Prevention of Gastrointestinal Pathologies: Comparative Study of the Microbial Flora of the Sanitary Surfaces of the Toilets of Students and Staff of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University

Pathologies transmissible by hand such as gastrointestinal pathologies constitute a real public health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where hygienic conditions are precarious. This study took place at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University from April to August 2018. The samples were taken from toilet surfaces such as doorknobs, tap heads, flush push buttons and seats WC. A total of three hundred and sixty-eight (368) samples were obtained, including 170 from the staff toilets and 198 from the student toilets. The results revealed the presence of total coliforms, Escherichia spp and Salmonella spp. The surfaces of student toilets were the most contaminated surfaces. The presence of entero-bacteria on the contact surfaces of the toilets of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny university represents a health risk for the university population.

State of Knowledge on the Metabolic Syndrome and NASH in the Ivorian Population: Case of People Attending the Diabetology Endocrinology Service of the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Yopougon (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)

Non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis (NASH), characterized by an excessive accumulation of lipids in the liver, is strongly associated with Metabolic Syndrome, which groups together a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors that make it an emerging public health problem on a global scale. The objective of this study was to review the state of knowledge on Metabolic Syndrome and NASH in the Ivorian population. It was a retrospective study conducted over a period of 2 months at the Diabetes Endocrinology Department of the University Hospital Centre (CHU) of Yopougon. It included all patients of any age and sex who were hospitalized or received consultation. The criteria of the Metabolic Syndrome defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) were used to define and calculate the prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome. Our study found a prevalence of 18.66% of Metabolic Syndrome according to the IDF criteria and a prevalence of 3.33% of NASH in a population of 150 patients hospitalized or received in consultation. There was a predominance of women and older subjects, so the current level of knowledge about Metabolic Syndrome and NASH was low in our study population with only 12%. Indeed, patients over 50 years of age were at higher risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome and NASH. Apart from hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity and arterial hypertension were the most common criteria. Finally, age and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). However, the awareness of the population, the respect of food hygiene and the implementation of recommended strategies are essential elements in the eradication of these different pathologies.

Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Côte d’Ivoire University Hospital

Context/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs mainly and increasingly in developing countries, where the prognosis is particularly poor. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification is used to guide the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification and the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in a University Hospital in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma hospitalized in the hepato-gastroenterology unit of the University Hospital of Yopougon from 01 January 2012 to 30 June 2017 were included. The diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was based on the presence of hepatic nodules on the abdominal ultrasound scan, typical images with the helical scanner associated or not with an increase of the α-fetoprotein higher than 200 ng/ml or with histology. Demographic, clinical, biological and radiological data were determined at the time of diagnosis. Patients were classified according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification. Their treatment was specified. Results: There were 258 patients whose median age was 48.1 years. Viral hepatitis B virus was the primary cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in 64.7% of cases. The severity of the underlying cirrhosis was Child-Pugh A in 12.1%, B in 63.6% and C in 24.3% of cases. The median size of the tumor was 63 mm. The α-fetoprotein level was higher than 200 mg/ml in 56.03% of cases. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)/World Health Organization (WHO) system was ≥2 in 82.9%. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification was A in 1.3%, B in 0%, C in 55.2% and D in 43.5% of patients. There was no transplantation or hepatic resection. Very few patients (1.9%) received radio-frequency curative therapy. The treatment was predominantly symptomatic in 97.8% of patients. During hospitalization 43.7% of patients died. Conclusion: Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs on a liver with severe cirrhosis at a late stage. This does not allow cure treatment and explains a high mortality rate during hospitalization. Hepatitis B virus is the main risk factor and immunization at birth will reduce the incidence of this cancer in Africa.

Dissemination of Resistance Integrons and Genes Coding for Blse and Cabapenemases in the Urban Drainage Network in Cote d’Ivoire

Antibiotic resistance has become a major threat to human health worldwide. Environment, particularly the water environment, has long been overlooked as a player in the antibiotic resistance cycle, although its role remains unclear. These can provide an ideal setting for the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance, as they are frequently affected by anthropogenic activities. The objective of this study was to establish a diffusion map of resistance integrons used as genetic markers of resistance associated with antibiotic resistance conferring genes (ARGs). Total DNA extracts from non-cultivable bacterial communities were used for the analyses. These communities were obtained from wastewater samples from 14 sites upstream and downstream of drainage channels or effluents in the cities of Abidjan, Bouaké, and Yamoussoukro. The results obtained correspond to the number of positives among the treated samples (n = 39). Among the genetic markers of dissemination, class 1 integrons were the most evident in 94.8% of samples in Abidjan (93.3%), Bouaké (100%) and Yamoussoukro (91.6%). Class 2 integrons and class 3 integrons were found respectively in 41% and 51% of all samples. Genes coding for β-lactamases and blaTEM was identified in almost all samples at a rate of 97.4%. A co-presence of the three genes blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M is also remarkable in the sites of the city of Yamoussoukro. Among the genes coding for carbapenemases, only blaKPC 17.94%, blaNDM 30.76% and blaOXA48 38.46% were detected in the samples.

Effect of Biofertilizers on the Agromorphological Parameters of Three Okra Cultivars in Southern Côte d’Ivoire

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is an herbaceous plant of the Malvaceae family. In Côte d’Ivoire, okra production is estimated to be over 193,000 tons. This low production is largely due to poor soils and hardly covers the needs of the population. To remedy this, growers systematically use mineral fertilizers. However, these fertilizers pollute the environment. To find an alternative to chemical fertilization and increase production, the effect of biofertilizers (Spaawet, Retone, Super Gro) compared with NPK mineral fertilizer was evaluated on Divo, Teriman, and Djonan F1 cultivars. The trial was set up in a factorial block design with three replications. Plant height, number of functional leaves, and crown diameter were assessed at 60 days after sowing (DAS). The time to 50% flowering, production time, and fruit yield were calculated. The results showed that the biofertilizer Retone induced the highest heights and number of functional leaves, with averages of 61.89 cm and 29.88 leaves, respectively. The diameter at the crown (17.77 mm) was highest with the NPK mineral fertilizer, and the shortest 50% flowering time, with an average of 47.61 days, was also obtained with the biofertilizer Retone. The NPK mineral fertilizer produced the longest production time, with an average of 35.25 days. The highest yields were obtained using Retone (11.07 t/ha) and NPK (9.52 t/ha) fertilizers. The “Divo*Retone” interaction produced the highest yield with an average of 12.19 t/ha. The biofertilizer Retone could therefore be used as an alternative fertilizer to chemical fertilization in okra crops, given its effect on the parameters assessed.

Multicriteria Analysis by Codification for the Determination of Soil Landscape Units in Forest and Pre-Forest Zones of Cote D’Ivoire: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa

The present study, carried out in the forest (Daloa) and pre-forest (M’Bahiakro) zones of Cote d’Ivoire, aims to determine soil landscape units using the coding method. Geological maps and satellite images (SRTM and Landsat) were used for this purpose. The methodological approach adopted consisted in producing maps of slope, geology, land use and topography using the codification method. These various maps, integrated into a GIS using the coding aggregation method, were used to generate soil landscape maps. Twenty-seven (27) soil landscapes have been identified for the pre-forest zone (M’Bahiakro), with a strong dominance of acid rock over a moderate relief under savannah, forest/degraded forest and crops/fallow. However, the forest zone (Daloa), with forty-one (41) soil landscapes identified over the entire zone, is characterized by a majority of mafic rocks on a medium altitude under forest/degraded forest, water and crops/fallow. The criteria used from the codification method (sum of aggregations) made it possible to predict the spatial distribution of soil map units according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation and reinforcement of soil survey tools. However, a comparative evaluation of the different multicriteria analysis methods for coding and weighting soil landscape unit mapping would enable us to identify the most suitable and efficient method for drawing up base maps for soil surveys.

Contribution of GIS to Soil Landscape Mapping by Multi-Criteria Analysis Using Weighting: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro (Centre) and Daloa (Centre-West) in Ivory Coast

As part of the drive to improve coffee and cocoa production in Ivory Coast, studies are carried out to identify soils that are favourable for these crops. It is therefore necessary to orientate soil investigations based on reliable criteria that best discriminate soil cover. With this in mind, this study is being carried out to help improve survey methods by mapping soil landscapes. It uses GIS and weighted multicriteria analysis. To do this, satellite images were processed and the geological map of the square degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa was reclassified. The results show that relief is the main factor in soil landscape differentiation, with respective weights of 0.58 and 0.67 for the forest and pre-forest zones. In contrast, the weight of geological formation in soil landscape differentiation remains low (0.05 for the forest zone and 0.07 for the pre-forest zone). The criteria used on the base of aggregation sum methods have made it possible to formulate soil landscape mapping prediction functions according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation of soil survey work. Nevertheless, other comparative methods, such as the coding mapping method, could provide elements for discussion to validate the models.

Impact of Plastic Waste on the Human Health in Low-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Background: Plastic pollution is the accumulation of waste composed of plastic and its derivatives all over the environment. Whether in the form of visible garbage or microparticles, as it slowly degrades, plastic pollution poses significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the wildlife that call them home, whether through ingestion, entanglement or exposure to the chemicals contained in the material. Unfortunately, there is a lack of documentation on the impact of plastic waste on human health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL and Web of Science) and gray literature, following the preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), for the impact of plastic waste on human health in developing countries. We included quantitative and qualitative studies written in English and French. We assessed the quality of the included articles using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 3779 articles were initially identified by searching electronic databases. After eliminating duplicates, 3167 articles were reviewed based on title and abstract, and 26 were selected for full-text review. Only three articles were retained. The three articles dealt with practices likely to lead to oral exposure to plastic chemicals in human health, as well as the level of awareness of participants concerning the possible impact of plastic on human health, namely, the use of plastic baby bottles, the use of microwaves to cook food and reheat precooked food, the use of plastic bottles to store water in the refrigerator, water purifier containers with plastic bodies and plastic lunch boxes, the reuse of plastic bags and the inadequacy of treatment facilities. Conclusion: Plastic waste poses different risks to human health at every stage of its life cycle. Hence, strategies must be adopted to raise public awareness of the dangers of plastic waste to their health. Trial registration: The review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (ID = CRD42023409087).

Seasonal Dynamic of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Maize Crop in the Sub-Sudanese Zone of Côte d’Ivoire

In Côte d’Ivoire, maize (Zea mays L) is the second most cultivated cereal after rice. Since the first report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Côte d’Ivoire, maize production in the northern regions has been affected resulting in maize production losses. This study aims to study the seasonal dynamic of Spodoptera frugiperda in maize fields in the sub-Sudanese zone, main zone of maize cultivation in Côte d’Ivoire. The study was done using pheromone trap lures. The results revealed a variation in the moth population at various growth stages during rainy and dry seasons. Notably, the highest numbers of moths were consistently trapped during the whorl stage with counts ranging from 131 ± 35.7 during the rainy season to 70.6 ± 15.01 in the dry season. The lowest numbers of moths were observed during pod maturation, with counts ranging from 30.3 ± 13.05 during the rainy season to 11.7 ± 3.05 in the dry season. Between the 7th and 21st days after sowing, the count of moths displayed a consistent upward trajectory, reaching 188 moths during the rainy season. The damages were particularly observed at whorl stage. The relationship between the numbers of moths and some climatic variables revealed a negative correlation between moths numbers and rainfall (r= −0.44) and relative humidity (r= −0.684). In contrast, there were positive relationships with temperature (r = 0.16), highlighting the significant impact of temperature changes on moth population dynamics. The research highlights the need for integrated pest management strategies that consider climatic factors and growth stages of maize to mitigate the impact of this insect pest on maize.

Effects of Calcium and Magnesium on Phosphorus Availability in Ferralsols and Rice Production in Forest Zones of Côte d’Ivoire

Phosphorus bioavailability has long been a recurring problem in tropical acid soils. A pot experiment was carried out during three (3) successive rice production cycles at Adiopodoumé to evaluate the response of the NERICA 5 rice accession to various doses of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. The experiment was conducted using a randomized split-plot design. The interactive effects of calcium carbonate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg·Ca·ha-1) and magnesium sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg·Mg·ha-1) and Togo natural phosphate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg·P·ha-1) were determined at each production cycle. The results showed that single-dose natural phosphate supplementation for three cropping cycles resulted in an average enrichment of around 2 mg·P·kg-1 after each trial following its continuous dissolution, with an increase in DSP (33.31% to 70.52%). The study revealed one strategy for managing and enhancing native P with cations and another for exogenous P: there would be a synergy of Ca/Mg on native P, whereas an antagonism would characterize the two parameters in phosphate fertilization.

Calcium-Magnesium Ca/Mg Ratios and Their Agronomic Implications for the Optimization of Phosphate Fertilization in Rainfed Rice Farming on Acidic Ferralsol in the Forest Zone of Ivory Coast

This study is a contribution to improving rice productivity on acidic plateau soils of the tropical rainforest zone. It is based on taking into account the cationic balances of the soil in order to optimize the phosphorus (P) nutrition of rice on these acidic soils, where this nutrient constitutes a limiting factor for agricultural production. Three (3) pot trials were conducted in Adiopodoumé in the forested south of Côte d’Ivoire. The interactive effects of calcium carbonate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Ca ha−1) and magnesium sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Mg ha−1) were evaluated on the response of NERICA 5 rice at doses 0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P ha−1 of natural phosphate from Togo, applied only once at the start of the experiment. Additional fertilizers of nitrogen (N) (100 kg N ha−1) and potassium (K) (50 kg KCl ha−1) were added to each of the tests in a split-plot device. The test results revealed a paddy production potential of approximately 3 to 5 t⋅ha−1 for NERICA 5 on an acidic soil, under the effect of the interaction of P, Ca and Mg. The quadratic response of rice yield to the doses of these fertilizers would be more dependent on their balance, itself influenced by Ca nutrition. For the sustainability and maintenance of rice production in agro-ecology studied, it was recommended doses of 38 kg Ca ha−1, 34 kg Mg ha−1 in a Ca/Mg ratio (1/1) with intakes of 41 kg P ha−1, overall in a ratio 1/1/1 (P/Ca/Mg) more favorable to the availability of free iron considered a guiding element of mineral nutrition. Thus, these promising results should be confirmed in a real environment for better management of the fertilization of rice cultivated on acidic plateau soils in Côte d’Ivoire.

Comparative Performance of Microscopy and Nested PCR for the Detection of Cryptosporidium Species in Patients Living with HIV/AIDS in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cryptosporidium spp. infection is one of the causes of diarrhea in people living with HIV/AIDS. The objective of this study is to compare the sensitivity of microscopy and molecular biology to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Patients Living With HIV (PLWH). This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in three care centers for people living with HIV/AIDS in Abidjan. It took place from November 2018 to March 2020. Sociodemographic data were obtained via a questionnaire. Stool and blood samples were collected and analyzed for microscopy and Nested PCR detection of Cryptosporidium spp. Blood samples were analyzed for CD4+ count. A total of 363 stool samples were collected from the three sites. Individuals aged 40 - 50 years (36.52%) were most likely to participate in the study. HIV Type 1 accounted for 86.22% of the study population. The samples collected consisted of 47.65% diarrheal stool. Microscopic examination of the stool yielded a prevalence of 3.86% for Cryptosporidium spp. while the prevalence was 3.96% with molecular identification. No statistically significant difference was observed between these two prevalences (χ2 = 0.26;p = 0.609). CD4+ count was the factor associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection for both microscopy (OR = 0.887, p = 0.001) and PCR (OR = 0.896, p = 0.001). This study demonstrated that Nested PCR improves the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in patient diagnosis.

Magnesium Enhances the Hepatorenal Protective Effects of Lippia multiflora Aqueous Leaves Extract in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the aqueous extract of Lippia multiflora supplemented with magnesium on some biochemical markers of the kidneys and liver in type 2 diabetic rats. Method: 7 groups of 4 STZ-diabetic rats received separately orally Glucophage® (Glu 10 mg/kg), the plant extract (LiMAE 200 - 600 mg/kg) and the plant extract supplemented with magnesium (LiMAE-Mg 200 - 600 mg/kg). After a daily treatment of 21 days, serum biochemical parameters were assayed in 16 hr-fasted rats. Results: Diabetes caused a significant (p Conclusion: The addition of magnesium to the extract of Lippia multiflora caused a greater reduction in the levels of urea, creatinine, ALT and AST increased in STZ-diabetic rats. Magnesium would therefore enhance the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Lippia multiflora in diabetic rats.

Hypotensive Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Bambusa vulgaris (Poaceae) Leaves in Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

Plant of Bambusa vulgaris is used in traditional medicine practice for the management of many pathologies including hypertension. The effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Bambusa vulgaris on blood pressure was evaluated in normotensive male rabbits. Blood pressure was measured by the invasive method. Thus, aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves had been injected intravenously at doses ranging from 1 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg in rabbits anesthetized with thiopental. The effects of this extract on blood pressure were also evaluated in rabbits having previously received different doses of atropine. The aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves induced a dose-dependent hypotension which is not canceled in the presence of atropine. The results obtained show that the extract has blood pressure lowering effect which may be mediated by muscarinic-type cholinergic receptors.

Waste Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale) as Feedstock for Simultaneous Production of Two Main Ecofriendly Fuels

The present work investigated an effective low-cost production of bioethanol by the use of rejected cashew apples (CAs) in Ivorian plantations. Fresh CAs were cut into 8-10 mm slices and submitted to a drying cycle of two periods (for the sake of easing their rehydration) in an oven with forced air convection. Temperature was first set at 30˚C for 3 hours, and then raised at 50˚C until constant weight. Drying brought about 82% weight loss, and the dried slices were rehydrated in a ratio of 1:4 (w/v) in warm distilled water to reconstitute a 10 Brix degree (˚B) juice with 1.042 g/cm3 density. The sugar content of the juice was increased to 20˚B (syrup) by thermal evaporation. The process was optimized using a response surface methodology (RSM) by applying a central composite plan in order to minimize heat-sensitive compound degradation. The optimal operating conditions for temperature and time of heating were precisely 68,239˚C and 83,314 min, respectively. The commercial baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to seed the 20˚B cashew apple syrup following a batch fermentation at 30˚C. The total alcohol content recorded after 24 hours was 8.24% ± 0.11% made up of almost 97% of ethanol and isobutanol (a higher alcohol). Analysis of alcoholic profiles by flam ionization detector-gas chromatography (GC-FID) showed an ethanol content of 3.92% and an almost similar but higher quantity of isobutanol (4.05%) with the latter being a by-product. As bio-based isobutanol attracts more and more attention due to its wide application and excellent fuel performance as compared to ethanol, it emerged from this study that neglected cashew apples can be successfully employed as valuable raw material for the simultaneous production of both biofuels currently used as sustainable sources of renewable energy.

Stratification of the Degree of Hepatic Involvement in HIV-HCV Coinfection Using Two Biomarkers: APRI and FIB-4

Hepatitis C infection in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses management challenges. Of the world’s population, 3% are estimated to have chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, which is responsible for about 70% of cases of chronic hepatitis (accelerated chronicity in the presence of HIV and for such major complications as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) and Aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) scores are simple, inexpensive tests accessible to most people, and their performance has not yet been studied in C?te d’Ivoire. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of APRI and FIB-4 scores in liver damage in those co-infected with HIV/HCV in C?te d’Ivoire. Methods: This study was conducted over three months. The patients came from national blood transfusion center of the cities of Man and Daloa. The criteria for selecting respondents were at least 18 years of age and a positive test for HIV and HCV. APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated for each patient from biological data obtained by COBAS C311 (Roche Hitachi, Japan). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad and MED-CALC software. Results: Our study involved 30 patients (men) of middle age (25 - 52 years), with extremes ranging from 0.67 to 8 for APRI and 0.201 to 22 for FIB-4. A predictive APRI and FIB4 score of significant hepatic fibrosis was observed in 23% of patients;however, 46% and 54% of patients for the APRI and FIB-4 score, respectively, would not have significant fibrosis. An APRI and FIB4 score not included in the classification limits of the type of fibrosis hepatitis was observed in 31% and 23% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: The performance of the APRI and FIB-4 biological scores analyzed according to the interpretation of their cut-off values would enable classifying about 70% and 77%, respectively, of the patient population in the stages of hepatitis C fibrosis.

Tracing the Origin of Metasedimentary Rocks in the Tortiya Diamond Region (Northern Côte d’Ivoire)

Metasedimentary rocks from the Tortiya diamondiferous region (northern Côte d’Ivoire), located in the Ivorian Paleoproterozoic domain, were analyzed with the aim of identifying their different petrographic facies, constraining their provenance and tectonic environment, and assessing the effects of sedimentary processes and weathering on the signature of their source rocks. These analyses were carried out with a view to helping trace the origin of Tortiya diamonds, which are generally hosted in these metasediments. Major and trace element geochemical data reveal that these samples are characterized by negative Eu anomaly values, low to moderate weathering index values and a high compositional variation index (ICV). These results led to the definition of these metasediments as immature sediments potentially originating from rapid erosion and sediment deposition from local sources. Chemical alteration index (CIA) values and Al2O3-(CaO* + Na2O)-K2O composition space suggest low to medium degrees of meteoric alteration of the parent rock. These rocks therefore show poorly differentiated compositions from the parent rock and poor sediment sorting. Geochemical data and ratios of immobile elements, e.g. Al2O3/TiO2, Cr/Th, Eu/Eu* and (La/Yb)n, indicate that the clastic materials derive mainly from felsic to intermediate sources. Sedimentary tectonic discrimination diagrams demonstrate that most of the samples from the Tortiya diamond-bearing region were deposited on an active continental margin or in a continental arc-island environment. Although this region has a long history of diamond mining, its petrogenesis remains unresolved, and this petrogeochemical work is a step towards initiating scientific research in the area.

Factors Associated with Hepatic Steatosis in Black African Subjects with Chronic Viral Hepatitis B in Côte d’Ivoire

Context/Objectives: With the progression of the global epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome, the coexistence of hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B (VHB) is becoming significant. The aim of this work was to determine the factors associated with hepatic steatosis assessed by a Fibroscan with Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and analytical study. Data was collected from February 15 to July 31, 2020 in a private hospital structure in the city of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. We included 83 patients with chronic viral hepatitis B. These were black patients, having performed a Fibroscan/CAP during the recruitment period and consenting to participate in the study. Patients with significant alcohol consumption, a secondary cause of hepatic steatosis, or other liver disease regardless of the etiology associated with hepatitis B were not included. Results: The frequency of hepatic steatosis in chronic VHB carriers assessed by the CAP in our study population was 48.19% including 24.10% severe steatosis. Obesity and high LDL cholesterol were statistically correlated with the presence of steatosis in our patients. Patients who had steatosis on ultrasound were 5 times more likely to have steatosis on CAP. Significant fibrosis was not significantly associated with steatosis. Conclusion: Obesity and LDL hypercholesterolemia are the main factors associated with hepatic steatosis detected by Fibroscan/CAP in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B.

Study of the Akouedo Landfill (Abidjan) Using the Electrical Resistivity Method: Implications for the Risk of Contamination of the Continental Terminal Water Table

An electrical resistivity survey was carried out on the household and industrial waste disposal site (landfill) of Akouédo (Central Abidjan) with a view to searching for a possible layer of clay in the stratification which could constitute a protective screen of the aquifer of the Continental Terminal of Abidjan against the migration of leachate. Electrical surveys (SE) carried out according to the Schlumberger configuration showed that the stratigraphy of the area is composed of three to four geoelectric layers depending on the SE positions. The correlation with the lithology of two piezometric boreholes carried out indicates that the lithology of the study area is dominated by clayey sand, sand, sandy clay and clay. The average thickness of accumulated waste varies between 30 and 40 m. The virtual absence of a continuous layer of clay under the waste exposes the Continental Terminal aquifer to contamination by leachate from waste accumulated over several decades in the Akouedo area.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Intestinal Metaplasia in Chronic Helicobacter pylori Gastritis in a Country with High Endemicity: Ivory Coast Case

Context/Objective: Few studies have been carried out in a country with high endemicity for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Sub-Saharan Africa looking for the association of intestinal metaplasia (IM) with chronic gastritis. We hypothesize that IM is correlated with the intensity of H. pylori infection in a country with high endemicity, Ivory Coast. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia in chronic H. pylori gastritis in Ivory Coast. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study, carried out over a period of 5 months, in the reference hospital centers of Abidjan, specialized in Gastroenterology. All patients who had undergone Gastroscopy with biopsies according to the criteria of the Sydney System for the anatomopathological study, those with chronic gastritis and/or H. pylori intestinal metaplasia on histology and in whom all the parameters of the Sydney system classification had been well informed. The quantitative variables were expressed by their means accompanied by their standard deviations and the qualitative variables by their numbers and percentages. Chi-square and Fischer tests were used to look for associations between variables. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: 152 patients were retained. The mean age was 44.9 ± 12.9 years. The prevalence of intestinal metaplasia was 11.8%. In univariate analysis, no significant association was found between clinical and pathological sociodemographic factors (age, sex, ethnicity, educational level, profession) and intestinal metaplasia in chronic Helicobacter pylori gastric cases. In multivariate analysis we found that prolonged use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and a history of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) were significantly associated with the absence of IM. Conclusion: Chronic H. pylori gastritis is the main risk factor for intestinal metaplasia. Prolonged use of PPIs and a history of GERD were significantly identified as factors that would protect against intestinal metaplasia.