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Dermatoses are essentially caused by infection or free radical aggression, immunoallergic disorders, or can be secondary to general diseases. Management of dermatoses by modern medicine is complex and costly, and the development of alternative treatments is urgent. Opilia amentacea Roxb. is a woody climber plant traditionally used in Burkina Faso for treatment of bad skin diseases. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts of O. amentacea and to characterize potent fractions. The antimicrobial activity was determined using the disc diffusion and microdilution methods, while antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The content of the plant extracts in polyphenols and flavonoids was also studied. The results revealed several secondary metabolites in the leaves, stems and root bark extracts of the plant, including sterols, triterpenes, and flavonoids and tannins, and a generally high total polyphenol and total flavonoid content. Dichloromethane fractions of leaves (FDFe) and stem barks (FDET) exhibited the best antioxidant activity and were the most active on Gram-positive bacilli. Hexane leaves (FHFe) and hexane root bark (FHER) fractions exhibited the best antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis. High correlation (R2 = 0.932) was found between the total flavonoid content of extracts and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. In view of these results, the present study describes O. amentacea as a potential source of antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant agents and justifies the traditional uses of the plant as an anti-dermatosis plant.

Antibiotic discs used in medical analysis laboratories are sourced from multiple manufacturers and suppliers and must meet stringent quality requirements. This study aimed to assess the quality and performance of amoxicillin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid discs used in Burkina Faso. An evaluation of the use of antibiotic discs was initially conducted in the 20 sentinel laboratories for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in Burkina Faso. Then, various brands of amoxicillin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid discs samples were collected from medical laboratories and local distributors. Quality control tests (identification and assay) were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography according to the validated method adapted from the USP monograph. The performance of the discs was assessed by testing their efficacy against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 strains. Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 were resistant to 30% of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid discs and to 55.6% of amoxicillin discs collected. In addition, only 22.2% and 45.5% of amoxicillin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid discs tested met the specifications for amoxicillin contents. No brand of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid discs collected met the specifications for clavulanic acid content. Extending this study to a larger number of antibiotics would enable better documentation of the antibiotic disc quality..

La pratique de la dépigmentation volontaire est toujours d’actualité en Afrique avec plusieurs gammes de produits cosmétiques éclaircissants vendues dans nos marchés. Notre objectif était de rechercher puis doser les actifs dépigmentant réglementés et/ou interdits contenus dans les cosmétiques éclaircissants vendus à Ouagadougou. Des échantillons de produits cosmétiques éclaircissants ont été collectés au premier trimestre de l’année 2022 auprès des vendeurs de la ville de Ouagadougou. Une analyse par HPLC a ensuite été réalisée en vue de l’identification et du dosage de l’hydroquinone, du propionate de clobétasol et de l’acide kojique contenus dans ces échantillons. Vingt-neuf produits cosmétiques dépigmentant importés principalement de la Côte d’Ivoire et du Togo, ont été collectés et analysés. La présence d’hydroquinone était mentionnée sur l’étiquette de 13,79% des produits, alors que 51,72% en contenaient réellement. Aussi, la présence d’hydroquinone à des concentrations supérieures à la dose exonérée dans les produits cosmétiques (2,00%) n’était mentionnée dans aucun produit alors que 27,58% en contenaient à des concentrations élevées. Pour le propionate de clobétasol, sa présence était mentionnée dans 13,79% des produits, alors que 31,03% en contenaient réellement. Un échantillon avait une teneur en clobétasol supérieure à 0,05 % alors qu’aucun ne mentionnait une concentration supérieure à cette valeur. Enfin, alors que 24,13% des échantillons revendiquaient la présence d’acide kojique, seulement 17,24% en contenaient. Nous avons aussi constaté que 41,38% des échantillons contenaient des associations de deux des trois actifs dépigmentant recherchés avec une prédominance de l’association hydroquinone + propionate de clobétasol (27,38%). Ces résultats d’analyses montrent que les déclarations des fabricants sur les compositions en ingrédients actifs des produits cosmétiques éclaircissants sont parfois trompeuses. La recherche systématique de ces trois molécules dans les cosmétiques pourra aider à mieux protéger la santé des utilisateurs de ces produits.

Introduction : Les disques d’antibiotiques utilisés dans les laboratoires d’analyses médicales proviennent de plusieurs fabricants et fournisseurs et doivent répondre à des exigences strictes de qualité. Cette étude a été entreprise pour évaluer la qualité des disques d’Amoxicilline et d’Amoxicilline + acide clavulanique utilisés au Burkina Faso. Matériel et méthodes : Une enquête sur l’utilisation des disques d’antibiotiques a été réalisée dans 20 laboratoires sites sentinelles de surveillance de la RAM. Des échantillons de disques d’Amoxicilline et d’Amoxicilline + acide clavulanique de quatre fabricants ont été collectés auprès de certains de ces laboratoires et de fournisseurs de disques d’antibiotiques. La qualité des disques d’Amoxicilline et des disques d’Amoxicilline + acide clavulanique a été évaluée en testant leur efficacité sur des souches d’Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 et Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 et en dosant les antibiotiques par chromatographie liquide à haute performance. Résultats : Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 et Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 étaient résistantes à 30,0 % pour les disques d’Amoxicilline + acide clavulanique et 55,6 % pour les disques d’Amoxicilline testés. Par ailleurs, les essais de dosage de l’amoxicilline ont révélé que 22,2% et 45,5% respectivement des disques d’Amoxicilline et des disques d’Amoxicilline + acide clavulanique contrôlés étaient conformes aux spécifications de l’OMS. Aucun échantillon ne contenait une teneur en Acide clavulanique conforme à la spécification. Conclusion : Cette étude révèle que la majorité des disques d’Amoxicilline et d’Amoxicilline + acide clavulanique contrôlés n’était pas conformes aux spécifications de qualité. Son extension à un nombre plus important d’antibiotiques permettra de mieux documenter la qualité des disques d’antibiotiques.

In a previous study, we reported the evaluation of the physicochemical quality and in vitro bioequivalence of different brands of amoxicillin capsules 500 mg marketed in Burkina Faso. As our goal was to document the quality and biopharmaceutical performance of essential antibiotics marketed in resource-limited countries, we investigated here, the interchangeability with the originator of five brands of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (500mg+62.5mg) tablets distributed in Burkina Faso. The physicochemical quality of the different brands was first verified according to the USP monograph. The comparative evaluation of the in vitro dissolution profiles was performed in three different pH environments (1.2 - 4.5 - 6.8) using statistical calculations of the difference (f1) and similarity (f2) factors. All brands of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (500mg+62.5mg) tablets, including the originator, met USP specifications for weight uniformity, identification, content and dissolution of active ingredients. However, the similarity and difference factor values showed that two generic brands (B and E) did not have similar amoxicillin dissolution profiles to the comparator product in pH 4.5 media (f1 = 23,54 and 17.02; f2=35.96 and 46.90, respectively). Therefore, these two products cannot be used interchangeably with the originator. The other three generic brands were similar to the originator and can therefore probably be used interchangeably.

A wild fruit from classified forest of Dindéresso was analyzed for total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, spectrophotometric method of Zhishen and colleagues and by the differential pH method respectively. Free radical-scavenging activities of studied fruits extracts were estimated using diammonium 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) salt method. Three major anthocyanins were identified using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with spray ionization interface mass spectrometry. Three identified anthocyanins in fruit were reported to be cyanidin 3-O-(p-coumaroyl) glucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin 3-O-rutinoside. In addition, H. monopetalus fruit contained of about 1165±3.1 mg of GAE per 100 g of fresh fruit, 4490±20.2 mg of QE per 100 g of fresh fruit, and 36±0.17 mg of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside equivalents per 100 g of fresh fruit. Total anthocyanin extract had an EC50 = 4.24 mg per mL and a TEC50 time of 21 minutes (intermediate reaction). This free radical-scavenging activity was very low compared to those of the references used (0.024 and 0.034 mg/mL respectively for ascorbic acid and Trolox). The low antiradical activity and reactivity of the H. mucronata extract could be explained by several factors. In any case, fruits of this species were potential sources of natural bioactive substances having beneficial effects on the health of consumers.

Abstract Diet based on cereal, vegetables, oleaginous and dried fish are providing essential metallic elements. It can be also a source of exposure to toxic metallic elements. The aims of this study were to evaluate the contents on nine metallic trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr) in some major raw foodstuffs including rice, maize, peanut, tomato and dried fish in Burkina Faso and assess the health risk of these elements. Two hundred twenty-two samples were collected and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The health risk assessment was based on the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) model. Iron and Zinc were the elements with the highest concentrations in the investigated foodstuffs. The iron highest median value (68.80 mg/kg) was observed in dried fish followed by maize (43.09 mg/kg) and peanuts (28.92 mg/kg). Rates of 77.95%, 66.66% and 32.5% obtained respectively fro tomato, maize and rice samples were above the maximum limit of lead set by Codex Alimentarius while 47.6%, 71.16% and 0% of maize, tomato and rice samples respectively have shown concentration above the maximum limit of cadmium. Chromium had shown higher contribution rate to the maximum daily intake of 167.11%, 34%, 2% and 8.53% for rice, maize and peanut respectively. A non-cancer risk situation has been observed on rice, maize and peanut consumption. None of the index risk values was above the threshold set by USEPA.

Background and Aim: The use of pesticides in vegetable production can cause public health problems because these agrochemicals can leave residues in foodstuffs and disrupt the appropriate functioning of the organism. The aim of this study was to assess the level of contamination of lettuce and tomato by pesticide residues. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from February 12 to May 3, 2021, in concerned five market gardening sites in the city of Ouagadougou. A survey was conducted among 58 market gardeners selected at random from the sites of Boulmiougou, Tanghin No. 1 and 2, Bissigin, and the National School of Public Health. Simultaneously, 25 lettuce samples and 25 tomato samples were collected in a randomized manner for the examination and determination of pesticide residues using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method. Results: The market gardening population was predominantly represented by women who had a low level of education. The cultivated species were a mixture of exotic cultures and traditional cultures. These crops were treated with various pesticides, the most common of which belonged to the organochlorine family. The tomato was the crop most contaminated by pesticide residues. However, no active ingredient from the synthetic pyrethroid family was found on lettuce or tomato. Conclusion: Raising the awareness of market gardeners on good practices in the use of pesticides and on alternative methods to synthetic phytosanitary products is of paramount importance for the health of consumers.

The practice of voluntary depigmentation is still prevalent in Africa, with a wide range of lightening cosmetics used. Our objective was to research and quantify three regulated and/or prohibited depigmenting ingredients present in lightening cosmetics sold in Ouagadougou. Twenty-nine lightening cosmetic samples were collected from vendors and HPLC analysis was subsequently conducted to identify and measure the concentrations of hydroquinone, clobetasol propionate, and kojic acid. The presence of hydroquinone was indicated on the label of 13.79% of the products, while 51.72% contained it after analysis. Furthermore, none of the products mentioned a concentration of hydroquinone exceeding 2.00%, even though 27.58% of them contained high concentrations. For clobetasol propionate, its presence was stated on the labels of 13.79% of the products, while 31.03% contained it. One sample had a clobetasol content exceeding 0.05%, although none mentioned a concentration higher than this value. Finally, while 24.13% of the samples claimed to contain kojic acid, only 17.24% did. We also observed that 41.38% of the samples contained combinations of two depigmenting ingredients investigated, with a predominance of the hydroquinone + clobetasol propionate (27.38%). These results demonstrate that manufacturers’ declarations regarding the compositions of active ingredients in lightening cosmetics can sometimes be deceptive.

Abstract Background Microbial contamination of edible low moisture food poses a significant public health risk for human. In this study, the microbial quality of sweet dehulled sesame seed croquettes, salted dehulled sesame seed and the raw sesame seed, sold under ambient conditions were examined. The samples were collected in the cities of Burkina Faso. The first type is sweet dehulled sesame seed croquettes (n1 = 25); the second type is salted dehulled sesame seed (n2 = 25) and the third type is raw sesame seed (n3 = 25). Assessment of the microbial quality was based on the total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, the thermotolerant coliforms, the yeasts and moulds, the E. coli, and the Salmonella spp. using ISO methods. Results The results showed the presence of microorganisms varying from

Meningitis confirmation in Burkina Faso uses PCR for detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, or Hemophilus influenzae. We identified 38 cases of meningitis among 590 that were PCR-positive for 3 nonpneumococcal streptococcal pathogens, including 21 cases of Streptococcus suis. Among the country’s 13 regions, 10 had S. suis–positive cases.

The nutritional status of meat is tarnished by its association with the induced cooking contaminants. The aim of this study was to assess the heterocyclic aromatic amines profile and contents in processed chicken in Burkina Faso. Eight polar and apolar heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) including 2-mino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinolone (IQ), 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4, 3-b]indole (Trp-P1), 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P2), 2-mino-9H-pyrido-[2,3-b]indole (AαC), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4, 5- ]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b] indole (MeAαC), 2-amino-3,4,8-rimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx) and 2-amino-3,8-imethylimidazo[4,5-]quinoxaline (MeIQx) were screened by high performance liquid chromatography from 29 samples of flamed chicken and 66 samples of braised chicken collected in Ouagadougou city. Apolar HAAs and polar HAAs were respectively 12 and 3 times more abundant in flamed chickens (32.66±10 and 3.48±10.39 ng/g, respectively) than in braised chickens (2.70±9.67 and 0.92 ng/g, respectively). The maximum levels of AαC were in the same proportions in flamed (12.01 ng/g) and braised chickens (14.13 ng/g). Flamed chicken had the highest Trp-P1 content (530.31 ng/g). The 4,8-DiMeIQx was not detected in braised chicken. The AαCs were more abundant in flamed than in braised chicken. The profile and the contents of the HAAs in processed chicken are related to cooking methods. Because of the high variability observed on the obtained concentrations, investigations on the contents of precursors in raw chicken, the effect of marinating ingredients on the formation of HAAs are needed.

Charcoal- or wood-cooked chicken is a street-vended food in Burkina Faso. In this study, 15 samples of flamed chicken and 13 samples of braised chicken were analyzed for 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector. A face-to-face survey was conducted to assess the consumption profiles of 300 men and 300 women. The health risk was assessed based on the margin of exposure (MOE) principle. BaP (14.95–1.75 μg/kg) and 4PAHs (BaP + Chr + BaA + BbF) (78.46–15.14 μg/kg) were eight and five times more abundant at the median level in flamed chickens than in braised ones, respectively. The contents of BaP and 4PAHs in all flamed chicken samples were above the limits set by the European Commission against 23% for both in braised chickens. Women had the highest maximum daily consumption of both braised (39.65 g/day) and flamed chickens (105.06 g/day). At the estimated maximum level of consumption, women were respectively 3.64 (flamed chicken) and 1.62 (braised chicken) times more exposed to BaP and 4PAHs than men. MOE values ranged between 8140 and 9591 for men and between 2232 and 2629 for women at the maximum level of consumption of flamed chickens, indicating a slight potential carcinogenic risk.

L'immunofixation est actuellement très utilisée dans les laboratoires d'analyses médicales. L'interprétation des résultats est en général facile, mais il existe des cas qui posent des problèmes d'interprétation. Nous vous rapportons deux observations d'interprétation délicate. Dans la première observation, nous présentons un cas de précipitation non spécifique de la protéine sur toutes les pistes, dans la deuxième observation un cas présentant une double bande monoclonale à l'immunofixation. Pour ces deux observations, l'utilisation de la solution réductrice de β2-mercaptoéthanol nous a permis de résoudre le problème et de conclure à un diagnostic. La confrontation des données cliniques, radiologiques et biologiques est nécessaire avant de conclure à une immunoglobuline monoclonale.

INTRODUCTION: L'objectif de ce travail était d'évaluer l'impact du traitement sur les paramètres biochimiques et hématologiques des patients VIH positifs suivis au Centre Médical du Camp Général Aboubacar Sangoulé Lamizana au Burkina Faso. METHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective réalisée sur la période de Janvier 2010 à septembre 2015. Seuls les patients VIH positifs sous TARV ayant réalisé un bilan biologique à l'une des périodes suivantes : à l'initiation du traitement(M0), au sixième mois(M6) et au douzième mois(M12), ont été pris en compte. RESULTATS: Le sex-ratio des patients était de 0,88 et la tranche d'âge des 45-55 ans était la plus importante. Les trithérapies incluant 2INTI + 1INNTI (74,5%), 2INTI+1 IP (14,9%) étaient les plus prescrites. La charge virale était peu demandée. Le taux des patients réguliers aux bilans biologiques avait connu une régression statistiquement significative entre M0 (70%), et M6 (13%) (p=0,05). Une augmentation significative de la valeur moyenne des lymphocytes TCD4 allant de 79,22 à M0 à 227,95 cellules/mm3 à M12 (p=0,05) était noté chez les patients sévèrement immunodéprimés. Ascension significative du taux d'hémoglobine moyen passant de 10,5 g/dl à M0 à 12,53 g/dl à M12 (p=0,05) chez les patients qui étaient anémiés. L'analyse des paramètres biochimiques n'a pu être réalisée à cause d'une insuffisance de données. CONCLUSION: L'ascension du taux de lymphocytes TCD4 et du taux d'hémoglobine oriente sur l'efficacité du TARV et la tolérance au traitement. Il importe de rendre accessible la charge virale et d'améliorer le suivi biologique.

In Burkina Faso, the values that serve as clinical chemistry reference ranges are those provided by European manufacturers' insert sheets based on reference of the Western population. However, studies conducted so far in some African countries reported significant differences in normal laboratory ranges compared with those of the industrialized world. The aim of this study was to determine reference values of cholesterol fractions in apparently normal adults in Burkina Faso that could be used to better assess the risks related to cardiovascular diseases. Study population was 279 healthy subjects aged from 15 to 50 years including 139 men and 140 women recruited at the Regional Center of Blood Transfusion of Ouagadougou, capital city of Burkina Faso (West Africa). Exclusion criteria based on history and clinical examination were used for defining reference individuals. The dual-step precipitation of HDL cholesterol sub-fractions using dextran sulfate was performed according to the procedure described by Hirano. The medians were calculated and reference values were determined at 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. The median and upper ranges for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total HDL cholesterol and HDL2 cholesterol were observed to be higher in women in comparison to men (p

Aflatoxins are produced by fungi of the genus Aspergillus that colonize many foodstuffs during agricultural production, harvesting, transportation, storage, and food processing. In view of these aflatoxins toxicity to humans, their presence in foods such as cereals and oilseeds constitutes a major challenge for global food security, health and nutrition. This study was therefore initiated to assess the level of aflatoxin contamination of various foodstuffs sold in urban and semi-urban markets in Burkina Faso, and to evaluate the carcinogenic risk which the consuming population is exposed to. Two hundred and twelve foodstuff samples were collected in two large cities (Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso) and three semi urban localities (Cinkansé, Dakola and Niangoloko). Aflatoxins contents in foodstuffs were determined by immunoaffinity chromatography and human health risk assessment was performed by using the Monte Carlo algorithm. The aflatoxins contents determination showed that 41.50% of studied samples were contaminated with concentrations up to 182.28 μg/kg for AFB1 in peanuts. Chronic Daily Intake, calculated based on the consumption patterns assumed in this study, was estimated to be higher in large cities (CDI = 33.68 μg/kg bw in Ouagadougou and 10.18 μg/kg bw in Bobo Dioulasso) than in semi urban localities (CDI = 4.29 μg/kg bw in Cinkansé, CDI = 0.39 μg/kg bw in Dakola and CDI = 0.18 μg/kg bw in Niangoloko). The MOE determination showed that the sorghum meal and whole grain maize consumption was associated to the carcinogenic risk for public health in large cities (the percentile 95 of MOE = 3316 for rice, 4511 for peanuts, 3334 for sorghum meal and 4530 for whole grain maize). In semi urban localities, no carcinogenic risk was observed to public health. These results should inspire the country's sanitary and agricultural authorities to undertake actions to fight against the agricultural food products contamination by aflatoxins in order to safeguard the population's health.

The aim of the present study was to assess the microbial quality of five ready-to-eat food such as bread, pasta, rice with sauce, beans and milk sold in five localities of Burkina Faso namely, Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Dakola, Cinkansé and Niangoloko. One hundred and one samples were collected and microbial quality were assessed by evaluating the food hygiene indicators such as total aerobic mesophilic flora, total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, yeast and mould. Food safety indicators such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus were also tested for contamination. Samples were tested according to ISO guidelines for all parameters. The results showed that 74 (73.27%) of samples were satisfactory while 15 (14.85%) were acceptable and 12 (11.88%) were not satisfactory according to international standards. Among the food safety indicators sought, Escherichia coli was detected in two samples and Bacillus cereus in four samples. Most of the analyzed food exhibited good hygiene behavior within the acceptable limits and the highest of not satisfactory rate was observed in milk powder and rice with sauce. Ouagadougou samples recorded the highest number of not satisfactory samples. Despite the general quality was satisfactory, the presence of specific microorganisms such as coliforms is indicative of the poor hygiene surrounded these foods. It is therefore necessary to train and follow up the vendors in the handling of equipment, hand-washing practices and selling environment hygiene for better improvement of the quality of the street foods.

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistantfood-borne bacteria is a great challenge to public health. This study was conducted to characterize and determine the resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated from foods including sesames, ready-to-eat (RTE) salads, mango juices, and lettuce in Burkina Faso. One hundred and forty-eight biochemically identified Salmonella isolates were characterized by molecular amplification of Salmonella marker invA and spiC, misL, orfL, and pipD virulence genes. After that, all confirmed strains were examined for susceptibility to sixteen antimicrobials, and PCR amplifications were used to identify the following resistance genes: blaTEM, temA, temB, StrA, aadA, sul1, sul2, tet(A), and tet(B). One hundred and eight isolates were genetically confirmed as Salmonella spp. Virulence genes were observed in 57.4%, 55.6%, 49.1%, and 38% isolates for pipD, SpiC, misL, and orfL, respectively. Isolates have shown moderate resistance to gentamycin (26.8%), ampicillin (22.2%), cefoxitin (19.4%), and nalidixic acid (18.5%). All isolates were sensitive to six antibiotics, including cefotaxime, ceftazidime, aztreonam, imipenem, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin. Among the 66 isolates resistant to at least one antibiotic, 11 (16.7%) were multidrug resistant. The Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance (MAR) index of Salmonella serovars ranged from 0.06 to 0.53. PCR detected 7 resistance genes (tet(A), tet(B), blaTEM, temB, sul1, sul2, and aadA) in drug-resistant isolates. These findings raise serious concerns because ready-to-eat food in Burkina Faso could serve as a reservoir for spreading antimicrobial resistance genes worldwide.

The plasma membrane of cells from rat submandibular glands was isolated and extensively sonicated. The homogenate was centrifuged at high speed in a discontinuous sucrose gradient. Light fractions contained vesicles analogous to rafts: they were rich in cholesterol, they contained GM1 and caveolin-1, and P2X7 receptors were detected in these fractions. The location of the P2X7 receptors in rafts was abolished when cellular cholesterol was removed by methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD). ATP activated neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase), which provoked a decrease of the cellular content of sphingomyelin and an increase of ceramide levels in these cells and in the rafts. Treatment with MCD and filipin (but not with α-cyclodextrin) abolished the increase of the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca2+]i) in response to epinephrine but not to ATP. MCD and filipin also inhibited the activation by ATP of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Inhibition of N-SMase with glutathione or GW4869 prevented the activation of PLA2 by P2X7 agonists without affecting [Ca2+]i levels. We conclude that P2X7 receptors are present in both raft and nonraft compartments of plasma membranes; the receptors forming a nonselective cation channel are located in the nonraft fraction. P2X7 receptors in the rafts are coupled to the activation of N-SMase, which increases the content of ceramides in rafts. This may contribute to the activation of PLA2 in response to P2X7 receptor occupancy.