Evaluation of the Integrated Management Program for Acute Malnutrition in the Douentza Health District, Mopti Region, Mali

Introduction: Malnutrition is a major public health problem in Mali, despite the efforts of the government, its technical and financial partners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrated management program for acute malnutrition (IMPAM). Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from January to December 2020 in the Douentza health district. The study included anyone with at least one malnourished child aged 6 to 59 months in their care who agreed to take part in the study, community health center staff who had given their consent, and the URENI manager at the Douentza reference health center. Data collected via questionnaires were entered into Excel and then analyzed using Epi-Info version 7 software. Results: A total of 138 acutely malnourished children aged 6 - 59 months, including 71 girls (51.45%), 138 accompanying mothers and 11 health workers, were included in our case study. Among the malnourished, 54.34% were in the 12 - 23 months age group and 69.57% had the severe form. 93% of the mothers interviewed were satisfied with the care provided, and all the health staff interviewed stated that community conflicts had an impact on IMPAM’s activities. Cure rates were 81% in Moderate Outpatient Nutritional Recovery and Education Unit (URENAM), 84% in Severe Ambulatory Nutritional Recovery and Education Unit (URENAS) and 92% in Recovery and Intensive Nutritional Education Unit (URENI). Drop-out rates were 19% in URENAM, 16% in URENAS and 0% in URENI. The death rate was 8% in URENI and 0% in URENAM and URENAS. Conclusion: This study confirms the high prevalence of malnutrition in the district (10.54%). It also reveals that factors such as inter-community conflict and insecurity have seriously affected the IMPAM program.

Corneal Blindness Caused by Accidental Ocular Use of Chlorhexidine (Hexz) Gel in Two Newborn Born in the Health District of Kati in Mali

Introduction: Corneal opacities in children are relatively common. In children, it is urgent because of the risk of irreversible amblyopia. The causes of these blindnesses vary considerably according to the regions of the world. Chlorhexidine digluconate is a broad-spectrum antiseptic directed against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It has been used as an antiseptic for more than 50 years, both in humans and in animals. However, despite these benefits, it can cause serious damage if applied to the eyes. Incidents of eye damage with 7.1% chlorhexidine have been reported to WHO across Africa. Observation: We report and write two cases of bilateral corneal blindness caused by accidental ocular use of chlorhexidine (HEXZ) GEL 7.1% in two newborns in the health district of Kati in MALI. The ophthalmological examination had revealed corneal opacity, conjunctival hyperaemia and limbic ischemia greater than 50% in 1 eye out of 4, corresponding to stage IV of the ROPPER HALL classification;2 eyes out of 4 were at stage III and 1 eye out of 4 was at stage I of the same classification. Conclusion: It is essential to ensure correct use of chlorhexidine digluconate gel 7%. It is an antiseptic which should not be used on the ocular and auditory mucous membranes, at the risk of most often permanent burns.

Bilateral Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CRSC) in Pregnancy Complicated with Retroplacental Hematoma: About a Case

Introduction: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is associated with serous sensorineural retinal detachment in the macular region. The condition that affects the male gender more than their female counterpart results from focal leakage disturbance of retinal pigment epithelial cells and choroidal abnormalities. The corticosteroid is highlighted as one of the major factors that promote the occurrence of CSCR. Stress and pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, have also been reported by some authors. Central serous chorioretinopathy associated with pregnancy complicated by retroplacental hematoma is a rare event. Observation: We report the case of a pregnant woman at approximately 34 weeks of amenorrhea who presented a sudden and severe drop in visual acuity on a pregnancy complicated by retroplacental hematoma and delivered by cesarean section. The diagnosis was based on clinical arguments associated with photos of the retina made by the MII Ret Cam device (Made In India, Retinoscope Camera) highlighting the lifting of the macular region. Ophthalmological monitoring without medical or physical treatment was instituted. At two months of progression without treatment, bilateral visual acuity was 10/10. Conclusion: Central serous chorioretinopathy and pregnancy is not unusual;however, its bilateral and brutal form in a context of pregnancy complicated by retroplacental hematoma is rare. Despite this favorable evolution, monitoring remains necessary in order to prevent recurrences and complications.

Complications of Sinusitis: About 9 Cases in the Ear Nose &Throat (ENT) Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Touréin Bamako

Objective: This study aims to analyze clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects of sinusitis complications in the Otorhinolaryngology department at the teaching hospital of Gabriel Toure in Bamako. Materials and methods: This descriptive and longitudinal study was conducted on 12 months from March 2012 to February 2013 in 9 cases of sinusitis complications in the department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University Hospital Gabriel Toure in Bamako. Results: The average age of patients was 22.7 years;a median of 19 years within 6 men and 3 women with almost 12.9 days of care seeking duration. The factors of risky were the use of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs NSAID (4 cases), maxillofacial trauma (1 case) and HIV (1 case). Facial pain was the major symptom, such as frontal oedema, rhinorrhea with pus shedding and nasal obstruction. Computer tomography was used for complications specification. Frontal sinusitis was the most encountered with subperiosteal abscess (44.4%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in 3 cases. Medical treatment associated to surgery was conducted on 7 patients. Two cases of death have been registered. Conclusion: The complicated sinusitis is an emergency and dangerous disease requiring specific care by a multidisciplinary staff. Much of complications are commonly encountered despite the antibiotic era.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Rural Environment in Mali

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an optic neuropathy that affects the patient’s quality of life. The present study aims to write the socio-economic factors influencing the management of glaucomatous patients in rural areas. This was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out from October 19 to 31, 2017 in a rural town. The variables studied were age, sex, occupation, level of knowledge about the disease and its treatment, average monthly income, accessibility of eye care service, health insurance membership, degree of severity of the disease. The frequency of POAG was 5.68%. The average age of the patients was 52 years old with extremes ranging from 25 to 73 years old;the female sex was the most represented with 19 cases out of 36 or 52.77%. 66.67% of our patients were at their first ophthalmological consultations. Health insurance coverage was 2.78%. The average monthly income was 10,000 to 25,000 FCFA in 58.33%. More than half of our glaucomatous patients, 63.89%, think they are affected by their disease. 80% of patients are unaware that they have eye disease. Many lost vision in one or both eyes and were unaware of the disease affecting their eyes. Accessibility to health services and their costs seem to be a factor, in addition to illiteracy.

Isolation of Six Phosphate Dissolving Rhizosphere Bacteria （Bacillus subtilis） and Their Effects on the Growth, Phosphorus Nutrition and Yield of Maize （Zea mays L.） in Mali

The disadvantages of the long term application of Tilemsi natural phosphate （TNP） on maize （Zea mays L.） production has come out because of its low P availability. Some functional soil microbes, such as phosphate dissolving bacteria, have great potential in improvement of P solubility from TNP and P uptake by plants. The present study aimed to isolate and characterize typical phosphate dissolving bacterial strains （Bacillus subtilis） from Malian soils, and investigate their role in P uptake by maize grown in soils amended with TNP. The experimental design was a split plot with three main plots of fertilizers sources, i.e., natural phosphate, commercial fertilizer and without fertilizer, and with seven sub-plots of six microorganisms plus the control. The field experiment results have shown that the maize inoculated with the phosphate dissolving bacteria was improved in seed germination, plant growth, plant production （increase yield by 42%）, grain and aerial dry biomass （P） content of 34% and 64%, respectively. They have also shown that the locally available TNP can be used by the Malians farmers in maize culture and have comparable production to the one obtained with the costly imported commercial phosphate fertilizer, like the complex cereal. The project has provided information for the combined use of the Mali TNP and phosphate dissolving bacteria Bacillus subtilis subsp, subtilis （T）： DSM 10 in improvement of maize production in the country.

Staphylococcus xylosus Isolation of Conjunctival Secretions in an 8-Year-Old Child at Sikasso Hospital (Mali): About a Case

Staphylococcus xylosus is a species of bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus. This genus currently includes several species and subspecies. We distinguish between 2 groups: the group of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), a larger group that includes more than forty species and subspecies. Among the CoNS, Staphylococcus xylosus occupies a special place because it is frequently isolated from meats, dairy products, and agricultural environments. It is commonly used in fermentation due to its primary role in the flavor and color development of fermented products. It is a commensal bacterium of the skin of small mammals and farm animals, where it constitutes the majority of flora. In this species, there are a large number of strains, including phenotypes and genotypes. Although S. xylosus is actually a recognized non-pathogenic species, a few strains can be potentially dangerous. They can thus be responsible for mastitis and dermatitis in cattle. With the multiplicity of breeding farms, the consumption of livestock products and the increasingly frequent contact of humans with animals a few rare cases of human opportunistic infections have also been reported in the literature. These include pyelonephritis, endocarditis, urinary, lymphatic, and lymph node infections, contamination of orthopedic materials and catheters. Thereby, we report the case of a lingering and chronic infection of the lacrimal tract by Staphylococcus xylosus in an 8-year-old child in the Ophthalmology Department of Sikasso hospital in Mali.