Biological Profile and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients Receiving Neuroleptics at the Psychiatric Department of the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville

Several studies report the problem of cardiovascular tolerance of treatments with neuroleptics, given the important number of morbidities in patients with mental illnesses. This preliminary work aimed to describe the epidemiological and biological profile of patients taking neuroleptics and followed in the psychiatry department of Brazzaville University Hospital, from the angle of cardiovascular risk. Fifty (50) patients (17 men and 33 women), with a mean age of 33.9 10.7 years, were included. Epidemiological data (sex, age, tobacco or alcohol consumption) were collected on pre-established survey forms. Biochemical (total cholesterol, HDL-c, triglycerides and atherogenicity index) and inflammatory parameters (ultra-sensitive CRP, troponin I and NT-ProBNP) were investigated using enzymatic and indirect immunofluorescence technical, respectively. The results obtained showed that 54% of patients were obese, 94% were non-smokers, and 12% had high blood pressure. 10% of patients had high total cholesterol levels and 90% had HDL cholesterol levels below 60 mg/dl. Triglycerides and atherogenicity index were significantly elevated in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI). Ultrasensitive CRP was elevated in 38% of patients. In conclusion, this study revealed an association between lipid parameters (triglycerides and atherogenicity index) in relation to BMI in patients taking neuroleptics followed in the Psychiatry Department of University Hospital Center of Brazzaville.

Benign Nasosinus Tumors: Epidemiological, Clinical, Morphological, Therapeutic, and Evolutionary Aspects at the Adolphe SICE General Hospital in Pointe-Noire (Congo-Brazzaville)

Introduction: Benign nasosinus tumors (BNST) of epithelial origin are relatively rare and arise from the various lining tissues of the nasal and sinus cavities, and from glands developed from these epithelial invaginations. These include nasosinusal polyps, pleiomorphic adenoma and inverted papilloma. The aim of our study was to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, morphological, therapeutic, and evolutionary particularities of these three clinical entities, including two tumors with the potential for progressive malignancy (pleiomorphic adenoma and inverted papilloma) and one strictly benign tumor with a favorable evolution (nasosinus polyp or Schneider polyp). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2019 (13 years), in the Department of Otolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery at Adolphe SICE Hospital, Pointe-Noire, Congo-Brazzaville. Results: During the study period, 74 patients were registered for a nasosinus tumor, of which 23 were benign tumors of epithelial origin (31%) distributed as follows: 15 cases of nasosinus polyp, 5 cases of pleomorphic adenoma and 3 cases of inverted papilloma. The mean age was 42.5 for polyps, with an estimated median of 38, and 42.9 for the other two entities (pleomorphic adenoma and inverted papilloma), with an estimated median of 41. Nasosinus allergy accounted for 17% of cases, followed by chronic sinusitis (12%);however, in 49% of cases, the patient’s history was not specified. There was no sexual predominance, the sex ratio being 1.08. Occupation, socio-economic level, and education had no impact on the development of these tumors. Most of our patients (52%, 12 cases) had a consultation delay of more than one (1) year, whatever the histological nature of the tumor. The complete nasosinus syndrome (NSS) included nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, and anosmia, and was found in 19 cases (83%), most often reflecting a nasosinus polyp. CT scans were performed in all patients, with hyperdense images predominating in 22 cases. Management of benign nasosinus tumors was mainly surgical. Postoperative management was straightforward in 15 cases (65%). Conclusion: Benign nasosinus tumors are dominated by nasosinus polyps. Management of these tumors is essentially surgical, with the best clinical outcome.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Epidemiological, Clinical and Endoscopic Aspects in Brazzaville

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is a real health problem worldwide. It is the most common chronic bacterial infection in the world, and is particularly prevalent in developing countries. Objective: To determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection and to study the epidemiological, clinical and endoscopic characteristics associated with this infection in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from January to November 2020, i.e. 11 months. This work focused on 100 symptomatic patients over 18 years old referred for upper GI endoscopy. Gastric biopsies for biological study by urease test and molecular study by real time PCR technique were taken. Results: With a mean age of 46.32 ± 15.20 years, the frequency of Hp infection was 91%, with a female predominance of 53%. The sex ratio was 0.92. The average age was 46.32 ± 15.20 years. Carriage of the infection was more important in households with more than 3 persons, in patients consuming public tap water and in those using both types of sanitary facilities. Endoscopy was indicated for epigastralgia in 93.1% of cases. About 56.14% of the infected patients had normal mucosa versus 12.28% with ulcerated lesions and 22.81% with gastritis. Conclusion: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is significant in Congo, justifying early detection in order to improve management.

泻阴补阳合巨刺法治疗脑卒中后肌张力障碍120例

目的:观察泻阴补阳合巨刺法治疗脑卒中后肌张力障碍的临床疗效。方法:将120例患者随机分为泻阴补阳合巨刺针刺组(A组)、传统针刺合巨刺针刺组(B组)、泻阴补阳针刺组(C组)和传统针刺组(D组),每组各30例。A组给予泻阴补阳合巨刺针刺法,B组给予传统针刺合巨刺针刺法,C组单纯给予泻阴补阳针刺法,D组给予传统针刺。观察各组患者治疗前后Fugl-Meyer运动功能评分情况。结果:各组患者治疗前后Fugl-Meyer积分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),A组治疗后的Fugl-Meyer积分高于B组、C组和D组,与C组、D组比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:泻阴补阳合巨刺法能有效提高脑卒中后肌张力障碍肢体功能活动评分,能有效改善患者的肢体运动功能,提高患者的自身生活能力。

Association between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein or Interleukin-6 Levels among Congolese Adults

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components have been linked to elevated serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The aim of our study was to address the association between MetS components with serum hs-CRP and IL-6 levels among Congolese adults. A total of 357 participants (aged 30 - 87 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics were collected and fasting blood sampled for assessment of fasting blood glycaemia (FBG), lipids and inflammatory parameters using commercially available assays. NCEP-ATPIII criteria were used to define MetS. The Median (IQR) hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were higher in participants with MetS than in those without ([7 (4, 14) versus 6 (4, 8)] mg/L;p = 0.092 and [23.8 (20.9, 27.6) versus 22.3 (19.5, 25.0)] pg/mL;p = 0.002). hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in females with MetS than in those without, but not in males. Among participants, only TG was correlated with hs-CRP (r = 0.149, p = 0.007), and a significant correlation was observed between TG (r = 0.116, p = 0.037), FBG (r = 0.208, p = 0.000), HDL-C (r = −0.119, p = 0.034) and SBP (r = 0.143, p = 0.010) and IL-6. In males, hs-CRP levels were positively correlated with TG (0.316;p = 0.000), negatively with HDL-C (r = −0.290, p = 0.0022), without such correlations in females. In Ames, IL-6 levels were positively correlated with FBG (r = 0.202;p = 0.035), and negatively with HDL-C (r = −0.249, p = 0.009). Significant correlations between IL-6 levels and FBG (r = 0.214;p = 0.000) or SBP (r = 0.227, p = 0.000) were observed in females. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the relationship between MetS components and hs-CRP or IL-6. Values of area under receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves suggest potential use of serum hs-CRP (AUC = 0.675) and IL-6 (AUC = 0.656) as diagnostic biomarkers of MetS. Combination of hs-CRP and IL-6 improved diagnosis accuracy, yielding a 0.698 ROC curve area. MetS components are associated with hs-CRP and IL-6 levels among adults Congolese. Combining the two biomarkers hs-CRP and IL-6 improves Mets diagnostic accuracy compared to hs-CRP or IL-6 alone.

泻阴补阳合巨刺针刺法治疗脑卒中后肌张力障碍的疗效观察

目的:观察泻阴补阳合巨刺法治疗对脑卒中后肌张力障碍患者日常生活活动能力的影响。方法:120例脑卒中后肌张力障碍患者采用随机分组的方法分为泻阴补阳合巨刺法针刺组A组和传统针刺合巨刺法针刺组B组、泻阴补阳针刺法组C组、传统针刺法组D组,每组各30例患者,每位患者均在脑卒中的西医常规治疗方法的基础上进行治疗。治疗前后采用日常生活活动能力(ADL)评分量表的方法。结果:泻阴补阳合巨刺法对脑卒中后肌张力障碍的改善优于其他3组。结论:泻阴补阳合巨刺法对脑卒中后肌张力障碍的治疗效果显著,能有效的改善患者的肢体运动功能和生活能力。

泻阴补阳合巨刺针刺法治疗脑卒中后肌张力障碍Ashworth痉挛量表的临床疗效观察

目的:观察泻阴补阳合巨刺法治疗脑卒中后肌张力障碍Ashworth痉挛量表的临床疗效。方法:120例脑卒中后肌张力障碍患者采用随机分组法分为治疗组A组和对照组B、C、D组,治疗组采用泻阴补阳合巨刺针刺法,对照组B组采用传统针刺法合巨刺法,C组采用泻阴补阳针刺法,D组采用传统针刺法,每组各30例患者,每位患者均在脑卒中的西医常规治疗方法的基础上进行治疗。治疗前后采用Ashworth痉挛量表进行评定。结果:泻阴补阳合巨刺法对脑卒中后肌张力障碍的治疗效果明显优于对照组。结论:泻阴补阳合巨刺法对脑卒中后肌张力障碍的疗效显著,能有效改善患者的运动功能和生活能力。

泻阴补阳合巨刺针刺法治疗脑卒中后肌张力障碍运动功能评级Brunnstrom的疗效观察

目的:观察泻阴补阳合巨刺法治疗脑卒中后肌张力障碍运动功能评级Brunnstrom的临床疗效。方法:120例脑卒中后肌张力障碍患者采用随机分组的方法分为泻阴补阳合巨刺法针刺组A组、传统针刺合巨刺法针刺B组、泻阴补阳针刺法组C组、传统针刺组D组,每组各30例患者,每位患者均在脑卒中的西医常规治疗方法的基础上进行治疗。治疗前后采用运动功能评级Brunnstrom评分量表的方法。结果:泻阴补阳合巨刺法对脑卒中后肌张力障碍的改善优于其他3组对照组。结论:泻阴补阳合巨刺法对治疗脑卒中后肌张力障碍有很好的临床疗效,优于传统针刺疗法,能达到有效的改善患者的肢体运动功能的目的,并提高患者的生活能力。

Biological Markers of Undernutrition and Risk of Complications in Children Hospitalized at the Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville

Introduction: Undernutrition is a condition frequently encountered in pediatrics. It leads to an increased morbidity and mortality regardless of the underlying condition or other risk factors such as age. In countries with limited resources such as ours, the diagnosis of undernutrition is often limited to the clinical presentation, and the contribution of biology is not often taken into account. Objectives: To establish the relationship between anthropometric parameters and biological markers in the diagnosis and classification of undernutrition and to assess the risk of infectious complications during undernutrition in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Brazzaville among undernourished children aged 1 - 59 months between October 2018 and April 2019. Clinical diagnosis was based on WHO growth charts. The CRP, orosomucoid, albumin and transthyretin were obtained using the Cobas c311 analyzer, which enabled the calculation of Prognostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (PINI). The comparison of the means of the biological markers used the Student’s t-test, the risk of infectious complications the chi-square. The correlation of the diagnostic value of Z-score weight/height and PINI was also investigated. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Of the 95 children enrolled 63 (66.3%) were clinically severely malnourished, including 26 acute (41.3%) and 37 chronic (58.7%). The PINI revealed severe undernutrition in 85 children (89.4%) including 50 acute (58.8%) and 35 chronic (41.2%). CRP and orosomucoid were statistically higher in severe acute undernutrition (p Conclusion: Anthropometric parameters have a front-line advantage for assessing and classifying undernutrition. However, biological markers of undernutrition with PINI should be systematized in the diagnosis and management of undernutrition.

Hematological and Biochemical Profile of Sickle Cell Patients in Critical and Inter-Critical Periods in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a public health problem in the Republic of Congo where the prevalence of sickle cell trait is estimated at 1.25%. The objective of this study is to describe the variations of hematological and biochemical parameters of hemolysis in sickle cell patients in critical and inter-critical periods. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study including sickle cell patients followed regularly at the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease (CNRDr) from November 2019 to March 2020. A sample of 167 patients (sickle cell subjects in crisis and in steady state as well as control subjects) was randomly selected during the study period. The blood count was performed using a Sysmex-XN 350 automated system and the biochemical parameters were determined using the Cobas e 311 automated system. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 22 software. Results: The study showed that the mean cholesterol level in controls was 4.16 ± 0.77 ul compared with 9.64 ± 4.34 ul in sickle cell crisis subjects. Hb and HCT levels were significantly higher in controls compared with sickle cell subjects in crisis. During crisis, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, triglycerides, LDH, AST, and CRP were significantly elevated. Hematological parameters such as Hb and HCT were elevated in controls, while the mean WBC value and RET were higher in sickle cell patients in steady state. The mean values of the biochemical parameters were higher in sickle cell patients in steady state. Conclusion: Evaluation of the influence of sickle cell trait on biochemical and hematological parameters showed significant differences between sickle cell and control subjects.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis Delta Virus Transmission among HBsAg Positive Blood Donors in Brazzaville, Congo

Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. It is a major cause of severe acute and chronic hepatitis B. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDV in blood donors. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving HBsAg-positive blood donors covering the period from July to December 2020. Testing for HDV RNA was performed by conventional two-step RT-PCR. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22 software. Result: Of 113 HBsAg positive samples included in the study 22 or 19.5% were HDV positive. The prevalence of HDV was higher in the age group 31 - 45 years (45.5%), in male donors (71.4%) and in donors with secondary education (50.0%). Furthermore, 55.4% belonged to the family donor category. A significant statistical difference was observed between HDV infection, tattoos, piercings and multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of HDV among blood donors in Brazzaville.

Hydrocarbon’s Chronic Kidney Disease

Hydrocarbons are dangerous for health, and American Society of Nephrology has already described renal involvement by Hydrocarbon. The Republic of Congo produces oil but there is no study among these working with hydrocarbon to evaluate their renal status. The patient of 39 years working for 5 years as carrier oil, with high exposure to oil or more than 2 hours per day. He has no history of herbal medicine, no edema, no diabetes, no high blood pressure and he was not suffering from infectious diseases and there was no concept of kidney disease in the family. He was hospitalized for febrile generalized tonic convulsions with impaired renal function. After patient stabilization, clinical and biological examinations allowed us to conclude the chronic glomerulonephritis syndrome in five stages of chronic kidney disease. As creatinine at the entrance was 195 mg/l, clearance was 3 ml/min 1.72 m2 by CKD-EPI. The entrance to the BUN was 3.57 g/l. The albumin to creatinine ratio of urinary of 300 mg/g (ACR) is a glomerular disease. HIV serology test was negative. The abdominal-pelvic ultrasound revealed dedifferentiated kidneys of normal size. The patient received 7 hemodialysis sessions with femoral right catheter with heparin. The evolution was good and the patient was enrolled in chronic hemodialysis. This interference could be regarded as an occupational disease and we wish early detection.

Prevalence and Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus among Women in the Departments of Niari and Bouenza, Republic of the Congo

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are at the origin of many mucosal, benign or malignant skin pathologies. Some so-called high-risk genotypes, especially types 16 and 18, are involved in the genesis of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers in women. To determine the prevalence of HPV infections and to identify oncogenic genotypes circulating in the departments of Niari and Bouenza. A total of 207 cervical samples collected between 2019 and 2020 were studied. Cervico vaginal smears were performed on all samples for cytological analysis, and HPV DNA detection and genotyping were performed on GeneXpert. The average age of the women who participated in this study was 43.67 ± 12.31 years in Niari and 38.29 ± 10.52 in Bouenza with age intervals ranging from 18 to 80 years. Cytological analysis of these samples reported the following prevalences: Normal diagnosed in 89.58% (186/207) cases, ASCUS in 5.31% (11/207) cases, LSIL in 2.89% (6/207) cases, and ICC in 1.93% (4/207) cases. The prevalence of HPV infection was detected in 83.54% (66/186) of women without lesions, 6.32% (5/11) of ASCUS women and 10.12% (8/10) of women with cytological abnormalities [5.06% (4/6) LSIL, and 5.06% (4/4) ICC]. In total, 79 of the 207 women in our study tested positive for one or more HPV-HR types, or 38.16%. In the department of Niari 37.5% (48/128) women tested positive for HPV, and in the department of Bouenza 39.24% (31/79) tested positive for HPV. Multiple infections ranged from two to more than three strains of HPV. No statistically significant association was observed between socio-demographic characteristics and genotyping (p > 0.05). On the other hand, HPV-HR prevalence varied significantly according to cervical cytology (p = 0.001). The results obtained show the predominance of HPV 16 in women in these two departments of Congo.

Managing a Hemodialysis Unit in Times of Pandemic to COVID-19. Experience of Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba General Hospital

This is the description of the prevention and the development of the sessions of hemodialysis in our center hemodialysis to not be contaminated coronavirus. Actions taking are: respect of the measures decreed by the state for prevention. Although these measures are difficult socio-cultural for Africans, they became normal after two weeks. The hemodialysis is made free during this period in our public center. Indeed, the session of hemodialysis was 10,000 francs Africans financial community (CFA in french) or 16.72 American dollar, from the declaration of the state of emergency it has become free. We do hemodialysis free and explanation of covid19 signs in hemodialysis patients systematically. Each patient had the explanation of the pathology and above all we did everything to de-stress the patients, because there is a global psychosis. Cleaning hand before entering the hemodialysis room, we have positioned front of the hospital and before the service and the front of room hemodialysis, seals for washing hands. We monitor the temperature before hemodialysis with a thermoflash or a mercury thermometer for each patient. We made a mandatory to wear masks for all patients during hemodialysis sessions. We shared the masks in loincloth with liners to all the patients a local manufacture.

Shift Work: Impact on Nurses’ Health and Quality Life in Pointe-Noire (Congo)

Introduction: The consequences of shift work on health, psychological balance and socio-family life are multiple and universally known. Objective: The aim of this survey was to describe the impact of shift work on nurses’ health and quality life. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of the exposed and non-exposed type from May 2013 to July 2013, i.e. for a period of 3 months. We had included and divided into two groups the nurses working in the various departments of the Loandjili General Hospital (LGH). A questionnaire derived from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale had been used to collect the data. Results: Of the 91 nurses considered, including 59 in shift work (group I) and 32 in daytime work (group II), significant associations were found between shift work on the one hand and sleep problems on the other hand in all these aspects, stress and appetite disturbances. However, no significant association was found between shift work on the one hand and the use of sleeping pills on the other hand. Fatigue, mood disorders and the notion of free time (at home and for leisure), although the frequencies are relatively high in the group of nurses on shift work. Conclusion: Our results show that nurses’ health, social and family life at Loandjili General Hospital are negatively impacted by shift work. There is a need to put in place means of prevention.

Low Grade Myofibroblastic Sarcoma of the Tongue: A Case Report in an Infant

A case of a 12-month-old male infant, who presented a painless swelling of the right anterolateral edge of the mobile tongue, is reported. The treatment consisted of a partial glossectomy with total surgical excision of the tumor. The diagnosis of low grade myofibroblastic sarcoma on the histological arguments (tumor architecture, cytology, mitotic index) and immunohistochemistry was retained.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Blood Donors in the Republic of Congo

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which erupted in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and has spread worldwide [1]. The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in the Republic of Congo. Method: This is an analytical and cross-sectional study that was carried out during the period from July to December 2021. Biological analyses were performed with the serological tests n2019 rapid IgG/IgM from Beijing Diagreat Biotechnologies and antigen tests from Abbot using the serum for the detection of anti-SARS-Cov-2 antibodies and nasal mucus for the detection of SARS-Cov-2 antigens. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. The Results: Out of 2553 donors recruited in our study, we observed a predominance of male sex with 86.1% or a ratio of 6.19, the age group of 18 - 30 years was dominant with 45.9%, family donation represented 59.2%, the dominant profession was workers with 46.9% and the dominant blood group was O Rh positive with 54%. The prevalence of anti-SRAS-CoV-2 antibodies and antigens were respectively 31.4% for anti-SRAS CoV-2 IgG antibodies, 36.7% for anti-SRAS CoV-2 IgM antibodies and 2.93% for SARS-CoV-2 antigen.

Role of CD4+ and CD8+ T Lymphocyte in the Onset of Stroke in People Living with HIV in Pointe-Noire

Objective: To determine the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the onset of stroke in people living with HIV. Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study from January to July 2019, in the neurology department of loandjili general hospital, including any patient hospitalized for a first episode of stroke confirmed by brain scan. The study variables were: age, sex, CRP value, serum T cell CD4+, CD8+. The statistical analysis was carried out using the EPI info 7 software. Results: Twenty stroke patients were included. The relative frequency of HIV was 20%. The risk factors were potentiated by immunosuppression of CD4+ T cells. Sixty percent (60%) of the patients had a CD4+ count < 200/mm3 and the mean CD4+ count was ±191/mm3. Stroke was the predominant mechanism of injury with a frequency of 70%, the only injury mechanism of stroke in patients with CD8+ T cell count > 800/mm3 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Risk factors are potentiated by TCD4+ lymphocyte immunosupression, also CD8+ lymphocytes of immune system activation marker are a cardiovascular risk factor for living people with HIV.

Benzene Monitoring and S-Phenylmercapturic Acid Determination of Workers at Oil Sites in Congo-Brazzaville

The toxicity of benzene is well known, and its leukemia effect has established. It is a natural constituent of crude oil and the diseases related to its exposure are recognized as occupational diseases. Objective: To assess occupational exposure of benzene to workers in an oil and gas production company. Materials and Methods: Firstly, it was a descriptive, cross-sectional study which consisted of benzene atmospheric quantification in a sample individual measurement of a homogeneous exposure group of workers. Secondly, urinary assays of S-phenylmercapturic acid have been performed at the end of the shift in the selected workers. Results: The study has included 79 (47.88%) workers, 17 atmospheric samples were usable and 79 urinary assays at the end of the shift were performed. The average benzene concentration for all sites was 10 times lower than the regulatory average exposure value (1 ppm = 3.2 mg/m3): average: 0.122 pp, median: 0.053 ppm and range: 0.019 - 1.448 ppm. All 79 urinary assays of S-phenylmercapturic acid with a biological exposure index of less than 25 μg/g creatinine: mean: 0.70 μg/g creatinine, median: 0.52 μg/g creatinine and extends: 0.23 to 6.7 μg/g creatinine. Conclusion: Exposure was below to the limit value for benzene in both atmospheric metrology and biometrology. Therefore it is an occupational group with low exposure to benzene. Thus, the medical supervision will be adapted according to the potentially exposing tasks.

Stroke and HIV: Correlation between Viral Load and Type of Stroke

Introduction: The role of immunosuppression of TCD4+ lymphocytes in the onset of stroke in people living with HIV has been reported in numerous studies examining the co-morbidity of stroke and HIV. Objective: To determine the correlation between the viral load and the type of stroke. Methodology: This was a 7-month cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in the Neurology Department of Loandjili General Hospital in Pointe-Noire. The study population consisted of patients living with HIV who had a stroke confirmed by brain scan. The sero-immunological investigation consisted of looking for T lymphocyte typing from two kits: a CD4+ T lymphocyte typing reagent kit (BD FACS Presto TM) and a GeneXpert kit for viral load (Xpert®HIV-1 Viral Load). The database was made from the 2010 version of Microsoft Excel. Results: We included 16 patients living with HIV, 56% of whom were women with a sex ration of 0.78. The mean age was 56.92 ± 11.21. The mean number of TCD4+ lymphocytes was 413.44 ± 677.95/mm3;minimum: 93/mm3;maximum: 2854/mm3. The mean viral load was 17,996.31 ± 20,982.22/mm3;minimum: 1002/mm3;maximum: 67,229/mm3. No significant difference between the viral load and the occurrence of the stroke (p = 0.13). Conclusion: Our study did not show a causal link between viral load, immunosuppression of TCD4+ lymphocytes and the onset of stroke.