Immunohematological reference values for healthy adults in Burkina Faso

Reference ranges for peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were generated for 186 healthy adults in Burkina Faso using single-platform flow cytometry. CD4(+) T-cell counts ranged from 631 to 1,696 cells microl(-1); they were lower in males (n = 97) than in females (n = 89), whereas natural killer cell counts were higher.     

Cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected patients at Bobo-Dioulasso hospital (Burkina Faso)

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important fungal pathogen in immunocompromised patients. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in patients admitted to Bobo-Dioulasso Hospital over a 3 year-period. During this period, cryptococcal meningo-encephalitis was diagnosed in 36 individuals. The median age of the patients under study was 34.25 years. There was a male preponderance (24 males/12 females) in our report. Typical presentations were persistent headaches (27 cases/36), neck stiffness (16/36), altered consciousness (14/36), fever (12/36) and convulsions (9/36). Oral candidiasis coexisted with cryptococcal meningitis in 7 patients. HIV serology was positive in all patients. At diagnosis, lymphocytes counts were < 1500/mm3 in 66.66% patients. CSF examination with India ink helped to the diagnosis of cryptococcosis in all cases. Cryptococcus neoformans was associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae in 4 patients. 15/36 patients died within 1 to 29 days after admission. High mortality was related to delayed diagnosis. Cryptococcal meningitis highly contributes to mortality in HIV-infected patients in Burkina Faso and it may occur in patients not severely immunocompromised patients. A need exists to improve strategies for clinical management of AIDS patients in poor African countries.     

A clinical and serologic survey of bejel in north Burkina Faso

A clinical and serological survey of endemic syphilis was carried out during March 1986 in a sahelian area of North Burkina Faso. Differences were found in the prevalence rate of clinical lesions and serological positivities between the children of different ethnic groups. For all the survey, 7.5% of the 5-14 years old children had clinical lesions and 22% had antibodies against Treponema. These rates were 3% and 41% among the adults. The results of this survey were strikingly near of those of a survey carried out 5 years before in the same area. Endemic syphilis appeared highly stable.     

Distribution of ABO and RHD blood group antigens in blood donors in Burkina Faso

Geographical distribution of ABO and RHD antigens is important for blood transfusion services and population genetics studies. There are few data on this topic in Burkina Faso, a multi‐ethnic country. Our study aims at reporting phenotypic and allelic frequencies of ABO and RHD blood groups among voluntary blood donors from various ethnical regions of Burkina Faso. We conducted a cross‐sectional study including 81,486 blood donors. ABO allelic frequencies were determined using the Bernstein method. Differences in phenotypic distribution of blood groups were assessed using the chi‐square test; a p value <0.05 being considered as statistically significant. We noticed that O+>B+>A+>AB+>O‐>B‐>A‐>AB‐ in our population. Phenotypic frequencies of blood groups A, B, O and AB were respectively 22.54%, 28.56%, 43.30% and 5.60%. RHD+was 92.24%. The allelic frequencies of A, B, O and D were respectively 0.1524; 0.1887; 0.6590 and 0.7214. We noticed statistical differences (p < 0.05) between these administrative regions which corresponded roughly to some natural ethnic areas. Indeed, the phenotype O was more frequent in the Central‐west, Central and East regions corresponding to “Mossi,” “Gourounsi,” “Gourmantché” areas while the phenotype A and AB were more reported in “Boucle du mouhoun” and “Hauts‐Bassins” regions where we have “Bwaba” and “Bobo.” The phenotype O negative was less frequent in “Bwaba.” Our study provides interesting information to blood services that will allow them to better refine their donor recruitment strategies.     

Infibulation complications: three vaginal plastic surgeries at Kossodo (Burkina Faso)

From 01 November 2000 to 31 October 2001, three cases of infibulation were referred to the gynecological and obstetrical sanitary branch of Kossodo, which corresponds to 1.6% frequency. It concerns young patients (average age = 19 years), Mossi, who had an excision done between age 6 and 14. The main reason for reference was the impossibility to have sexual intercourse. There were no post chirurgical consequences. The possible consequences are psychological trauma, dyspaneuria, dystocy of flabby tissues during future deliveries.     

Reference change values of blood analytes from physically active subjects

The analysis of blood constituents allows the detection of various physiological or pathological states when their values are increased or decreased in relation to a well-defined reference group or to themselves if monitored longitudinally. In the latter case, it is important to know the reference change value (RCV) or critical difference, which defines the percentage change that should be exceeded—given the analytical and biological variations inherent to a particular test, in that there is a significant difference between the two consecutive measurements. Our objective was to calculate the biological variation, analytical variation and RCV of the biochemical and hematological parameters in subjects undergoing 4 months of regular aerobic training. Blood samples (10 mL) were collected monthly from 56 male subjects (17–19 years old). Creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, creatinine and urea concentrations were measured in sera using an Autolab Boehringer analyzer. Hemogram were obtained from total blood using KX-21 N SYSMEX^? equipment. The RCV values for leukocytes and all biochemical analytes were elevated compared to the literature values of sedentary subjects. On the other hand, the RCV values for red blood cell count were slightly lower in physically active than in sedentary individuals. Knowledge of analyte RCV values within physically active subjects should improve the sensitivity/specificity of the hematological and biochemical alterations induced by training or the use of recombinant form of erythropoietin through blood parameter analysis, particularly in cases of longitudinal monitoring.     

Plasma lipids profile of non treated HIV infected adults in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Many authors reported metabolic perturbations in connection with HIV infection. The aim of this studies was to determinate plasma lipids profile in non treated HIV infected adults in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). The results obtain with 187 HIV infected patients showed a significative (p < 10(-6)) high level of LDL, triglycerid, atherogenic indice; HDL was decreased. The atherogenic risk is increased with lymphocytes CD4 depletion. Plasma lipids levels must be consider in the choice of antiretroviral treatment.     

Peripheral neuropathies revealing HIV infection at the Hospital Center of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Several peripheral neuropathies are associated with human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infection. In Africa, certain diseases are of particular importance. In the present work, we report peripheral neurological involvement as revealing signs of HIV infection within the internal medicine unit of a large city over a 2-year period. All adult subjects with a positive HIV serology revealed by a peripheral neuropathy observed in the National Hospital Centre of Bobo-Dioulasso over a two-year period (1 January 1999 and 31 December 2000) were included in the study. 46 cases of peripheral neuropathies revealing HIV infection were screened. Peripheral facial paralysis concerned 25 patients, 15 women and 10 men, in the early stages of HIV infection. The average age was 34 years. For 80% of the patients, he CD4 count was over 200. 5/10 cases of polyneuropathy occurred at the early stage of the HIV infection. Herpes zoster occurred in the early stages in 5/7 cases. 3/4 cases of polyradiculopathy occurred at a later stage with CD4 count under 200. Our study indicates clearly that isolated peripheral facial paralysis, sensitive polyneuropathy, herpes zoster and polyradiculopathy in young adults should lead to HIV testing.     

New-onset seizures in patients with immunodeficiency virus infection in Bobo-Dioulasso Hospital (Burkina Faso)

Seizures are common in advanced stages of immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV-infected outpatients and inpatients in the national hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso among whom seizures occurred had been recruited over four years. There were mainly male (30/13) with an average age of 35 years with extremes ranging from 22 to 60 years. New-onset generalised seizures occurred in all cases of cryptococcal meningitis or partial motor secondary generalised in 64% among patients with suspected cerebral toxoplasmosis due to the efficiency of the treatment of the antitoxoplasmic proof. Identified causes such as suspected cerebral toxoplasmosis (65%), suspected tuberculous meningitis (7%) as CSF culture is not available, cryptococcal meningitis (16%) were found in this study. In four cases among 43 patients, no identified causes could be determined. CD4 lymphocytes count which was available in 24 patients was under 200/41 in 74% of the cases. This study indicates clearly that seizures in young adults are strongly associated with focal brain lesions and cerebral toxoplasmosis is becoming an important cause of seizure in tropical area. This should imply a screening of toxoplasmosis with new-onset seizure in young people.     

Neurologic manifestations associated with HIV infections at the Bobo-Dioulasso Hospital Center (Burkina Faso)

Neurological manifestations of HIV infection are frequent and diverse. Diagnosis is often difficult due to geographical factors. 686 of the 3409 patients admitted to the Internal Medicine ward of Bobo-Dioulasso in 1995-1996 were HIV seropositive. This represents a prevalence of 20.1%. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 101 patients with neurological problems during the study period are reported in this paper. This case series represents 14% of the HIV-positive admissions. The mean age was 35.7 years and 43% of the cases were aged 30 to 40 years. Sex-ratio was 1.6 male for 1 female. Focal deficits were observed in 36 of cases. Peripheral neuropathy (37%), meningitis or meningoencephalitis (20%), fitting (8%) and myelitis (8%) were the other clinical presentations. The etiology of the focal deficits was not ascertained because of the lack of tomodensitometry, specific serology and necropsy. Any neurological manifestation in a HIV seropositive patient should prompt investigations in order to diagnose those infections which can be treated, especially Toxoplasma gondii abscess and Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis.     

Compared characteristics of peripheral facial paralysis according to HIV status in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Facial paralysis is a well-described manifestation of HIV infection. We report 27 cases of peripheral facial paralysis observed at Bobo-Dioulasso Hospital in a prospective study over a period of 9 months: 55 of the cases were HIV positive and 12/15 (80%) were in the 20-39 age group. Nine out of 11 females and 6 out of 16 males were seropositive. 13 of the cases were at stage B of CDC classification and 2 at stage C. ESR was elevated in all the HIV patients. CSF examination revealed lymphocytic pleiocytosis, elevated proteins and a positive HIV serology. CD4 counts were obtained in 8 cases and were under 400/mm3 in 4 cases. The clinical presentation was more severe in HIV seropositives with a longer duration of symptoms. Isolated peripheral facial paralysis associated with an elevated ESR in young adults suggest HIV infection and should lead to HIV counselling and testing.     

Lack of knowledge among blood donors in Burkina Faso (West Africa); potential obstacle to transfusion security]

BackgroundThe measures recommended to reduce TTD include clinical selection of donors, based on a standardized questionnaire which aims to find out antecedents and behaviours predicting transmitted diseases within donors. The effectiveness of this measure is well established in the industrialized countries where the level of education of the population may support a greater receptivity of donors about this procedure. What is happening in developing one?AimThis study was carried out to assess knowledge attitude and behaviours among blood donors regarding blood and transfusion safety in Burkina Faso.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out in the blood bank of the teaching hospital of Ouagadougou. In addition to the routine questionnaire, 544 included blood donors were subjected to additional questions seeking to specify their behaviours, knowledge and attitude towards TTD diseases and screening.ResultsDonors were from 16 to 57 years of age (mean age : 28 ± 7.9 years). The majority of donors were male (71.2%). Family donors represent 52% and first time donors 55%. About 30.8% were illiterate or of primary school level. A percentage of 14.4 donate to access HIV testing and 30.7% will donate blood immediately to check any contamination in case of exposure. There was no difference between donors having been informed about their HIV status in the past and the other donors regarding HIV, HBs Ag and VHC results.ConclusionsThis study suggests that there is some great need for donors’ education on transfusion safety. There is also need for staff training in donors’ management.     

Reference values of serum biochemical parameters in adult male and female ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

Blood samples were randomly collected from 110 (40 male and 70 female) 20-week-old healthy ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), and serum biochemical parameters were investigated. Significant differences in serum total protein, cholesterol, creatinine, total bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were found among both males and females. Total protein values were higher in female ring-necked pheasants, whereas the values of cholesterol, creatinine, and ALP were higher in males. No significant sex-based differences were observed for other values.     

Schistosomiasis in the region of Ziga (Burkina Faso) before the construction of a dam]

The authors report the results of a survey on schistosomiasis in the zone of Ziga (Burkina Faso) where a dam is going to be built. They examined 438 children aged from 7 to 15 years in 5 villages. The appraisal of macroscopic or microscopic hematuria, urine filtration, stool analysis and ultrasonographic examination made possible the assessment of the prevalence and severity of both schistosomiasis. The area was hyperendemic for urinary schistosomiasis. The general prevalence of S. haematobium was higher than 46% and 55% of the children presented at least one lesion of the bladder and 2% of hydronephrosis at ultrasonography. Intestinal schistosomiasis was not observed although few cases have been described in the regional hospital and intermediate host snails have been collected in the area. A surveillance of schistosomiasis, based on school surveys, was strongly recommended in the dam area.     

In vitro antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of five medicinal plants from Burkina Faso

After ethnobotanical surveys in central and western regions of Burkina Faso, five plants namely Lantana ukambensis (Verbenaceae), Xeoderris sthulmannii (Fabaceae), Parinari curatellifollia (Chrysobalanaceae), Ozoroa insignis (Anacardiaceae), and Ficus platyphylla (Moraceae) were selected for their traditional use in the treatment of parasitic diseases and cancer. Our previous studies have focused on the phytochemical, genotoxicity, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of these plants. In this study, the methanol extract of each plant was tested to reveal probable antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities. Colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods were used for the detection of antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities. Leishmania donovani (LV9 WT) and Trypanosoma brucei brucei GVR 35 were used to test the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities, respectively. All extracts of tested plants showed a significant antitrypanosomal activity with minimum lethal concentrations between 1.5 and 25 μg/ml, the L. ukambensis extract being the most active. In the antileishmanial test, only the extract from L. ukambensis showed significant activity with an inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 6.9 μg/ml. The results of this study contribute to the promotion of traditional medicine products and are preliminary for the isolation of new natural molecules for the treatment of leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis.     

Dengue in Burkina Faso (ex-Upper Volta): seasonal epidemics in the urban area of Ouagadougou

During the rainy season of 1982 30 patients (29 european and 1 voltaic) presented with an intense dengue-like syndrome in Ouagadougou city. 73.3% of these cases possessed anti-flavivirus fluorescent antibodies while 30%, were positive for specific anti-Dengue IgM antibodies. Vero type E 6 cell cultures were used to isolate six strains of Dengue 2 virus; monoclonal antibodies were used for viral identification. These strains constitute the first isolates of human Dengue virus in Upper Volta. Authors present conditions of virus isolations, describe the observed syndrome and discuss the epidemiological interest of this outbreak.     

Phlebotomines (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Burkina Faso. A note on the sandfly species collected in domestic resting sites

A total of 1,394 sandflies were collected in the domestic resting sites of Ouagadougou areas and in two villages of the East region of Burkina Faso using pyrethrum spray catch, oiled papers and miniature CDC light traps during the rainy season in 1984 and 1985. Thirteen species were identified, one belonging to the genus Phlebotomus and the others to the genus Sergentomyia. S. antennata (34.94%), S. bedfordi (16.64%), S. clydei (14.42%), S. schwetzi (13.20%), P. duboscqi (8.46%), S. adleri (7.03%) and S. africana (2.87%) were in order of percentage the more abundant species. The abdominal stages of the sandfly species caught in the human habitations are described. P. duboscqi, the suspected vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the area, seems to have a preferential domestic biotope.