data from the district endemicity (33.5%) and the form of Join request for selected PC medicine (40.5%). Up to 282 (17.5%) and 398 (24.7%) of community health areas were classified as moderate and high endemicity. 41.1% of communities were non endemic. High endemicity was more important in Tambacounda, Saint Louis, Matam, Louga and Kedougou. A change in endemicity category was observed when data was disagregted from district level to community level. Implementation units classified non endemic were more important at community level (n = 666) compared to district level (n = 324). Among 540 areas previously classified high endemic at district level, 392 (72.6%) remained high prevalence category, while 92 (17.0%) became moderate, 43 (8.0%) low and 13 (2.4%) non-endemics at community level. Number of implementation units requiring PC was more important at district level (1286) compared to community level (944). Number of school aged children requiring treatment was also more important at district level compared to community level. Conclusions The analysis to disaggregate data from district level to community level using the WHO/AFRO schistosomiasis sub-district data optimization tool provide an update of schistosomiasis endemicity at community level. This study has allowed to better target schistosomiasis interventions, optimize use of available PZQ and exposed data gaps.

In Senegal, onions (Allium cepa L.) are an important and widely consumed crop. Several varieties and speculations are cultivated, with yields and bulbs qualities depending on technical itineraries and cultivation areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of onion bulbs produced at the Kalassane and Nguéthioro sites, using morphological and physicochemical parameters. To this end, an optimized treatment based on the “Société Nationale d’Aménagement et d’Exploitation des terres du Delta” (SAED) technical data sheet, requiring water and fertilizer inputs to be controlled (4455.4 m3 of water/ha, 9 kg/9 m2 of organic matter applied before sowing and 224 g/m2 of N- P-K applied in 4 inputs), another based on the farmers' method using excessive quantities of water and fertilizers (6526.1 m3 water/ha, 12 kg/9 m2 organic matter applied after sowing and 748 g/m2 N-P-K applied in 5 applications), and their combinations were applied on Kalassane. Next, the best method for ensuring quality bulbs at Kalassane was also tested at Nguéthioro. The results show that at Kalassane, onion bulbs from the optimized method are small (67.96 ± 14.40 g) and less waterlogged (Wc 85.44 % ± 0.71, aw 0.83 ± 0.01), with a high total polyphenol content (7.01 mg/100 g ± 0.01), in contrast to those from the farmers’ method, which are 100.80 g ± 14.22; 87.14 % ± 0.69; 0.91 ± 0.01 and 2.11 mg/100 g ± 0.01 respectively. In short, this study leads to the conclusion that optimized practice is the best treatment guaranteeing better quality. In addition, the optimized method showed a difference between the results for the two sites. In the future, repeating this experiment coupled with edaphic characteristics will enable us to determine the influence of soil on the physicochemical and nutritional quality of onions.

Abstract Background In Senegal, malaria morbidity has sharply decreased over these past years. However, malaria epidemiology remains heterogeneous with persistent transmission in the southeastern part of the country and many cases among older children and adolescents. Little is known about factors associated with clinical malaria among this group. A better understanding of malaria transmission among this newly emerging vulnerable group will guide future interventions targeting this population group. This study aimed to identify factors associated with clinical malaria among adolescents in Senegal. Methods A case–control study was conducted from November to December 2020 in four health posts located in the Saraya district. Cases were defined as adolescents (10–19 years) with an uncomplicated malaria episode with fever (temperature > 37.5°) or a history of fever and positive malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Controls were from the same age group, living in the neighbourhood of the case, presenting a negative RDT. A standardized, pre-tested questionnaire was administered to each study participant followed by a home visit to assess the participant's living conditions. Factors associated with clinical malaria were assessed using stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results In total, 492 individuals were recruited (246 cases and 246 controls). In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with clinical malaria included non-use of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) (aOR = 2.65; 95% CI 1.58–4.45), non-use of other preventive measures (aOR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.53–4.11) and indoor sleeping (aOR = 3.22; 95% CI 1.66–6.23). Protective factors included 15–19 years of age (aOR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.23–0.62), absence of stagnant water around the house (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.16–0.44), having a female as head of household (aOR = 0.47; 95% CI 0.25–0.90), occupation such as apprentice (OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.11–0.52). Conclusions The study revealed that environmental factors and non-use of malaria preventive measures are the main determinants of malaria transmission among adolescents living in areas with persistent malaria transmission in Senegal. Strategies aimed at improving disease awareness and access to healthcare interventions, such as LLINs, are needed to improve malaria control and prevention among these vulnerable groups.

Background: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ) is a malaria prevention strategy recommended since 2012 by the World Health Organization (WHO) for children under 5 years. In Senegal, the scaling up of SMC started in 2013 in the south-eastern regions of the country with an extension of the target to 10 years old children. The scaling up of SMC requires regular evaluation of the strategy as recommended by the WHO. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of SMC. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in some villages of the health districts of Saraya and Kedougou in the Kedougou region from July to December 2016. A case was a sick child, aged 3 months to 10 years, seen in consultation and with a positive malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). The control was a child of the same age group with a negative RDT and living in the same compound as the case or in a neighbouring compound. Each case was matched with two controls. Exposure to SMC was assessed by interviewing the mothers/caretakers and by checking the SMC administration card. Results: Overall, 492 children, including 164 cases and 328 controls, were recruited in our study. Their mean ages were 5.32 (+/- 2.15) and 4.44 (+/-2.25) years for cases and controls, respectively. The number of boys was higher in both cases (55.49%; CI 95%=47.54-63.24%) and controls (51,22%; CI 95%=45.83-56.58%). Net ownership was 85.80% among cases and 90.85% among controls (p=0,053). The proportion of controls who received SMC was higher than that of cases (98.17% vs 85.98% and p=1.10-7). The protective effectiveness of SMC was 89% (OR= 0.12 (CI 95%=0.04-0.28)). Conclusions: SMC is an effective strategy in the control of malaria in children. Case-control studies are a good approach for monitoring the efficacy of drugs administered during SMC.

Abstract Background Although direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have become standard care for patients with chronic hepatitis C worldwide, there is no evidence for their value for money in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of four sofosbuvir-based regimens recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Methods Using modelling, we simulated chronic hepatitis C progression with and without treatment in hypothetical cohorts of patients infected with the country’s predominant genotypes (1, 2 and 4) and without other viral coinfections, history of liver complication or hepatocellular carcinoma. Using the status-quo ‘no DAA treatment’ as a comparator, we assessed four regimens: sofosbuvir-ribavirin, sofosbuvir-ledipasvir (both recommended in WHO 2016 guidelines and assessed in the TAC pilot trial conducted in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal), sofosbuvir-daclatasvir and sofosbuvir-ledipasvir (two pangenotypic regimens recommended in WHO 2018 guidelines). DAA effectiveness, costs and utilities were mainly estimated using data from the TAC pilot trial. Secondary data from the literature was used to estimate disease progression probabilities with and without treatment. We considered two DAA pricing scenarios: S1) originator prices; S2) generic prices. Uncertainty was addressed using probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. Results With slightly higher effectiveness and significantly lower costs, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir was the preferred DAA regimen in S1 with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) ranging from US$526 to US$632/QALY. At the cost-effectiveness threshold (CET) of 0.5 times the 2017 country’s per-capita gross domestic product (GDP), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir was only cost-effective in Senegal (probability > 95%). In S2 at generic prices, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir was the preferred regimen due to significantly lower costs. ICERs ranged from US$139 to US$216/QALY according to country i.e. a 95% probability of being cost-effective. Furthermore, this regimen was cost-effective (probability> 95%) for all CET higher than US$281/QALY, US$223/QALY and US$195/QALY in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, respectively, corresponding to 0.14 (Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal) and 0.2 (Cameroon) times the country’s per-capita GDP. Conclusions Generic sofosbuvir/daclatasvir is very cost-effective for treating chronic hepatitis C in sub-Saharan Africa. Large-scale use of generics and an increase in national and international funding for hepatitis C treatment must be priorities for the HCV elimination agenda.

Dry spells occurring during the rainy season have significant implications for agricultural productivity and socioeconomic development, particularly in rainfed agricultural countries such as Senegal. This study employs various chaos-theory-based tools, including the lacunarity method, rescaled analysis, and the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) method, to investigate the distribution, predictability, and multiscale properties of the annual series of maximum dry spell length (AMDSL) in Senegal during the rainy season. The analysis focuses on 29 stations across Senegal, spanning the period from 1951 to 2010. The findings reveal persistent behavior in the AMDSL across nearly all stations, indicating that predictive models based on extrapolating past time trends could enhance AMDSL forecasting. Furthermore, a well-defined spatial distribution of the lacunarity exponent β is observed, which exhibits a discernible relationship with rainfall patterns in Senegal. Notably, the lacunarity exponent displays a south-to-north gradient for all thresholds, suggesting its potential for distinguishing between different drought regimes and zones while aiding in the understanding of spatiotemporal rainfall variability patterns. Moreover, the analysis identifies five significant intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) characterized by different periods, including interannual, interdecadal, and multidecadal oscillations. These IMFs, along with a nonlinear trend, are identified as the driving forces behind AMDSL variations in Senegal. Among the inter-annual oscillations, a 3-year quasi-period emerges as the primary contributor and main component influencing AMDSL variability. Additionally, four distinct morphological types of nonlinear trends in AMDSL variations are identified, with increasing–decreasing and increasing trends being the most prevalent. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the variability in annual maximum dry spell lengths, particularly in the context of climate change, and provide valuable insights for improving AMDSL forecasting. Overall, this study enhances our comprehension of the complex dynamics underlying dry spell occurrences during the rainy season and presents potential avenues for predicting and managing the AMDSL in Senegal.

Background: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) has been adopted and implemented in the southern regions of Senegal in children aged between three and 120 months since 2013. Scaling up this strategy requires its evaluation to assess the impact. This study was carried out to determine the dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum carriage before and after two years of SMC implementation. Methods: Four household surveys were conducted in villages in the health district of Saraya, which is a SMC implementation area in Senegal. These villages were selected using probability proportional to size sampling. Each selected village was divided into segments containing at least 50 children. In each segment, a household questionnaire was administered to the parents or legal representatives of children aged three to 120 months. Blood smears were collected to determine P. falciparum prevalence by microscopy one month before the first round of SMC, one month after the last round of the first SMC campaign and two years after the start of the implementation. Results: A total of 2008 children were included with a mean average age of 4.81 (+/-2.73) years. Of the study population, 50.33% were more than five years old and 50.3% were male. In 2013, mosquito net ownership was 99.4 % before the SMC campaign and 97.4% after. In 2015, it was 36.6% before and 45.8% after the campaign. In 2013, the prevalence of plasmodium carriage was 11.8% before and 6.1% after the SMC campaign. In 2015, the prevalence was 4.9% before the administration of SMC and this increased up to 15.3% after. Malaria prevalence was high among children over five years old and in boys. Conclusions: The decrease in Plasmodium falciparum parasite prevalence, which subsequently increased after two years of SMC implementation in this study, suggests adding an extra cycle of the SMC or adjusting the administration period.

Senegal es un país subsahariano que desde hace unos años ha implantado la enseñanza de español como LE, sin embargo, no ha podido desarrollarse, de forma efectiva, debido al analfabetismo tecnológico reflejado en los índices de competencia digital. Por lo tanto, este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la competencia digital docente en la enseñanza del español en el país africano para identificar la brecha digital existente y cómo se incrementaría su riesgo de exclusión digital. Asimismo, intenta proponer herramientas digitales didácticas, es decir, ofrece una propuesta innovadora que promueve el uso de las nuevas tecnologías en la didáctica del español en Senegal. Desde el punto de vista metodológico, se trata de una investigación mixta cuali-cuantitativa basada en el Marco Común de competencia digital docente y el cuestionario diseñado por la Universidad de La Rioja para el análisis de competencias digitales docentes. Como muestra se han seleccionado docentes y estudiantes de español con lengua extranjera de la Universidad Gaston Berger en Senegal. Los resultados obtenidos indican que existe una disparidad en las competencias digitales, lo que promueve una brecha digital e incrementa su riesgo de exclusión digital. Por tanto, esta investigación intenta contribuir con el desarrollo de la competencia digital en las universidades senegalesas con el fin de mejorar la enseñanza del español y el desarrollo de competencias digitales. /// Senegal is a sub-Saharan country that for some years has introduced the teaching of Spanish as LE, however, it has not been able to develop, effectively, due to the technological illiteracy reflected in the digital competence indices. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the digital competence of teachers in the teaching of Spanish in the African country to identify the existing digital divide and how it would increase its risk of digital exclusion. It also tries to propose didactic digital tools, that is, it offers an innovative proposal that promotes the use of new technologies in the didactics of Spanish in Senegal. From the methodological point of view, this is a mixed qualitative-quantitative research based on the Common Framework of Teaching Digital Competence and the questionnaire designed by the University of La Rioja for the analysis of teaching digital competences. As a sample, teachers and students of Spanish with a foreign language from the Gaston Berger University in Senegal have been selected. The results show that there is a disparity in digital skills, which promotes a digital divide and increases their risk of digital exclusion. Therefore, this research aims to contribute to the development of digital competence in Senegalese universities in order to improve the teaching of Spanish and the development of digital skills.

Abstract Background Despite the adoption of the provider-initiated HIV testing strategy, the rate of HIV testing is still very low in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with HIV testing among sexually active women and men in Senegal. Knowledge of HIV status is the gateway to antiretroviral treatment. Methods A secondary analysis of the 2017 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) was performed, using data on sexually active women aged 15–49 and men aged 15–59. The outcome variable was the proportion of women and men who reported ever being tested for HIV in the last 12 months before the survey. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the socio-demographic, HIV-knowledge, media exposure, and behavioral factors associated with HIV testing in Senegal. Results The study found that 61.1% (95%CI: 59.2–62.9) of women and 26.2% (95%CI: 24.2–28.3) of men were tested for HIV at the last 12 months. In multivariate analysis, among men the factors independently associated with being tested for HIV were: age groups 20–24 to 40–44 and age group 50–54; a higher level of education; being in the richest household wealth quintile; being married; knowing about the efficacy of HAART during pregnancy; having 2 or more lifetime sex partners and owning a mobile phone. Among women factors independently associated with HIV testing were: being in any age groups versus 15–19; a higher level of education; being in the richest household wealth quintile; being married; knowing about the efficacy of HAART during pregnancy; having any STI in last 12 months; fearing stigma; owning a mobile phone; and having any number of ANC visits, versus none. Conclusion Although HIV remains a public health threat, HIV testing’s prevalence is still low in Senegal, making it difficult to interrupt the transmission chain within the community and to reach the UNAIDS goal for 2020 of “90–90-90”. Innovative community-based strategies are needed to address barriers and improve access to HIV testing in Senegal, particularly for men and for the youngest and poorest populations.

L´objectif de ce travail était de faire un état des lieux de l´hémodialyse chronique pédiatrique au Sénégal. Il s´agissait d´une enquête transversale descriptive et analytique concernant tous les centres publics ayant admis des enfants en hémodialyse chronique du 1er janvier 2016 au 31 décembre 2017; sur les 08 centres fonctionnels à cette période, 06 ont été retenus. Au total, nous avions recensés 311 patients hémodialysés dont 08% (n=25) étaient des enfants. L´âge moyen des enfants dialysés était de 13,92 ans ± 3,67 ans. Le sex-ratio était de 0,66. Les glomérulonéphrites chroniques identifiées représentaient 24% (n=6) dont 50% (n=3) de HSF primitive. La fistule artério-veineuse (FAV) était utilisée dans 36% (n=9) des cas. Le consommable de dialyse utilisé était gratuit pour tous les enfants et leur famille (100%). La presque totalité des enfants dialysés 96% (n=24) étaient régulièrement hémodialysés à raison de trois séances par semaine. Le décès était observé chez 44% (n=11) au cours des 16 premiers mois après l´initiation à la dialyse. Parmi les patients vivants, 86% (n=12) étaient toujours en hémodialyse. Un patient avait été transféré en dialyse péritonéale continue ambulatoire (DPCA) et un autre transplanté en France grâce à un don intrafamilial; les débuts de l´hémodialyse pédiatrique au Sénégal étaient confrontés à de nombreuses difficultés liées au faible accès des enfants malgré la gratuité de la dialyse et le vote de la loi autorisant la transplantation rénale depuis décembre 2015. Nous recommandons l´élaboration d´un projet thérapeutique pour la prévention et la prise en charge des enfants atteints de maladie rénale chronique.

L´éviscération transanale de l´intestin grêle par empâlement est exceptionnelle chez l´enfant. Nous rapportons l´observation d´un adolescent de 11 ans reçu à 2 heures d´une issue des anses grêles à travers l´anus suite à une chute avec réception sur un morceau de bois pointu. L´examen clinique avait objectivé un bon état général, une issue, par l´anus, d´environ 25 cm d´intestin grêle viable et un abdomen sensible dans son ensemble. Le bilan biologique préopératoire était normal et aucune imagerie n´était réalisée. Après une réanimation, l´exploration chirurgicale avait mis en évidence un liquide séro-hématique (300 ml) et une issue d´environ 60 cm d´anse grêle inflammatoire à travers une brèche d´environ 5 cm de la paroi antérieure du rectum. Une réduction des anses grêles éviscérées par traction douce, une réparation de la paroi rectale par des points séparés, une toilette et un drainage ont été réalisés. Le patient était sous antibiotique à large spectre. Les suites opératoires étaient simples avec une reprise du transit à J2 post-opératoire. La sortie a été autorisée à J7 post opératoire. Après un recul d´un mois, la patiente a été revue en consultation et l´examen clinique était normal.

The Grand Magal is a religious pilgrimage that takes place in Senegal. An estimated 4–5 million individuals yearly gather in the holy city of Touba. Pilgrims comes from the whole Senegal and surrounding countries and from countries outside of Africa where Mouride Senegalese emigrated. It is the largest Mass Gathering (MG) event of the Mouride community and the largest Muslim religious MG in West Africa. The context of the Grand Magal MG is unique given its location in a tropical developing country and its international component which may favour the globalization of local endemic diseases and warrants investment in modern methods for public health surveillance and planning of the event.

The authors report the first case of successful peritoneal dialysis (PD) in a developing country performed about a 13-year-old adolescent followed-up for stage V chronic kidney disease (CKD) with anuria. After 3 months of hemodialysis, the parents opted for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) as they wished to return home located 121km from Dakar. After PD catheter insertion, the plan proposed to the patient consisted 3-4 hours stasis of isotonic dialysate during the day and a night stasis of 8 hours of icodextrin for an injection volume of 1L per session. The patient and his mother were trained and assessed on the PD technique. After dialysis adequacy was tested while hospitalised, they were able to return home and continued the sessions following the same plan prescribed and while keeping in touch, by telephone, with the medical team. The technique assessment at the day hospital every 2 weeks revealed dialysis adequacy and satisfactory tolerance of PD at home after 04 months of observation. It was the first case of successful CAPD in the pediatrics unit in this context. Scaling this technique is a challenge for the pediatric nephrologist in developing countries like Senegal.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly endemic in Senegal. HBV vaccine of all children has been introduced in 1999 and included in the Expanded Programme on Immunization in 2004. The aim of this study was to assess the HBV prevalence and immunity status against HBV amongst children in Senegal. METHODS: between March and August 2016, consecutive children aged from 6 months to 16 years old were recruited in outpatient department of three main children hospitals in Senegal. Serum samples were analyzed for HBV serology (HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb) using ARCHITECT analyzer. Children with HBsAb levels 10 IU/l) were considered as seroprotected against HBV. RESULTS: during the study period, 295 children fulfilled the criteria for the study and were further analyzed. Three children were HBsAg positive giving a seroprevalence at 1.1% (95% CI: 0.2-3.3), 12/267 (4.5%, 95% CI=2.3-7.7) had positive HBcAb and 226/295 (76.6%, 71.4-81.3) had positive HBsAb including 191 (77.3%, 71.6-82.4) with isolated HBsAb related to previous active immunization. However only 165 children (56%, CI 50-62) had seroprotective HBsAb levels (HBsAb e" 10 UI/L) and 63 (21.4, 16.8-26) had a strong seroprotectiondefined by HBsAb e" 100 IU/L. CONCLUSION: our results suggest that although HBV prevalence has significantly decreased in children in Senegal following a better HBV vaccine coverage, the number of children correctly seroprotected is insufficient (56%). Assessing the levels of HBsAb and providing HBV vaccine boosters should be considered in children in Senegal.

Background and context Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the world and more particularly in populations of adolescents and young people, the main targets of the tobacco industry. In Senegal according to the 2013 GYTS surveys "Survey of Youth Smoking" Surveys revealed that youth use of tobacco is 11.2% overall, 14.9% of boys and 6.2% of girls currently use tobacco products. So, aware of the disastrous misdeeds that result from smoking, the National Tobacco Control Program has taken important measures to combat this scourge including the adoption of the law 2014-14 of March 28. For this, an action plan to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and the adoption of the anti-smoking law in schools and universities is done. Purpose "Make schools and universities smoke-free". General objectif Raise awareness among students about the ban on smoking in public places (schools and universities) to fight against early initiation of smoking, the harmful effects of smoking and the law 2014-14 of March 28, 2014 (anti-smoking law). Method To carry out this awareness campaign we proceed as follows: - Design communication media - Organize conferences followed by debates in targeted schools and universities - Organize activities to implement the anti-smoking law: Display setting up smoke-free signage signs; Establishment of anti-tobacco clubs. Results Strengthening the capacity of high school students and academics both in the content of the FCTC and in advocacy techniques to create a sustainable movement for policy change Integrate media coverage to enhance public awareness and understanding.

This study assesses the changes in precipitation (P) and in evapotranspiration (ET) under 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming levels (GWLs) over Senegal in West Africa. A set of twenty Regional Climate Model (RCM) simulations within the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) following the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 emission scenario is used. Annual and seasonal changes are computed between climate simulations under 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C warming, with respect to 0.5 °C warming, compared to pre-industrial levels. The results show that annual precipitation is likely to decrease under both magnitudes of warming; this decrease is also found during the main rainy season (July, August, September) only and is more pronounced under 2 °C warming. All reference evapotranspiration calculations, from Penman, Hamon, and Hargreaves formulations, show an increase in the future under the two GWLs, except annual Penman evapotranspiration under the 1.5 °C warming scenario. Furthermore, seasonal and annual water balances (P-ET) generally exhibit a water deficit. This water deficit (up to 180 mm) is more substantial with Penman and Hamon under 2 °C. In addition, analyses of changes in extreme precipitation reveal an increase in dry spells and a decrease in the number of wet days. However, Senegal may face a slight increase in very wet days (95th percentile), extremely wet days (99th), and rainfall intensity in the coming decades. Therefore, in the future, Senegal may experience a decline in precipitation, an increase of evapotranspiration, and a slight increase in heavy rainfall. Such changes could have serious consequences (e.g., drought, flood, etc.) for socioeconomic activities. Thus, strong governmental politics are needed to restrict the global mean temperature to avoid irreversible negative climate change impacts over the country. The findings of this study have contributed to a better understanding of local patterns of the Senegal hydroclimate under the two considered global warming scenarios.

Abstract Background Human schistosomiasis is a significant health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Niakhar, West central Senegal, the transmission of S. haematobium occurs seasonally between July and November. No control measures have been implemented despite high prevalence reported in previous studies. This aim of this study was to i) determine the current prevalence of S. haematobium in children at Niakhar, ii) assess the efficacy of one dose of PZQ (40 mg/kg) against S. haematobium and iii) monitor reinfection. Methods The current study was carried out in a cohort of 329 children aged five to 15 years enrolled from six villages in Niakhar to determine the efficacy of one dose of PZQ, as well as reinfection. Parasitological screening was performed in June 2011 to determine the baseline prevalence of S. haematobium, and then a single dose of PZQ was administered to all selected subjects in the transmission season in August 2011. The efficacy of PZQ treatment and reinfection were monitored respectively five weeks after in September 2011 and from February to March 2012. Results At baseline, the overall prevalence and the heavy intensity of infection were 73.2 % and 356.1eggs/10 ml of urine. Significant differences in the prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium infection were noted between villages. A single dose of PZQ significantly reduced the prevalence of S. haematobium infection from 73.2 % to 4.6 % and the geometric mean intensity of infection from 356.1 to 43.3 eggs/10 ml of urine. The cure rates ranged from 89.4 % to 100 %. The egg reduction rates also ranged from 77.6 % to 100 %. Two to three months after the period of transmission, the overall rate of reinfection was 12.6 % and was significantly higher in male children than in female children. The overall prevalence at this period was 13.8 %, which was significantly lower than the prevalence at baseline (73.2 %). Conclusion The Niakhar study area remains a hot spot of urinary schistosomiasis in Senegal with differences in transmission between villages. This study suggests that when transmission is strictly seasonal, Praziquantel shows the expected efficacy in reducing the prevalence and intensity of infection, but also a significant effect on the occurrence of reinfection.

INTRODUCTION: l'objectif de ce travail était d'analyser les caractéristiques diagnostiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de l'enfant atteint de néphrose dans un service de pédiatrie de Dakar. METHODES: l'étude était réalisée au service de pédiatrie de l'hôpital Aristide Le Dantec. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective sur une période de 03 ans allant du 1 janvier 2012 au 31 décembre 2014. Ont été inclus tous les patients âgés de 02 ans à 12 ans présentant un tableau de Syndrome néphrotique idiopathique. RESULTATS: quarante cas de néphrose étaient colligés soit une prévalence de 23% parmi les néphropathies prises en charge dans le service. L'âge moyen était de 7,11' 3,14 ans. Le syndrome néphrotique était pur chez 72,5% (n=29) des patients. Les èdèmes des membres inférieurs étaient présents chez 100% des patients, l'oligurie dans 55% (n=22) et l'HTA dans 5% (n=2) des cas. La protéinurie moyenne était de 145,05 ' 85,54 mg/kg/24heures. La protidémie moyenne était de 46,42 '7,88 g/L et l'albuminémie moyenne de 17,90 , 7,15 g/L. Trente-neuf patients avaient reçu une corticothérapie à base de prednisone. La corticosensibilité était retenue chez 77% (n=30) des patients et la corticorésistance chez 13% (n=5) des cas. Le facteur de mauvaise réponse à la corticothérapie était un niveau de protéinurie initiale supérieure à 150 mg/kg/jour (p = 0,024). La biopsie rénale était réalisée chez 18% (n=7) des patients et retrouvait dans 57,2% (n=4) des cas une hyalinose segmentaire et focale. Le cyclophosphamide et l'azathioprine étaient associés aux corticoïdes dans 10% (n=4) des cas chacun. Le taux de rémission globale était de 89,8%. L'évolution vers l'insuffisance rénale chronique était notée chez trois (03) des patients. CONCLUSION: la néphrose représentait près du quart des néphropathies prises en charge dans notre service. Le taux de rémission globale était élevé. Le seul facteur de mauvaise réponse à la corticothérapie était le niveau de protéinurie initiale élevée. En cas d'indication de la biopsie rénale chez nos patients, la HSF était la lésion la plus fréquemment retrouvée.

Onychomycosis is a fungal nails infection often caused by yeasts, dermatophytes and molds. It is an important public health concern due to its high prevalence, the problem of diagnostics, and the poor response to treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological and microbiological profile of onychomycosis diagnosed at the Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology of the National University Hospital of Fann in Dakar, Senegal, from 2012 to 2016. A retrospective and descriptive study was performed from January 2012 to December 2016 in a patient attending the laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology at the Fann teaching hospital. Socio-demographic, clinical and biological data were collected from the bench registers. Samples from the lesions were tested using direct microscopy and cultured on a Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol and Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol-Actidione medium. A descriptive analysis was done using Stata IC 12 software. The significance level of different tests was set at 5% two-side. A total of 469 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the study population was 33.2 ± 15.2 years, and the sex ratio was 0.52. The prevalence of onychomycosis was 48.4% (227/469). The main clinical presentations were disto-lateral subungual onychomycosis (37.9%) and onyxis (46.5%). Identified fungal species were Candida albicans (42.7%), Candida spp. (39.5%), Trichophyton soudanense (10.1%), Fusarium spp. (5.3%), and Candida tropicalis (2.6%). Candida albicans was more frequent in subjects over 15 years of age (43.6%) and women (45%). However, Trichophyton soudanense was higher in patients under 15 years old (17.4%) as well as in male subjects (18.8%). In conclusion, onychomycosis is a common cause of consultation in health facilities. Candida albicans and Trichophyton Soudanense are the main fungal species causing onychomycosis. A better understanding of the epidemiology of onychomycosis as well as the spectrum of the pathogen could contribute to improve the management of the infection.

This study reports on the habitat, distribution and seasonal abundance variations of Argas persicus (Oken, 1818) in Senegal. Traditional fowl houses – habitat of this tick species – were characterized in rural areas and various models were described: the bits-and-pieces model, thorn-branches model, weaved-plants models, and clay-made models. The distribution based on the square-degree scale indicated that the presence and abundance of Argas persicus mainly concerned the northern half of the country, whereas it was rare in the southern part. The seasonal variation of ticks was monitored for 17 months in the Sahelian zone. Tick removing and collecting from 50 fowls were performed every month for five minutes in each of the 30 fowl houses. They showed an all year round activity of Argas persicus. Examination of 200 blood smears in indigenous fowls, during the dry as well as the rainy seasons, did not indicate the presence of blood parasites. However, modern poultry production units located in the same areas were faced with epizootics of avian spirochetosis.

Abstract Background Over two dozen mermithid nematodes have been described parasitizing mosquitoes worldwide, however, only two species were found in Africa. Mermithid nematodes kill their mosquito host upon emergence, which suggests that they could be developed as biological control agents of mosquitoes. Both Romanomermis culicivorax and Romanomermis iyengari have been reared for mass release to control numerous Anopheles species vector populations, and in one instance this may have led to reduced malaria prevalence in a human population. Methods Anopheles mosquitoes were collected during a malaria study in southeastern Senegal. Two different adult blood fed mosquitoes had a single mermithid nematode emerge from their anus while they were being held post-capture. Primers from the 18 S rDNA were developed to sequence nematode DNA and screen mosquitoes for mermithid DNA. 18 S rDNA from the Senegalese mermithid and other mermithid entries in GenBank were used to create a Maximum Parsimony tree of the Mermithidae family. Results The mermithid was present in 1.8% (10/551) of the sampled adult Anopheles species in our study area. The mermithid was found in An. gambiae s.s., An. funestus, and An. rufipes from the villages of Ndebou, Boundoucondi, and Damboucoye. Maximum parsimony analysis confirmed that the nematode parasites found in Anopheles were indeed mermithid parasites, and of the mermithid sequences available in GenBank, they are most closely related to Strelkovimermis spiculatus. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of mermithids from adult Anopheles mosquitoes in Senegal. The mermithid appears to infect Anopheles mosquitoes that develop in diverse larval habitats. Although maximum parsimony analysis determined the mermithid was closely related to Strelkovimermis spiculatus, several characteristics of the mermithid were more similar to the Empidomermis genus. Future mermithid isolations will hopefully allow: formal taxonomic identification, laboratory colonization, determination of life history traits and species specificity, and characterize its usefulness as a biological control agent.

The study presents land cover maps of the Ferlo Biosphere Reserve (created in 2012) made by visual interpretation from satellite images (Arcgis and Corona) taken in 1965 and 2017. Twelve land cover patterns (or classes) were identified: riparian relic forest, woody savannah, tree savannah, shrub savannah with trees, shrub savannah, tree steppe, shrub steppe with trees, shrub steppe, bare soil and rock, rainfall crop and fallow, habitat, pond. The spontaneous vegetation formations covered 96 % of the total area in 1965 and still more than 94 % in 2017. However this stability of the land cover by the spontaneous vegetation, was accompanied by a strong evolution of the different types of cover. Of the nearly 1,914,000 ha inhabited by spontaneous vegetation in 1965, 38.2 % retained the same land cover class between the two dates, 42.1 % have decreased (especially in the north and extreme south) and 19.7% have increased (especially in the south-west). Shrub savannahs with trees remain dominant (about 687 000 ha in 1965, about 603 000 ha in 2017), but the shrub steppes have increased significantly (about 240 000 ha in 1965, about 497 000 ha in 2017). We find here the degradation of vegetation cover common to all the Sahel. More than natural conditions (the drought that appeared in the early 1970s), this evolution seems to be due in Ferlo to the presence, now continuously, of formerly transhumant populations.

Background An estimated 4–5 million individuals gather each year in the holy city of Touba, Senegal during the Grand Magal religious pilgrimage. Pilgrims come from across Senegal and the surrounding countries, as well as from countries outside Africa. It is the largest mass gathering (MG) of the Mouride community and the largest Muslim religious MG in West Africa. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients who attended a public healthcare structure during the November 2015 Grand Magal . Result Data were collected on a total of 32,229 healthcare contacts. The most frequent reasons for consultation were trauma, followed by fatigue and heatstroke. Infectious diseases were also prevalent with, notably, a high rate of febrile systemic illnesses and malaria, diarrheal diseases, and respiratory tract infections. Such results are likely to be linked to overcrowding and climatic conditions, the relative lack of sanitary facilities, and limited medical resources available during the event. Conclusion The context of the Grand Magal MG is unique, given its location in a tropical developing country and its international component which may favor the globalization of locally endemic diseases. As such, it warrants investment in modern methods for public health surveillance and planning of the event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Objectif: Les onychomycoses sont des affections fongiques de l’appareil unguéal provoquées par les dermatophytes, les levures et les moisissures. Elles constituent une véritable préoccupation vue surtout leur caractère inesthétique et parfois douloureux. Le but de notre étude est de déterminer le profil mycologique des onychomycoses dans la région de Dakar. Matériel et méthodes: Il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective réalisée à l’hôpital Aristide Le Dantec sur une période de cinq ans (janvier 2008 à décembre 2012). Elle a intéressé 507 patients dont 277 prélèvements d’ongles des orteils et 161 prélèvements d’ongles des mains. Un examen direct entre lame et lamelle après éclaircissement à la potasse (KOH 30 %) et une culture en tube sur milieux de SC et SCA sont réalisés systématiquement. Une incubation entre 25°C et 27°C avec un contrôle régulier (deux fois par semaine) des tubes pendant quatre semaines. Résultats: Les onychomycoses ont été diagnostiquées dans 58,78 % (298/507) des cas. Le sex-ratio a été de 2,38 en faveur des femmes. L’âge moyen était de 34,24ans (2 ans – 82ans). La localisation préférentielle des lésions était les ongles des doigts avec 62,7 % des cas contre 37,3 % pour les orteils. Dans 48 cas (9,47 %), il y avait la présence des lésions à la fois au niveau des doigts et des orteils. Les onychomycoses dermatophytiques 37,92 % (113/298) ont essentiellement touché les orteils (61,06 %). L’aspect clinique le plus fréquent était l’onychomycose sous unguéal distolatéral. Trichophyton rubrum était l’espèce majoritaire (53,6 %) suivi de Trichophyton interdigitale (26,1 %) aux orteils. Les onychomycoses à levures 59,06 % (176/298) ont prédominé au niveau des ongles des mains (80,11 %). Les femmes étaient les plus atteintes (81,25 %). La forme dominante était le périonyxis. L’espèce principalement isolée a été Candida albicans (90,86 %). Les onychomycoses dues aux moisissures étaient de 3,02 % (9/298) des cas au niveau des orteils. Conclusion: Les onychomycoses représentent plus de 50 % des onychopathies chez des patients venus en consultation au service de dermatologie de différentes structures sanitaires de Dakar. Les espèces les plus impliquées sont représentées par T. rubrum au niveau des orteils et C. albicans au niveau des ongles des mains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]