Showing papers in "Bulletin De La Societe De Pathologie Exotique in 1986"

[Dengue 2 in eastern Senegal: serologic survey in simian and human populations. 1974-85].

Abstract: After the previously reported isolations of dengue 2 virus in eastern Senegal in 1974 and 1981-1982, a retrospective serological study on simian and human populations was carried out in the same area. We investigated 1,095 simian sera collected at regular intervals between 1974 and 1984 from wild caught monkeys and 1,783 human sera from young children less than 11 years old collected during punctual surveys after the rainy season from 1976 to 1985. Sera were tested using HAI test, CF test and for someone's ELISA for specific IgM antibodies. Serological data from monkeys corroborated the virus isolations and demonstrated the existence of two epizootics in 1974-1975 and 1981-1982. No CF antibodies were detected in children sera up to 1981 epizootic when about 11% of tested sera showed a probable infection by dengue 2 virus, no clinical dengue infections were notified by the medical staff. After 1982, serological results showed that the virus maintained in the same area until 1985. The mechanism of the circulation of dengue 2 virus in eastern Senegal is discussed on the basis of these serological results.

Encéphalite au cours du traitement de la filariose à Loa loa par la diéthylcarbamazine. A propos de 6 observations

Abstract: L'encephalite a debute a chaque fois pour une dose de 50 ou 100 mg chez des sujets ayant une forte microfilaremie. Ces cas font plus penser a un mecanisme en rapport avec une liberation d'endotoxines neurotropes qu'a une reaction allergique

Découverte d'un Meriones shawi (rongeur, gerbillidé) naturellement infesté par Leishmania dans le nouveau foyer de leishmaniose cutanée de Ksar Chellala (Algérie)

Abstract: Une etude epidemiologique permet de recenser 560 cas de leishmaniose cutanee «humide» et de decouvrir l'animal reservoir ― M.s. Pour ce rongeur de la famille des Gerbillidae, il s'agit de la premiere mention algerienne d'infestation naturelle

Malaria in Gabon. I. Study of 500 children with fever in Libreville

Abstract: Among 500 febrile children who came for medical examination in the Pediatric Department at the Hopital General de Libreville, 29.2% were infected by malaria. P. falciparum was the most common (96.7%), P. malariae and P. ovale were sparsely present. Rarely detected in people consulting for fever, shivering and headache were the two symptoms directly related to paludism. There is a direct correlation between the size of the spleen and the rate of infestation. Screening among babies from 3 to 6 months' old, shows 13% already infected. The top of malaria incidence lies between 2 and 3 years of age (42% were infected).

Antibiotic resistance of strains of Vibrio cholerae eltor isolated in Douala (Cameroon)

Abstract: Endemic cholera has been prevalent in Douala since 1972, with sudden epidemic outbreaks occurring every two years during the dry season. The massive and systematic use of chemoprophylaxis since April, 1983 has led to the selection of strains of Vibrio cholerae eltor that are resistant to sulphamide and tetracycline. During the 1984-1985 epidemic, 89.3% of the isolated strains were resistant to sulphamides, 87.5% to a sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim combination and to the 0/129 disk, 55.3% to tetracycline, 91.1% to chloramphenicol, 73.2% to streptomycin and 94.6% to ampicillin. The epidemic aspect of this multiple resistance to antibiotics raises the issue of the role of a group C incompatibility resistance plasmid. As regards prophylaxis, until hygiene conditions can be improved, which is the only way cholera can be eradicated from our region, vaccination with oral vaccines such as that of the Institut Pasteur seems to be the best way of preventing further epidemics.

Imported cases of chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria in Iran.

Abstract: Six imported cases of chloroquine-resistant Falciparum malaria have been studied since October 1984. In five cases including two Iranian men, returned from India, two Afghan and one Bengalee immigrants came to Iran through Pakistan, recrudescence occurred following treatment with chloroquine. In these five cases resistance of P. falciparum to chloroquine was clinically (by the in vivo test) at R1 level in all patients. The resistance was also confirmed by the macro in vitro susceptibility test which was carried out in four of them. These five chloroquine-resistant cases were treated, one with Sulfadiazine-Pyrimethamine, three with Quinine-Sulfadiazine-Pyrimethamine and one with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (Fansidar) successfully. In the sixth case who was a Pakistani tourist the parasites showed resistance in the macro in vitro test, but apparently responded to chloroquine treatment in three days. It seems the resistance in this case was also at R1 level as other cases.

[Pathogenesis of hemorrhagic dengue: critical discussion of current hypotheses].

Abstract: The major hypotheses which have been advanced to explain the pathogenesis of "dengue hemorrhagic fever" are reviewed. Because of the difficulty in applying the definition of "dengue hemorrhagic fever" proposed by the World Health Organization, most of the discussion deals only with the most severe form of dengue, "dengue shock syndrome", which may or may not be a subset of "dengue hemorrhagic fever". It is not clear if it is the virus or the host that plays the predominant role in the pathogenesis of the dengue shock syndrome. More specifically, there is considerable difference of opinion as to whether or not a prior dengue infection with a heterologous dengue serotype constitutes a risk factor for the development of the syndrome. The evidence cited in favor of the latter concept is discussed from a critical point of view.

Impact de la construction d'un barrage avec retenue d'eau sur la transmission du paludisme. Enquête paludologique menée dans le sud-est de la Mauritanie

Abstract: In March during the dry season an investigation was conducted on the site of Foum Gleita dam in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in order to study, one year after the filling of the dam, the epidemiological situation of local malaria at a clinico-parasitological, immunological and entomological level. No malarial transmission was observed in the 5th month of the dry season. So far, the damming of water has not led to the spread of anophelines which would have brought about malarial transmission not within the rainy season.

Serological data on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Southeast Asia

Abstract: Using an indirect immunofluorescent test with Hantaan 76-118 and Puumala strains as antigens, antibodies against haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome viruses were found for the first time in human in Laos and Viet-Nam and confirmed the previously published results in Thailand. These results suggest the existence of an Hantaan-related virus in these countries.

[Bancroftian filariasis in French Polynesia. Epidemiologic status and perspectives after a 35-year preventive campaign].

Abstract: The authors assess of three decades of struggle against Bancroftian filariasis in French Polynesia. Wuchereria bancrofti var. pacifica, aperiodic filaria, and Aedes polynesiensis, mosquito with high parasitologic output, set up a cycle very well adapted to the Polynesian environment; after numerous tests, the chemoprophylaxis with diethylcarbamazine (3 mg/kg/half-year) of all the exposed population has been decided, in association with methods of vector-control (use of predatory crustaceans). However, the achievement of this strategy is impeded by economical contingencies and the endemic comes up again particularly in areas close to eradication. Entomological clues show a high transmission over the greater part of French Polynesia.

Illicit sales of drugs in Senegal. Consequences for community health

Abstract: The relatively recent development of parallel drug markets in the Third World has not yet been specifically studied. A research on illicit drug sale was carried out in Pikine, a 600,000 people suburb of Dakar: all items provided by all sellers observed on the markets of the town were inventoried; their indications and posologies were given by a sample of 20 among the 100 identified sellers; complementary information was obtained from the official structures of drug distribution. The list of all medications available shows 23 items--12 directed at [symptoms], and 11 at [causes]. The indications and posologies are remarkably similar for the 20 sellers, whose training was done in well-structured channels outside the official network. Evaluation of the potential consequences of these parallel markets for community health shows: 1) a probably beneficial impact of some medications, such as analgesics, antimalarials, antibiotic eye ointment; 2) exposure to individual risks (tetracyclines, sulfamids) and collective risks (antibiotics, not widespread yet, but capable of selecting resistant germs). Moreover, this illicit sale must be understood in its social context where buying drugs on the markets is the least expensive and most accessible solution for underprivileged people, because of scarcity of resources in the dispensaries. Thus, rather than to automatically condemn illicit drug sale, it seems more appropriate and urgent to evaluate the risks of medications available in each of the countries involved, to develop health information in the population, and meanwhile to make access to drugs in primary health care structures easier.

[Drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum in Congo. I. In vivo study with 10 and 25 mg/kg of chloroquine (235 tests)].

Abstract: An evaluation of chloroquine resistance in P. falciparum was conducted in four different areas of the People's Republic of the Congo during the months of October and November 1985. Using the simplified seven day in vivo test protocol, 235 tests were completed in 92 children aged three months to five years seen at the Maternal Child Health Clinics (54 children were treated by a single dose at 10 mg/kg and 38 children were treated by the three day dose of 25 mg/kg) and 143 school children aged six to 12 years (70 treated by 10 mg/kg and 73 treated by 25 mg/kg). In three of the zones (Brazzaville, the forest mountains of the Mayombe and Chaillu), a high level of resistance was found in the percentage of children with asexual forms of P. falciparum parasites (1 000 leucocytes) in the blood smears. After 7 days, the percentage of positive results in children treated by 10 mg/kg was found to be 65.5% and 29.3% for children treated by 25 mg/kg. Failure rates, independent of parasite density, were less in school aged children. A significant number of observations seems to be Type II resistance. The situation is more favorable in the fourth area of Likouala, a region of flooded forests in the north of the country.

Réactions post-vaccinales à la vaccination anti-amarile.

Abstract: The frequency of reactions to vaccinations against Yellow Fever was determined in a population of 370 travellers in good health. 25% suffered from reactions, most of which were minimal, 5% were local and 22% general of which half were of the post vaccinal viral syndrome type with multiple pains and pyrexia. Strong reactions appeared in only 8 subjects (2%). Age, sex, or number of antigens injected did not cause any significant differences.

Malaria in Vanuatu. Recent epidemiological data

Abstract: The Republic of Vanuatu, ex-Condominium of New-Hebrides, is an archipelago in the South Pacific, between Solomon Islands and New-Caledonia. Although the health system is quite satisfactory, malaria has become the major health problem in the whole country. Its epidemiological characteristics are reviewed, and particularly the biology of the only known vector, the Anopheles farauti complex. A sudden and severe aggravation of the malaria morbidity since 1980 is then evidenced. This increase of the yearly incidence (from 21% to 183% between 1980 and 1984) has privileged the rising of Plasmodium falciparum which reached 75% of the national paraside index. Moreover, it has clearly followed a geographical progression from north to south within the group during the four years. Various possible causes to this alarming situation are examined, among which the emergence of chloroquin-resistant strains of P. falciparum, and the possibility of modifications in the vector's population, particularly hold the attention.

The Duffy blood group system in the population of Nouakchott (Mauritania)

Abstract: 54% of the white population of Nouakchott and 1.8% of the black population were positive for the Duffy phenotype. The percentage of Duffy phenotype in white Mauritanians was between that found in North Africa and that found in South of the Sahara.

Carriage of HBs antigen and infection by delta agent in Cameroon

Abstract: Serum samples taken from 370 healthy individuals (aged 15-44) constituting a randomized sample representative of the adult population of the town of Nkongsamba, Cameroon, were tested for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBs); positive samples were then tested for Hepatitis B virus [e] antigen (HBe) and anti-Delta antibody. The mean carrier rate of HBs was 8.4% +/- 2.8%; within HBs carriers, 29% exhibited HBe and 6.5% anti-Delta antibody.

Parasitoses intestinales infantiles dans une collectivité indienne de L'Altiplano bolivien

Abstract: A survey about motion parasitosis has been carried out on one hundred Indians (Quechua ethnic group) living in a hamlet called Amarete located in the Bolivian Altiplano. This community is living in a place difficult to reach (11,100 feet) where many pre-Colombian traditions are still alive. All children were parasitized, 75% of them were carrier of 3 to 5 parasites. Infestation with ascaris (91%) is the most frequent and the risks of getting amebic dysentery (Entamoeba histolytica 41%) and balantidial (Balantidium coli 8%) are high. Many other parasites (8 kinds of protozoa , 5 kinds of helminths) can be observed; more especially, we noticed that 20% of the pupils used to be carrier operculated eggs. Tenia embryophores (more probably Taenia solium found in 2 children) made us aware of possibilities of cysticercosis. An other problem lays on general hygiene and hygiene of the water since feces danger is responsible of important parasitologic loads. Results are compared with a fecal study carried out on a population from the Altiplano region but living now in the plain. Amazonian Indian population in previous or recent contact with occidental civilization show the same variations of parasitologic repartition between Amarete hamlet and the transplanted population of Altiplano region. The role played by the acculturation could be discussed.

[Epidemiology of filariasis (onchocerciasis and bancroftosis) in the Tala-Mokolo region (Mandara Mountains of North Cameroon)].

Abstract: The effect of the bancroftian filariasis on the health of the inhabitants are minimal in the study area, where the prevalence of the disease (nocturnal microfilaremia) is 0.4% only. But skin snips harboring Onchocerca microfilariae are seen in 12.1% of the sample studied. Onchocerciasis skin lesions, low visual acuity and blindness are often seen in the villages where the prevalence is high, among inhabitants more than 40 years of age. Simulium damnosum is seldom seen in the area, except in the large streams and rivers like the mayo Tsanaga and the mayo Djingliya. Larvae and nymphae of this species hardly succeed in developing on the overspelling of the small dams, this being due more to a discontinuous run of the water in the overspilling than to a to high speed of the water.

[A fatal case of chloroquine-resistant neuromalaria in a traveller to Cameroon].

Abstract: A death from chloroquinoresistant falciparum malaria contracted by a traveller under chloroquine chemoprophylaxis during a stay in the Cameroon provides the authors with an opportunity to analyze the extension of chloroquinoresistance in Africa. Having appeared there about 10 years ago, it remained for a long time localized in East Africa. In recent years, it has moved West. Today, 17 countries located from the North to the South between Sudan and Mozambique, and from East to West between Kenya and the Cameroon are affected, as are the Malagasy Republic, the Comores and Zanzibar. The strains resistant to chloroquine are still sensitive to amodiaquine. In certain regions which are widespread in the continent, resistance to pyrimethamine has become evident in the last 30 years; resistance to pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine-dapsone has appeared in the last 3 years in East Africa. In the light of the complexity of the problem of malaria chemoprophylaxis, the authors emphasize the necessity of resensitizing the public at large with respect to personal protection against biting anopheline mosquitos, especially during the hours of darkness. The medical profession should equally be made aware of these new problems. Three types of chemoprophylaxis in relation to the areas visited are proposed: the first for West Africa; the second for Central Africa, neighbouring regions and the Malagasy Republic and the Comores; the third for the 3 East Africa countries the most affected, which are Kenya, Burundi and Tanzania.

[Absence of the antigen H:z66 in 2355 strains of Salmonella typhi from Madagascar and several countries of tropical Africa].

Abstract: The presence of the new flagellar antigen H:z66 (Guinee, 1981) was investigated among 2,355 strains of S. typhi isolated from 1981 to 1985 in Madagascar and some countries of tropical Africa: Burundi, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Mauritania, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Senegal, Zaire. A method based on the immobilization of motile strains in soft agar with immunserum anti-H:d, was used to detect strains carrying antigen H:z66. No African and malagazy strains had antigen H:z66, irrespective to their biovar, phage-type, drug susceptibility and geographical origin. These results were compared with a study of 2,121 indigenous or imported strains of S. typhi isolated in France during the same period. Except 4 strains from patients contaminated in Indonesia, all of them were also devoid of antigen H:z66. Future research is needed for a complete assessment of the geographical distribution of S. typhi antigen H:z66.

[Evaluation of immunological and entomotological indices of yellow fever in Pointe-Noire, People's Republic of Congo].

Abstract: The authors report the results of a serological sample survey managed to evaluate the prevalence of two types of yellow fever antibodies, connected with an entomological survey, in the town of Pointe-Noire in the People's Republic of Congo. According to the high rate of non protected people, the high level of entomological indices and the characteristics of local environment, this densely populated town may be considered as an area exposed to a potential hazard of a yellow fever outbreak. A vaccinal strategy ought to be planned according to this situation.

[Epidemiological study of intestinal helminthiasis in 4 Barombi villages (Cameroon-South-West Province)].

Abstract: The prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis is measured by means of stool examinations. Larvae of S. stercoralis are seen in 9.8% of the specimens, eggs of A. lumbricoides in 51.4%, eggs of T. trichiura in 85.2% and eggs of N. americanus in 64.1%. Strongyloidiasis occurs in foci and affects 16.8% of the inhabitants in one of the studied villages.

Isolation of a new orbivirus Kindia (Palyam group) from ticks Amblyomma variegatum in the Republic of Guinea

Abstract: A new arbovirus named "Kindia" has been isolated from ticks Amblyomma variegatum in Guinea (West Africa), district Kindia. This virus is classified into Palyam group of Orbiviruses, due to its physico-chemical, biological and antigenic properties.

Parasitoses digestives de l'enfant scolarisé en République du Niger

Abstract: Coprologic surveys realized in schoolchildren in a few western areas of the Republic of Niger provided the following results. Concerning protozoa, the prevalence of amebiasis-infestation is strong in all the studies areas, giardiasis is more frequent in dry areas. As for the helminths, Hymenolepsis nana is met everywhere, the prevalence of ancylostomiasis decreases gradually from the south to the north and the endemic area of Schistosoma mansoni is limited to the extreme south of the country. The other helminthiasis are rare.

[Evaluation of different-stage levels of ciguatera toxicity of the marine food fish chain found around Saint Barthélemy Island in French Antilles].

Abstract: A total of 259 specimens of 32 potentially ciguatoxic fish species from St-Barthelemy, Leeward Islands in the Caribbean sea were checked for ciguatoxin. It was found that flesh and viscera from 229 specimens belonging to 27 species (essentially bottom-dwelling species) were ciguatoxic. No correlation between toxicity and species size or diet was demonstrated since five of the six highly ciguatoxic species Seriola dumerili, Caranx latus, Caranx bartholomaei, Caranx ruber and Scomberomorus cavalla are large roving predators feeding mainly on fishes while the last species (Alphestes afer) is a benthic resident of very small size (less than 300 g) which feeds mainly on invertebrates. Small (less than 1 kg) benthic carnivorous fishes (invertebrate feeders), such as Bodianus rufus, Priacanthus arenatus, Mulloidichtys martinicus, Malacanthus plumieri and Halichoeres radiatus, are significantly ciguatoxic and play an important role in the transmission of ciguatoxin in the food chain. Other ciguatoxic species included large carnivorous fishes and the small surgeon Acanthurus bahianus. Furthermore, additional results suggest that most of edible benthic species from Saint-Barthelemy harbour ciguatoxin as well, though at an extremely low level. The ciguatera food chain in the Caribbean sea is therefore comparable with that described in the Pacific Ocean, except concerning small invertebrate feeders since their role in this chain is demonstrated for the first time.

[Forécariah virus, a new representative of the Bhanja antigenic group, isolated in the Republic of Guinea].

Abstract: A new arbovirus named "Forecariah" has been isolated from ticks Boophylus geigy in Republic of Guinea (West Africa), district Forecariah. This virus is classified into Bhanja antigen group, due to its physico-chemical, biological and antigenic properties.

Caractéristiques climatiques des zones d'endémie et modalités épidémiologiques de la dracunculose en Afrique

Abstract: In Africa, the endemic areas of dracunculiasis are concerning two climatic zones: the sudano-sahelian zone which is characterized by the alternation of a short rainy season and a long dry season, and the libero-nigerian zone which is characterized by two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The pluviometry in each zone determines a specific cyclic evolution of the cyclops (the vectors of the disease) in the ponds which are the most important places of the transmission. The climatic cycle having an annual rhythm as the cycle of dracunculiasis (12-14 months), the result is for each zone a constant period during which the epidemiological conditions of the transmission are the more satisfied and during which the disease rages to the utmost: beginning of the rainy season (May-June) in the sudano-sahelian zone and right in the dry season (December-February) in the libero-nigerian zone. During the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade, it is important that the strategies of control as the national programs of control take into account these epidemiologic features of dracunculiasis.

[Biological assay of ciguatoxin in the chicken: analysis of the symptoms induced and toxicity of extracts of ciguatoxic chickens of the island of Saint Barthelemy].

Abstract: L'injection de ciguatoxine au poussin induit divers symptomes parmi lesquels on remarque une baisse de la temperature corporelle, une ataxie prononcee, une salivation importante et un arret de la croissance. L'etude des potentiels de toxicite realisee par determination de diverses DL 50 montre que le poussin est 2 a 5 fois plus sensible au moins que la souris. Le poussin apparait donc comme un animal tres avantageux pour l'etude de la ciguatera au laboratoire

La lieshmaniose: dans les Alpes-Maritimes de 1975 à 1984

Abstract: 1000 cas ont deja ete depistes. De nombreuses questions restent en suspens concernant la prevalence exacte de l'endemie canine, la biologie des vecteurs potentiels et la possibilite d'un reservoir sauvage de parasites