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PubMed2003

Catastrophic ape decline in western equatorial Africa.

Because rapidly expanding human populations have devastated gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) and common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) habitats in East and West Africa, the relatively intact forests of western equatorial Africa have been viewed as the last stronghold of African apes. Gabon and the Republic of Congo alone are thought to hold roughly 80% of the world's gorillas and most of the common chimpanzees. Here we present survey results conservatively indicating that ape populations in Gabon declined by more than half between 1983 and 2000. The primary cause of the decline in ape numbers during this period was commercial hunting, facilitated by the rapid expansion of mechanized logging. Furthermore, Ebola haemorrhagic fever is currently spreading through ape populations in Gabon and Congo and now rivals hunting as a threat to apes. Gorillas and common chimpanzees should be elevated immediately to 'critically endangered' status. Without aggressive investments in law enforcement, protected area management and Ebola prevention, the next decade will see our closest relatives pushed to the brink of extinction.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Immune status to poliovirus among immigrant workers in Israel.

BACKGROUND: An essential part of the progress towards the global eradication of poliomyelitis is the ongoing evaluation of populations immunity. Migration of unregistered individuals poses a challenge to such estimations. Moreover, partially immunized immigrants might enlarge immunity gaps and facilitate polio outbreaks in their destination countries. OBJECTIVES: To study the level of immunity to polio in adult foreign workers in Israel. METHODS: Foreign workers (n = 145) from the Philippines, India, and Western Africa were tested for neutralizing antibodies against three IPV strains and an outbreak-associated wild virus. Demographic and immunization data were collected by questionnaires. RESULTS: Seropositivity rates and geometric mean titers (GMTs) for the Mahoney (type 1), MEF (type 2), and Saukett (type 3) poliovirus strains and the wild poliovirus type 1 strain were 99.3% (GMT--233.8), 98.6% (GMT--268.5), 99.3% (GMT--89.4), and 99.3% (GMT--139.5), respectively. Higher GMTs were associated with parenthood and older age. African individuals had significantly higher GMTs for the Saukett strain, compared with individuals from the Philippines and India. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a high level of immunity among foreign workers. More serosurveys are indicated in the future in order to monitor the level of immunity in residents in Israel.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) sequences differentiate Anopheles funestus and An. rivulorum, and uncover a cryptic taxon.

Differentiation among the closely related Afrotropical species comprising the Funestus Group is difficult by traditional taxonomic measures. Anopheles rivulorum is the second most abundant and widespread species in the Funestus Group, and is occasionally collected indoors along with the dominant member and major malaria vector, An. funestus. The prospect of misidentification of An. rivulorum as An. funestus prompted the development of a rapid, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for identifying these two species. The ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) was amplified from thirty-five specimens of An. rivulorum collected from the extremes of its range: Eastern Africa (Kenya), Southern Africa (South Africa) and Western Africa (Burkina Faso). The ITS2 region of An. rivulorum ( approximately 380 bp) is sufficiently different in size from the ITS2 of An. funestus ( approximately 700 bp) that these species can be distinguished by agarose gel electrophoresis of PCR products without further manipulation. Comparison of the An. rivulorum and An. funestus ITS2 nucleotide sequences revealed such extensive divergence that meaningful alignment was impossible, except for a 25 bp island near the 5' end. Intraspecific sequence comparisons revealed no variation among An. rivulorum individuals collected from the same country. However, sequence divergence was 2% between specimens from South Africa and Kenya, and nearly tenfold higher ( approximately 19%) between specimens from Burkina Faso and either South Africa or Kenya, an unprecedented level of intraspecific ITS2 divergence in Anopheles. Taken together, these data suggest that the Burkina Faso sample is not An. rivulorum, but rather a cryptic taxon within the Funestus Group.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

In vitro effects of four tropical plants on the activity and development of the parasitic nematode, Trichostrongylus colubriformis.

The in vitro effects of extracts of four tropical plants (Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Newbouldia laevis, Morinda lucida and Carica papaya) on the egg, infective larvae and adult worms of Trichostrongylus colubriformis were screened for potential anthelmintic properties. Significant effects were observed with the four plants on T. colubriformis but they differed depending on the stage of the parasite. Extracts of each plant induced a dose-dependent inhibition of egg hatching. Using a larval inhibition migration test, the effects on the infective larvae were also detected with the four plant extracts. In contrast, for adult worms, the effects were statistically significant only for N. laevis and C. papaya. No significant activity was shown for M. lucida and Z. zanthoxyloides. These in vitro results suggest the presence of some anthelmintic properties associated with these four plants, which are traditionally used by small farmers in western Africa. These effects need to be studied under in vivo conditions.

Africa, Western↗
PubMed1991

Antibodies to type D retrovirus in talapoin monkeys.

Sera from 154 African non-human primates were screened for the presence of antibodies to type D retrovirus proteins. Four of five talapoin monkeys (Miopithecus sp.) captured in western Africa were positive for antibodies to type D retrovirus by ELISA and by immunoblot reactivity. Talapoins are the only African non-human primates that have so far shown evidence for type D retrovirus infection. Thus, talapoin monkeys appear to be a reservoir of type D retrovirus infection.

Africa, Western↗
PubMed1996

Manifestation and epidemiology of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in Africa.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is one of the major threats to cattle health and production in Africa. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, lesions and epidemiology of the disease. The clinical manifestations and lesions are typical and are no different in Africa from those seen in other countries. CBPP is a respiratory disease characterised by pneumonia and serofibrinous pleurisy. The usual form of this disease is acute but chronic forms are frequent, particularly in endemic regions. Hyperacute forms, with a high mortality rate, can be seen at the beginning of outbreaks in newly infected regions. The epidemiology of the disease in Africa is dominated by four factors, namely: cattle are the only species affected, there is no reservoir in wild animals, clinical cases or chronic carriers are the usual sources of infection, through direct contact, and cattle movements play a very important role in the maintenance and extension of the disease. CBPP is widespread in Africa and, according to the Office International des Epizooties and to various reports in 1995, the disease is present in 24 countries of tropical Africa. In western Africa, CBPP is mainly enzootic or sporadic but in some countries the incidence is increasing. The situation in Central Africa is not very alarming. However, in eastern and south-eastern Africa, CBPP has become a major issue, placing southern Africa under direct threat. An evaluation of economic losses due to the disease and the cost-benefit ratio of control programmes is indispensable, since such economic assessments are needed before policy-makers decide on programmes of control or eradication. This is an area which needs to be addressed immediately, as the launching of new campaigns, particularly in eastern and southern Africa, is urgently needed.

Africa↗
PubMed1976

[Filariasis in patients returned from the tropics. Studies on 64 cases].

A discussion is presented on the epidemiological and clinical aspects of filariasis in persons returning from tropical countries. In our population filariasis is mainly imported from central and western Africa, especially Cameroon. Missionaries and voluntary workers spending periods of years in the tropics are particularly exposed. About 50% of the patients are normal on clinical examination and 40% do not even evidence symptoms due to the low parasite density. Therefore, demonstration of the parasite, which is the diagnostic aim, is often very difficult and requires special techniques. Whenever parasite demonstration is impossible, itching, eosinophilia and a positive immunofluorescence reaction are important diagnostic signs, but they may occasionally develop years after the subject's return. Treatment is by diethylcarbamazine and suramine; their administration and side effects are described and 2 cases involving severe reactions due to inadequate treatment are cited.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The results of serological research to determine hepatitis A and B markers in the blood sera of the population of the Republic of Guinea].

The results of examinations of sera from apparently normal urban and rural residents of the Guinea Republic (GR) for markers of viral hepatitis A (anti-HAV) and B (HBsAg) are presented. The number of HBsAg-positive subjects was 16 +/- 1% (1199 serum specimens were examined by direct enzyme immunoassay, EIA, and HI test), the rate of HBsAg findings in sera from children (less than 16 years) and adults (greater than or equal to 16) did not differ significantly (p less than 0.05). The rate of a HBsAg carrier state did not depend on sex and residence of the subjects under study (p less than 0.05). The detection rate of total (IgM + IgG) anti-HAV antibody was 67 +/- 2% (812 serum specimens were examined by a variant of EIA block). The detection rate and titres of anti-HAV in children were higher than in adults, and in urban residents higher than in rural subjects (p less than 0.05). The results of detection of HBsAg and total anti-HAV antibody in the sera of GR residents are close to those obtained in examinations of sera from the populations of countries bordering GR in Western Africa (Senegal, Mali, Liberia) and are typical of Africa as a whole.

Africa, Western↗
PubMed1998

Network analyses of Y-chromosomal types in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia reveal specific patterns of geographic distribution.

In a study of 908 males from Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, the variation of four Y-linked dinucleotide microsatellites was analyzed within three "frames" that are defined by mutations that are nonrecurrent, or nearly so. The rapid generation and extinction of new dinucleotide length variants causes the haplotypes within each lineage to diverge from one another. We constructed networks of "adjacent" haplotypes within each frame, by assuming changes of a single dinucleotide unit. Two small and six large networks were obtained, the latter including 94.9% of the sampled Y chromosomes. We show that the phenetic relationships among haplotypes, represented as a network, result largely from common descent and subsequent molecular radiation. The grouping of haplotypes of the same network thus fits an evolutionarily relevant criterion. Notably, this method allows the total diversity within a sample to be partitioned. Networks can be considered optimal markers for population studies, because reliable frequency estimates can be obtained in small samples. We present synthetic maps describing the incidence of different Y-chromosomal lineages in the extant human populations of the surveyed areas. Dinucleotide diversity also was used to infer time intervals for the coalescence of each network.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Imported malaria at hospitals in Bordeaux (France) in 1987 and 1988. Report of 185 cases].

100 cases of imported malaria were registered in Hospitals of Bordeaux in 1987 and 85 in 1988. Origin of infestation is Africa in 88 p.c. of the cases mainly from Central Africa (50 p.c.) in 1987 and western Africa (67 p.c.) in 1988. The most frequent species was Plasmodium falciparum 73 p.c. in 1987 and 82 p.c. in 1988. Admitted cases in Bordeaux were mainly French (81 p.c.) with a significant male prevailing and young adults. Mean age was 29 for Europeans and 19 for the others mainly Africans. Infestation risk is in close correlation with the duration of stay in endémic zones. It is maximum for stays between 2 and 11 months. Delay for first symptoms to appear following return from an endemic zone depends of species concerned during the first month, 83 p.c. of malaria fever at Plasmodium falciparum during the second quarter, 50 p.c. of fever at Plasmodium vivax, and after one year or more 40 p.c. at Plasmodium ovale. Only 1/4 of the cases were diagnosed during the first 48 hours. Delay in diagnosing may be prolonged and is in relationship with Plasmodium falciparum chemoresistance and self-medication. 21 strains of Plasmodium falciparum were chloroquinoresistant in vitro: 1 from French Guyana, 9 from Western Africa, and 11 from Central Africa. The strain from Guyana was also less sensible to quinine with a IC 50 = 480 nmol/l.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Seroprevalence of retroviral infection in women with different fertility statuses in Gabon, western equatorial Africa.

Seroprevalence of retroviral infection (HIV-1, HTLV-1) in women with different fertility statuses was studied in Gabon (Western Equatorial Africa). The overall prevalence rate of HIV-1 was 1.4% and of HTLV-1, 6.8%. In the primary infertile women the age-adjusted prevalence rate of HIV-1 was significantly higher than in the fertile women (9.3% versus 0.7%) and in secondary infertile women (9.3% versus 2.1%). There was no difference in sero-prevalence of HTLV-1 among women with different fertility statuses, but a steady increase with age was seen. Concomitant infection with HTLV-1 and HIV-1 was observed in two women. In Gabon primary infertile women could be considered a risk group for HIV-1 infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Interpretation of antibodies reacting solely with human retroviral core proteins in western equatorial Africa.

Out of 4176 sera from asymptomatic adults originating from Chad, equatorial Guinea and Gabon tested for HIV-1 antibodies, 146 (3.5%) were positive by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). By Western blot (WB), 20 (0.5%) were positive, i.e. with antibodies to the core and the envelope proteins, 96 (2.3%) were indeterminate, i.e. with antibodies to the viral core proteins only and 30 (0.7%) were negative. On testing for HIV-2 by WB, two of the 96 indeterminate sera had antibodies to the HIV-2 envelope glycoproteins. Two complementary tests were used: a radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) and a HIV EIA recombinant assay (ENVACOR) to check 53 of these indeterminate sera. Forty-one were positive for the p25 protein in RIPA, of which 34 were negative in ENVACOR; six were positive for core proteins only and one was positive for envelope and core proteins using this assay. Twelve of the 53 indeterminate sera were negative in RIPA, of which 11 were negative and one positive for core proteins in ENVACOR. Thus, 42 of these sera remained indeterminate even after the two additional tests which did not allow a distinction between retroviral infection or non-specific reactions. We were able to isolate an unusual HIV-1 virus from lymphocyte cultures of two subjects presenting antibodies directed only against the core proteins.

Africa, Western↗
PubMed2003

Contemporary African food habits and their nutritional and health implications.

Food is fundamental to human survival, in more than just one way. First, food is basic for averting hunger and maintaining health for every human being. Secondly, food satisfies our palate and makes us happy and emotionally and socially content. Third, food constitutes a form of cultural expression. The food we eat should be safe, palatable, affordable, and of the quality that can maintain mental, emotional, physiologic and physical health. Even with globalization that has seen food movements to and from different parts of the world, for most populations in Africa, food is still very locale-specific, especially in the rural farming areas where it is produced. Many locally produced foods have both nutritional and intrinsic value. The types of foods produced in Western Africa are very different from those produced in Eastern Africa. The staple foods, vegetables and the drinks that go with these foods are different. The way food is prepared is also very different in the two parts of Africa. Cultural specificity appears to be more pronounced in Western Africa, involving more secondary processing in the home and more spicing. Data linking food to health, as something that is understood by traditional communities is not easily available. This paper will collate information that discusses people's perceptions in both Western and Eastern Africa, and try to draw comparisons between the two. The paper presents a community picture of food, nutrition and health.

Africa, Eastern↗
PubMed2005

Ethiopia: between Sub-Saharan Africa and western Eurasia.

Ethiopia is central to population genetic studies investigating the out of Africa expansion of modern humans, as shown by Y chromosome and mtDNA studies. To address the level of genetic differentiation within Ethiopia, and its relationship to Sub-Saharan Africa and Eurasia, we studied an 8 kb segment of the X-chromosome from 72 chromosomes from the Amhara, Oromo and Ethiopian Jews, and compared these results with 804 chromosomes from Middle Eastern, African, Asian and European populations, and 22 newly typed Saharawi. Within Ethiopia the two largest ethnic groups, the Amhara and Oromo, were not found to be statistically distinct, based on an exact test of haplotype frequencies. The Ethiopian Jews appear as an admixed population, possibly of Jewish origin, though the data remain equivocal. There is evidence of a close relationship between Ethiopian and Yemenite Jews, likely a result of indirect gene flow. Within an African and Eurasian context, the distribution of alleles of a variable T(n) repeat, and the spread of haplotypes containing Africa-specific alleles, provide evidence of a genetic continuity from Sub-Saharan Africa to the Near East, and furthermore suggest that a bottleneck occurred in Ethiopia associated with an out of Africa expansion. Ethiopian genetic heterogeneity, as evidenced by principal component analysis of haplotype frequencies, most likely resulted from periods of subsequent admixture. While these results are from the analysis of one locus, we feel that in association with data from other marker systems they add a complementary perspective on the history of Ethiopia.

Africa↗
PubMed1993

[Plasmodium falciparum malaria in urban zones of high endemic regions in black Africa. Potential seriousness and possible preventive measures].

By the year 2000, 40% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa (western and middle Africa) will live in urban areas. It is obvious that urbanization reduces the transmission of malaria and make treatment easier. However, excessive optimism is inappropriate in regions where malaria transmission remains intense and where it is unfortunately illusory to hope for any major or geographically extensive reduction in transmission outside urban and suburban areas. In this context, the benefit of a reduction in malarial morbidity could be compromised by the increased risk of severe forms in town-dwellers, who now have little or no immunity, when they venture into the surrounding rural zone. The prevention of malaria during trips to endemic areas has become a reality for sub-Saharan African town-dwellers. We have to conceive and propose specific protective measures. This version of the advice to travellers about malaria, intended for use in Africa, is fairly similar, in theory, to the advice we give in Europe to travellers going to tropical areas: 1) at most, chemoprophylaxis throughout the exposure period plus 2 or 4 weeks after their return; 2) in all cases, protection against anopheles (take and travel with an impregnated mosquito net) and: 3) above all, the systematic and rapid treatment of any suspected attack of malaria (take and travel with a medicine pack containing antimalarials). If it seems vain to hope to be able to apply these measures in the current socio-economic situation in sub-Saharan African, they are nonetheless justified.

Africa South of the Sahara↗
PubMed1994

The changes in the French migratory policy and their consequences upon West Africa.

The author discusses French immigration policy, with a focus on migrant streams from Western Africa. "The purpose is first to highlight convergent and opposed interests between the migratory policy elaborated from 1945 to 1975, during ¿the glorious [thirty years]', and the African migrants' strategies as well as the consequences upon the countries [of origin]. Then, the paper will question the effects of those changes both on the immigrants' behaviours and on the countries [of origin]...."

Africa↗