Search

Syphilis continues to be a public health problem, and its diagnosis still has limitations. Molecular diagnosis provides an alternative for rapid and effective management. The objective is to determine the accuracy of tests in the molecular diagnosis of syphilis.We searched PubMed and Web of Sciences for articles related to molecular detection of syphilis from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2019. The bivariate Reitsma model and the hierarchical receiver operating characteristic curve model were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of molecular tests at a 95% confidence interval. A subgroup meta-analysis was performed to explore sources of heterogeneity.Forty-seven articles were identified for qualitative synthesis, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivities in conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR were 77.52 (59.50-89.01) and 68.43 (54.96-79.39), respectively. The pooled specificities were 98.00 (90.73-99.59) and 98.84 (97.55-99.46), respectively. Ulcer samples had a better performance (sensitivity of 79.88 [69.00-87.62] and specificity of 98.58 [97.25-99.27]), and the major target genes were the polymerase A gene and tpp47 gene.Our work showed that conventional PCR was more widely used than real-time PCR in the diagnosis of syphilis, and ulcers were the best specimens. Sample types and target genes are factors that may influence the quality of the different tests. These results could provide evidence for further work in the direction of providing a more efficient diagnostic test.

Les Primates non-humains sont observés dans les milieux périurbains sans protection, où leur survie est menacée, notamment à cause de l’urbanisation galopante qui réduit l’habitat et la disponibilité alimentaire. C’est le cas d’une population de Mones de Lowe, espèce vulnérable selon l’Union Internationale pour la Conservation de la Nature, localisée dans la forêt de l’Université NANGUI ABROGOUA (UNA), à Abidjan en Côte d’Ivoire. Le présent travail a pour but d’approfondir les connaissances sur les principales menaces qui pèsent sur cette population de Primates isolée dans cette forêt de 10 hectares bordée de plantations expérimentales et familiales. Un suivi journalier des Mones en utilisant la méthode d’observation par balayage régulier des groupes et les observations Ad libitum d’événements rares a permis de noter les indices directs d'agression sur les Mones et leur habitat pendant 24 mois, en 2018 et 2019. L’identification des indices indirects s’est basée sur des interviews semi-directs de personnes qui fréquentent ladite forêt. Les résultats montrent que trois facteurs directs liés aux activités anthropiques constituent les plus grandes menaces sur ces Mones et leur habitat : la pollution physique avec 71, 24 % des observations (N = 1510) ; le défrichement agricole avec 15, 21 % et le braconnage qui totalise 13,50 % de l’ensemble des facteurs de menace. Au sujet des facteurs indirects, les personnes interrogées (N = 401) évoquent par ordre d’importance, le manque de volonté administrative à 32,7%, l’inaction des autorités en charge de la protection de la faune à 20,9 % et le manque de surveillance de ces Primates (16,8 %).

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in both developed and developing countries. It is multifactorial, including genetic predispositions such as oncogenic mutations on BRCA1 and 2 genes. The objectives of the present study were to identify oncogenic mutations in exon 11 of the BRCA1 gene and to determine the risk factors for breast cancer among women population in Burkina Faso. This study involved 100 women, including 50 cases of breast cancer and 50 controls (no clinical signs and no family history of breast cancer or other cancers). Mutations in the BRCA1 gene were detected by PCR using sequence primers specific for exon 11 fragments (11.1 and 11.2). In our study population, age (OR=22.40; CI: 4.33-115.82; p

Resume Introduction L’arthroscopie de hanche s’est imposee comme un moyen de traitement efficace des lesions labrales associees au conflit femoro-acetabulaire. Objectif Rapporter l’influence des techniques de debridement et de reparation sur les resultats fonctionnels a 2 ans de recul et evaluer l’influence de la technique de reparation. Hypothese Il n’y a pas de difference significative dans les resultats fonctionnels a court terme suite a un debridement ou une reparation labrale. Le type de suture n’a pas d’influence sur les resultats fonctionnels a court terme. Methodes De juillet 2017 a juin 2018, les donnees de dix centres specialises en chirurgie conservatrice de la hanche ont ete recueillies. Tous les patients de plus 18 ans ayant beneficie d’une arthroscopie de hanche pour lesion labrale sur conflit femoro-acetabulaire ont ete inclus. Il s’agissait soit d’un debridement, soit d’une reparation labrale. Les reparations labrales etaient realisees suture translabrale ou perilabrale. Le score fonctionnel d’evaluation etait le Non Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Results Au total, 187 patients ont beneficie d’une arthroscopie de hanche pour lesion labrale sur conflit femoro-acetabulaire, 42 (22,5 %) ont beneficie d’un debridement et 145 (77,5 %) ont beneficie d’une reparation. Dans le groupe reparation, 66 (45,8 %) etaient translabrales et 79 (54,2 %) etaient perilabrales. La moyenne d’âge etait de 33,3 ± 10,3 (18–63), dont 37,6 % (71) de femmes. Le suivi moyen etait de 16,2 mois (10–26,4). Le NAHS moyen s’est ameliore de 47,3a 72,8 (p 0,05). Il n’y avait pas de difference significative entre les groupes reparations translabrale et perilabrale (p > 0,05). Conclusions Il n’y a pas de difference significative dans les resultats fonctionnels a court terme apres reparation labrale ou debridement. Le type de suture labrale n’influence pas les resultats fonctionnels a court terme. Niveau d’etude II, cohorte prospective.

The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genotypes in childbearing age women, teenage girls, HIV-infected women, women with high-grade precancerous lesions and cervical cancer, sex workers, men, and otolaryngology tumor cases in Burkina Faso. This descriptive cross-sectional study with several target groups, consisted of 2386 samples from Burkina Faso. HR-HPV genotypes were characterized using real-time multiplex PCR. The prevalence of HR-HPV ranged from 15.63 to 72.31% depending on the target population and the nature of the samples. The most predominant genotypes in descending order were HPV-56, HPV-52, HPV-39, HPV-59, HPV-51, HPV-35, HPV-31, HPV-18, HPV-68, HPV-16, HPV-66, HPV-58, HPV-45, and HPV-33. The results of the present study show a wide variation in the distribution of HR-HPV genotypes in Burkina Faso. Genotypes 16 and 18 covered by HPV vaccines only accounted for 32.23% of HR-HPV cases.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype E (HBV‐E) accounts for the majority of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections in West Africa. We aimed to determine factors associated with HBV‐E‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in West Africa. Data on patients from Burkina Faso who were hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg+) and had CHB were analyzed. HBV viral load and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status were measured in 3,885 individuals with CHB without HCC (CHB HCC−) and 59 individuals with CHB with HCC (CHB HCC+). HBV genotyping was performed for 364 subjects with CHB HCC− and 41 subjects with CHB HCC+. Overall, 2.5% of the CHB HCC− group was HBeAg+ compared with 0% of the CHB HCC+ group. Of the 364 patients who were CHB HCC− with available genotyping, the frequencies of HBV genotypes E and C/E were 70.3% and 12.9%, respectively. Age (odds ratio [OR] for older age, 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06‐1.10 per 1‐year increase in age), male sex (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.11‐3.69), and HBV viremia (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.31‐1.67 per 1 log10 IU/mL) were each associated with HCC diagnosis. Patients with genotype E had a lower HBeAg prevalence (6.3% vs. 14.9%), lower HBV viral load, and higher prevalence of cirrhosis (14.5% vs. 4.8%) than patients with genotype C/E. Conclusion: HBV‐E is the most common circulating strain (70.3%) in West African patients. HCC was associated with older age, male sex, and high HBV viral load. It is expected that these results will further inform guidance on clinical management of HBV infection in West Africa.

Objectif : cette étude a été conduite dans le but d'identifier les génotypes de Papillomavirus Humains à haut risque oncogène (HPV-HR) circulant chez les femmes sexuellement actives à Garango, au Burkina Faso. Méthodologie et résultats : avant le dépistage des lésions précancéreuses, des échantillons endocervicaux ont été prélevés chez 135 femmes sexuellement actives à Garango. L'ADN extrait a permis de caractériser 14 génotypes de HPV-HR à travers une PCR multiplexe en temps réel. Quarante-trois pourcent (43%) des femmes portaient une infection à HPV à haut risque oncogène soit 58/135. Sur les quatorze génotypes testés, treize ont été identifiés et le génotype le plus fréquent était le HPV 56 (62,5 %) suivi des HPV 18 (5,5 %), HPV 68 (4,2 %), HPV 66 (4,2 %), HPV 59 (4,2 %), HPV 58 (4,2 %), HPV 35 (4,2 %). Le HPV 33 inclus dans le vaccin anti-HPV n’a pas été identifié chez les femmes de notre étude. Conclusion et application des résultats : Ce type d'étude qui est la première à Garango a montré une forte prévalence du génotype HPV 56 qui n'est pas encore couvert par un vaccin. Ces résultats constituent une contribution scientifique sur l'épidémiologie et la distribution des génotypes HPV-HR et permettront de guider nos politiques de santé vers une meilleure prévention du cancer du col de l'utérus. Mots-clés : Papillomavirus humain à haut risque, PCR en temps réel, génotypes, femmes, Garango. Predominance of Human Papillomavirus 56 in a subpopulation of sexually active women in Garango, Central-East, Burkina Faso ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to identify circulating strains of HR-HPV among sexually active women in Garango, Burkina Faso. Methodology and results: Before screening for precancerous lesions, endocervical samples were taken from 135 sexually active women in Garango. The extracted DNA made it possible to characterize 14 HR- HPV genotypes through a real-time multiplex PCR. Forty three percent (58/135) of women had a high-risk oncogenic HPV infection. Of the fourteen genotypes tested, thirteen were identified and the most frequent genotype was HPV 56 (62.5 %) followed by HPV 18 (5.5 %), HPV 68 (4.2 %), HPV 66 (4.2 %), HPV 59 (4.2 %), HPV 58 (4.2 %), HPV35 (4.2 %). The genotype HPV 33 included in the HPV vaccine was not identified in the women in our study. Conclusion and application of finding: this type of study, which is the first one in Garango, has showed a high prevalence of genotype HPV 56 which is not yet covered by a vaccine. These results constitute a scientific contribution to the epidemiology and distribution of the HR-HPV genotypes and will help guide our health policies towards better prevention of cervical cancer. Keywords: High-Risk Human Papillomavirus, real time PCR, genotypes, women, Garango

Background Glutathione S-transferases play a key role in the detoxification of persistent oxidative stress products which are one of several risks factors that may be associated with many types of disease processes such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. In the present study, we characterize the null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in order to investigate the association between them and the risk of developing essential hypertension. Methods We conducted a case-control study in Burkina Faso, including 245 subjects with essential hypertension as case and 269 control subjects with normal blood pressure. Presence of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 was determined using conventional multiplex polymerase chain reaction followed by gel electrophoresis analysis. Biochemical parameters were measured using chemistry analyzer CYANExpert 130. Results Chi-squared test shows that GSTT1-null (OR = 1.82; p = 0.001) and GSTM1-active/GSTT1-null genotypes (OR = 2.33; p GSTM1-null, GSTM1-null/GSTT1-active and GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null (p > 0.05). Multinomial logistic regression revealed that age ≥ 50 years, central obesity, family history of hypertension, obesity, alcohol intake and GSTT1 deletion were in decreasing order independent risk factors for essential hypertension. Analysis by gender, BMI and alcohol showed that association of GSTT1-null with risk of essential hypertension seems to be significant when BMI 2, in non-smokers and in alcohol users (all OR ≥ 1.77; p ≤ 0.008). Concerning GSTT1, GSTM1 and cardiovascular risk markers levels in hypertensive group, we found that subjects with GSTT1-null genotype had higher waist circumference and higher HDL cholesterol level than those with GSTT1-active (all p GSTM1-null genotype had lower triglyceride than those with GSTM1-active (p = 0.02) and subjects with the double deletion GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null had higher body mass index, higher waist circumference and higher HDL cholesterol than those with GSTM1-active/GSTT1-active genotype (all p = 0.01). Conclusion Our results confirm that GSTT1-null genotype is significantly associated with risk of developing essential hypertension in Burkinabe, especially when BMI 2, in non-smokers and in alcohol users, and it showed that the double deletion GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null genotypes may influence body lipids repartition.

Although persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection is the main risk factor, Glutathione S-Transferase highly polymorphic enzyme involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, is a good candidate gene. The objective of this study was to compare the polymorphisms of Glutathione S-Transferase M1-null in women with cancerous lesions and without lesions. This study consisted of 322 uterine cervix samples of women from Mali and Burkina Faso with Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia 2 and 3, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and 100 women with no lesions. Human Papillomavirus genotyping was performed by Real-time multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction. Glutathione S-Transferase gene polymorphisms were determined using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction followed by migration on agarose gel. A statistically significant association with high relative risks of 10.77 for the development of High grade Superficial or Squamous Intra-epithelial Lesion (95% CI = 5.59 - 20.72; p < 0.001), and 13.20 for cancer development (95% CI = 6.79 - 25.63; p < 0.001) was found in women with the null genotype of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 in the study population. In Burkina Faso and Mali, Glutathione S-Transferase M1-null presented relative risks of 9 and 11.05 for high-grade lesions, 15 and 11.40 for cancer. Similarly, significant results had been observed in women with human papillomavirus positive and human papillomavirus negative. The results of the present study support the idea that the deletion of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 plays a crucial role in the progression of high-grade lesions and cervical cancer.

The spread of resistance to antimalarials is a major public health problem worldwide and especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the highest morbidity and mortality rates are found with a critical scarcity of data on resistance. The objective of this review is to describe the mutations in the pfdhfr, pfdhps and k13 genes associated with resistance to artemisinin and Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine reported in West Africa during the decade 2007 to 2017 followed by a meta-analysis of their prevalence. A bibliographic search on the MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and Sciences Direct databases made it possible to find 405 scientific papers relating to resistance to artemisinin and to Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine during the period 2007-2017. The analysis has concerned 217 scientific articles after the elimination of duplicates with 57 articles included in this review after the examination of titles and abstracts. The results of the present review show that the dhfr and dhps mutants are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Although, Kelch 13 mutants from Southeast Asia associated with artemisinin resistance are still absent in West Africa, studies have reported the presence of synonymous or non-K13 mutations correlated with a delay in parasite clearance in Burkina Faso (2.26%), Senegal (5.5%) and Togo (1.8%). The increased prevalence of dhfr and dhps mutants in West Africa could jeopardize its use for intermittent preventive treatment in the near future. Despite the absence of strains resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapy in the West African region, increased surveillance is necessary to prevent the rapid occurrence of possible resistance, especially in the context of synonymous or non-K13 mutations correlated with a delay in parasitic clearance.

Background: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes which play an important role in oxidative stress pathways by conjugation with glutathione. Oxidative stress is one of several risk factors that may be associated with many types of diseases progression such as cancer and infectious diseases. In this study, we investigated the association between the polymorphism of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and the risk of HIV-1 disease progression. Methods: We conducted a case-control study including 313 participants of Burkina Faso: 153 HIV-1 infected individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 160 HIV-1 negative individuals as controls. Presence or absence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes was determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CD4+ T counts and HIV-1 viral load were measured in patients using respectively BD FACSCount and Abbott m2000rt instruments. Results: Frequencies of GSTM1-null and GSTT1-null were 30.35% and 35.46% respectively and the frequency of double deletion GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null was 14.38% in the general study population. GSTM1-null (30.35% versus 69.65%; OR = 1.90; p = 0.010), GSTT1-null (35.46% versus 64.54%; OR = 3.11; p GSTM1-active/GSTT1-null (21.08% versus 48.56%; OR = 3.17; p GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null (14.38% versus 48.56%; OR = 4.46; p GSTM1-null and GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null were associated with increased odds of low CD4+ count (3) and high HIV-1 viral load (≥1000 copies/mL). Conclusion: GSTM1-null, GSTT1-null genotype, the double genotypes GSTM1-active/GSTT1-null and GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null were associated with HIV-1 disease progression and GSTM1-null and GSTM1- null/GSTT1-null genotypes were associated with low CD4+ T cells counts and high HIV-1 viral load in HIV-1infected patients on ART.

ObjectivesA cluster of specialized KIR genes of specialized KIR genes has been shown to be associated with susceptibility or resistance to viral infections in humans. Therefore, this pilot study, this pilot investigation sought to determine the frequencies of KIR genes human immunodeficiency virus type 1( HIV-1) patients and establish their potential clinical involvement in disease progression and staging.MethodsHIV-1 infected and healthy individuals were selected for this study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV antibodies and anti-HIV-1/2 antibody/ antigen were screened using a 4th generation ELISA assay (Cobas e 411 Analyzer, Roche Diagnostics GmbH Mannheim, Germany). SSP-PCR was used to evaluate the frequencies of KIR genes. CD4+ T counts and HIV-1 viral load were measured in patients using respectively BD FACSCount and Abbott m2000rt instruments.ResultsWe found a significant association between the frequencies of KIR2DL2 (OR=4.41; p < 0.001), KIR2DS2 (OR=4.76; p < 0.001), KIR2DS3 (OR=2.27; p=0.004), KIR2DS4 (OR=1.76; p=0.026), KIR3DS1 (OR=2.43; p=0.016) and HIV-1 infection; whilst the KIR3DL1 gene (OR= 0.39; p < 0.001) was associated with protection against HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 replication was found to be associated with the presence of KIR2DS2 (OR=6.08, p = 0.024). In contrary the pseudogene KIR2DP1 (OR=0.39; p=0.026) were linked to a protective status with the highest number of lymphocyte T CD4 counts.ConclusionOur data showed that KIR2DL2, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS4, and KIR3DS1 were significantly associated with HIV-1 infection whereas KIR3DL1 was associated with protection against HIV-1 infection. Further investigations are needed to fully comprehend the clinical significance of KIR genes in HIV disease progression.

Background and objectiveBreast cancer remains the most common cause of cancer mortality in women. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between genetic variability inGSTM1andGSTT1and susceptibility to breast cancer.MethodsGenomic DNA was extracted from blood samples for 80 cases of histologically diagnosed breast cancer and 100 control subjects. Genotyping analyses were performed by PCR-based methods. Associations between specific genotypes and the development of breast cancer were examined using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios [1] and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).ResultsNo correlation was found betweenGSTM1-nulland breast cancer (OR = 1.83; 95%CI 0.90-3.71; p = 0.10), whileGSTT1-null(OR = 2.42; 95%CI 1.17-5.02; p= 0.01) was associated with increased breast cancer risk. TheGSTM1/GSTT1 double nullwas not associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer (OR = 2.52; 95%CI 0.75-8.45; p=0.20). Furthermore, analysis found no association betweenGSTM1-null(OR =1.12; 95%CI 0.08-15.50;p=1.00) orGSTT1-null(OR = 1.71; 95%CI 0.13-22.51;p=1.00) and the disease stage of familial breast cancer patients or sporadic breast cancer patients (GSTM1(OR = 0.40; 95%CI 0.12-1.32;p = 0.20) andGSTT1(OR = 1.41; 95%CI 0.39-5.12;p=0.75)). Also, body mass index (BMI) was not associated with increased or decreased breast cancer risk in either GSTM1-null (OR = 0.60; 95%CI 0.21-1.68;p=0.44)or GSTT1-null (OR = 0.60; 95%CI 0.21-1.68;p=0.45).ConclusionOur results suggest that onlyGSTT1-nullis associated with increased susceptibility to breast cancer development.

Background In resource-limited countries, ABO, HLA, MNS, Kells, and hemoglobin electrophoresis are classic tests for the resolution of paternity disputes due to their affordable cost. The limitations of these tests in cases of disputed paternity require the use of Short Tandem Repeats (STR) for their certification. This study aimed to determine the biological fathers of children using ABO-rhesus/hemoglobin electrophoresis and STR assays in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Results Of the fourteen trios studied, the ABO-rhesus/hemoglobin electrophoresis analysis revealed ten probable inclusion cases, three exclusion cases, and one undetermined paternity. DNA STR analysis found five inclusions of paternity out of the ten probable inclusions with ABO-rhesus/hemoglobin electrophoresis assay versus nine exclusions of paternity. Conclusion This study showed that the implementation of the analysis of short tandem repeat is required to resolve increasing disputed filiation cases in Burkina Faso.

Les primates non-humains (PNH) sont observés dans les milieux périurbains sans protection, où leur survie est menacée, notamment à cause de l’urbanisation galopante qui réduit l’habitat et la disponibilité alimentaire. C’est le cas d’une population de 13 individus de Mones de Lowe, une espèce vulnérable selon la liste rouge de l’UICN, localisée dans la forêt de l’Université NANGUI ABROGOUA (UNA), à Abidjan en Côte d’Ivoire. Le présent travail a pour but d’approfondir les connaissances sur les principales menaces qui pèsent sur cette population de primates isolée dans cette forêt de 14 hectares bordée de plantations expérimentales et familiales. Un suivi journalier des Mones en utilisant la méthode d’observation par balayage régulier des groupes et les observations Ad libitum d’événements rares a permis de noter les indices directs d'agression sur les Mones et leur habitat pendant 24 mois, de janvier 2018 à décembre 2019. L’identification des indices indirects s’est basée sur des interviews semi-structurés de personnes qui fréquentent ladite forêt. Les résultats montrent que trois facteurs directs liés aux activités anthropiques constituent les plus grandes menaces sur ces Mones et de leur habitat : la pollution physique avec 71, 24 % des observations (N = 1510) ; le défrichement agricole avec 15, 21 % et le braconnage qui totalise 13,50 % de l’ensemble des facteurs de menace. Au sujet des facteurs indirects, les personnes interrogées (N = 401) évoquent par ordre d’importance, le manque de volonté administrative à 32,7%, l’inaction des autorités en charge de la protection de la faune à 20,9 % et le manque de surveillance de ces Primates (16,8 %). Non-human primates are observed in peri-urban environments without any legal protection, where their survival is threatened, notably because of the galloping urbanization that reduces habitat and food availability. This is the case of Lowe's monkey (Cercopithecus lowei) population, a vulnerable species according to the IUCN RedList, located in the forest relic of the NANGUI ABROGOUA University (UNA), in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The goal of this study is describing the main threats to the isolated primate population in this forest of 14 hectares bordered by experimental and family plantations. Daily monitoring of Mones using a regular group scan method of observation and Ad libitum observations of rare events recorded direct evidence of aggression on this Lowe's monkeys and their habitat over a 24 month in 2018 and 2019.The identification of indirect indices, semi-direct interviews were conducted with people who use this forest. Results show that three direct factors related to anthropogenic activities are the greatest threats to the primate groups and the UNA forest: physical pollution with 71.24% of observations (N = 1510); agricultural encroachment with 15.21%; and poaching which represents 13.50% of all threat factors. For indirect factors, the respondents (N = 401) mentioned, by order of importance, the lack of administrative will (32.7%); the lack of action by the authorities in charge of wildlife protection (20.9%) and the lack of surveillance of these primate groups (16.8%).

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

African swine fever (ASF) has been endemic in sub-Saharan Africa since the 1960s. Following its introduction in Senegal, in 1957, ASF steadily progressed through West Africa, reaching Burkina Faso in 2003, and later Mali in 2016. Despite the heavy burden of disease on pig production, little information is available on the genetic diversity of Africa swine fever virus (ASFV) in Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal. Here, we used real-time PCR ASFV to detect the ASFV genome in samples collected between 1989 and 2016, in Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal, and conventional approaches for isolate characterization. The C-terminal end of the p72 protein gene, the full E183L gene and the central variable region (CVR) within the B602L gene in ASFV genome were sequenced and compared to publicly available sequences. ASFV genome was found in 27 samples, 19 from Burkina Faso, three from Mali and five from Senegal. The phylogenetic analyses showed that all viruses belong to genotype I, with the ASFVs from Burkina Faso and Mali grouping with genotype Ia and ASFV serogroup 4, and those from Senegal with genotype Ib and the ASFV serogroup 1. The analysis of the CVR tetrameric tandem repeat sequences (TRS) showed four TRS variants in Burkina Faso, two in Senegal and one in Mali. The three countries did not share any common TRS, and all CVRs of this study differed from previously reported CVRs in West Africa, except for Senegal. Three of the five isolates from Senegal fully matched with the CVR, p72 and p54 sequences from ASFV IC96 collected during the 1996 ASF outbreak in Ivory Coast. This study shows the spread of the same ASFV strains across countries, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring of ASFV isolates. It also calls for an urgent need to establish a regional plan for the control and eradication of ASF in West Africa.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in both developed and developing countries. It is multifactorial, including genetic predispositions such as oncogenic mutations on

Viral and bacterial infections represent an occupational risk for female sex workers. This study aimed at determining HPV coinfection with genital pathogens among female sex workers in West and Central Africa and identifying antibiotic resistance genes. A total of 182 samples from female sex workers were analyzed by real-time PCR and classic PCR. For the molecular diagnosis of HPV, the real-time multiplex amplification kit “HPV Genotypes 14 Real-TM Quant” from SACACE Biotechnologies®, detecting 14 high-risk HPV genotypes, was used, while for other pathogens, the real-time multiplex amplification kit N. gonorrhoeae/C. trachomatis/M. genitalium/T. vaginalis Real-TM, allowing their simultaneous detection, was used. The women were aged 17–50 years with an average age of 27.12 ± 6.09 years. The pathogens identified were HPV 54.94% (100/120), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (13.74%), Chlamydia trachomatis (11.54%) and Mycoplasma genitalium (11.54%). The most common HPV genotypes were HPV68, HPV38 and HPV52. The antibiotic resistance genes identified were bla&nbsp, QNR B 24.00%, bla&nbsp, GES 22.00%, bla&nbsp, SHV 17.00%, blaCTX-M 13.00% and bla&nbsp, QNR S 1.00%. This study revealed the presence of various HPV genotypes associated with other pathogens with problems of antibiotic resistance among sex workers of West and Central African origin working in Ouagadougou.

Laure Stella Ghoma Linguissi1,2 Tani Sagna3,4, Serge Théophile Soubeiga1,4, Luc Christian Gwom,5 Céline Nguefeu Nkenfou6,5, Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah,7 Abdoul Karim Ouattara1,4, Virginio Pietra,4 Jacques Simpore1,41Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et de Génétique, Université Ouaga I Pr Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 2Institut National de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSSA), Brazzaville, Republic of Congo; 3Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 4Centre de Recherche Biomoleculaire Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; 5“Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/Aids Prevention and Management (CBIRC), Yaoundé, Cameroon; 6Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon; 7Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GhanaBackground: Burkina-Faso’s HIV/AIDS program is one of the most successful in Africa,with a declining HIV prevalence and treatment outcomes that rival those of developed countries. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines in Burkina-Faso, initiated in the year 2000, were revised in 2004, 2006 and 2010. The guideline document has since undergone several stages of improvement, largely based on recommendations from WHO, with adaptations by local experts in the field. Option B+ adopted since August 2014 in Burkina-Faso has enabled maintenance of mothers on longer treatment and increasing their survival and that of their children. Through this review, we describe the achievements and challenges of HIV PMTCT programs in Burkina-Faso.Aims of study: This study had the following objectives: 1) describing the historical perspective of PMTCT implementation in Burkina-Faso; 2) presenting the effectiveness of interventions at improving PMTCT service delivery and promoting retention of mothers and babies in care; and 3) determining the impact of male partner involvement on PMTCT in Burkina-Faso.Methodology: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google. Search terms included the following keywords: “HIV testing”; “prevention”; “mother”; “child”; “male partner”; “counseling”; “involvement”; “participation”; and the grouped terms “PMTCT and partners”; “VCT”; “barriers and/or factors”; “Male involvement in PMTCT”; and “Burkina-Faso”. Data collection took place from May to October 2015. The search was limited to articles published between January 2002 and December 2015. UNICEF and UNAIDS web sites were also used to find relevant abstracts and documents.Results: Studies have revealed that with PMTCT, HIV transmission rate moved from 10.4% in 2006 to 0% in 2015. The PMTCT program remains the best way to care for HIV-infected pregnant women and their babies. The current PMTCT policy is based on evidence that male partner involvement is associated with women’s completion of PMTCT.Conclusion: This study shows that the reduction in mother to child transmission of HIV in Burkina-Faso over the years is mainly due to the improvement of PMTCT programs. Efforts still need to be made about the involvement of male partners.Keywords: HIV/AIDS, PTMTCT, HAART, Burkina Faso

Background Burkina-Faso's HIV/AIDS program is one of the most successful in Africa, with a declining HIV prevalence and treatment outcomes that rival those of developed countries. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines in Burkina-Faso, initiated in the year 2000, were revised in 2004, 2006 and 2010. The guideline document has since undergone several stages of improvement, largely based on recommendations from WHO, with adaptations by local experts in the field. Option B+ adopted since August 2014 in Burkina-Faso has enabled maintenance of mothers on longer treatment and increasing their survival and that of their children. Through this review, we describe the achievements and challenges of HIV PMTCT programs in Burkina-Faso. Aims of study This study had the following objectives: 1) describing the historical perspective of PMTCT implementation in Burkina-Faso; 2) presenting the effectiveness of interventions at improving PMTCT service delivery and promoting retention of mothers and babies in care; and 3) determining the impact of male partner involvement on PMTCT in Burkina-Faso. Methodology A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google. Search terms included the following keywords: "HIV testing"; "prevention"; "mother"; "child"; "male partner"; "counseling"; "involvement"; "participation"; and the grouped terms "PMTCT and partners"; "VCT"; "barriers and/or factors"; "Male involvement in PMTCT"; and "Burkina-Faso". Data collection took place from May to October 2015. The search was limited to articles published between January 2002 and December 2015. UNICEF and UNAIDS web sites were also used to find relevant abstracts and documents. Results Studies have revealed that with PMTCT, HIV transmission rate moved from 10.4% in 2006 to 0% in 2015. The PMTCT program remains the best way to care for HIV-infected pregnant women and their babies. The current PMTCT policy is based on evidence that male partner involvement is associated with women's completion of PMTCT. Conclusion This study shows that the reduction in mother to child transmission of HIV in Burkina-Faso over the years is mainly due to the improvement of PMTCT programs. Efforts still need to be made about the involvement of male partners.

Background Genetic and environment play a significant role in the etiology of essential hypertension (EH). Recently STK39 rs3754777, ATP2B1 rs2681472 and rs17249754 have been associated with BP variation and hypertension. In this study we aimed to determine firstly whether index variants were associated with the risk of developing EH in Burkina Faso and secondly to characterize cardiovascular risk markers. Methods We conducted a case-control study with 380 participants including 180 case subjects with EH and 200 control subjects with normal BP. We used TaqMan genotyping assays with probes from Applied Biosystems to genotype polymorphisms using the 7500 Real-Time PCR System. Biochemical parameters were measured using chemistry analyzer COBAS C311. Results T-test showed that cardiovascular risk markers such as body mass index, waist circumference, blood sugar, total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive (all p 3.8; all p 0.05). Conclusion Our results confirmed the significant association of ATP2B1 rs17249754 with the risk of developing EH in Burkinabe and showed an increase of cardiovascular risk markers levels in subjects with EH. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12872-019-1136-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV-HR genotypes in the population of sexually active women in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Methods: This study took place at Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso from September to June 2017. A total of 234 women in the gynecological period and also sexually active were enrolled after they gave an individual consent. Swabbing of the endocervical canal was done. From the sample stored at -20°C, the viral DNA was extracted using the “DNA-Sorb-A” kit from SACACE biotechnologies&reg. Amplification of the PCR of the extracted DNA was made, using the “HPV Genotypes 14 Real-TM Quant” V67-100 FRT kit. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 17.0 and Epi Info 6. Chi-square and Fisher’s tests were used to compare proportions and averages; a link was significant when p 0.05. Results: The mean age was 30.7 ± 7.3 years (median: 30 years); 84.5% of them were married, 43.5% had a socio-professional activity and 61% were schooled. A total of 20.6% of women were positive for at least one of the following HPV-HR genotypes: HPV 18, 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. Genotypes the most frequently found were HPV 52 with 11 cases (17.2%) and 66 with 10 cases (15.6%). Conclusion: Our results show a predominance of HPV-HR genotypes not covered by available vaccines. Mapping genotypes are needed to fully understand viral ecology at the national level. But for instance, the nonavalent vaccine, which has a better coverage of the predominant genotypes, is to be promoted.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genotypes among sexually active women in Tenkodogo, Burkina Faso. Methods: Among 131 sexually active women attending the Tenkodogo Urban Medical Center, endocervical samples were collected prior to screening for precancerous lesions. After viral DNA extraction, fourteen HR-HPV genotypes were characterized by real-time multiplex PCR in these cervical samples. Results: The mean age was 35.5 ± 9.5 years. Of the 131 women, 45 were infected with at least one HR-HPV genotype. The prevalence of HR-HPV infection among these women was 34.4%. Among the 45 oncogenic HPV-infected women, single HR-HPV genotype was found in 55.6% while 44.4% were infected with more than one HR-HPV genotype. The most frequent genotypes were HPV56 (36.5%), HPV66 (36.5%). Conclusion: Tenkodogo women included in this study had a higher prevalence of HPV 56, HPV 66. A larger study with a more representative sample would therefore be needed to determine predominant oncogenic genotypes in the subregion and especially in cancer cases. Keywords: High-risk HPV, Real time PCR, Genotypes, Multiple infections, Tenkodogo

The severity of hepatic pathology and the response to treatment depend on the hepatitis virus genotype in the infected host. The objective of this review was to determine the distribution of hepatitis virus genotypes in West African countries. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct was performed to identify 52 relevant articles reporting hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G viruses genotypes. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype E with a prevalence of 90.6% (95%CI: 0.891-0.920) found in this review, is characterized by low genetic diversity. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 2 represented 96.4% of HCV infections in West African countries, while hepatitis delta virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis G virus genotypes 1 and HEV genotype 3 were reported in some studies in Ghana and Nigeria. HBV genotype E is characterized by high prevalence, low genetic diversity and wide geographical distribution. Further studies on the clinical implications of HBV genotype E and HCV genotypes 1 and 2 are needed for the development of an effective treatment against this viral hepatitis in West African countries. Surveillance of the distribution of different genotypes is also needed to reduce recombination rates and prevent the emergence of more virulent viral strains.

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major public health problem worldwide. In Burkina Faso, nearly 720,000 people are living with HCV, and each year about 900 people die from complications of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was planned to determine the HCV seroprevalence, characterize circulating genotypes, and monitor HCV viral loads in patients under treatment with antivirals. Methods: A total of 4,124 individuals and 167 patients in the pre-therapy program were recruited. The “SD Bioline HCV” kit was used for rapid screening of anti-HCV antibodies. Viral load and genotyping were performed in 167 HCV patients on antivirals using the “Iontek HCV Quant” and “Iontek genotyping” kits. Results: Prevalence of HCV was 1.65% (68/4,124), and the median viral load of participants was 5.37 log10/mL (1.32–7.67 log10/mL). Genotype 2 was predominant with a frequency of 86.23% (144/167) and appeared to be more active with higher viral load compared to 13.77% (23/167) for genotype 1 (p < 0.001). After 24 weeks of pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals, such as sofosbuvir/daclatasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, the viral loads of all patients became undetectable. Conclusion: The responses to antivirals by the circulating genotypes indicate that the results are very satisfactory. Therefore, the prevalence of HCV in the population can be reduced through identification of cases and treatment.

Context: Genital infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a real public health problem in the world predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine co-infection of HPV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG); Chlamydia trachomatis (CT); Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) among female sex workers in West Africa and to search antibiotics resistance genes. This study could serve as a support for the management of patients infected. Methods: The study took place in Ouagadougou in July 2019 and from June to July 2020. It was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims. A total of 182 samples from sex workers of West and Central African origins, were analyzed by real-time PCR and resistance genes by classical PCR after DNA extraction. Data were entered and analyzed using the IBM SPSS software in its 21 version and Epi Info 6. Tables and figures were produced using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Chi-square and fischer tests were used for comparisons Epi info version 7. with a significant difference for p ˂ 0.05. Results: These women, who came from nine different countries, were aged 17–50 years with an average age of 27.12 ± 6.09 years and had an average of 415.9 ± 75.2 sexual partners per year. HPV and vaginosis co-infection (NG, CT, MG and TV) was 85%. The prevalence of bacteria was: NG 13.74%, CT 11.54% and MG 11.54%. Among the HPV co-infections the most common were HPV/NG (15%), HPV/MG (12%), and HPV/CT (8%). %). The antibiotic resistance genes identified are: bla QNR B 24%, bla GES 22%, bla SHV 17%, bla CTX−M 13%; bla QNR S 1%. Conclusions: This study showed that the majority of sex workers of West and Central African origin working in Ouagadougou were infected with multiple STIs. This confirms that the presence of genital infections and STIs remains a real public health problem. The scale of these infections and the detection of associated resistance genes require increased surveillance of the molecular epidemiology of these pathogens.

Objective Glutathione S-transferases have been associated with experimental resistance to some drugs. The present study investigated the factors associated with blood pressure control in patients with essential hypertension, especially the role of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes polymorphisms. This cross-sectional study in Burkina Faso consisted of 200 patients with essential hypertension and under treatment. Results In the present study, 57.5% (115/200) of patients had their hypertension under control. No statistically significant difference was found between controlled and uncontrolled groups for anthropometric and biochemical parameters as well as for GSTT1 or GSTM1 gene polymorphisms (all p > 0.05). Current alcohol consumption (OR = 3.04; CI 1.88–6.13; p p p p