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PubMed2005

Identification of measles virus genotypes from recent outbreaks in countries from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

BACKGROUND: Molecular characterization of measles viruses (MV) helps to identify transmission pathways of the virus and to document persistence or interruption of endemic virus circulation. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, measles genotypes from only few countries have been documented. OBJECTIVES: This study reports the genetic characteristics of virus strains from recent measles outbreaks in Tunisia, Libya, Syria and Iran in 2002-2003. STUDY DESIGN: Virus sequences in the nucleoprotein gene were obtained by PCR amplification of virus isolates or serum samples. The sequences were compared to the reference ones for genotype identification and to other published sequences within the same genotype. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The Tunisian and Libyan epidemic strains belonged to genotype B3, they were closely related to each other and to isolates from Western Africa. The Syrian and Iranian viruses belonged to genotype D4, and differed from each other and from the other published sequences within this genotype. Our results provide valuable baseline and new tools for improved virological measles surveillance in the future, at country, regional and global levels.

DNA, Viral↗

PubMed2005

In vitro effects of four tropical plants on three life-cycle stages of the parasitic nematode, Haemonchus contortus.

Alcoholic extracts of four tropical plants (Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Newbouldia laevis, Morinda lucida and Carica papaya) were screened in vitro for potential anti-parasitic effects against eggs, infective larvae and adult Haemonchus contortus. Significant effects were obtained with all four plants but differences were observed depending on the parasitic stage. The effects of the four plant extracts were similar on egg hatching and were dose dependent. In contrast, no dose-response relationship was found for infective larvae and adult worms, although more potent effects were usually observed with the highest concentrations. Using a larval inhibition migration test, extracts of fagara (Z. zanthoxyloides) were found to be less active against Haemonchus infective larvae than were the other plants. N. laevis was found to be highly and rapidly effective against adult worms. Overall, these in vitro results suggest that these four plants, traditionally used by small farmers in Western Africa, do possess anti-parasitic properties. These effects remain to be confirmed through in vivo studies.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Serum procalcitonin in uncomplicated falciparum malaria: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin (PCT) has been found elevated in complicated forms of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Its usefulness has almost never been assessed in uncomplicated falciparum malaria. METHOD: We assessed diagnostic and prognostic value of PCT in a prospective series of 25 adults with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Patients originated mainly from western Africa and were infected during a stay back in their native country (19 semi-immune and 6 non-immune subjects; 11 had not received any chemoprophylaxis). RESULTS: Parasitaemia ranged from 0.01 to 3%. Eighteen patients had their first PCT determined at admission or within 24h thereafter (mean +/- SD: 3.0 +/- 4.6 ng/ml; range: 0.1-19.7). PCT was higher than 0.5 ng/ml in 14 patients (78%), higher than 2 ng/ml in 7 (39%). PCT correlated with parasitaemia (r = 0.53; p = 0.027), not with C-reactive protein (CRP). Delay between first symptoms and diagnosis was much longer among patients with PCT higher than 2 ng/ml than among those with a lower PCT. CONCLUSION: PCT was often elevated in uncomplicated malaria, especially when delay between first symptoms and diagnosis was long or parasitaemia was high (prognostic marker).

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Phylogeography and molecular evolution of Newcastle disease virus across a century of global surveillance.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) remains one of the most economically important avian pathogens worldwide, causing recurrent outbreaks in poultry despite decades of vaccination and disease control efforts. Since the first reported outbreak of NDV a hundred years ago, numerous molecular epidemiological studies have been conducted globally across diverse geographic and production settings. Following a century of NDV circulation and evolution, the present study aimed to compile all publicly available NDV sequence data and perform a comprehensive global analysis of the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship, and global spatiotemporal distribution of NDV over a 100-year timescale. All publicly available NDV complete genome and full-length fusion (F) gene sequences were retrieved from GenBank up to February 2026. Following rigorous quality control, phylogenetic analyses were performed based on complete genomes and F gene datasets. Phylogenetic analysis identified two genotypes within Class I and 20 genotypes within Class II NDVs, with extensive diversification at the sub-genotype level. Genotype XIII exhibited the greatest sub-genotypic diversity, while genotype VII represented the most globally disseminated genotype, reported across 36 countries. Chronological assessment based on the earliest available reports indicated an increasing number of recognized genotypes from the 1930s to recently described sub-genotypes such as XIII.2.3 and XXII.2.2. Regional diversity analysis revealed the highest genotype diversity in Western Africa, Eastern Asia, and Southern Asia. Comparative residue analysis demonstrated substantial genotype-specific variation within critical functional domains of the fusion protein, including cleavage sites, neutralizing epitopes, and heptad repeat regions. Overall, this study provides the first comprehensive 100-year global overview of NDV evolution and phylogeography. The findings highlight continuous viral diversification, broad geographic dissemination of multiple genotypes, and ongoing molecular variation, emphasizing the need for sustained genomic surveillance and periodic evaluation of vaccine compatibility with emerging NDV genotypes.

100-years of data↗

PubMed2003

Achieving a paradigm shift in environmental and living resources management in the Gulf of Guinea: the large marine ecosystem approach.

The Gulf of Guinea is situated in the narrow protrusion of eastern Equatorial Atlantic between latitudes 2 degrees S and 5 degrees N and longitudes 8 degrees W to 12 degrees E, spanning a coastline length of approximately 130 nautical miles. The dominant feature of this shallow ocean off the coast of countries in Western Africa is the Guinea Current. The distinctive bathymetry, hydrography, productivity and trophodynamics of this shallow ocean qualify it as a large marine ecosystem (LME) and is indeed recognized as the number 28 of the 64 delineated LMEs globally. This area is one of the world's productive marine areas that is rich in fishery resources, oil and gas reserves, precious minerals and an important global reservoir of marine biological diversity. Unfortunately, pollution from residential and industrial sources has affected the waters of the Gulf of Guinea resulting in habitat degradation, loss of biological diversity and productivity, and degenerating human health. In reversing this trend of marine environmental degradation, the countries of the region adopted an integrated and holistic approach using the LME concept to sustainably manage the environmental and living resources of the region. The concept is predicated on the fact that marine environmental pollution and living resources respect no political or geographical boundaries and so require a holistic and regional approach for its management. The Gulf of Guinea countries through the Global Environment facility funded regional/communal project on water pollution control and biodiversity conservation achieved a paradigm shift in living resources and environmental management in the region using the LME concept.

Atlantic Ocean↗

PubMed2006

Human African trypanosomiasis: Epidemiology and control.

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, describes not one but two discrete diseases: that caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and that caused by T. b. gambiense. The Gambian form is currently a major public health problem over vast areas of central and western Africa, while the zoonotic, Rhodesian form continues to present a serious health risk in eastern and southern Africa. The two parasites cause distinct clinical manifestations, and there are significant differences in the epidemiology of the diseases caused. We discuss the differences between the diseases caused by the two parasites, with an emphasis on disease burden, reservoir hosts, transmission, diagnosis, treatment and control. We analyse how these differences impacted on historical disease control trends and how they can inform contemporary treatment and control options. We consider the optimal ways in which to devise HAT control policies in light of the differing biology and epidemiology of the parasites, and emphasise, in particular, the wider aspects of control policy, outlining the responsibilities of individuals, governments and international organisations in control programmes.

Africa↗

PubMed2001

Reproduction studies in the rat with shea oleine and hardened shea oleine.

Shea oleine is an oil fraction derived from the nut of the tree Butyrospermum parkii, which grows in central and western Africa. There are several uses of shea oleine including its use as a frying oil and, after hardening, in margarine and toffee fat. This investigation was performed to examine the toxicity of 7 or 15% hardened shea oleine in comparison with 7 or 15% unhardened shea oleine and various commercially available materials, sheanut and palm oils, cocoa butter and toffee powder following dietary administration to rats during pre-mating, mating, pregnancy and offspring weaning in two separate investigations. Reproduction was assessed using number of litters and pups born plus survival and body weights at birth and at weaning on day 21. Skeletal evaluation using X-ray, clinical pathology and a macroscopic examination were also performed for F1 rats. Study measures for parent animals comprised evaluation of body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology, organ weights and macroscopic examination. Fatty acids and hydrocarbon levels were measured and an evaluation for lipogranulomata was made for various tissues. Results showed that shea oleine, whether unhardened or hardened, produced no evidence of reproduction toxicity and gave a similar profile to the other commercially available materials used in this study in the rat. Minor findings with shea oleine were not related to reproduction performance but comprised slightly reduced body weight gain and reduced cholesterol and raised alkaline phosphatase levels. None of the findings in this study were considered to be of toxicological significance. Thus, no evidence of reproduction toxicity was seen for both unhardened and hardened shea oleine in this investigation in the rat at levels equating to greater than 7.5 g/kg/day.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2003

Phytomedicines for the prostate.

Phytomedicines are becoming more popular all over the world. Prostate cancer patients and those with benign prostatic hyperplasia are increasingly exploring the use of complementary alternative medicine especially due to the risk of mortality and long-term morbidity associated with surgical procedures. The incidences of prostate diseases are continually rising and the effect of phytomedicines already tested do provide relief, are well comparable with that of traditional forms of treatment. This paper reviews the phytomedicines used in Africa, Western countries and China as a treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and prostate cancer. Herbals which hold potential promise are mentioned, although much research is still required.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Human monkeypox: an emerging zoonosis.

Human monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis endemic to central and western Africa that has recently emerged in the USA. Laboratory diagnosis is important because the virus can cause disease that is clinically indistinguishable from other pox-like illnesses, particularly smallpox and chickenpox. Although the natural animal reservoir of the monkeypox virus is unknown, rodents are the probable source of its introduction into the USA. A clear understanding of the virulence and transmissibility of human monkeypox has been limited by inconsistencies in epidemiological investigations. Monkeypox is the most important orthopoxvirus infection in human beings since the eradication of smallpox in the 1970s. There is currently no proven treatment for human monkeypox, and questions about its potential as an agent of bioterrorism persist.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Mitochondrial portrait of the Cabo Verde archipelago: the Senegambian outpost of Atlantic slave trade.

In order to study the matrilineal genetic composition in Cabo Verde (Republic of Cape Verde), an archipelago that used to serve as a Portuguese entrepôt of the Atlantic slave trade, we have analysed a total of 292 mtDNAs sampled from the seven inhabited islands for the hypervariable segment I (HVS-I) and some characteristic RFLPs of the coding regions. The different settlement history of the northwestern group of the islands is well reflected in the mtDNA pool. The total Cabo Verde sample clearly displays the characteristic mitochondrial features of the Atlantic fringe of western Africa and testifies to almost no mitochondrial input from the Portuguese colonizers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Influence of birth interval and child labour on family energy requirements and dependency ratios in two traditional subsistence economies in Africa.

The consequences of different birth intervals on dietary energy requirements and dependency ratios at different stages of the family lifecycle are modelled for Gambian agriculturalists and !Kung hunter-gatherers. Energy requirements reach a peak at between 20 and 30 years after starting a family for the Gambians, and between 15 and 20 years for the !Kung. For the Gambians, shorter birth interval confers no economic advantage over the traditional birth interval of 30 months. For the !Kung, the lack of participation in subsistence activities by children gives an output:input ratio in excess of that reported in other studies, suggesting that they are in a state of chronic energy deficiency.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Association of household demographic variables with child mortality in Côte d'Ivoire.

The associations between household demographic variables and mortality of children aged less than five years were investigated using data from the 1998 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Western Africa. Of the total of 1992 children born to women included in the study population during the 5-year period preceding the survey, 260 (13%) had died and 1732 (87%) were alive at the time of the survey. Logistic regression analyses used to compare biosocial variables between the deceased and living children showed that the sex of the child, birth interval and mother's occupation were associated with child's survival status. After adjusting for their effects, household demographic variables (i.e. number of household members, number of household members under 5 years [HM-5Y], number of household members 5 years or older [HM+5Y], the proportion of HM-5Y among all household members, and the ratio of HM-5Y to HM+5Y) were shown to be associated with the child's survival status. This study provided insight into the effects of intra-household competition among children and availability of care-givers as potential determinants of child survival. The results indicate that improvement of the childcare environment and reproductive intervention are necessary to reduce child mortality in West African countries.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Dietary changes in African urban households in response to currency devaluation: foreseeable risks for health and nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of currency devaluation on dietary change and nutritional vulnerability of poor households in two African capital cities. DESIGN: A qualitative study based on 120 semistructured individual interviews and four focus group discussions in each city. SETTING: Dakar, Senegal (western Africa) and Brazzaville, Congo (central Africa). SUBJECTS: All of the subjects were randomly selected women from modest or poor households, who spoke the local common language and were responsible for household meal preparation. Only those likely to restrict the dynamic of focus group discussions (because of language, age or education) were excluded. RESULTS: Changes were found in meal preparation characteristics (frequency, sharing pattern) and meal composition. There was frequent depletion of fat and vegetable contents in meals, frequent elimination of desserts and even the elimination of one daily meal. These changes specifically affected economically disadvantaged and socially isolated households, and those headed by women. Other changes were the reduction in the size of consumption units and the development of neighbourhood-specific street food - which has been a growing trend in Brazzaville since the outset of the economic crisis but is more recent in Dakar. CONCLUSIONS: If lasting, these changes pose a dual health risk, i.e. reducing dietary diversity and altering the bacteriological quality of prepared meals. In addition, attempts to reduce the consumption units were found to upset community ties that bind these societies.

Congo↗

PubMed2004

Effect of essential oils on the growth of Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin contamination in corn.

Essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from local plants in Benin, western Africa, and oil from seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their efficacy against Fusarium verticillioides infection and fumonisin contamination. Fumonisin in corn was quantified using a fluorometer and the Vicam method. Oils from Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum basilicum, and Ocimum gratissimum were the most effective in vitro, completely inhibiting the growth of F. verticillioides at lower concentrations over 21 days of incubation. These oils reduced the incidence of F. verticillioides in corn and totally inhibited fungal growth at concentrations of 8, 6.4, and 4.8 microL/g, respectively, over 21 days. At the concentration of 4.8 microL/g, these oils did not affect significantly fumonisin production. However, a marked reduction of fumonisin level was observed in corn stored in closed conditions. The oils adversely affected kernel germination at 4.8 microL/g and therefore cannot be recommended for controlling F. verticillioides on stored corn used as seeds, when used at this concentration. The oil of neem seeds showed no inhibitory effect but rather accelerated the growth of F. verticillioides.

Cymbopogon↗

PubMed2002

The antimalarial and cytotoxic drug cryptolepine intercalates into DNA at cytosine-cytosine sites.

Cryptolepine, a naturally occurring indoloquinoline alkaloid used as an antimalarial drug in Central and Western Africa, has been found to bind to DNA in a formerly unknown intercalation mode. Evidence from competition dialysis assays demonstrates that cryptolepine is able to bind CG-rich sequences containing nonalternating CC sites. Here we show that cryptolepine interacts with the CC sites of the DNA fragment d(CCTAGG)(2) in a base-stacking intercalation mode. This is the first DNA intercalator complex, from approximately 90 solved by X-ray crystallography, to bind a nonalternating (pyrimidine-pyrimidine) DNA sequence. The asymmetry of the drug induces a perfect stacking with the asymmetric site, allowing for the stability of the complex in the absence of hydrogen bonding interactions. The crystal structure of this antimalarial drug-DNA complex provides evidence for the first nonalternating intercalation and, as such, provides a basis for the design of new anticancer or antimalarial drugs.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed2000

Geographic and breed distribution of an Msp I PCR-RFLP in the bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene.

Information is presented on the frequency of the Msp I (-) allele in the third intron of the bovine growth hormone gene in a large number of cattle breeds. Consideration of the breed frequencies in relation to their geographic origin shows a low frequency for breeds originating in Northern Europe, moderate frequencies for breeds originating in Eastern Europe or the countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin, and very high frequencies for breeds originating in the Indian subcontinent. Consideration of breed frequencies in relation to breed type, shows low to moderate frequencies for the humpless breeds, high frequencies for the humped breeds. Various explanations for this distribution are discussed, among them the possibility that the Msp I (-) allele originated in the Bos indicus breeds of the Indian subcontinent, from which it diffused through the humpless Bos taurus breeds of Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, eventually reaching Western, Northern Europe, Western Africa in low frequencies.

Alleles↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Dermatitis and eosinophilia in a 9-year-old girl from Congo: putative onchodermatitis].

Onchocercosis or riverblindness, caused by the filaria ochnocerca volvulus, is endemic in many countries of central and Western Africa. Symptoms of the disease can occur years after the infection, chronic itching dermatitis is the first sign, without treatment blindness may develop after years. Onchodermatitis is a hyperreactive course of onchocercosis with massive eosinophilia and elevated IgE, which suppresses a microfilarial spread through the body. Here, we report about the case of an 9-year-old girl who immigrated from the republic of Congo at the age of seven and has been living in Germany for more than two years. Presumably she suffered from onchodermatitis. She presented papular, indurated and itching skin lesions with pigmentary changes, predominantly located at the limbs. Remarkable results of blood tests were 11,000/microl (60 %) eosinophils and IgE 28 000 KU/l, ECP > 200 mg/l, without a history of atopic diseases. HIV, Strongylosis and Loa Loa were excluded. Anti filaria antibodies were detected in a concentration of 51 AKE, microscopy of skin samples failed to detect the parasites. After a single dose of Ivermectin the dermatitis improved, after two weeks the itching was absent, results of repeated blood tests tend to normalize in the following months. Due to the long lifespan of filaria in humans, the disease occurs years after infection in endemic areas. The differential diagnosis for itching skin lesions with high eosinophils in children from developing countries should include onchocercosis.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

[Surgical worm extraction in loa loa ophthalmia].

BACKGROUND: Loa Loa is a chronic parasitemic disease which is endemic in the tropical rain forests of Western Africa. Vector of this disease is a mangrove fly with the name Chrysops. Besides the eye worm and skin affections a systemic infection with microfilariae is common. PATIENT: A West African tourist from Bangibe showed up at the university eye clinic. His complaints were a red eye and a mobile subconjunctival tumor (Fig. 1) that showed vermiform movements. The worm was transparent and 4-5 cm in length. After topical anaesthesia and the attempt to paralyze the worm (1) with Pilocarpine 2% it vanished. Two days later the patient showed up in the morning for the planned blood test. No worm was visible at that time but at noontime the blood test was carried out and at that time the worm was visible in the nasal conjunctiva. This time the worm was removed without delay under topical anaesthesia. The worm was fixed with a forceps through the conjunctiva which was opened for 0.5 cm. The worm was grasped with a second forceps and drawn out under massive vermiform movement. Systemic therapy was recommended with Hetrazan (Diethylcarbamazine) using Corticosteroides and Antihistamine to minimize allergic side effects by the therapy due to the systemic microfilariae blood load. Eosinophilia was 8%. CONCLUSIONS: A subconjuctival Loa Loa worm can be removed under topical anaesthesia by fixing it with a forceps through the conjunctiva and opening it and grasping the worm with a second forceps. According to our experience the paralyzation with Pilocarpine cannot be realized. Careful systemic therapy avoiding reported allergic side effects with Hetrazan which is not available in Germany is necessary.

Adult↗