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Introduction: The oropharyngeal microbiome plays an important role in protection against infectious agents when in balance. Despite use of vaccines and antibiotic therapy to prevent respiratory tract infections, they remain one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in Low- and middleincome countries. Hence the need to explore other approaches to prevention by identifying microbial biomarkers that could be leveraged to modify the microbiota in order to enhance protection against pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to analyze the oropharyngeal microbiome (OPM) of schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire presenting symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) for better prevention strategy. Methods: Primary schools’ children in Korhogo (n = 37) and Abidjan (n = 39) were followed for six months with monthly oropharyngeal sampling. Clinical diagnostic of URT infection was performed and nucleic acid extracted from oropharyngeal swabs were used for 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis and RT-PCR. Results: The clinical examination of children’s throat in Abidjan and Korhogo identified respectively 17 (43.59%) and 15 (40.54%) participants with visible symptoms of URTIs, with 26 episodes of infection in Abidjan and 24 in Korhogo. Carriage of Haemophilus influenzae (12%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (6%) and SARS-CoV-2 (6%) was confirmed by PCR. A significant difference in alpha diversity was found between children colonized by S. pneumoniae and those that were not (p = 0.022). There was also a significant difference in alpha diversity between children colonised with H. influenzae and those who were not (p = 0.017). No significant difference was found for SARS-CoV-2. Sphingomonas, Ralstonia and Rothia were significantly enriched in non-carriers of S. pneumoniae; Actinobacillus was significantly enriched in non-carriers of H. influenzae; Actinobacillus and Porphyromonas were significantly enriched in non-carriers of SARS-CoV-2 (p < 0.001). Discussion: Nearly 40% of children showed clinical symptoms of infection not related to geographical location. The OPM showed an imbalance during H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae carriage. This study provides a baseline understanding of microbiome markers in URTIs in children for future research, to develop targeted interventions aimed at restoring the microbial balance and reducing the symptoms associated with RTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure of sewage and drainage systems in SubSaharan African cities is frequent and can be considered as a critical issue, both from an environmental standpoint and in terms of associated maintenance costs. This study analyzes the state of the sanitation systems, the elements behind the failures, the environmental concepts used to classify the problems, and the tools and methodological alternatives for ranking the various management solutions. This research illustrates the causes that contribute to the dysfunctions in the sewage systems of Abidjan as a typical example of sewerage systems management challenges in SubSaharan Africa's large cities. Poor solid waste and wastewater management practices by residents, e.g., illegal dumping of solid waste into the sewers, unauthorized and defective connections to the network, structural dysfunctions related to the age of the network (cracked, denuded, or broken), urban agriculture in the vicinity of the channels, natural phenomena such as erosion, landslides in the undeveloped parts, and the high concentration of vegetation in the network, wholly contribute to the degradation of the network. A variety of decision support systems for the management of the assets of the urban sewage network were presented. The instruments have been categorized based on their capacity and functionality. The operating concept of each of these tools has been outlined, as well as their respective data needs. In addition, the study analyzes challenges related to the usage of existing decision support systems and provides an outlook on future research requirements in this area. This study offers a detailed analysis of the issues of sanitation management and could serve as a reference for other emerging nations in SubSaharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied the Fogg Behavioral Model (FBM) to identify and prioritize factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination among residents of Yopougon Est, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. A total of 568 respondents were recruited from among individuals entering eleven participant recruitment and data collection sites located near high pedestrian trafficked areas. Among all respondents, 52% reported being vaccinated versus 48% who reported not being vaccinated. Of those who reported being vaccinated, 42% reported received a single dose, 54% a double dose, and 4% three or more doses. A categorical regression analysis suggested that potential predictors of COVID-19 vaccination included acceptance and rejection factors, which are both aligned with motivation in the FBM and socio-demographic characteristics, proximity to services, and religion. Our findings suggest that demand creation activities should target individuals with less formal education, those who are not formally employed, non-Catholic Christians, and individuals who do not identify as Akan. Results also suggest the need to design programmatic messages and activities that focus on generating family and community support for COVID-19 vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Dans les pays en développement, les inondations par débordement de réseau sont de plus en plus manifestes le long des canaux d'évacuation d'eaux pluviales et appellent donc à des études de diagnostic. La présente étude a pour objectif d'évaluer les facteurs anthropiques et risques sanitaires associés aux inondations par débordement de réseau le long du canal M'Badon, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Des enquêtes socio-environnementales de terrains (observation de terrain, enquête géographique, enquête ménage) ont été réalisées, suivies de statistiques descriptives. Les résultats ont révélé que de nombreux facteurs environnementaux et comportementaux participent à la survenue des inondations par débordement de réseau le long du canal M'Badon. Ces facteurs sont essentiellement ceux qui empêchent l'écoulement normal des eaux ou augmentent leurs débits dans le canal. Ils concernent majoritairement les dépôts sauvages d'ordures ménagères, les branchements anarchiques de réseaux d'eaux usées, les mauvaises pratiques agricoles urbaines et la vétusté de l'infrastructure du réseau d'eaux usées et pluviales. Les facteurs anthropiques de risques sanitaires répertoriés le long du canal sont la défécation à l'air libre, les rejets incontrôlés des eaux des ménages, les branchements anarchiques de réseau d'eaux usées et les dépôts sauvages d'ordures ménagères. Ils sont à l'origine de la prolifération de divers vecteurs de maladies (mouches, rats, cafards, géohelminthes, moustiques) et liés en partie aux différentes maladies (paludisme 85 %, fièvre typhoïde 11 %) décrites par les riverains le long du canal. In developing countries, the increasing evidence of system overflow flooding along stormwater drainage channels calls for diagnostic studies. The objective of this study is to assess the anthropogenic factors and associated health risks of the overflow flooding of drainage systems along the M'Badon channels in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The methodological approach required socio-environmental field surveys (field observation, geographical survey, household survey) and descriptive statistics. The results showed that many environmental and behavioral factors contribute to the occurrence of this flooding along the M'Badon channels. These factors are essentially those that prevent the normal flow of water or increase the flow of water in the channels. They mainly concern uncontrolled deposits of household waste, uncontrolled connections of wastewater networks, poor urban agricultural practices, and the state of the network infrastructure. The anthropogenic health risk factors identified along the channels are open defecation, uncontrolled discharges of household water, uncontrolled wastewater connections and uncontrolled dumping of household waste. These factors are responsible of the proliferation of various disease vectors (e.g., flies, rats, cockroaches, geohelminths, and mosquitoes). The various diseases (malaria 85%, typhoid fever 11%) reported by local residents along the channels may be partly linked to these vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Côte d'Ivoire, as in most developing countries, the reference values of hematological indices currently in use come from data collected from populations living in industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to determine variations in the child's blood count in Cote d'Ivoire. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study has focused on 310 children (172 girls and 138 boys) aged 5 to 11 years selected from three municipalities of Abidjan. Blood samples were taken from each child in order to assess the parameters of the blood count. Results: The results revealed that the means of the different hematological parameters (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocyte, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were in accordance with the normal physiological reference values from the literature apart lymphocyte. The rate of lymphocytes (51.3 ± 0.5) was higher overall. All the parameters did not indicate significant differences between girls and boys (p > 0.05) except mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin that were statistically different by sex (p < 0.05). The percentage of having a rate of haemoglobin lower than 11.5 decreased significantly (p=0.005) when the age increased. In addition, the rate of hemoglobin and hematocrit increased slightly starting from the age of 8 years. There is a significant difference (p < 0.05) in hemoglobin level between girls and boys in the age group of 9 years. Leukopenia is observed in a minority of children in the age groups of 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 years. Conclusion: Some hematological parameters were different from other data published in the literature, which suggested a local development of reference values for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of vegetables and particularly zucchini (Cucurbita pepo ssp) is subject of nutritional recommendations at the world level. However, like other foodstuffs, zucchini can be subject to many microbial alterations causing poor post-harvest practices that could affect its organoleptic and marketable characteristics. The aim of this study was to highlight the capacity of Pseudomonas fluorescens F19 to inhibit the germs of alteration of zucchini sold in Abidjan city (Côte d'Ivoire), in order to improve their shelf life. A sample of 60 zucchini including 30 spoiled and 30 healthy of the Coucourzelle variety was used for this study. The phenotypic identification of the spoilage germs was carried out on Potato Dextrose Agar medium and the inhibition of P. fluorescens F19 was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Six species of fungi belonging to three genera (Aspergillus sp., Phytophtora sp., Candida sp.) were isolated from the altered zucchini. Among these spoilage agents, three species including Phytophtora sp, Candida sp and Aspergillus sp (c) showed significant spoilage of zucchini. Phytophtora sp is the main spoilage agent of zucchini with a total spoilage within three days. However, the in vitro biological activity of the supernatant of P. fluorescens F19 showed a significant inhibition of the growth of the fungi responsible of zucchini spoilage with an average of 73.33%. In vivo the use of P. fluorescens F19 allowed to extend the shelf life of Coucourzelle zucchini from 3 to 10 days. P. fluorescens F19 has antifungal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Cette étude qualitative a été menée au nord de la Côte d'Ivoire, à 700 km d'Abidjan. Elle vise à décrire et à comprendre les pratiques d'usage des contenants de pesticides à des fins de stockage des denrées alimentaires, chez les cotonculteurs, face aux normes officielles prescrites en la matière. L'étude a consisté à mener des observations et à réaliser des entretiens semi-directifs. Le corpus de données était composé de 23 entretiens réalisés respectivement auprès de cotonculteurs et d'acteurs institutionnels (ministère de l'Agriculture, structures d'encadrement), et de quelques photographies. Les résultats montrent qu'après traitement des cultures, les contenants de pesticides sont utilisés pour le conditionnement de denrées alimentaires dans les ménages. Il s'agit, entre autres, du conditionnement de la sauce, du sel, du beurre de karité pour la consommation et comme pommade, du miel, du lait, de l'eau de boisson, etc. Ces usages s'écartent des normes prescrites (normes de l'Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture [FAO]), selon lesquelles les contenants doivent être collectés pour éviter qu'ils soient réutilisés. Plusieurs logiques, telles que la banalisation des risques, la réduction des dépenses et l'adaptabilité des caractéristiques des contenants aux goûts de l'usager, mais aussi l'insuffisance de formation des paysans et le manque de communication, motivent ces usages. L'utilisation de ces contenants pourrait comporter des risques sanitaires liés à la toxicité résiduelle des pesticides à court, moyen et long termes. L'étude porte ainsi sur un problème majeur de santé publique que soulèvent ces « usages inventés » ou « normatifs » et « socialisés ». This qualitative study was conducted in the North of Côte d'Ivoire, 700 km from Abidjan. Its aim was to describe and understand the use by cotton farmers of pesticide containers for food storage purposes, in view of official recommendations. The study consisted of observations and semi-structured interviews, with the data set comprising 23 interviews with cotton farmers and institutional actors (Ministry of Agriculture, training and supervision structures) and a few photographs. The results show that after pesticides have been used for crop treatment, households reuse their containers to store food: sauces, salt, shea butter for consumption and as an ointment, honey, milk, drinking water, etc. These uses, which deviate from the FAO standards prescribing that these containers must be collected to prevent their reuse, are motivated by several factors, including underestimation of risks, reduced costs, their convenience, lack of training for farmers, and lack of communication. The use of these containers could entail health risks due to residual pesticide toxicity in the short, medium, and long terms. The study thus focuses on the major public health problem raised by these "invented" or actual uses, which have become standard social practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of post-harvest conservation, a diagnosis of the pineapple orchard and risk factors for alterations related to fruit marketing was carried out by conducting a cross-sectional survey in the three major pineapple producing areas and four main areas Markets (Adjamé-Yopougon-Abobo-Plateau) in the Abidjan district (Ivory Coast). A sample of 250 producers and 200 traders was surveyed. The objective was to describe the post-harvest practices and risk factors associated with the commercialization of pineapple fruit. The results showed that the producers are men (100%), mainly illiterate (78.03%) and have an average age between 46 and 60 years (55.1%). Eighty percent (80%) are small growers with orchards under 10 ha. The plant material used by all the producers in the studied areas is composed mainly of 94.13% of discharges and chemical pesticides are used 100%. The harvest is 81.76% manual, unsorted and packaged in bulk (81.77%). Thus only 5.86% recognize that post-harvest losses are due to microorganisms. Also the traders investigated are mostly women (87.1%) and illiterate (70.7%) with a majority of age between 20 and 45 years. 97.73% of the sellers do not protect the fruits during the sale while 22.22% of the sellers carry out a cross-stocking with other fruits. Of all the municipalities investigated, all traders do not recognize the action of microorganisms in the alteration of the fruits. In the absence of sound health education and locally adapted interventions, producers and traders do not pay particular attention to preventing the risk of alterations. This study identified post-harvest practices in Ivorian pineapple plantation and the risk factors for alterations related to commercialization in the markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burden of dengue in Africa is not well understood. A prospective study was conducted in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire from December 2011 to December 2012 to estimate the proportion of dengue and malaria cases among febrile patients during a period when dengue was not known to be circulating in the region, and to describe the clinical and virological characteristics of laboratory-diagnosed dengue cases. Methods: Blood samples were taken from febrile patients (body temperature ≥388C) at two study sites. Patients with fever lasting more than 7 days, with fever of known origin and with jaundice were excluded. Thick blood film tests, ELISA for anti-dengue IgM and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) were performed. Results: A total of 812 patients were enrolled (51.7% male [48.3% female]; 46.4% aged,10 years) of whom 796 (98.0%) provided IgM ELISA and RT-PCR data, and 807 (99.4%) had thick blood film results. Three (0.4%) patients had laboratory-diagnosed dengue (one with DENV-3 serotype), none of whom were diagnosed clinically, and 234 (28.8%) had confirmed malaria. Conclusions: This study suggests that dengue virus circulates in Abidjan outside an epidemic and that there should be an increase in awareness of dengue as a possible diagnosis in cases of undifferentiated fever. These results stress the importance of implementing laboratory capacity to assess dengue burden in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital abnormalities constitute one of the major causes of infant mortality, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of congenital anomalies in Cote d'Ivoire. Materials and Methods: It was a multicentric study of three academic hospitals and the Heart Institute of Abidjan over 10 years. The epidemiologic Data concerned the Parturients, the annual frequency of congenital abnormalities. Distribution of the congenital abnormalities according to the organs, overall mortality and lethality of congenital abnormalities were evaluated. Results: Over 10 years, 1.632 newborns with 1.725 congenital anomalies were recorded. Frequency was 172.5 congenital anomalies per annum. Parturients were less than 35 years in 33% of cases, multigravida in 20%, multiparous in 18% and had a low socio economic status in 96% of cases. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies was performed in 1.5%. Congenital anomalies were orthopedic in 34%, neurological in 17%, gastrointestinal in 15%, facial in 11.5%, parietal in 13%, urogenital in 9% and cardiac in 0.5% of cases. The overall mortality rate of congenital anomalies was 52% and gastroschisis was the most lethal disease with 100% mortality. Conclusion: This descriptive study reveals the low socio economic status of Parturients with congenital anomalies and their poor prenatal diagnosis. These factors explain the very high mortality of congenital anomalies due to a delay management in our country in which medical expenses were borne by parents and where technical platforms remain obsoletes for good resuscitation and neonatal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mali Médical is the property of Mali Medical, Faculte de Medecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odonto-stomatologie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Medical Mycology / Journal de Mycologie Médicale is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses a study which compares the pregnancy outcomes of HIV-infected women who receive Efavirenz (EFV)- or Nevirapine (NVP)- based antiretroviral therapy (ART). It says that the study conducted a survey among HIV-infected women in four HIV clinical centers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. It tells that methods implemented include standardized forms, Student t test, and Chi-square test. Results of the study reveal pregnancy outcomes including abortion, miscarriage, and stillborn.

Introduction: Campylobacter jejuni is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis worldwide of the last century. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiotics profiles and the virulence gene in C. jejuni strains isolated from chicken in Côte d'Ivoire. Methodology: A total of 336 chicken ceaca samples recovered from market of two municipality of Abidjan were examined by conventional microbiological methods and molecular test using PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility tests of the isolates were determined by disk diffusion method. The presence of virulence genes was examined using simple PCR method. Results: Among of 336 samples, 168 (50%) were positives for C. jejuni. Among the C. jejuni isolates, 159 strains (94.64%) were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. The highest percentage of antimicrobial resistance was found for Nalidixic acid (85.33%), Tétracyclin (71.76%) and Ciprofloxacin (55.65%). Moreover, MDR including 3, 4, 5 and 6 antibiotics families was detected in 16.66% of isolates. On the other hand, detection of virulence putative gene shows presence of cadF in 100% of tested strains. In addition, cdtA, cdtB and cdtC genes were detected in 100%; 89.51% and 90.32% respectively of C. jejuniisolates. Conclusion: Because of the key role of broiler chicken in human campylobacteriosis infection, it will important in first time to monitoring using of antibiotics in chicken farms and in second time to verify presence of campylobactériosis in country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to assess care and preventive measures for accidental exposure to blood (AEB) in Abidjan. Methods: A retrospective study of all AEB reported in the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Center of the Treichville University Hospital was made between January 2000 and December 2005. Epidemiology, management, clinical and biological post-exposure follow-up were analyzed. Results: One hundred eighty-two AEB were managed over 6 years (151 needlesticks, 14 ocular projections of blood, 12 cuts, and 5 mucocutaneous exposure to blood). 94 men (51.6%) and 68 women (48.4%) were included [sex ratio 1.4] mean age 33.8 years±7.4 years. Physicians (29.1%), nurses (19.8%), assistant nurse (12.1%), and medical students (11.4%) were the professional categories which declared most accidents. Among them, only 51.1% was correctly vaccinated against hepatitis B. The average delay of consultation was 26.5 hours (1–240 hours), and 82.9% of victims consulted before the 48th hour. Antiretroviral prophylaxis was prescribed to 151 patients among whom 45% with bitherapy (Zidovudine and Lamivudine), and 55% with HAART including an antiprotease. Only 60 patients had one actual month of treatment. Despite the weak follow-up, no case of HIV seroconversion was reported 6 month after exposure. Conclusion: This work underlines once again the high frequency of AEB in Abidjan despite a under reporting, and calls for the implementation of a policy to train health care workers on AEB preventive measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the tolerability and adherence to all non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for cases of HIV exposure in Abidjan. Method: We retrospectively studied all post-exposure prophylaxis for non-occupational exposures to HIV prescribed from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2007 in the Abidjan infectious diseases department. We analyzed the types of exposure, socio-demographic characteristics of patients, antiretroviral therapy regimens, adherence and tolerability, duration of the treatment, and post-exposure follow-up. Results: Over these eight years, we managed 128 consultations for non-professional exposures to HIV (50 male [39 %], 78 female patients [61 %]), average age 24.8 years (four–54 years). The most frequent exposures were due to rape (n =74), condom rupture (n =29), and occasional unprotected sex (n =21). The average delay before consultation was 20.8 hours. The antiretroviral chemoprophylaxis included a protease inhibitor in 93 % of the cases; 80.5 % of patients completed 28 days of chemoprophylaxis, while 8.6 % interrupted the treatment, and 10.9 % were lost to follow-up. The most frequent adverse effects were gastrointestinal, reported by 79 patients (61.7 %). Only 34 patients (26.6 %) returned for clinical and biological post-exposure follow-up with HIV control at third month, without documented seroconversion. Conclusion: Cases of sexual exposure to HIV are the main indication for post-exposure prophylaxis in Abidjan, except for occupational exposure to blood. However, post-exposure prophylaxis should be available in the units of primary care, such as emergencies departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction et objectifs: Évaluer les attitudes, les pratiques et la connaissance des élèves infirmiers face aux infections nosocomiales. Matériels et méthodes: Il s’est agit d’une étude prospective transversale qui s’est déroulé le 22 mai 2007 à l’Institut National de Formation des Agent de la Santé (INFAS) d’Abidjan. Tous les élèves- infirmiers de troisième année présents à l’amphithéâtre le jour de l’enquête, ont été soumis à un auto questionnaire d’environ trente minutes. Les données recueillies ont été analysées à l’aide du logiciel Epi- Info. Résultats: Notre enquête a concerné 255 sur les 365 élèves infirmiers. Il s’agissait de 91 élèves infirmiers de sexe féminin (35,7 %) et de 164 élèves infirmiers de sexe masculin (64,3 %). 218 élèves infirmiers (85,5 %) avaient 2 blouses. Ces blouses étaient lavées 2 fois par semaine dans 47,5 % des cas et les élèves infirmiers (79,2 %) et à domicile (91,0 %). Le lavage des mains étaient systématique chez tous les élèves infirmiers à l’arrivée au service, entre deux soins et au départ du service. Le savon sous forme de pain était principalement utilisé (81,6 %). Les 255 élèves infirmiers ont utilisé systématiquement des gants pour les soins mais 14 d’entre eux ont signalé ne pas changer de gants entre deux soins. Le conteneur pour le recueil des aiguilles et la poubelle étaient à portée de mains respectivement dans 67 % et 90,2 % des cas. L’antisepsie était fréquemment réalisée lors de la pose de sonde urinaire (62,3 %). La toilette périnéale n’était pas réalisée dans 72,5 % des cas avant la pose de sonde urinaire. La chaîne épidémiologique des infections nosocomiales était mal connue. Conclusion: Les attitudes, les pratiques des élèves infirmiers révèlent de graves fautes d’hygiène et leurs connaissances sur les infections nosocomiales montrent des défauts de connaissance sur la chaîne épidémiologique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]