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Research has been funded by the French Ministry of Research, the French University Institute (IUF), the National Agency for research (ANR ‘Orilang’), the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) / ERC grant agreement n° 283871 and the Swiss National Science Foundation (310030_185324). Primate vocal repertoires change slowly over evolutionary time, making them good indicators of phylogenetic relatedness. Occasionally, however, socio-ecological pressures cause rapid divergence, even in closely related species, but overall it remains unclear how inertia and divergence interact to evolve species-specific vocal repertoires. We addressed this topic with a study of two closely related sympatric guenons, Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana) and Campbell’s monkeys (C. campbelli). We compiled published, long-term data to compare repertoire size, call morphology and combinations in these species, and complemented these data with new, machine-learning based acoustic analyses of calls made by three individuals of each species to assess the degree of individual differences in call types. In line with the phylogenetic inertia hypothesis, we found similarities in the overall call repertoires, with six of eight vocal units shared between the two species. The non-shared units all functioned in the predation context, suggesting that alarm calls are especially susceptible to evolutionary change. In addition, Campbell’s monkeys (the species more exposed to predation) produced more inconspicuous calls throughout their repertoire than Diana monkeys, suggesting that predation has a generalised impact on vocal structure. Finally, although both species combined calls flexibly, this feature was more prominent in Diana monkeys that live in larger groups and are less exposed to ground predators. This suggests that, although predation appears to favour the diversification of alarm call repertoires, it also inhibits the emergence of vocal combinations in social communication. We conclude that interspecies competition, and the niche specialisation this creates, is a key evolutionary driver of primate vocal behaviour. These conclusions are preliminary since they are based on comparing only two species but open a promising avenue for broader-scale comparisons. Postprint

Animal communication has long been thought to be subject to pressures and constraints associated with social relationships. However, our understanding of how the nature and quality of social relationships relates to the use and evolution of communication is limited by a lack of directly comparable methods across multiple levels of analysis. Here, we analysed observational data from 111 wild groups belonging to 26 non-human primate species, to test how vocal communication relates to dominance style (the strictness with which a dominance hierarchy is enforced, ranging from 'despotic' to 'tolerant'). At the individual-level, we found that dominant individuals who were more tolerant vocalized at a higher rate than their despotic counterparts. This indicates that tolerance within a relationship may place pressure on the dominant partner to communicate more during social interactions. At the species-level, however, despotic species exhibited a larger repertoire of hierarchy-related vocalizations than their tolerant counterparts. Findings suggest primate signals are used and evolve in tandem with the nature of interactions that characterize individuals' social relationships. Publisher PDF

International audience; Bacterial meningitis is a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. Rapid identification of the aetiological agent of meningitis is essential for clinical and public health management and disease prevention given the wide range of pathogens that cause the clinical syndrome and the availability of vaccines that protect against some, but not all, of these. Since microbiological culture is complex, slow, and often impacted by prior antimicrobial treatment of the patient, molecular diagnostic assays have been developed for bacterial detection. Distinguishing between meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus agalactiae and identifying their polysaccharide capsules is especially important. Here, we review methods used in the identification of these bacteria, providing an up-to-date account of available assays, allowing clinicians and diagnostic laboratories to make informed decisions about which assays to use.

International audience; As problematized through the One Health concept, global health issues are defeating conventional disciplinary approaches since they unfold across various scientific domains and across all levels of society. Calling for a change in the way knowledge is generated and used to tackle these complex societal issues, the One Health concept appears as a particular perspective within sustainability science. Various academic initiatives, inspired by the One Health concept, are emerging to prepare future health practitioners and researchers to think and work across disciplines. The building of adapted curricula faces important challenges, tied to the siloed structure of universities. Hence, the training initiatives are still in their infancy, facing an important uncertainty regarding field needs and goals to achieve. This study analyzes the main features and the impacts of a One Health-oriented program, starting in such an uncertain and siloed university context. The method combined participant observation and semi-structured interviews (individual and focus group) with four categories of actors: learners, teachers, partners, program designers. The narratives, reflecting the perceptions of the actors, were analyzed to propose an underlying visual model of the program. The main identified features of the program point to a continuous process of mutual adjustment between actors, available means, and projected goals. The program benefitted from interactions at several levels: between students, teachers, and external partners, to create an overall mutual learning dynamic. The underlying model is interpreted as an inherently evolutive structure, not only transmitting knowledge but actively co-creating knowledge, as would take place in a transdisciplinary research process.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, though it is highly prevalent in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. While Schistosoma haematobium-bovis hybrids have been reported in West Africa, no data about Schistosoma hybrids in humans are available from Côte d'Ivoire. This study aimed to identify and quantify S. haematobium-bovis hybrids among schoolchildren in four localities of Côte d'Ivoire. Urine samples were collected and examined by filtration to detect Schistosoma eggs. Eggs were hatched and 503 miracidia were individually collected and stored on Whatman® FTA cards for molecular analysis. Individual miracidia were molecularly characterized by analysis of mitochondrial cox1 and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2) DNA regions. A mitochondrial cox1-based diagnostic polymerase chain reaction was performed on 459 miracidia, with 239 (52.1%) exhibiting the typical band for S. haematobium and 220 (47.9%) the S. bovis band. The cox1 and ITS 2 amplicons were Sanger sequenced from 40 randomly selected miracidia to confirm species and hybrids status. Among the 33 cox1 sequences analysed, we identified 15 S. haematobium sequences (45.5%) belonging to seven haplotypes and 18 S. bovis sequences (54.5%) belonging to 12 haplotypes. Of 40 ITS 2 sequences analysed, 31 (77.5%) were assigned to pure S. haematobium, four (10.0%) to pure S. bovis and five (12.5%) to S. haematobium-bovis hybrids. Our findings suggest that S. haematobium-bovis hybrids are common in Côte d'Ivoire. Hence, intense prospection of domestic and wild animals is warranted to determine whether zoonotic transmission occurs.

Milk is a major source of nutrients, but can also be a vehicle for zoonotic foodborne diseases, especially when raw milk is consumed. In Africa, poor processing and storage conditions contribute to contamination, outgrowth and transmission of pathogens, which lead to spoilage, reduced food safety and security. Fermentation helps mitigate the impact of poor handling and storage conditions by enhancing shelf life and food safety. Traditionally fermented sour milk products are culturally accepted and widely distributed in Africa, and rely on product-specific microbiota responsible for aroma, flavor and texture. Knowledge of microbiota and predominant, technologically important microorganisms is critical in developing products with enhanced quality and safety, as well as sustainable interventions for these products, including Africa-specific starter culture development. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge of technologically-important microorganisms of African fermented dairy products (FDP) and raw milk, taking into consideration novel findings and taxonomy when re-analyzing data of 29 publications covering 25 products from 17 African countries. Technologically-important lactic acid bacteria such as Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius (Sii), Lactobacillus spp. and yeasts predominated in raw milk and FDP across Africa. Re-analysis of data also suggests a much wider distribution of Sii and thus a potentially longer history of use than previously expected. Therefore, evaluating the role and safety of African Sii lineages is important when developing interventions and starter cultures for FDP in Africa to enhance food safety and food security. In-depth functional genomics, epidemiologic investigations and latest identification approaches coupled with stakeholder involvement will be required to evaluate the possibility of African Sii lineages as novel food-grade Streptococcus lineage.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease affecting more than 250 million people, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. In C&ocirc, te d&rsquo, Ivoire both Schistosoma haematobium (causing urogenital schistosomiasis) and Schistosoma mansoni (causing intestinal schistosomiasis) co-exist. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. haematobium and S. mansoni and to identify risk factors among schoolchildren in the western and southern parts of C&ocirc, Ivoire. From January to April 2018, a cross-sectional study was carried out including 1187 schoolchildren aged 5&ndash, 14 years. Urine samples were examined by a filtration method to identify and count S. haematobium eggs, while stool samples were subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears to quantify eggs of S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths. Data on sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors were obtained using a pretested questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to test for associations between variables. We found a prevalence of S. haematobium of 14.0% (166 of 1187 schoolchildren infected) and a prevalence of S. mansoni of 6.1% (66 of 1089 schoolchildren infected). In the southern part of C&ocirc, Ivoire, the prevalence of S. haematobium was 16.1% with a particularly high prevalence observed in Sikensi (35.6%), while S. mansoni was most prevalent in Agboville (11.2%). Swimming in open freshwater bodies was the main risk factor for S. haematobium infection (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 127.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 25.0&ndash, 634.0, p &lt, 0.001). Fishing and washing clothes in open freshwater bodies were positively associated with S. haematobium and S. mansoni infection, respectively. Preventive chemotherapy using praziquantel should be combined with setting-specific information, education, and communication strategies in order to change children&rsquo, s behavior, thus avoiding contact with unprotected open freshwater.

International audience; Il y a plusieurs années, l’accès aux divers points du paysage Salonga-Lukenie-Sankuru était extrêmement difficile, voire impossible. Cette difficulté constituait un handicap dans l’obtention de données de base, ainsi que le contrôle et le suivi de la gestion des ressources naturelles dans ce plus grand bloc des forêts inconnues en R.D. Congo. La Réserve Naturelle de Sankuru (RNSA), fait partie de ce paysage. Elle est située au centre du pays, dans la partie Nord de la province de Sankuru, à -2,56° de latitude et 24,15° de longitude, à l’Ouest du paysage Tshuapa-Lomami-Lualaba (TL2).Au moyen de la télédétection, du Système d’Informations Géographiques (SIG) et d’enquêtes auprès des populations locales, les recherches ont été focalisées sur la collecte des données et l’établissement des cartes de base pour le suivi et la gestion. La mise à disposition des images satellites Sentinel 2, SPOT 5, 6 et 7 par l’IGN (Institut Géographique National) et de Landsat 8 téléchargées, a contribué significativement à l’obtention des résultats présentés, notamment des informations cartographiques sur l’état du couvert forestier et sur les actuels et anciens emplacements des espèces phares telles que le bonobo (Pan paniscus) et l’okapi (Okapia johnstoni). Ce travail donne aux gestionnaires un aperçu de ce qu’est devenu l’aire protégée de Sankuru plus de dix ans après sa création.Les résultats obtenus montrent que la présence de bonobo est faible sur la grande partie de la RNSA, seule la chefferie de Djonga présente des signes d’une forte concentration de cette espèce. Dans les mosaïques champs-villages, sa présence est nulle. L’okapi est également signalé dans cette même chefferie.Par rapport à l’occupation du sol, près de 81% de la RNSA est couvert par la forêt, dont 54 % par une forêt dense humide et 26,4% par la forêt secondaire. L’espace non forestier est occupé par la mosaïque champs-villages, la savane et le sol nu représentant respectivement 14,2 %; 1,6 % et 3,5 %. Plusieurs villages sont implantés au sein de la réserve et constituent une difficulté pour la gestion et la conservation de la biodiversité présente dans cette aire protégée.

Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius (Sii) has been identified as predominant lactic acid bacteria in spontaneously fermented dairy products (FDPs) in sub-Saharan Africa including Côte d'Ivoire. However, Sii belongs to the Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC). Most SBSEC members are assumed to be involved as opportunistic pathogens in serious diseases in both humans and animals. A population-based cross-sectional survey, including 385 participants was conducted in Korhogo, northern Côte d'Ivoire, to identify risk factors for Sii fecal carriage, including consumption of local FDPs. A structured questionnaire was used to gather participant's socio-demographic and economic characteristics, their relation to livestock and dietary habits. In addition, fresh stool and milk samples were collected. The identification of Sii was done using a SBSEC-specific PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA and groEL genes. The overall prevalence of SBSEC and Sii carriage was 23.2% (confidence interval CI 95% = 18.9–27.5) and 12.0% (CI 95% = 8.4–15.5) for stool, respectively. Prevalence of Sii was significantly higher in consumers of artisanal butter compared with non-consumers (57.1% vs 10.1%, odds ratio OR: 11.9, 95% CI: 3.9–36.6), as well as in persons handling livestock (OR = 3.9; 95% CI = 1.6–9.3) and livestock primary products (OR = 5.7; 95% CI = 2.3–14.3). The closer contact with livestock was a risk factor for Sii fecal carriage. Sii strains were isolated from fresh and fermented milk products with a prevalence of 30.4% and 45.4%, respectively. Analysis of Sii population structure through the SBSEC multi locus sequence typing assay revealed a close relationship across human and dairy isolates, possibly linked to a Kenyan human isolate. All these outcomes underline the interest of in-depth investigations on the ecology, potential reservoirs and pathways of contamination by Sii at the human-animal-environment interface in comparison to yet to be collected data from Europe, Asia and the Americas to further elucidate the various roles of Sii. ISSN:1932-6203

International audience; Background: Tens of thousands of people die from dog-mediated rabies annually. Deaths can be prevented through post-exposure prophylaxis for people who have been bitten, and the disease eliminated through dog vaccination. Current post-exposure prophylaxis use saves many lives, but availability remains poor in many rabies-endemic countries due to high costs, poor access, and supply.Methods: We developed epidemiological and economic models to investigate the effect of an investment in post-exposure prophylaxis by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. We modelled post-exposure prophylaxis use according to the status quo, with improved access using WHO-recommended intradermal vaccination, with and without rabies immunoglobulin, and with and without dog vaccination. We took the health provider perspective, including only direct costs.Findings: We predict more than 1 million deaths will occur in the 67 rabies-endemic countries considered from 2020 to 2035, under the status quo. Current post-exposure prophylaxis use prevents approximately 56 000 deaths annually. Expanded access to, and free provision of, post-exposure prophylaxis would prevent an additional 489 000 deaths between 2020 and 2035. Under this switch to efficient intradermal post-exposure prophylaxis regimens, total projected vaccine needs remain similar (about 73 million vials) yet 17·4 million more people are vaccinated, making this an extremely cost-effective method, with costs of US$635 per death averted and $33 per disability-adjusted life-years averted. Scaling up dog vaccination programmes could eliminate dog-mediated rabies over this time period; improved post-exposure prophylaxis access remains cost-effective under this scenario, especially in combination with patient risk assessments to reduce unnecessary post-exposure prophylaxis use.Interpretation: Investing in post-exposure vaccines would be an extremely cost-effective intervention that could substantially reduce disease burden and catalyse dog vaccination efforts to eliminate dog-mediated rabies.Funding: World Health Organization.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Study enrolled 449 participants: 193 normal colon & 80 colorectal cancer/polyp cases. • Overall S. infantarius prevalence of 17.3% (34 out of 196 participants). • Sig. lower S. infantarius prevalence in control vs case groups (8.4%, vs 21.6%). • Significantly higher S. bovis complex member prevalence in patients with haemorrhoids. • Investigation of disease causality and S. infantarius prevalence in population needed., Consumption of traditional fermented dairy products (tFDP) in Africa leads to the ingestion of up to 108Streptococcus infantarius subspecies infantarius (Sii) per millilitre of spontaneously fermented milk. Sii is a member of the Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC) for which some members are associated particularly with colorectal cancer or endocarditis. The extent of health risks to tFDP consumers is largely unknown. A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi (Kenya) on 80 cases and 193 controls that were selected exhaustively from patients attending colonoscopy at the hospital. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex and residency were used in the statistical analysis. Consumption of tFDP was not associated with CRC (odds ratio (OR) 1.4; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.7–2.7; p = 0.34). Risk factors associated with CRC included age above 40 years, and consumption of processed meat and alcohol. Faecal carriage of Sii was significantly higher in persons with colon tumours and polyps compared to controls (8.4% vs 21.6%: OR: 4.6; CI 1.3–15.9). Patients with haemorrhoids represented an unexpected carrier group with significantly higher Sii faecal carriage (30.4%, CI: 17.7–45.8). Consumption of tFDP does not represent risk factors for CRC whereas Sii seems to be associated with CRC. However, there is urgent need to assess this finding also in the general population, investigate the causality of SBSEC, Sii and CRC as well as compare the phylogenetic, functional and genomic relationship between human and dairy Sii with regards to the ongoing application of Sii in FDP production.

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is an important part of malaria control. There is a growing list of insecticide classes; pyrethroids remain the principal insecticide used in bednets but recently, novel non-pyrethroid IRS products, with contrasting impacts, have been introduced. There is an urgent need to better assess product efficacy to help decision makers choose effective and relevant tools for mosquito control. Here we use experimental hut trial data to characterise the entomological efficacy of widely-used, novel IRS insecticides. We quantify their impact against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes and use a Plasmodium falciparum transmission model to predict the public health impact of different IRS insecticides. We report that long-lasting IRS formulations substantially reduce malaria, though their benefit over cheaper, shorter-lived formulations depends on local factors including bednet use, seasonality, endemicity and pyrethroid resistance status of local mosquito populations. We provide a framework to help decision makers evaluate IRS product effectiveness., Indoor residual spraying is a commonly used method for mosquito, and malaria, control and there are a number of available insecticides that are available for this. Here, the authors evaluate the efficacy of widely-used and novel insecticides against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes.

International audience; The implementation of long-lasting insecticidal-treated bed nets (LLINs) has contributed to halving the mortality rate due to malaria since 2000 in sub-Saharan Africa. These tools are highly effective against indoor-feeding malaria vectors. Thus, to achieve the World Health Assembly's new target to reduce the burden of malaria over the next 15 years by 90%, it is necessary to understand how the spatiotemporal dynamics of malaria vectors and human exposure to bites is modified in the context of scaling up global efforts to control malaria transmission. This study was conducted in Dielmo, a Senegalese village, after the introduction of LLINs and two rounds of LLINs renewals. Data analysis showed that implementation of LLINscorrelatedwith a significant decrease in the biting densities of themainmalaria vectors, Anopheles gambiae s. l. and Anopheles funestus, reducing malaria transmission. Other environment factors likely contributed to the decrease in An. funestus, but this trend was enhanced with the introduction of LLINs. The bulk of bites occurred during sleeping hours, but the residual vector populations of An. gambiae s. l. and An. funestus had an increased propensity to bite outdoors, so a risk of infectious bites remained for LLINs users. These results highlight the need to increase the level and correct use of LLINs and to combine this intervention with complementary control measures against residual exposure, such as spatial repellents and larval source management, to achieve the goal of eliminating malaria transmission.

Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius (Sii), a member of the Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC), predominates as dairy-adapted and non-adapted variants in fermented dairy products (FDP) in East and West Africa. Epidemiologic data suggest an association with colorectal cancer for most SBSEC members, including Sii from Kenyan patients. Phylogenetic relationships of East African human (EAH) isolates to those of dairy and pathogenic origin were analysed to better estimate potential health implications via FDP consumption. The MLST-derived population structure was also evaluated to provide host, disease, geography and dairy adaptation associations for 157 SBSEC isolates, including 83 novel Sii/SBSEC isolates of which 40 originated from Kenyan colonoscopy patients. Clonal complex (CC) 90 was delineated as potential pathogenic CC for Sii. Single EAH, West African dairy (WAD), food and animal Sii isolates clustered within CC-90, suggesting a potential link to pathogenic traits for CC-90. The majority of EAH and WAD Sii were clustered in a shared clade distinct from CC-90 and East African dairy (EAD) isolates. This indicates shared ancestry for the EAH and WAD clade and limitations to translate disease associations of EAH and CC-90 to EAD Sii, which could support the separation of pathogenic, pathobiont/commensal and food lineages.

For most Ivorian regions quantitative data on the exploitation of bushmeat by local communities are scarce. We studied hunting patterns around Dassioko Sud Forest Reserve, a remnant coastal forest in south-eastern Côte d'Ivoire, through a 6-month survey of nine restaurants, in three villages surrounding the Reserve. We collected quantitative and qualitative data on the bushmeat brought to restaurants, as well as the final price for which it was sold. We calculated mean prices over the study period and extrapolated to the whole year. A total of 376 mammals (98%) and eight reptiles (2%) were sold in the restaurants surveyed. Rodents and small antelopes represented 74% of the mammals sold, probably reflecting the fact that reproductive strategists persist more successfully in heavily hunted and/or agricultural landscapes, such as the area around the Reserve. Our conservative estimate of the total biomass of bushmeat harvested annually around the Reserve is c. 40,428.03 kg (c. 11,886 animals), with a monetary value of c. FCFA 47,728,516 (c. USD 93,485.75 ), yielding an annual income of c. USD10,387.31 per person, which exceeds the mean annual income of cocoa farmers (FCFA 466,032/USD 932) more than tenfold. Although the sustainability of the bushmeat trade in the surveyed area remains unknown, we showed that hunters predominantly used cable snares, the Reserve was significantly affected by hunting activities (c. 53% of the bushmeat originated there), and larger mammalian species had been extirpated. A lack of effective protection exposes the Reserve to multiple illegal activities, including hunting, a situation exacerbated by the political crisis in 2010.

Comment inK13-Propeller Mutations and Malaria Resistance, http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe1604520; International audience; BACKGROUND:Recent gains in reducing the global burden of malaria are threatened by the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinins. The discovery that mutations in portions of a P. falciparum gene encoding kelch (K13)-propeller domains are the major determinant of resistance has provided opportunities for monitoring such resistance on a global scale.METHODS:We analyzed the K13-propeller sequence polymorphism in 14,037 samples collected in 59 countries in which malaria is endemic. Most of the samples (84.5%) were obtained from patients who were treated at sentinel sites used for nationwide surveillance of antimalarial resistance. We evaluated the emergence and dissemination of mutations by haplotyping neighboring loci.RESULTS:We identified 108 nonsynonymous K13 mutations, which showed marked geographic disparity in their frequency and distribution. In Asia, 36.5% of the K13 mutations were distributed within two areas--one in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos and the other in western Thailand, Myanmar, and China--with no overlap. In Africa, we observed a broad array of rare nonsynonymous mutations that were not associated with delayed parasite clearance. The gene-edited Dd2 transgenic line with the A578S mutation, which expresses the most frequently observed African allele, was found to be susceptible to artemisinin in vitro on a ring-stage survival assay.CONCLUSIONS:No evidence of artemisinin resistance was found outside Southeast Asia and China, where resistance-associated K13 mutations were confined. The common African A578S allele was not associated with clinical or in vitro resistance to artemisinin, and many African mutations appear to be neutral. (Funded by Institut Pasteur Paris and others.).

The endemicity of Buruli ulcer (BU), a non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) infection, is the highest in Côte d'Ivoire (39.6 % of worldwide new cases in 2013). Epidemiological studies identified the mycobacteria producing mycolactone (MPMs), Mycobacterium ulcerans, as the causative agent and showed that aquatic environments represent the main source of infection. Many environmental reservoirs are suspected in transmission to humans; however, the exact transmission mode remains unknown. Thus, assuming that their transmission depends on the overlapping ecology of human and animal habitats, this study aimed to characterize NTMs, particularly M. ulcerans and other MPMs, within human-environment-animal interface, in order to elucidate possible transmission routes.The characterization was performed for suspected environments including potential reservoirs as well as for human isolates of infection cases, within five BU endemic localities. There were two in Western Centre (Zaïbo, Gorodi) and three in Eastern South (Léléblé, Sokrogbo, Ahondo) areas in Côte d’Ivoire. The biological material collected included 195 environmental matrices (biofilms, soils, plant detritus and water filtrates) from 15 water bodies usually used by communities; 35 fine needle aspirations and swabs from lesions of 30 human cases of infection; organs and lesions samples from 111 trapped rodents from which 8 were observed with BU-like lesions.After DNA extraction, a screening for Mycobacterium spp and MPM using the mycobacterial 16S rRNA and IS2404 genes was performed. Then, VNTR loci (MIRU1, locus 6, ST1 and locus 19) were used to genotype isolates of MPMs. The majority of environmental matrices (52.8 % for 16S rRNA, 8.7 % for IS2404) were contaminated by MPM with mostly water filtrates. All the VNTR loci were not amplified with theses samples but sequencing of positive ones identified M. ulcerans Agy99 and M. liflandii, among contaminated environments. Potential reservoirs were also identified regarding BU-like lesions, from two rodents (GP3a and ST1) belonging to Mastomys natalensis species, which showed 94 % and 98 % similarity with M. ulcerans Agy99 strain respectively. Besides that, 94.3 % of the 35 lesions of human infection were confirmed. VNTR typing of positive human samples identified five M. ulcerans genotypes, designated Q, R, S, T, and U; profile Q matching with the previously reported genotype C of M. ulcerans, common in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.These results highlight the presence of NTMs within investigated localities and suggest the role of environment in their dissemination including small mammal as infection sources. A new VNTR typing of isolates from contaminated environments, human and animal infection cases would allow precise source tracking of NTMs involved in human infection. Based on that, possible transmission pathways could be elucidated to ultimately promote adapted control policies in affected communities.; L'endémicité de l'ulcère de Buruli (UB), infection à mycobactérie non tuberculeuse (MNT), est la plus élevée en Côte d'Ivoire (39,6 % des nouveaux cas dans le monde en 2013). Des études épidémiologiques ont identifié la mycobactérie productrice de mycolactone (MPM), Mycobacterium ulcerans, comme agent pathogène et ont montré que les milieux aquatiques constituent la principale source de l'infection. Plusieurs réservoirs environnementaux sont suspectés dans la transmission à l'homme mais, le mode de transmission reste inconnu. Ainsi, en supposant que leur transmission dépendrait du chevauchement de leur habitat écologique et ceux de l’homme et des animaux, cette étude a eu pour but de caractériser les MNT, en particulier M. ulcerans et les autres MPM à l’interface homme-animal-environnement, afin d'élucider les possibles modes de transmission.Cette caractérisation a été réalisée aussi bien pour des environnements à risque incluant de potentiels réservoirs mais également des isolats de cas d’infection cliniques, au sein de cinq localités endémiques de l’UB. Il s’est agi de deux localités du Centre-ouest (Zaïbo, Gorodi) et de trois localités du Sud-est (Léléblé, Sokrogbo, Ahondo) de la Côte d'Ivoire. La collecte des échantillons a abouti à 195 matrices environnementales (biofilms, sols, détritus de plantes et filtrats d’eau) issues de 15 points d'eau couramment utilisés par les communautés ; 35 aspirations à l'aiguille fine et écouvillons de lésions chez 30 cas cliniques ; des échantillons d’organes et lésions provenant de 111 rongeurs piégés dont 8 présentant des lésions suspectes.Après extraction de l'ADN, un criblage utilisant le gène mycobacterial 16S rRNA et IS2404 est effectué pour la détection de Mycobacterium spp et des MPM, suivie par un typage VNTR (MIRU1, locus 6, ST1, locus 19) des isolats de MPM. La majorité des matrices environnementales (52,8 % pour 16S rRNA, 8,7 % pour IS2404) sont contaminés par les MPM avec pour la plupart les filtrats d’eau. Tous les loci VNTR n’ont pu être amplifiés avec ces échantillons mais, leur séquençage a identifié des isolats de M. ulcerans Agy99 et M. liflandii, au niveau des environnements contaminés. De potentiels réservoirs animaux sont également identifiés par la confirmation de lésions suspectes observées chez deux rongeurs (GP3a et ST1), appartenant à l’espèce Mastomys natalensis, avec 94 % et 98 % de similarité de séquences respectivement, pour la souche M. ulcerans Agy99. Par ailleurs, 94,3 % des 35 lésions des cas d’infection chez l’homme sont confirmés. Le typage VNTR de ces échantillons a identifié cinq génotypes de M. ulcerans notamment Q, R, S, T, U ; le profil Q correspondant au profil VNTR C de M. ulcerans précédemment décrit en Côte d’Ivoire et au Ghana.Ces résultats mettent en évidence la présence des MNT au sein des localités étudiées et suggère le rôle de l'environnement dans leur diffusion incluant les petits mammifères comme sources d’infection. Un nouveau typage VNTR des isolats issus de l’environnement, des cas d’infection chez l’homme et les animaux, permettrait donc de retracer précisément la source de l’infection aux MNT chez l’homme. Sur cette base, les modes possibles de transmission pourraient alors être élucidées afin de promouvoir des politiques de contrôle plus adaptées au sein des communautés affectées par la maladie.

The local socioeconomic context of protected areas (PAs) is not well documented, especially in Western Africa, despite the existence of priority conservation sites, along with the steady state of poverty in the region. This article presents research that measures the perceived costs and benefits of a conservation project on rural household welfare. The study uses the market price method along with contingent valuation methodology. The analyses provide empirical evidence that although PAs reduce local welfare, there exist locally valued benefits associated with conservation. Those benefits are, however, inadequate to offset the costs incurred by local people. While the results confirm that protected areas reduce local economic welfare in developing areas, our findings qualify the paradigm that states that “protected areas are bad for local people.”

International audience; Introduction: Malaria is a deadly parasitic infection in its severe form. It is caused by an endoparasite protozoan transmitted by a mosquito vector. Despite considerable efforts to eradicate it, this endemic disease remains a public health problem because of its high frequency, severity and the consequences it generates. Furthermore, the existing treatments are increasingly ineffective; it is therefore urgent to find new anti-malarial drugs.Objective: From the phytochemical screening and the determination of the polyphenolic content of Dialium dinklagei and Diospyros monbuttensis used in traditional medicine in Côte d'Ivoire to treat malaria, we identified families of chemical compounds that can guide us towards pharmacological studies. These studies allow us to identify new molecules which could be a possible alternative antimalarial reference used today because of their effectiveness in treating malaria.Materials and Methods: From Dialium dinklagei and Diospyros monbuttensis, we obtained extracts decoction and hexane extracts, methanolic and aqueous extraction after three solvents of increasing polarity (n-hexane, methanol, water), respectively. The crude extracts obtained were tested for chemical identification of groups that may be the basis of the expected therapeutic effects. Moreover, the decoction and methanol extracts were used to determine the polyphenolic compounds.Results: The results vary from one plant species to another and from one sample to another. Abundant presence of alkaloids in all samples and an absence of steroids in other extract except decoction extract of Diospyoros monbuttensis were observed. Therefore, the other chemical groups are present in all plants in varying proportions but depending on the mode of extraction. A higher content of phenols and tannins in Dialium dinklagei over Diospyros monbuttensis was observed. However, the content of flavonoids of Dialium dinklagei is relatively lower compared to that observed in Diospyros monbuttensis.Conclusion: The overall results of the phytochemical screening and polyphenolic content would partly explain the traditional healers’ infatuation to these plants as antimalarials.

International audience; L'igname, première culture vivrière en Côte d'lvoire, est cultivée avec un système de type traditionnel peu productif. Pour augmenter les rendements et couvrir les besoins des populations, il est nécessaire d'introduire de nouvelles technologies. Le but de ce travail était d'identifier des variétés améliorées performantes, présentant des rendements élevés et qui possèdent en même temps de bonnes qualités culinaires. Pour atteindre cet objectif, des essais agronomiques ont été conduits sur trois ans: 1999 à 2001 à Toumodi, dans la zone de transition forêt-savane de la Côte d'lvoire. Les variétés testées ont été sélectionnées à l'llTA (lnstitut international d'agriculture tropicale) au Nigeria. 46 variétés de Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata et 16 variétés de Dioscorea a/ata ont été évaluées dans un dispositif expérimental appelé "augmented design". Les rendements en 1999 ont varié entre 12 et 15 t/ha pour 6 génotypes de D. alata et entre 7 et 11,5 t/ha pour 5 génotypes du complexe D. cayenensis-rotundata. En 2000 et 2001 la production était plus élevée: entre 7 et 20 t/ha pour 16 génotypes de D. alata et entre 7 et 22 t/ha pour 46 génotypes du complexe D. cayenensisrotundata. Les neuf variétés testées en 1999 ont fait l'objet d'une analyse sensorielle. En 2000 les dix variétés avec les rendements les plus élevés ont aussi été testées au niveau sensoriel. Ce test a permis de dégager cinq variétés du complexe D. cayenensis-rotundata dont les qualités organoleptiques ont été jugées bonnes par les dégustateurs. (Résumé d'auteur

International audience; Avec 2,8 millions de tonnes produites par an, la Côte d'lvoire est le deuxième producteur mondial d'igname après le Nigeria. Cependant, les paysans sont encore à la recherche de terres "vierges" pour maximiser leurs rendements. L'étude de fertilisation minérale menée en savane de Côte d'lvoire se propose de déterminer la réponse des variétés locales d'igname aux fertilisants minéraux. Quatre variétés locales (Bètè bètè, Gnan, Krenglè et Wacrou) sont cultivées avec trois niveaux de fertilisant. Les doses de T1 (60 25 65 Kg/ha de NPK) et T2 (2 fois T1) sont à la base d'une augmentation de rendement et de la teneur en azote des feuilles. La forte dose réduit cependant la teneur en potassium. Pour la dose T1, l'augmentation de rendement varie de 14% à 71% par rapport au témoin selon la variété. Toutefois, l'effet traitement reste faible. Ces deux doses n'ont aucun effet sur la qualité du foutou du Wacrou (Kponan). Ces résultats sont prometteurs mais l'utilisation de différentes combinaisons: NP, NK, PK et NPK pourrait mieux ressortir l'effet des éléments N, P et K en culture d'igname. (Résumé d'auteur)