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Background: The prevalence of the Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum ( Hcc) histoplasmosis may be underestimated West Africa, both because the diagnosis is not mentioned in the early stages of the disease and due to limited biological resources available. Case Report: We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis due to Hcc in a Senegalese HIV patient. The diagnosis was suspected following the demonstration of small encapsulated yeasts within neutrophils on a thin blood smear. It was further confirmed using a specific real-time PCR applied on a DNA specimen extracted from the thin blood smear. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Hcc infection diagnosed in Senegal. Blood smear may be a valuable screening tool in the case of bloodstream dissemination and can be used for further molecular approaches to confirm the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: in Senegal, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancers among women. This study estimated the costs associated with cervical cancer screening and treatment for precancerous lesions from the health system perspective., Methods: we estimated costs for screening, diagnostics, and treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional study in seven regions with primary data collected from 50 health facilities. Data collection included structured questionnaires, with secondary data from the Ministry of Health and other sources. A mixed-methods approach combined ingredients-based costing and financial expenditures to estimate direct medical and non-medical costs. All costs are reported in 2019 USD., Results: average costs were $3.71 for visual inspection with acetic acid, $16.49 for Pap smear, and $46.65 for human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV DNA) testing. Screening cost drivers were clinical exam supplies and clinical equipment for visual inspection with acetic acid, offsite processing of specimens for Pap smear, and lab equipment costs for HPV DNA procedure. The average cost of diagnosis via colposcopy alone was $25.73, and colposcopy with biopsy/endocervical curettage was $74.96. The average cost of treatment followed by one visit for pre-cancerous lesions was $195.24 for loop electrosurgical excision, $47.35 for cryotherapy, and $32.35 for thermal ablation. Clinical equipment and lab costs were the largest contributors to colposcopy and endocervical curettage/biopsy expenses. Clinical equipment made up the largest portion of cryotherapy, loop electrosurgical excision, and thermoablation costs., Conclusion: this study is the first to estimate the costs of HPV screening and treatment in Senegal, which can be used to inform decision-making on cervical cancer investments., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Abdou Diop et al.)

Background: Data relative to Pneumocystis pneumonia in sub-Saharan Africa are not well known. Weakness of the technical material and use of little sensitive biological tools of diagnosis are among the evoked reasons. The objective of this study is to update the data of the disease at the Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar and to estimate biological methods used in diagnosis., Materials and Methods: A descriptive longitudinal study was carried out from January 5th, 2009 to October 31st, 2011 in the parasitology and mycology laboratory of the Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar. The bronchoalveolar lavages received in the laboratory were examined microscopically for Pneumocystis jirovecii by indirect fluorescent assay or after Giemsa or toluidine blue O staining., Results: One hundred and eighty-three bronchoalveolar lavages withdrawn from 183 patients were received in the laboratory. Sixteen were positive for P. jirovecii at 9% frequency. Four among these patients were HIV positive. Indirect fluorescent assay allowed finding of P. jirovecii among 16 patients while Giemsa staining discovered P. jirovecii only in a single patient. No case was diagnosed by toluidine blue O staining., Conclusion: Pneumocystis pneumonia in Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory of Fann Teaching Hospital at Dakar was mainly diagnosed among HIV patients., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Since 2006, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) have been used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Senegal, as recommended by WHO. Recently, decreased parasite clearance with artemisinin derivatives has been reported in Cambodia and Thailand. The effectiveness of artemisinin derivatives in Africa must be monitored. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and the tolerability of three ACT widely used in Senegal., Methods: From October 2010 to February 2011, a descriptive and analytical sequential study was conducted in adults and children to evaluate these three combinations: artemether-lumefantrine (AL), artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ), and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAPQ). The study took place at the health posts of Deggo and Pikine and the health center of Guédiawaye, in the suburbs of Dakar. The primary endpoint was the PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at day 28 (D28); the secondary endpoints included ACPR at D42, clearance times for parasites, fever, and gametocytes, and the incidence of adverse events., Results: The study included 393 patients: 139 in the AL group, 130 in the ASAQ group, and 124 in the DHAPQ group. In the intent-to-treat population, PCR-corrected ACPR at day 28 was 92.8% in the AL, 89.2% in the ASAQ, and 91.1% in the DHAPQ (p = 0.58) groups, and in the per-protocol population, 98.4%, 98.3%, and 100% respectively (p = 0.39). At D42, ACPR was 99.2% in the AL, and 99.1% in each of the ASAQ and DHAPQ arms (p = 1). No early therapeutic failure (ETF) was observed. The combinations were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported during the follow-up period., Conclusion: These combinations are still effective and well-tolerated. Continued monitoring is nonetheless essential to detect early artemisinin resistance in Africa.

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is defined as the intermittent administration of full treatment courses of an antimalarial drug to children during the peak of malaria transmission season with the aim of preventing malaria-associated mortality and morbidity. SMC using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) combined with amodiaquine (AQ) is a promising strategy to control malaria morbidity in areas of highly seasonal malaria transmission. However, a concern is whether SMC can delay the natural acquisition of immunity toward malaria parasites in areas with intense SMC delivery. To investigate this, total IgG antibody (Ab) responses to Plasmodium falciparum antigens glutamate-rich protein R0 (GLURP-R0) and apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in Senegalese children under the age of 10 years in 2010 living in Saraya and Velingara districts (with SMC using SP + AQ [SMC+] since 2007) and Tambacounda district (without SMC (SMC-)). For both P. falciparum antigens, total IgG response were significantly higher in the SMC- compared with the SMC+ group (for GLURP-R0, P < 0.001 and for AMA-1, P = 0.001). There was as well a nonsignificant tendency for higher percentage of positive responders in the SMC- compared with the SMC+ group (for GLURP-R0: 22.2% versus 14.4%, respectively [P = 0.06]; for AMA-1: 45.6% versus 40.0%, respectively [P = 0.24]). Results suggest that long-term malaria chemoprevention by SMC/SP + AQ have limited impact on the development of acquired immunity, as tested using the P. falciparum antigens GLURP-R0 and AMA-1. However, other factors, not measured in this study, may interfere as well., (© The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)

Background: Identification of fungal clinical isolates is essential for therapeutic management. In resource-limited settings, identification mostly relies on biochemical tests whose sensitivity and specificity are known to be insufficient for identification of closely related or newly described species. MALDI-TOF has been shown in favored countries to be a reliable and powerful tool for microorganism identification, including yeasts. The aim of this study was to compare MALDI-TOF with routine identification procedures in a resource-poor context., Methods: A total of 734 clinical specimens (502 vaginal swabs, 147 oral swabs, 61 bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and 24 stool samples) have been tested in the mycology unit of Fann Hospital, Dakar, Senegal. Strains isolated from culture were identified by both conventional phenotypic methods (germ tube formation and biochemical panels) and MALDI-TOF Saramis/VITEK MS, bioMérieux, France. In addition to comparing the final identification, we determined the time of obtaining the results and the cost for both approaches., Results: Overall, 218 (29.7 %) samples were positive for Candida. MALDI-TOF MS enabled the identification of 214 of the 218 strains isolated (98.1 %) at species level. Phenotypic approach yielded identification for 208 strains (95.4 %). Congruence between the tests was observed for 203 isolates. A discrepancy was observed for one isolate identified as Candida krusei with the phenotypic approach and Candida tropicalis with the MALDI-TOF. In addition, ten isolates identified at genus level by phenotypic methods were identified as C. glabrata (n = 8), C. tropicalis (n = 1) and C. parapsilosis (n = 1) by MALDI-TOF. The turnaround time for identification was <1 h using the MALDI-TOF compared to our routine procedures (48 h). The overall cost (reagents + expendables) per isolate was at 1.35 for the MALDI-TOF MS., Conclusion: MALDI-TOF clearly outperformed the diagnosis capacities of phenotypic methods by reducing the delay of results and giving accurate identification at species level. Moreover, this approach appears to be cost-effective and should be implemented especially in resource-poor context.

Background: In Senegal, a significant decrease of malaria transmission intensity has been noted the last years. Parasitaemia has become lower and, therefore, more difficult to detect by microscopy. In the context of submicroscopic parasitaemia, it has become relevant to rely on relevant malaria surveillance tools to better document malaria epidemiology in such settings. Serological markers have been proposed as an essential tool for malaria surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the sero-epidemiological situation of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in two sentinel sites in Senegal., Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were carried out in Velingara (south Senegal) and Keur Soce (central Senegal) between September and October 2010. Children under 10 years old, living in these areas, were enrolled using two-level, random sampling methods. P. falciparum infection was diagnosed using microscopy. P. falciparum antibodies against circumsporozoite protein (CSP), apical membrane protein (AMA1) and merozoite surface protein 1&#95;42 (MSP1&#95;42) were measured by ELISA method. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was done to assess factors associated with P. falciparum antibodies carriage., Results: A total of 1,865 children under 10 years old were enrolled. The overall falciparum malaria prevalence was 4.99% with high prevalence in Velingara of 10.03% compared to Keur Soce of 0.3%. Symptomatic malaria cases (fever associated with parasitaemia) represented 17.37%. Seroprevalence of anti-AMA1, anti-MSP1&#95;42 and anti-CSP antibody was 38.12, 41.55 and 40.38%, respectively. The seroprevalence was more important in Velingara and increased with age, active malaria infection and area of residence., Conclusion: The use of serological markers can contribute to improved malaria surveillance in areas with declining malaria transmission. This study provided useful baseline information about the sero-epidemiological situation of malaria in Senegal and can contribute to the identification of malaria hot spots in order to concentrate intervention efforts., Trial Registration Number: PACTR201305000551876 ( http://www.pactr.org ).

Background: Malarial infection in non immune pregnant women is a major risk factor for pregnancy failure. However in malaria endemic areas, intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) have been adopted to prevent malaria in pregnancy women since 2003 in Senegal. The impact of IPT on the development of immunity is not very well documented. We conducted a prospective study at the Roi-Baudouin maternity hospital of Guediawaye in Senegal to assess IL10, IL12, TNFα and IFNγ cytokines production in pregnant women under IPTp. Cytokines were analyzed in 82 sera at inclusion and delivery. P. falciparum HRP2 antigen was detected in 17% of women included by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). At inclusion the mean of IL10 response was higher in P. falciparum negative women (8 UA) compare to RDT-positive women (7 UA) p=0.069 while in delivery the opposite was found p=0.014. Low production of inflammatory cytokines IL12, IFNγ and TNFα was noted in both groups. Between inclusion and delivery, a significant increase of IL-10 production was noted while a decrease of IFNγ and TNFα cytokine was noted. Thus, IL12 and IFNγ responses may synergistically associate as malaria immune response during pregnancy.

Background: Cryptococcal meningitis is one of the most important opportunistic infection and a major contributor to early mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Senegal, prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis remains high. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology, laboratory profile, therapeutic and outcome of cases diagnosed in Dakar., Methods: We analyzed the cryptococcosis cases diagnosed at the department of parasitology-mycology in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar from 2004 to 2011. The diagnosis was confirmed by culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and/or by India ink preparation and/or by cryptococcal antigen detection. The diagnosis methods were assessed by using culture as reference., Results: A total of 106 cases of cryptococcal meningitis were diagnosed. The prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis was 7.8 %. The mean age of the patients was 40.17 ± 9.89 years. There were slightly more male (53.8 %) than female (46.2 %) patients; 89.6 % were found to be infected with HIV, and the median CD4+ count was 27/mm(3). Approximately 79.5 % of the patients had <100 CD4+ lymphocytes/mm(3). India ink staining presented sensitivity at 94.11 % and specificity at 100 %. Sensitivity and specificity of cryptococcal antigen detection in cerebrospinal fluid were, respectively, 96.96 and 15.78 %. The most frequently used antifungal drug was fluconazole (86.7 %), and the mortality rate was 62.2 % (66 deaths)., Conclusion: Early diagnosis is essential to control cryptococcosis, and countries should prioritize widespread and reliable access to rapid diagnostic cryptococcus antigen assays. But it is important to make available conventional methods (India ink and culture) in the maximum of laboratory in regional health facilities.

This is a prospective, descriptive and analytic study conducted from July 2011 to September 2011 at the Children National Hospital Albert Royer of Dakar and at the Vélingara Health District. It was focused on children under 15 without reference to HIV status. For each child, a sample of stool was examined by the Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining and by ELISA using the "Cryptosporidium Antigen Detection Microwell ELISA kit" designed to detect Cryptosporidium spp antigens. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in rural and hospital areas and to measure the performance of the ELISA kit that we used. Out of the 375 stool examinations performed with the Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining, 17 had revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp (4.53%). The prevalence in rural areas was 2% while the hospital prevalence was 7.4%, of which 1.8% (1/57) were from urban areas and 9.8% (12/122) from suburban areas. No positive case was observed in children over 10 years. By ELISA, 23 positives cases were reported corresponding to a prevalence of 6.13% (1.8% in children living in urban areas, 13.1% in children from suburban areas and 3%living in rural areas).The correlation of this assay with the Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining, considered as the reference method, found that this assay had a sensitivity of 58.82% and a high specificity reaching 96.37%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 43.4% while the negative predictive value was 98%. Cryptosporidiosis is a significant cause of parasitic infection among children in Senegal. Antigen detection of Cryptosporidium spp by ELISA in stool can be a complementary tool in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.

Senegal has since 2003 used sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) of malaria in risk groups. However, the large-scale IPT strategy may result in increasing drug resistance. Our study investigated the possible impact of SP-IPT given to infants and children on the prevalence of SP-resistant haplotypes in the Plasmodium falciparum genes Pfdhfr and Pfdhps, comparing sites with and without IPTi/c. P. falciparum positives samples (n=352) were collected from children under 5years of age during two cross-sectional surveys in 2010 and 2011 in three health districts (two on IPTi/c and one without IPTi/c intervention) located in the southern part of Senegal. The prevalence of SP-resistance-related haplotypes in Pfdhfr and Pfdhps was determined by nested PCR followed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP)-ELISA. The prevalence of the Pfdhfr double mutant haplotypes (CNRN and CICN) was stable between years at<10% in the control group (P=0.69), while it rose significantly in the IPTi/c group from 2% in 2010 to 20% in 2011 (P=0.008). The prevalence of the Pfdhfr triple mutant haplotype (CIRN) increased in both groups, but only significantly in the IPTi/c group from 41% to 65% in 2011 (P=0.005). Conversely, the Pfdhps 437G mutation decreased in both groups from 44.6% to 28.6% (P=0.07) and from 66.7% to 47.5% (P=0.02) between 2010 and 2011 in the control and the IPTi/c groups, respectively. Combined with Pfdhfr, there was a weak trend for decreasing prevalence of quadruple mutants (triple Pfdhfr+Pfdhps 437G) in both groups (P=0.15 and P=0.34). During the two cross-sectional surveys, some significant changes were observed in the SP-resistance-related genes. However, since these changes were observed in the two groups, the IPTi/c strategy does only seem to have limited impact on resistance development and other factors as well. However, continuous monitoring will be needed, due to the up-scaling of the IPTi/c strategy in Senegal according to WHO recommendations., (Copyright © 2013 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially in children. In Senegal, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) previously referred to as intermittent preventive treatment in children (IPTc) is a new strategy for malaria control in areas of high seasonal transmission. An effectiveness study of SMC, using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine (AQ), was conducted in central Senegal from 2008 to 2010 to obtain information about safety, feasibility of delivery, and cost effectiveness of SMC. Here are report the effect of SMC delivery on the prevalence of markers of resistance to SP and AQ., Methods: This study was conducted in three health districts in Senegal with 54 health posts with a gradual introduction of SMC. Three administrations of the combination AQ + SP were made during the months of September, October and November of each year in children aged less than 10 years living in the area. Children were surveyed in December of each year and samples (filter paper and thick films) were made in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The prevalence of mutations in the pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfmdr1 and pfcrt genes was investigated by sequencing and RTPCR in samples positive by microscopy for Plasmodium falciparum., Results: Mutations at codon 540 of pfdhps and codon 164 of pfdhfr were not detected in the study. Among children with parasitaemia at the end of the transmission seasons, the CVIET haplotypes of pfcrt and the 86Y polymorphism of pfmdr1 were more common among those that had received SMC, but the number of infections detected was very low and confidence intervals were wide. The overall prevalence of these mutations was lower in SMC areas than in control areas, reflecting the lower prevalence of parasitaemia in areas where SMC was delivered., Conclusion: The sensitivity of P. falciparum to SMC drugs should be regularly monitored in areas deploying this intervention. Overall the prevalence of genotypes associated with resistance to either SP or AQ was lower in SMC areas due to the reduced number of parasitaemia individuals.

Justification: The frequency of candidiasis has increased dramatically in recent years. Candida albicans is the most common species. However, other species which are pathogenic and resistant to usual antifungal agents beginning to emerge. These include Candida dubliniensis and Candida africana, which share morphological similarities with Candida albicans. Thus, it is of interest to correctly identify the fungal isolates., Objective: To seek these new species among Candida strains isolated in Dakar., Material and Methods: Oropharyngeal and vaginal swabs were performed at Fann Universitary Hospital in Dakar. The strains were identified by the germ tube test, the chlamydospore production test and an auxanogram. Then identification by PCR targeting the hyphal wall protein 1(hwp1) gene, was performed for the discrimination between Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis and Candida africana., Results: In total, 243 yeasts were isolated from samples including 231 in vaginal swab and 12 in oropharyngeal swab. Species identified by phenotypic methods are Candida albicans, which is the most frequent, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, Candida kefyr and Candida lusitaniae. PCR performed on the 150 strains germ tube test positive identifies three Candida africana, 109 Candida albicans and no strain of Candida dubliniensis., Conclusion: This study isolates Candida africana for the first time in Senegal. Further studies on a larger sample will better know the actual proportion of these three species among the isolated yeasts., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

As a result of widespread antimalarial drug resistance, all African countries with endemic malaria have, in recent years, changed their malaria treatment policy. In Senegal, the health authorities changed from chloroquine (CQ) to a combination of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine (AQ) in 2003. Since 2006, the artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate plus amodiaquine (AS/AQ) were adopted for uncomplicated malaria treatment. After several years of CQ withdrawal, the current study wished to determine the level of CQ resistance at the molecular level in selected sites in Senegal, because the scientific community is interested in using CQ again. Finger prick blood samples were collected from Plasmodium falciparum-positive children below the age of 10 years (N = 474) during cross-sectional surveys conducted in two study sites in Senegal with different malaria transmission levels. One site is in central Senegal, and the other site is in the southern part of the country. All samples were analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P. falciparum CQ resistance transporter gene (Pfcrt; codons 72-76) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time PCR methods. In total, the 72- to 76-codon region of Pfcrt was amplified in 449 blood samples (94.7%; 285 and 164 samples from the central and southern sites of Senegal, respectively). In both study areas, the prevalence of the Pfcrt wild-type single CVMNK haplotype was very high; in central Senegal, the prevalence was 70.5% in 2009 and 74.8% in 2010, and in southern Senegal, the prevalence was 65.4% in 2010 and 71.0% in 2011. Comparing data with older studies in Senegal, a sharp decline in the mutant type Pfcrt prevalence is evident: from 65%, 64%, and 59.5% in samples collected from various sites in 2000, 2001, and 2004 to approximately 30% in our study. A similar decrease in mutant type prevalence is noted in other neighboring countries. With the continued development of increased CQ susceptibility in many African countries, it may be possible to reintroduce CQ in the near future in a drug combination; it could possibly be given to non-vulnerable groups, but it demands close monitoring of possible reemergence of CQ resistance development.

The impact of intermittent presumptive treatment (IPT) on the immunity of pregnant women in Senegal is still not very well known. We conducted a prospective study at the Roi-Baudouin maternity of Guediawaye in Senegal to assess IgG antibodies production against MSP1, GLURP and DBL5 in pregnant women under IPT. Blood samples were collected from the participating women at inclusion and delivery. Samples were analyzed after centrifugation for the detection of IgG antibodies in sera by Elisa. Informed consent was given by each study participant prior to their inclusion. A total of 101 eligible women aged from 18 to 44 were included in this study. Multigravidae women represented 70.3% of the study population, whereas primigravidae accounted for 29.7%. The IgG level decreased slightly from inclusion to delivery for the women with regard to anti-MSP1 (83.1at inclusion versus 79.5 at delivery, p = 0.52) as well as anti-GLURP-R2 (84.1 at inclusion versus 75.9 at delivery, p = 0.16). After adjustment for number of pregnancies, there was a significant decrease in the production of anti-VAR2CSA between inclusion and delivery (p < 0.05). By reducing the incidence of malaria during pregnancy, IPT reduced the acquisition of placental parasites antibodies suppressors which could delay the development of protective immunity against malaria. The application of IPT in pregnant women would thus be more appropriate in hypoendemic areas where malaria exposure is lower.

Diarrhea is the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS. We conducted at the Fann National University Hospital in Dakar, a study of all patients living with HIV, hospitalized in the the Clinical service of Infectious Diseases from 1 January 2003 to December 31, 2006, with diarrhea and having received an bacteriological and / or a parasitological examination of stools. The aim of this study was to identify the various pathogens isolated in the laboratory and responsible for those diarrhea. In total, 351 patients were collected, their average age was 39.93 years and the extreme ages 15 and 72 years. HIV1 serological profile was found in 90.77% of patients; 34.42% of patients received a dosage of CD4 count, among them 21.09% had a rate <200/mm3. Fifteen stool cultures were positive with the following breakdown: - Shigella (10 strains): 7 strains of Shigella flexneri, 2 of Shigella sp, one of Shigella sonnei; antibiotics most active on the Shigella strains were third generation cephalosporins and quinolones. - Salmonella (5 strains) with Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, strains sensitive to an association of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, to cephalosporins and to ciprofloxacin. 289 patients received a parasitological examination of the stools (KOP) and the positive number of KOP was 90 a 30,14% rate. The parasites most frequently found were: Cryptosporidium parvum, representing 10.38% of positive KOP, Isospora belli 6.23%, and Entamoeba coli 5.19%. These parasites were found predominantly in patients infected with HIV1 (61 cases/90). Cases of cobacterial and parasitic co-infections were also found. Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV. The etiologies of diarrhea, multiple, are yet to be identified and this should go through an improvement of the technical capacity and quality of our laboratories.

Insect-borne diseases represent a worldwide threat. In addition to fight against vectors (insecticides) and disease prevention (vaccination against yellow fever, chemoprophylaxis against malaria), insect repellents applied on the skin could help reduce the heavy burden related to these diseases. In a field study performed in Senegal, we compared the efficacy of one skin application between 3 and 4 p.m. of four spray repellents [icaridine 20%, para-menthane-diol (PMD) 20% and 50% and DEET 50%] against placebo, among 100 healthy male and female volunteers experienced with mosquito capture. Double-blind randomized cross-over placebo-controlled study (Latin-square design) during five consecutive nights (7 p.m. to midnight) in two villages was conducted. To avoid residual effect, right or left leg was alternately exposed during consecutive nights and the exposed leg was washed before next night. The statistical model was random and mixed effects ANOVA. All four active repellents provided a significant and similar protection compared with placebo, lasting 8 h. However, there was a non-significant trend for a higher protection by DEET 50% than by PMD 20% (P = 0.07). Duration of protection was similar for all repellents. Their effects were similar among men and women, and against Anopheles or other species. No serious adverse drug reaction was noticed. Using a rigorous methodology and a large number of volunteers, our well-controlled study demonstrated an important and similar protective effect of all four repellents compared with placebo. Such field studies should be required before approval of any newly developed repellent.

Objectives: This retrospective study was carried out to describe the epidemiological, clinical and aetiological profile of parasitic and fungal neuroinfections at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar., Patients and Methods: Data were collected for analysis from patients files recorded from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003., Results: We found 126 cases of parasitic and fungal neuroinfections, representing 62% of the total of neuroinfections cases (126/203) and 27% of cerebro-meningeal diseases encountered at the clinic during the study period (126/470). Sex ratio M/F was 1.7 and the mean age of patients was 32 years +/- 14.4. Thirty seven patients (30%) were HIV seropositive. Aetiologies were represented by cerebral malaria (85 cases), neuromeningeal cryptococcosis (37 cases) and toxoplasmosis (4 cases). The overall case fatality rate was 38% (48 deaths/126). The fatality rate varied according to aetiologies: 27% in cerebral malaria, and 59.5% in neuromeningeal cryptococcosis that was found mainly among HIV positive patients (34 cases/37)., Conclusion: These results give evidence of the frequency and the gravity of the adult's cerebral malaria in Dakar, but also the growing place of the neuromeningeal cryptococcosis in the neuromeningeal opportunist pathology of HIV positive patients.

The aims of this study were to determine the place of malaria at the Infectious Disease Clinic in Dakar, Senegal, to identify diseases associated with malaria, and to assess malaria mortality with or without co-morbidity. The files of all patients hospitalized from 2001 to 2003 in whom at least one test for malaria (thick films/spears) was performed to detect malaria parasites were reviewed. Malaria was diagnosed in patients presenting fever and positive thick films demonstrating asexual blood stages of Plasmodium. Data were collected from hospital charts. A total of 416 patients presented malaria (prevalence rate, 25.9%). The male-to-female sex ratio was 1:7 and mean age was 33 +/- 18 years. Of the 416 patients diagnosed with malaria, 273 (65.6%) presented severe forms. The overall mortality rate of malaria with or without co-morbidity was 25.7% (107/416). There was not a statistically significant difference between mortality due to isolated malaria and malaria associated with tuberculosis (23.4% versus 18.5%) (p = 0.7) or tetanus (23.4% versus 17.6%) (p = 0.34). Conversely mortality of malaria in HIV-positive patients was higher (58% versus 19%) (p = 10(-6)). Thus, malaria is of major concern in our department.

This study was carried out to provide current information on neuromeningeal cryptococcosis at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar. Epidemiological, clinical, biological and therapeutic data were collected retrospectively from files of patients treated between 1999 and 2003. A total of 45 cases including 34 in HIV-positive patients were analyzed. The prevalence of neuronieningeal cryptococcosis in H1V-infected patients was 2.9% in 2000 and, 7.9% in 2003. Only 6 patients had been using antiretroviral therapy. The male-to-female sex ratio was 2 and mean age was 34 years (range, 18-61 years). Clinical presentation involved fever (73.3%), persistent headache (86.7%), vomiting (66.7%), meningeal syndrome (60%), coma (20%), convulsion (13.3%), focal neurological deficit (15.6%), and cranial nerve dysfunction (11.1 %). The CD4-cell count was less than 200/mm3 in 14 of 15 patients tested. Cerebrospinal fluid was clear in most cases (88.9%) and lytuphocytic in half (52%) with a mean albumin concentration of 0.79 g/l. Positive results were obtained with India ink smears in 35 of 45 cases, cultures in 30 of 31 cases and cryptococcic antigen detection in CSF in 9 of 9 cases. The most frequently used antifungal drug was fiuconazole (93%). The mortality rate was 71.1% (32 deaths) overall and reached 78.9% in patients with less than 20 cells/mmm3 in CSF (78.9%). Three measures are necessary for control of neuromeningeal crytococcosis: routine screening in severely immunodeficient HIV patients, distribution of effective systemic antifungal drugs and primary prevention by widespread use of antiretroviral therapy.

Objectives: This retrospective study was carried out to determine the prevalence of cerebromeningeal diseases at the Fann Teaching Hospital Infectious Diseases Clinic, in Dakar, and to describe their epidemiological, clinical, and etiological features., Patients and Methods: Data was collected for analysis from patients files recorded from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003., Results: Four hundred seventy cases were identified (11.4% of total admissions) with a M/F sex ratio of 1.38 and a mean age of 33 years. Eighty-nine patients were infected by HIV and clinical presentations included fever (78%), meningeal syndrome (57.4%), coma (64.9%), convulsions (19%), focal neurological deficits (15.5%), and cranial nerves dysfunction (7.2%). Etiologies presented as cerebral malaria (85 cases), purulent meningitis (51 cases), neuromeningeal cryptococcosis (37 cases), tuberculous meningitis (11 cases), intracranial abscess (10 cases), toxoplasma encephalitis (4 cases), cerebrovascular attack (11 cases), and cerebromeningeal hemorrhages (3 cases). In as many as 248 cases (52.8%) no etiology could be found. The case fatality rate was 44.5% overall (209 deaths) and 68.5% among HIV-infected patients. Neurological sequels were found in 22 survivors (8.8%), consisting in focal neurological deficit (12 cases), deafness (5 cases), diplopia (2 cases), dementia (2 cases), postmeningitic encephalitis (1 case)., Conclusion: These results show the need to improve our technical capacities in our diagnostic laboratories, the prevention of opportunistic infections in the course of HIV/AIDS infection, and the involvement of various specialists in the management of cerebromeningeal diseases.

This retrospective study was carried out to describe the epidemiological, clinical and aetiological aspects of clear-fluid meningitis among HIV-positive patients admitted at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar Data were collected for analysis from patients files recorded from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003. Forty-six cases of clear-fluid meningitis were found among HIV-infected patients, representing 51.7% of cerebro-meningeal diseases and 92% of meningitis encountered in those patients. Sex ratio MIF was 1.5 and the mean age of patients was 40.7 years [range 23-61 years]. Clinical presentations comprised headache (80%), fever (67%), meningeal syndrome (74%), coma (28%), convulsions (9%), focal neurological deficits (11%), cranial nerves dysfunction (9%). Aetiologies were represented by neuromeningeal cryptococcosis (29 cases) and tuberculous meningitis (5 cases). In 26% of cases no aetiology was found. The case fatality rate was 63% overall (29 deaths) and 83.3% among cases with unknown aetiology. It did not vary significantly according to epidemiological and clinical variables studied. Neurological sequelae were found in 4 patients who recovered. A better management of clear-fluid meningitis among HIV-positive patients should benefit from the reinforcement of our diagnostic capacities, the availability of effective systemic antifungal drugs and the prevention of opportunistic infections in the course of HIV/AIDS infection.

Primary meningoencephalitis caused by free-living soil ameba is rare. We report the first diagnosed case of meningoencephalitis due to Acanthamoeba sp. in Senegal. The patient was a 24-year-old Senegalese woman hospitalized in the neurology department of Fann Hospital. Diagnosis was made 6 months after the onset of symptoms based mainly on headache with fever usually occurring in the evening, chills, and lumbar puncture demonstrating turbid fluid. Parasitological examination of cool cerebrospinal fluid sediment revealed the presence of free-living ameba trophozoites of the Acanthamoeba genus. Species determination by culture on 1.5% agar-agar enriched with Escherichia coli failed. The patient died one month following initiation of treatment using amphotericine B.

In order to assess the parasitic risks related to M'Boune's valley water launching, a study has been carried out from September 16 to November 24, 1998 in 12 villages: four villages surrounding the Guiers lake, four villages surrounding Ferlo already water launched 10 years ago, and four villages within M'Boune not water launched. The prevalence rate of urinary bilharziosis is 0.002% in the frist area, 1.3% in the second one and 13.7% in the third area. In these areas, intestinal parasitosis are prevaling respectively at rates of 38.2%, 36.4% and 21.3%. Although, there is no reason to fear immediately a worsening of the epidemiological situation due to M'Boune's valley revitalisation project, nevertheless, appropriate steps should be taken right now aiming at tackling the extension of conditions related to hydric medium.

The authors report the results of a survey on the efficacy against mosquito bites of a repellent, Mousticologne Spécial Zones Infestées (DEET 20%, EHD 15%). Two forms of the product, spray and gel, were tested in Senegal. Repellent efficacy was evaluated by exposing volunteers, both repellent-treated and untreated, to mosquito bites. The number of mosquito bites per person and per night was 0.63 in the spray treated group (group 1), 6.03 in the gel treated group (group 2) and 94.17 in the untreated group (group 3). The analysis of these results showed a significant difference between treated and untreated persons. Untreated persons were not protected against mosquito bites, persons treated with the spray were protected for 12 hours and those treated with the gel had over 8 hours' protection. We concluded that a single application of the repellent Mousticologne in the field is capable of ensuring all-night protection against mosquito bites.

We previously investigated malaria in the southern health district of the city of Dakar, which includes the oldest neighborhoods. In this study, we investigated malaria in the central health district, corresponding to the central area of the conurbation. The study was carried out at 12 sites, from March 1996 to February 1997. The sites were selected such that the entire district was covered and included 2 sites in the shanty town and three in an old village that has been absorbed into the city. We carried out prospective monthly entomological analyses with a view to identifying the vectors and the mode of transmission of malaria. We also carried out clinical and parasitological follow up to determine the incidence of parasitemia and of bouts of malaria. Insects were collected overnight from humans and the insects remaining the next morning in 10 bedrooms in the health district were collected. For clinical and parasitological follow up, families were visited at home once per week and their clinical state was assessed. Blood smears were taken to facilitate the detection of bouts of malaria. Body temperature was measured and we checked for the presence of organisms in the blood systematically during the last weekly visit of each month. For a total of 308 collections at night from human volunteers and 1,395 bedroom collections of residual fauna, we obtained 12,879 Culicidae females, 199 (1.5%) of which were anopheles mosquitoes, with Culex quinquefasciatus accounting for 98% of the remaining mosquitoes. As in the southern district, A. arabiensis was the only species of the A. gambiae complex collected. Anopheles mosquitoes accounted for only 0.3 bites per man per night and 0.07 females per room. They were therefore poorly represented in this district and were not detected at all at five sites. They were found in large numbers only during the rainy season, especially in September, when they accounted for 2.25 bites per man per night and 0.3 females per room at 3 sites in an undeveloped zone in which 81.4% of all the anopheles mosquitoes were collected. The parturition frequency of the biting females was 32.6% and that of the females collected in houses was 50.0%. None of the A. arabiensis females dissected (98.5% of those collected) carried Plasmodium sporozoites. The clinical and parasitological follow up concerned 2,583 individuals, aged from 1 month to 80 years, from 285 families resident in Dakar who volunteered for the study; 41.9% of these individuals were less than 15 years old and 92.2% had been living in Dakar for more than 2 years. Thick and thin blood smears taken monthly showed the frequency of the parasite to be 1.0% and that of gametocytes to be 0.1%. P. falciparum was the only parasite detected in the subjects. Plasmodium infections were observed in all age groups, with a frequency of 0.4% (adults over the age of 20 years) to 1.6% (children under two years of age). Parasitized subjects were detected in every month of the study, with a frequency of 0.4% (in January) to 1.9% (in December). The largest number of cases detected in a three-month period (38.8% of all cases) was that for October to December, the three-month period immediately after the rainy season (July to September). Parasite frequency, which was no higher than 1. 2% at 10 sites, was clearly higher at two sites in the shanty town (3.8 and 6.8%), mostly inhabited by immigrants from rural areas. At the end of the study year, satisfactory weekly follow up was considered to have been achieved for 1,067 of the participants. The annual incidence of parasitemia in this cohort was 5.1% and that of malaria was 2.4%. Incidence did not vary significantly with age and was between 1.8% and 7.6% for parasitemia and between 0.8% and 3.5% for malaria. However, significant differences in incidence were observed between areas. Incidence was higher at the two sites in the shanty town, with rates of 12.1% and 36.5% for parasitemia and 6.1% and 15.9% for malaria. (ABSTRACT TR

This study was carried out in 1997 to 1998, to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infestations due to groundwater pollution at Yeumbeul, Senegal, and to follow the progression of parasite infestations following anti-parasite treatment. The study included 705 people living in a suburban zone in which the water table was polluted with nitrates of fecal origin. These individuals consumed either well water or water from springs. The overall prevalence of parasite infestation was 42.26%, but varied significantly with age (p < 0.001). Individuals who consumed well water were more frequently infested than those who consumed spring water, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.3). Giardia and Entamoeba coli were the most frequently isolated parasites, with Giardia predominating in the 0 to 9 year age-group. There was no significant correlation between the prevalence of the various parasites and indicators of water pollution (R2 = 0.0566 for nitrates and 0.1086 for fecal coliform bacteria). Similarly, no correlation was found with water pollution factors such as the depth of the water table (R2 = 0.027) and the distance between the wells and the latrines (R2 = 0.00007). Following specific treatment, the prevalence of parasite infestation fell to 30.81%. This indicates the limitations of drug treatment, which is always used alone to combat intestinal parasites, in the face of possible reinfestation.

In order to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of chloroquine in the treatment of P. falciparum malaria, studies have been carried out in Richard-Toll, Fatick and Tambacounda, 3 areas where dynamics of transmission, population movements, as well as prophylactic and curative practises are different. Failure rates in treatment were 13% in site 1 (Richard-Toll) where medical pressure and population movements are high. In sites 2 and 3 (Fatick and Tambacounda), the failure rate was 3%. Even if medical pressure is lower in the latter site (Tambacounda), the higher transmission could be a factor in the spreading of resistance. A surveillance system and better use of chloroquine must be undertaken.

This prospective one-year study was conducted as a preliminary phase to setting up a protocol for economic appraisal of management of severe malaria at Albert Royer Children's Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. Data was routinely collected using a standardized checklist. The four key indicators chosen for this study were nurse workload, adequacy of care (number of patients receiving adequate care), direct cost, and mortality rate. The mean daily care workload was estimated to be 27.2 minutes. This indicator assesses the relationship between supply and demand. Based on 5 criteria, care was considered as adequate in 54.5 p. 100 of patients. This indicator is helpful in judging the effectiveness of the therapeutic modalities used. The direct cost of treating severe malaria was estimated to be 45963 CFA francs. This indicator will be useful in establishing controls to reduce costs. The mortality rate was 12.2 p. 100. Comparison of this rate with previous years suggests little improvement in the outcome of malaria management at the institution. This indicator must be taken into account in the ongoing quality control program. Overall these findings should enable institutional decision-making to improve management of severe malaria based on objective measurable data.

To assess epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of severe malaria among adults in Dakar (Senegal), we carried out a 5-year retrospective study in Infectious Diseases Ward (January 1992-December 1996). Over this period, 222 cases of severe malaria were included according to WHO definition criteria, 120 of them (54%) being adult patients. Monthly distribution of cases showed 2 peaks, on October and November. Most of the patients were males (sex-ratio = 2.1) and lived in urban area (91.7%). The mean age was 28.9 years (range = 16-73 years). Clinically, all of the cases presented with stage II coma. Association existed with convulsion (20%), severe anaemia (29.2%), renal failure (19.2%), hypoglycaemia (17.5%) and jaundice (34%). Patients were treated using quinine intravenously. Case fatality rate reached 26.7%, indicating life-threatening potential of malaria in adults living in urban area.

Pneumocystosis is an opportunist parasitic disease which occurs currently at Europe and United States in HIV infected patients. In Africa, the disease is not current. Pneumocystosis has been detected in the Fann medical universitary center at Dakar from HIV infected patients with acido alcoholo resistant bacilli negative pneumopathy. Analysis of broncho alveolar liquid(BAL) of 29 patients after Giemsa and Blue of Toluidin O staining allowed isolating of two cases of pneumocystosis. A man and a woman were the patients. They were HIV1 positive with at X ray bilateral interstitial syndrome. The CD4 lymphocytes count of the one was lower than 200/mm3 and for the other it was higher than 200/mm3.

In order to determine the prevalence rates of malaria, urinary schistosomiasis and intestinal parasitosis in Saloum's valley, the authors carried out a study which took place from november 16 to november 24, 1996. For malaria, the global parasites index was 22% (146/662). Malaria prevails at a hypoendemic level in N'Diobène and N'Guent-paté villages and at a medium-endemic level in Ribo-Escale and N'Dodj. The infestation index for urinary schistosomiasis was 8.9% (137/154) About intestinal parasite, among 868 persons screened, 124 showed one or several parasites, that is an infestation index of 14.3%. Appropriate steps should be taken to prevent an extension of these conditions along the fossil Saloum's valley.

Thanks to a serological survey carried out in Dakar from January to November 1993 among 353 procreative women, immune cover regarding toxoplasmosis was assessed using ELISA methodology: 40.2% of the surveyed population had antibodies of toxoplasmosis. No evidence of age, pregnancy, number of previous pregnancies was noted in antitoxoplasmosis antibodies prevalence. The seroconversion risk seems to be low even when it has existed during pregnancy. Contamination occurred during childhood. Some sanitary education should be provided to the procreative population in order to achieve a better compliance with basic hygiene regulations during pregnancy.

A survey of endemic malaria in Dakar was carried out in the southern sanitary district covering the city centre and neighbouring areas. The survey was scheduled from June 1994 to May 1995 in 12 sites distant from each other by 1000 to 1500 meters. Clinical and parasitological data were collected during weekly medical follow-ups at the patients' home with the systematic research of Plasmodium once a month. The study included 2,337 persons aged between 1 month and 88 years and belonging to 284 volunteer resident families. Through monthly parasitological examinations, a parasite rate (P.R.) of 0.3% and a gametocyte rate (G.R.) of 0.005% were recorded. Only Plasmodium falciparum was observed. The P.R. varied according to age: from 0.1% in the children under 2 years to 0.7% in the young adults (15-20 years) who appeared significantly more affected than the other age groups, including that of children from 2 to 9 years, of whom only 0.3% were infected by the parasite. The P.R. varied also according to the site surveyed: from 0% in the city centre to 1.3% at the periphery of the sanitary district and according to the time of year, reaching its height of 0.8%, between October and December, that is just after the rainy season. At the end of the year of survey, 929 among those surveyed were considered to have been satisfactorily followed. Their annual incidence rate was 2.4% for the parasitemia and of 1.5% for the malaria attacks. None of the participants aged under 2 years had the parasite. Among the others, the annual incidence rate varied according to the age--although not significantly--passing from 1.1% to 5.3% for parasitemia and from 0.4% to 3.0% for malaria attacks. Theses rates did not differ significantly according to site; the cases registered varied between 1% and 8% for parasitemia and 1% and 5.8% for malaria attacks. Only 10.6% of febrile subjects suffered from malaria attacks, but this rate seemed to go up between October to December, rising to 26.6% which corresponds to 1 case of malaria attacks for 4 cases of hyperthermia in that period. Weak density of Anopheline population and satisfactory medical surveillance explain the recorded results.

In order to assess the parasitic risks related to Ferlo's valley water launching, a study has been carried out from september 15 to october 10, 1996 in 12 villages. Four villages surrounding the Guiers lake, four lower within lower Ferlo already water launched 7 years ago, and four villages within upper Ferlo not water launched. Malaria strikes at hypoendemic level in the villages surrounding the Guiers lake (p.i = 6.2%) and at mesoendemic level in the area stretching along lower (P.I = 37.6%) and upper Ferlo (P.I = 34.3%) The prevalence rate of urinary bilharziosis is 0.002% in the first area, 1.3% in the second one and 14.5% in the third area. In these areas, intestinal parasitosis were prevailing respectively at rates of 38.2%, 36.4% and 22.2%. Although, there is no reason to fear immediately a worsening of the epidemiological situation due to Ferlo's valley revitalisation project, nevertheless, appropriate steps should be taken right now aiming at tacking the extension of conditions related to hydric medium.

In order to assess the parasitic risk for street-food consumers, the authors conducted two studies from September to August 1996, one on street-food sellers (305) and the other on consumers (235). Among the consumers, 127 were considered as not exposed to risk, since they did not frequent the sector being surveyed, and 108 were exposed because they consumed at least one meal per day cooked by the sellers of this area. Both groups filled out a questionnaire and had their stools analysed according to the RITCHIE method. The infection rate was 60% among sellers and 45.5% among consumers. Protozoans were predominant in both groups. Among the consumers, those exposed were significantly more infected. Even though the sellers represent a parasitic risk due to their level of infection and the typology of parasites they shelter, one cannot assume that consumers are contaminated only by the sellers of street food. However, appropriate measures must be implemented in order to minimize risks for street-food consumers.

To determine risk factors for fatal malaria in Senegalese children, a 3-year case-control study was carried out between October 1992 and November 1995 at the Albert Royer Hospital in Dakar. The case group included 52 children who died from documented malaria in the hospital. The matched control group consisted of children who responded favorably to hospital treatment. Exposure to risk was measured with regard to age, nutritional status, educational level of parents, self-medication prior to hospitalization, socioeconomic level, degree of fever, and blood parasite levels. Cases and controls were compared using statistical tests for matched groups. Age lower than 5 years, poor educational level of parents, delay of treatment more than 24 hours, nutritional status, and blood parasite levels greater than 5% were associated with a significantly higher risk of fatal outcome. Conversely, low socio-economic level, recent self-medication, and fever over 41 degrees C were not associated with higher fatality. These findings emphasize the need for more information campaigns to encourage people to seek institutionalized care when fever appears. Our results also suggest that prophylactic treatment may be advisable in children under 5 years of age and in some high risk groups.

In order to determine the prevalence of malaria and its epidemiological characteristics, a survey was carried out in 11 villages situated in all the Basin of River Senegal (B.R.S.). 3306 (0-14 years) children are examined. The results show that malaria is hypo-endemic in the B.R.S. with a plasmodic index of 8.6% and a splenic index of 9.9%. But these malariametric indexes change according to the areas visited. Thus, malaria prevails at a hypo-endemic level in Dagana and Podor districts while at a medium if not hyperendemic level in Matam and Bakel districts. The plasmodial index also change according to age reaching a maximum within children from 10 to 14 years. As for the spleen index, it is low among children from 10-14 years. As for the spleen index, it is low among children from 0 to 4 years old, then increases among those aging from 5 to 9 years, before decreasing within children ranging from 10 to 14 years. P.falciparum is the most prevalent species, representing 96% of the cases; it is followed by P.malarioe (3%) and P.ovale (1%). If our results are compared with those obtained before by other authors, we can conclude that the recent hydro-agricultural plannings carried out in the area, have not yet provoked an increase of the cases of malaria. But, in order to avoid this risk, it is necessary to take from now some preventive measures.

From April to November 1994, we carried out a study in Rufisque, an urban area located in Dakar Region. During dry season, 5.32% of febrile outpatients were infected with Plasmodium falciparum with a mean parasitic density evaluated at 12,471 p/microliter. One case of cerebral malaria was noted. During raining season, malaria represented 58.75% of the fevers. Ten presented neurological signs; the mean parasitic density was high, 131,140 p/microliter. Two children died. Good efficiency of quinine was noted but chloroquine treatment failures was present: 50%. Generally malaria is less prevalent in urban areas. But in Rufisque ecological conditions are main factors which permit spreading of the disease. Prior measures of control such correct treatment of cases and good management of environment must be done.

The efficacy of quinine treatment for Plasmodium falciparum strains remains sound. However reports of decreased sensitivity and resistance of some strains in Asia and East Africa indicate that current treatment regimens should be re-adjusted. The purpose for the present study carried out in Dakar, Senegal, was to evaluate the local regimen for acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria using quinine at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day in two daily injections on 3 consecutive days. Thirty-seven patients with acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria including 10 severe cases were treated using the standard regimen and followed up clinically and parasitologically from Day 0 to Day 7. On Day 7 parasites were still detectable in the blood of four patients for a failure rate of 10.8%. Persistence of parasites despite disappearance of clinical symptoms suggests that the regimen should be increased to 25 mg/kg per day for at least for 3 days or longer if symptoms persist. Due to its adverse effects and cost (10 times higher than chloroquine treatment), quinine treatment should be prescribed only for patients with severe malaria forms.

In Touba, more important accessibility to antimalarial drugs and their uncontrolled use let to assure that the rate of malarial morbidity would be lower there than in other place in Senegal whereas the rate of chloroquine resistance would be higher. A checking survey of these assumptions has been carried out from october 15 to november 10, 1995 in Touba's health center. Among 227 feverish subjects investigated, 111 were Plasmodium falciparum carriers. Malarial bouts accounted for 48.9% of the feverish fits observed and for the major cause of consultation during the rainy season. These figures are higher than those usually observed in urban environment. Conversely, the rate of chloroquine resistance is lower than those observed in urban zones, since the therapeutic efficacy of chloroquine on Plasmodium falciparum was 100% in that survey.

The study of malarial seroprevalence in Dakar has interested 598 women among whom 377 pregnant and 221 non pregnant, between 15 to 45 years old and happens during the dry season, period of which malaria transmission is practically stopped in the locality. Among the tested serums by indirect immunofluorescence with Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood forms as antigen, 24.4% contained antimalarial antibodies. The serological index does'nt vary significantly according to the months during the dry season, the women age and their previous pregnancy number. On the contrary, the women who live in Dakar since less than 2 years, have e higher seropositivity rate of 33.7% than those who are there since more than 2 years, 20.0%. It is likewise for the women practicing chemoprophylaxy with chloroquine of whom 16.5% have antibodies against 26.0% among those who don't practice it. The seropositivity rate doesn't vary significantly according as the women are pregnant (24.7% of positive) or not pregnant (24.0% of positive). The weakness of the serological rate in the examined women, can be explained by the situation of Dakar in a weak malarial hypoendemic area. II shows that the major examined subjects have lost or have never had contact with Plasmodium what predispose them to make severe and complicated malarial attacks.

Evaluating knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of malaria is a prerequisite for both understanding the development of chemoresistance and improving ongoing programs of chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis. To gain such knowledge we distributed a questionnaire to 900 household heads in twelve villages in the M'Backe district of Senegal. Awareness of the main symptoms of malaria was satisfactory in comparison with previous references. Public health care facilities such as dispensaries were cited as the first resort for treatment by 72.6% of respondents. Chloroquine was mentioned as the first line antimalarial by 23% of respondents who practiced self-medication. Improper dosages were stated by 60% of the respondents. A total of 52.3% of respondents practiced chemoprophylaxis mainly using chloroquine. In 65.8% of cases antimalarial drugs were obtained from public health care units but drugs were purchased on the market in 15.7% of cases. These findings indicate the threefold Bamako initiative should be reinforced and that a campaign should be undertaken to educate people living in rural areas about malaria.

To establish the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in women during their reproductive years, we examined 720 women, of whom 404 were pregnant and 306 were not, all residing in and around Dakar. Of the serum tested by indirect immunofluorescence, 40.3% contained antibodies recognizing toxoplasmosis. The seroprevalence did not vary significantly with the age of the women, the number of previous pregnancies, the place of residence or the length of residence in Dakar. It was higher in the pregnant women (44.4%) than in the nonpregnant women (37.2%), but this difference is not statistically different. The titers of antibodies were generally weak, varying between 10 and 320 IU/ml of serum. Also, IgM specific antibodies were absent. These results indicate that the seroconversion had occurred previously, probably at a young age. We observed seroprevalences higher than those obtained by authors using comparable techniques twenty years ago. This indicates an increase of the transmission of toxoplasmosis in the population. Few women during their reproductive years had antibodies against toxoplasmosis. Thus, they are at risk of developing a primary infection during a pregnancy. This undergoes the necessity of promoting measures to prevent toxoplasmosis infection in pregnant women.

The practices of health care workers and the population with regard to diagnosis of malaria and use of antimalarial drugs were studied in the city of Dakar from September 1991 to March 1992. Study included 847 heads of family, 191 treatment prescribers including 77 physicians, 53 nurses and 61 midwives, and 60 pharmacists. Three separate questionnaires were used: one for the population, one for physicians and paramedical staff, and one for pharmacists. The data collected showed that the 4 main symptoms used by both health care workers and the general population for diagnosis of malaria were fever, chills, vomiting, and headache. Treatment was administered upon suspicion of infection by 72% of treatment prescribers. Chloroquine was the drug most widely used by prescribers and for self-treatment of malaria. Prophylactic drug treatment was practised by all groups studied except treatment prescribers but was unappropriate for the target groups. Chloroquine is the drug most widely used to protect against the disease. Pharmacists have adequate supplies but distribution is poor. Despite promising results in the fight against malaria, further effort is needed to train health care workers and provide information to the population.

The comparison of the prevalence of malaria in pregnant and non pregnant women living in Dakar has interested 1819 women among whom 950 pregnant and 869 non pregnant. For all the examined women, the global plasmoidic index was 2.6% and the gametocytic index 0.1%. Plasmodium falciparum was the only observed species. According to the obtained results, pregnant women, with a plasmoidic index of 4.5% are more often parasited than the non pregnant women, only affected in a proportion of 0.5% Whatever the age, the number of previous pregnancy, the place of residence, the duration of the stay in Dakar may be, the pregnant women are always more often parasited than the non pregnant women and the registered differences are statistically significant. That situation could come from a greater receptivity of the pregnant women what is admitted by some authors. But a more important proportion of natives from rural area was observed among the pregnant women, from where a difference in the exposure to the risk of impaludation between the two groups that could explain the registered results. The global plasmoidic index of 2.6% obtained in the examined women, reflects well the present situation of the malaria endemy in Dakar, a weak hypo-endemic area.

72 patients with AIDS, having diarrhoea and admitted in the Unit of Infectious diseases, Fann Hospital from 1989 to 1991 were investigated for Cryptosporidium sp. and Isospora belli isolation by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique, after stolls' concentration by Ritchie technique. The prevalence were 13.9% for Cryptosporidium sp, and 15.3% for I. belli. In two patients (2.8%), these 2 coccidiae were associated. Cryptosporidium sp. and I. belli were the single parasites found respectively in 6 (8.3% and 7 (9.7%) of the patients. In the other faecal samples with a positive result for Cryptosporidium sp. or I. belli, they were associated with A. lumbricoides, G. intestialis, E. histolytica or S. stecoralis. According to these results, Cryptosporidium sp. and I. belli were more frequently observed in AIDS patients from Dakar than those from Zaĭre, Congo and Côte d'Ivoire.