APOBEC3G Role on HIV Infection in Africa: A Systematic Review

The highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) has allowed people living with HIV to live longer with a better quality of life. However, toxicity and the emergence of drug resistance arise from HAART use. Therefore, new antiretroviral therapy is needed since no cure or vaccine is available against HIV. Virus-host interaction has been proven to be important in the last decade. Host factors such as the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), a receptor used by HIV to penetrate host cells, have led to the discovery of the Maraviroc, which is an antiretroviral medication used in the United States. In contrast, other factors like C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) and the Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (APOBEC3G), a potent host defense factor against HIV, is under investigation. APOBEC3G antiviral activity remains a possible therapeutic target against HIV. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the role of APOBEC3G polymorphisms and their expression on HIV infection disease progression in Africa. We used Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar and searched for relevant publications in French or English reporting on APOBEC3G polymorphisms association with HIV infection in African populations from January 2009 to May 2023. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyzes) was used to process for reporting systematic review. Fifteen studies were included, of which seven were on APOBEC3G polymorphisms and eight were on APOBEC3G expression. Among the APOBEC3G polymorphisms, the most studied was H186R or rs8177832. The average of the minor allele frequency of H186R of APOBEC3G available for the studies included in this study was 0.29 with a 95% CI (0.172;0.401) and varied from 0.108 reported in Uganda to 0.47 recorded from Burkina Faso. The polymorphism H186R was not associated with HIV status in Southern Africa. However, the referent allele of H186R was protective against HIV infection in Western Central Africa, while in West Africa, it was the minor allele (G) of H186R which was protective against HIV. This review warrants a need to increase research on APOBEC3G, from its variants to its hypermutations on the continent with an essential variety of HIV-1 subtypes, to impact the research on A3G-based anti-HIV strategies.

Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Papillomavirus in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection in the world. Today, there is growing evidence that HPV can be transmitted early in life, and one potential route is mother-to-child transmission. Data on this route of HPV transmission are scarce in Africa and particularly in Burkina Faso, where no data on the subject are yet available. The aim of our study was to estimate the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HPV infection and to identify circulating genotypes. Methodology: Cervico-uterine samples were collected from 100 full-term pregnant women and, buccal samples were obtained from their newborns at Hopital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO) by the specialist physician. HPV DNA amplification and genotyping were performed by PCR followed by hybridization using the HPV Direct Flow Chips kit, detecting 36 genotypes including 18 high-risk and 18 low-risk. Results: The prevalence of HPV in newborns was 8% (8/100). Six (6) HPV-positive neonates had HPV-positive mothers, while 2 HPV-positive neonates had HPV-negative mothers. The vertical transmission rate was 26.09% (6/23). Mother-newborn genotypes were concordant. However, the genotype profile of the newborns was more restricted than that of the mothers. Conclusion: HPV DNA was found in 8% of newborns in our study. The genotype profile of the mother-newborn pair was concordant. Asymptomatic HPV infection in a pregnant woman could constitute a risk factor for vertical transmission.

Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality at Hospital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO): A Study from 2017 to 2020

Introduction: Neonatal pathology remains a real public health problem in developing countries. In Burkina Faso, this mortality has declined over the last ten years but remains below compared to the Sustainable Development Goals, which is 12 per 1000 living births at most by 2030. This study aims to identify specific causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality and will contribute to the implementation of preventive and curative measures aimed at reducing neonatal mortality at HOSCO. Method: This was a retrospective study using the records and database of newborns hospitalized from January 1srt, 2017 to December 31srt, 2020. Using logistic regression, the factors associated with mortality were determined. Results: During the study period, 3020 newborns were hospitalized. Most newborns (83.71%) were referred by a peripheral health facility. The average age at admission was 0.3 days ± 0.9 and the sex ratio was 1.2. Prematurity was the leading cause of hospitalization (61.13%) followed by neonatal infection (38.34%) and neonatal suffering (23.88%). The mortality rate was 40.6% with 82.71% cases of death in the early neonatal period. The main causes of death were low birth weight (47.39%), respiratory distress (18.76%), neonatal suffering (17.37%) and neonatal infection (13.87%). Home delivery, gestational age 36 weeks, number of PNC 4, concept of resuscitation, Apgar at the 5th minute 7, birth weight 2000 g and >4000 g, respiratory distress, hypothermia, neurological disorders were factors associated with deaths. Conclusion: Neonatal mortality is influenced by both maternal and fetal factors and many of them are preventable.

Multidrug-Resistant of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Strains in Chicken Feces Intended for Consumption in Open Spaces of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales sites. These strains were then characterized using bacteriological and biochemical methods to identify resistant strains. In a study conducted in Ouagadougou, we systematically collected chicken fecal samples from 20 locations across the city, followed by isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. using specific enrichment and culture methods, as well as Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were characterized using antibiotic resistance profiles were determined through agar diffusion tests, revealing sensitivity or resistance to a range of antibiotics based on established scientific criteria. The results showed that out of the 400 samples collected, 81.25% and 63.5% were contaminated by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Among these, 86.15% of identified Escherichia coli and 50.78% of Salmonella spp. displayed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. Among 280 Escherichia coli isolates identified resistant to at least one antibiotic, 31.07% were resistant to cefotaxime (CTX), 20.35% to ceftazidime (CAZ), 21.07% to ceftriaxone (CTR), 75% to amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), 23.57% aztreoname (ATM) and 27.14% were resistant to imipenem (IMP). In the case of the 129 Salmonella spp. isolates resistant to at least one tested antibiotic, 34.88% were resistant to CTX;41.08% to CAZ;35.65% to CTR, 92% to AMC, 39.53% to ATM and finally 47.28% were resistant to IMP. Our study revealed high prevalence of resistance in bacterial strains isolated from local chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou. These findings raise significant public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.

G6PD Deficiency and COVID-19 in Burkina Faso: A Possible Link?

Burkina Faso is a malaria-endemic country, with a high incidence of G6PD deficiency (G6PDd), which recorded its first case of COVID-19 in March 2020. G6PDd leads to a decrease in the efficiency of erythrocytes to combat oxidative stress, while SARS-CoV-2 infection induces massive production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in patients. In the present review, we discuss a possible link between G6PDd and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mean prevalence of G6PDd in Burkina Faso is estimated at 16.6% among males and 6.5% among females. A total of 21,128 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Burkina Faso with 387 deaths reported (with a mortality rate of 1.15% among diagnosed cases) as of August 30, 2022. To our knowledge, no association study between G6PDd and SARS-CoV-2 infection has been conducted to date in Burkina Faso. However, several case reports around the world have described elevated risks of hemolysis and thrombosis, and other complications among G6PD-deficient patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The use of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has also been deemed unsafe by some authors for the treatment of COVID-19 among patients with G6PDd. Although HCQ has been shown to be well tolerated in COVID-19 patients in Burkina Faso, the drug could induce hemolytic crises in people with G6PD deficiency. G6PD is important in regulating ROS and maintaining erythrocyte homeostasis. In view of its high prevalence in Burkina Faso, determination of the G6PD status is required in COVID-19 patients for adequate management such as identifying a subset of COVID-19 patients for whom close monitoring and supportive care may be essential and to restrict treatment with HCQ.

Presymptomatic Diagnosis and Gene Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: Genomic, Therapeutic, and Ethical Aspects—A Systematic Review

Over the past three decades, genomic and epigenetic sciences have identified more than 70 genes involved in the molecular pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). DNA methylation, abnormal histone and chromatin regulation and the action of various miRNAs induce AD. The identification of mutated genes has paved the way for the development of diagnostic kits and the initiation of gene therapy trials. However, despite major advances in neuroscience research, there is yet no suitable treatment for AD. Therefore, the early diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disease raises several ethical questions, including the balance between the principle of non-maleficence and the principle of beneficence. The aims of this research were to present the genomic and ethical aspects of AD, and to highlight the ethical principles involved in its presymptomatic diagnosis and therapy. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct was carried out to outline the genomic aspects and ethical principles relating not only to the presymptomatic diagnosis of AD, but also to its gene therapy. A total of 16 publications were selected. AD is a multifactorial disease that can be genetically classified into Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease and Familial Alzheimer’s Disease based on family history. Gene therapy targeting specific disease-causing genes is a promising therapeutic strategy. Advancements in artificial intelligence applications may enable the prediction of AD onset several years in advance. While early diagnosis of AD may empower patients with full decision competence for early decision-making, it also carries implications for the patient’s family members, who are at risk of developing the disease, potentially becoming a source of confusion or anxiety. AD has a significant impact on the life of individuals at risk and their families. Given the absence of disease modifying therapy, genetic screening and early diagnosis for this condition raise ethical issues that must be carefully considered in the context of fundamental bioethical principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

Detection of Low-Risk and High-Risk Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus in Archived Tissues from ENT Tumors in Burkina Faso

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is classified into high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and HPV (LR-HPV) according to their oncogenic potential. These viruses can be found in the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and in the ENT sphere. HPV ENT infections can lead to benign or malignant tumors in which we could find both LR-HPV and HR-HPV genotypes. The objective of this study was to investigate the genotypes of HR-HPV and LR-HPV in archived tissue samples derived from both benign and malignant tumors of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. One hundred and twenty formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archived tissues of the ENT sphere from 26 benign tumors and 94 malignant tumors were included. The tissues were first deparaffinized with xylem. The extracted DNA was used to test for high-risk and low-risk HPV by Real-Time Multiplex PCR. HPV DNA was found in 57.7% (15/26) of benign tumors and 43.61% (41/94) of malignant tumors. The prevalence of HPV infection was 46.67% (56/120) in all tumors combined. The most common HPV genotypes found were HPV 11 (34.28%), HPV 6 (30%), HPV56 (14.28%) and HPV 33 (8.57%). There were 21.43% (12/56) cases of genotypes co-infections with 10 cases of double infection and 2 cases of triple infection. Both low-risk and high-risk HPV are found in ENT tumors with relatively high HPV prevalence.

Resistance of Klebsiella to Imipenem by Production of Carbapenemase Gene blaIMP at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Objective: Class B carbapenemases are bacterial enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of β-lactam core antibiotics, except for monobactams. The objective of this study was to identify the carbapenemase gene blaIMP in the genus Klebsiella at the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital (CHUP-CDG) of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: The study involved 17 bacterial strains responsible for human infection and isolated from various biological samples during the period from 2009 to 2013. The strains were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to cefotaxime, ceftazidime and imipenem using the Mueller-Hinton agar diffusion method. The carbapenemases resistance genes were detected by conventional PCR using specific primers at the molecular biology laboratory of CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Results: The antibiotic susceptibility test showed high resistance of the 17 Klebsiella isolates tested to cephalosporins. A high cefotaxime-resistance rate (82.35%) and ceftazidime-resistance rate (88.23%) was found among the strains tested against 11.76% resistance rate for imipenem. Analysis of PCR products by gel electrophoresis revealed 4 strains (23.53%) with blaIMP-type gene. Conclusion: Klebsiella is a well-known bacterium in clinical practice. The present study demonstrated the blaIMP-type gene in cephalosporin-resistant strains of Klebsiella at CHUP-CDG. More effective monitoring and treatment solutions are needed to prevent the spread of these resistant strains.

Detection of Human Papillomavirus DNA and E6/E7 mRNA from HPV Genotypes 16, 18, 31 and 33 in Histologically Confirmed Cases of Cervical Cancer and Precancerous Lesions in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Cervical cancer, caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, remains a global public health problem. The cellular transformation and maintenance of the malignant phenotype of these HPVs are attributed to the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. Objective: This study aims to detect the presence of human papillomavirus DNA and E6/E7 oncoprotein mRNA of HPV genotypes 16, 18, 31 and 33 in cases of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, histologically confirmed in Burkina Faso. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study focused on cases of cervical cancer and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and was conducted from June to December 2022. One hundred (100) samples of fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues were collected from the pathological anatomy and cytology laboratories of hospitals in the capital of Burkina Faso. High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) DNA was detected using multiplex real-time PCR, while the presence of E6 and E7 mRNA in cervical cancer and high-grade CIN samples was determined using real-time Reverse Transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) with TaqMan probes. Results: The mean age of women diagnosed with cervical cancer and high-grade CIN was 50.81 ± 13.65 years, ranging from 22 to 82 years. Cervical cancer and high-grade CIN were positive for at least one high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in 80% of cases. The most prevalent genotypes observed were HPV16, 18, 31, and 33, collectively accounting for 70.08% of cases. Of the 89 samples that tested positive for HR-HPV genotypes 16, 18, 31, and 33, 88 (98.88%;95% CI: [94.58 - 99.94]) were also positive for the presence of mRNA encoding the E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV16, 18, 31, and 33. Conclusion: In the presence of HPV DNA, testing for E6 and E7 oncoprotein mRNA could serve as a promising biomarker and valuable tool for improved assessment of the progression to cervical cancer.

Detection of aac(3)IIc, aac(6)Ib, armA Genes Coding for Escherichia coli Resistance to Aminoglycosides in Burkina Faso

Background and Prupose: Antibiotic resistance is a major global health concern. In addition to the existing data on the prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there are patchy data on bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides in Burkina Faso. In this study, we determined the prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance genes in E. coli, including aac(3)-IIc, aac(6)-Ib and armA in Ouagadougou, and determined which antibiotics in this class are most affected by resistance. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 216 E. coli strains collected from the biomedical analysis laboratories of Saint Camille and Schiphra hospitals. E. coli strains were isolated from pus and urine samples collected between September 2018 and January 2019. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using aminoglycosides, β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides. Aminoglycoside resistance genes were detected in strains with at least one aminoglycoside resistance gene using conventional/multiplex PCR. Results: Aminoglycoside resistance was observed in 46.8% (101/216) of strains. The resistance rates were respectively 45.37% for Tobramycin, 32.40% for Gentamicin, 14.81% for Kanamycin, 2.31% for Netilmicin, 1.84% for Neomycin, and 0.46% for Amikacin. PCR showed that 86 strains (85.15%) possessed the aac(3)-IIc gene, 71 strains or 70.30%) possessed the aac(6’)-Ib gene, and nine strains (8.91%) possessed the armA gene. Conclusion: Aminoglycoside resistance in pathogenic E. coli strains is mainly due to the presence of the aac(3’)-IIc and aac(6’)-Ib genes. The presence of armA was first reported in Burkina Faso. Netilmicin, Neomycin and Amikacin are good therapeutic options for treating urinary tract and pus-forming infections.

Gene therapy for Parkinson’s Disease and Ethical Challenges: A Systematic Review

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder with a pathophysiology deriving from the synergy of abnormal aggregation of neuroinflammation, synuclein and dysfunction of lysosomes, mitochondria and synaptic transport difficulties influenced by genetic and idiopathic factors. Worldwide, PD has a prevalence of 2-3% in people over the age of 65. To date, there is no certified, effective treatment for PD. Aim: The aims of this research were: (i) to present, on the basis of recent advances in molecular genetics and epigenetics, the genomic aspects and challenges of gene therapy trials for PD;(ii) to outline the ethical principles applicable to therapeutic trials for PD. Method: A systematic literature review was carried out to identify relevant articles reporting on genomic aspects and gene therapy in PD from 2001 to October 2023. The search was conducted in French and/or English in three databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. PRISMA guidelines were used in this systematic review. Results: A total of thirty-three publications were selected. An inductive thematic analysis revealed that numerous genetic mutations (SNCA, Parkin, PINK1, DJ-1, LRRK2, ATP13A2, VPS35, Parkin/PRKN, PINK1, DJ1/PARK7) and epigenetic events such as the action of certain miRNAs (miR-7, miR-153, miR-133b, miR-124, miR-137) are responsible for the onset of PD, and that genetic therapy for this pathology raises ethical questions that need to be elucidated in the light of the bioethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. Conclusion: There is no zero risk in biotechnology. Then, it will be necessary to assess all the potential risks of Parkinson disease’s gene therapy to make the right decision. It is therefore essential to pursue research and, with the guidance of ethics, to advance treatment options and meet the challenges of brain manipulation and its impact on human identity. The golden rule of medicine remains: “Primum non nocere”.

Evolution of HBV Viral Load during Clinical and Biological Follow-Up of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients at the Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to document the dynamics of HBV viral load during the follow-up of chronic hepatitis B patients at the Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou (HOSCO) from 2017 to 2021. This descriptive retrospective study was carried out in the Hepato-Gastro-Enterology Department of HOSCO and focused on patients who were undergoing treatment for chronic viral hepatitis B. A total of 260 cases of chronic hepatitis B were included in the study. The most affected age group was 21 to 30 years, accounting for 48.08% of the cases. Lifestyle factors included alcohol consumption (3.08%) and tobacco use (2.69%). Major risk factors for transmission included lack of vaccination (98.46%), family history of HBV infection (68.00%) and engagement in high-risk activities (28.00%). Patients requiring treatment were prescribed Tenofovir 300 mg tablets. FibroScan® showed the presence of stage F3-F4 fibrosis (2.14%) and S3 steatosis (13.33%). After one year of follow-up, 6.92% of patients achieved an undetectable viral load with normalized transaminase levels. The majority of other patients had a detectable viral load but below 20,000 IU/mL. The prevalence of viral hepatitis B remains significant worldwide. Although effective and well-monitored treatment can lead to undetectable viremia, prevention remains the most effective strategy for successful management of this disease.

Involvement of CD40 (rs1883832) and MAP3K14 (rs2074292) Genes Polymorphisms in Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Introduction: Hepatic diseases comprise inflammations of the liver, which can originate from drug-induced, toxic, autoimmune sources and particularly hepatitis B and C virus infection. The outcome of the disease is linked to interactions between the immune system and the virus, and also depends on the age and immune status of the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of a MAP3K14 (rs2074292), CD40 (rs1883832) polymorphism and chronic hepatitis B virus carriage in a population from Burkina Faso. Methods: In this case-control analysis, 223 and 173 samples, consisting of 90 and 53 controls and 133 and 120 cases, were examined for MAP3K14 and CD40 respectively. The cases included patients with Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB), cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genomic DNA extraction was executed using INVITROGEN and FAVORGEN kits. Genotyping of MAP3K14 (rs2074292) and CD40 (rs1883832) gene polymorphisms was accomplished via real-time PCR on the QuantStudioTM 5 Real-Time instrument, followed by allelic discrimination using TaqMan Genotyper Software. Data was interpreted using SPSS version 20 and Epi info version 7.5.2.0. Odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), and p-values were derived for risk and significance evaluation. Results: This study showed that the heterozygous CT genotype and the mutated T allele of the CD40 (rs1883832) gene are involved in the progression of chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in HBV-infected patients. However, no association was found between polymorphisms in the MAP3K14 gene (rs2074292) and the progression of HBV infection. By combining the two polymorphisms, we observed either high risk or protection, depending on the genotypes of the MAP3K14 and CD40 genes simultaneously carried by the patient. Conclusion: Polymorphisms of the MAP3K14 and CD40 genes are associated with the evolution of HBV infection.

Can Plasmodium falciparum Induce Homocysteinemia in Malaria Patients?

Background: Plasmodium falciparum has developed elaborate strategies to survive in the hostile intracellular environment of the infected host cell, including resistance to oxidative stress. Cysteine is a metabolic product of homocysteine and a precursor of the antioxidant glutathione used by Plasmodium falciparum to escape harmful oxidation. Objectives: In the present study we aimed to assess whether Plasmodium falciparum can induce homocysteinemia in malaria patients of Burkina Faso. Methods: Eighty-five (85) individuals including 25 affected by severe malaria, 44 by simple malaria, and 12 negative controls for P. falciparum infection were included in the present study. An enzymatic assay of plasma homocysteinemia was performed using the Homocysteine Enzymatic Assay reagent (ref 05385415 190) on the Roche/ Hitachi Cobas c. Results: The results of the present study show that the mean plasma homocysteine concentrations were 15.1 ± 8.4 μmol/L among patients with severe malaria, 14.0 ± 6.0 μmol/L in patients with uncomplicated malaria, and 12.6 ± 4.1 μmol/L in negative controls for malaria parasite. Conclusions: Our findings suggest high homocysteinemia in malaria patients, especially in those with severe malaria. Monitoring homocysteinemia in the latter group will be useful to avoid complications when an elevated plasma level of homocysteine is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiency is associated with asymptomatic malaria in a rural community in Burkina Faso

Objective:To investigate 4 combinations of mutations responsible for glucose-6—phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiency in a rural community of Burkina Faso,a malaria endemic country.Methods:Two hundred individuals in a rural community were genotyped for the mutations A376 G.G202A,A542 T,G680T and T968 C using TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism assays and polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results:The prevalence of the G6 PD deficiency was 9.5%,in the study population.It was significantly higher in men compared to women(14.23%vs 6.0%,P=0.049).The 202A/376 G G6PD Awas the only deficient variant detected.Plasmodium falciparum asymptomatic parasitemia was significantly higher among the C6PD-non—deficient persons compared to the G6PD-deficient(P<0.001).The asymptomatic parasitemia was also significantly higher among G(SPI) nondeficient compared to C6PD—heterozygous females(P<0.001).Conclusions:This study showed that the G6 PD A- variant associated with protection against asymptomatic malaria in Burkina Faso is probably the most common deficient variant.

Genetic diversity of hepatitis viruses in West-African countries from 1996 to 2018

The severity of hepatic pathology and the response to treatment depend on the hepatitis virus genotype in the infected host. The objective of this review was to determine the distribution of hepatitis virus genotypes in West African countries. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct was performed to identify 52 relevant articles reporting hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G viruses genotypes.Hepatitis B virus(HBV) genotype E with a prevalence of 90.6%(95%CI: 0.891-0.920) found in this review, is characterized by low genetic diversity. Hepatitis C virus(HCV) genotypes 1 and 2 represented 96.4% of HCV infections in West African countries, while hepatitis delta virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis G virus genotypes 1 and HEV genotype 3 were reported in some studies in Ghana and Nigeria. HBV genotype E is characterized by high prevalence, low genetic diversity and wide geographical distribution. Further studies on the clinical implications of HBV genotype E and HCV genotypes 1 and 2 are needed for the development of an effective treatment against this viral hepatitis in West African countries. Surveillance of the distribution of different genotypes is also needed to reduce recombination rates and prevent the emergence of more virulent viral strains.

Association between Polymorphisms of Glutathione S-Transferase and Progression to Cervical Cancer in Women from Burkina Faso and Mali

Although persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection is the main risk factor, Glutathione S-Transferase highly polymorphic enzyme involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, is a good candidate gene. The objective of this study was to compare the polymorphisms of Glutathione S-Transferase M1-null in women with cancerous lesions and without lesions. This study consisted of 322 uterine cervix samples of women from Mali and Burkina Faso with Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia 2 and 3, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and 100 women with no lesions. Human Papillomavirus genotyping was performed by Real-time multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction. Glutathione S-Transferase gene polymorphisms were determined using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction followed by migration on agarose gel. A statistically significant association with high relative risks of 10.77 for the development of High grade Superficial or Squamous Intra-epithelial Lesion (95% CI = 5.59 - 20.72;p < 0.001), and 13.20 for cancer development (95% CI = 6.79 - 25.63;p < 0.001) was found in women with the null genotype of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 in the study population. In Burkina Faso and Mali, Glutathione S-Transferase M1-null presented relative risks of 9 and 11.05 for high-grade lesions, 15 and 11.40 for cancer. Similarly, significant results had been observed in women with human papillomavirus positive and human papillomavirus negative. The results of the present study support the idea that the deletion of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 plays a crucial role in the progression of high-grade lesions and cervical cancer.

Risk Factors Associated with Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV-1, Spontaneous Abortion and Infant Mortality in HIV-1 Infected Women in Burkina Faso: A Prospective Study

Background: Despite efforts to fight, HIV/AIDS mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 (MTCT), as well as abortion and infant mortality, remains a problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed, a low level of CD4 and a high viral load can be associated with these situations. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of MTCT, spontaneous abortion and infant mortality in HIV-1 infected women in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. This was a prospective study conducted from May 2014 to September 2017 and involved 423 HIV-1 infected women followed at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Sociodemographic data were collected through a questionnaire. The CD4 count and HIV-1 viral load were determined using respectively BD FACSCount and Abbott m2000rt instruments. Bivariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression were performed for associations with a significance threshold for p Results: The average age of women was 38.75 ± 7.98 years. Rates of MTCT, abortion and infant mortality were 16.31%, 30.49% and 34.75%, respectively. The number of pregnancies was associated with the number of infant deaths (p = 0.002). A correlation between the number of pregnancies and infant mortality was observed (p = 0.002) with a relatively high rate (28.6%) among women who had three pregnancies. In addition, marital status was associated with HIV-1 infection in infants (p = 0.042) and spontaneous abortion (p = 0.033). HIV-1 infected women with low CD4 counts (less than 350 cells/μL) and those with viral load more than 1000 copies/mL were about twice as likely to have an spontaneous abortion [OR (IC 95%): 2.50 (1.085 - 5.760);p = 0.03] and [OR (95% CI): 2.16 (1.043 - 4.505);p = 0.04]. Conclusions: The results of this study show the need to improve the treatment of HIV-1 infected women in order to restore CD4 levels and make viral load of HIV-1 undetectable.

Role of Glutathione S-Transferase (<i>GSTM</i>1 and <i>GSTT</i>1) Genes Deletion in Susceptibility to HIV-1 Disease Progression

Background: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes which play an important role in oxidative stress pathways by conjugation with glutathione. Oxidative stress is one of several risk factors that may be associated with many types of diseases progression such as cancer and infectious diseases. In this study, we investigated the association between the polymorphism of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and the risk of HIV-1 disease progression. Methods: We conducted a case-control study including 313 participants of Burkina Faso: 153 HIV-1 infected individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 160 HIV-1 negative individuals as controls. Presence or absence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes was determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CD4+ T counts and HIV-1 viral load were measured in patients using respectively BD FACSCount and Abbott m2000rt instruments. Results: Frequencies of GSTM1-null and GSTT1-null were 30.35% and 35.46% respectively and the frequency of double deletion GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null was 14.38% in the general study population. GSTM1-null (30.35% versus 69.65%;OR = 1.90;p = 0.010), GSTT1-null (35.46% versus 64.54%;OR = 3.11;p GSTM1-active/GSTT1-null (21.08% versus 48.56%;OR = 3.17;p GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null (14.38% versus 48.56%;OR = 4.46;p GSTM1-null and GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null were associated with increased odds of low CD4+ count (3) and high HIV-1 viral load (≥1000 copies/mL). Conclusion: GSTM1-null, GSTT1-null genotype, the double genotypes GSTM1-active/GSTT1-null and GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null were associated with HIV-1 disease progression and GSTM1-null and GSTM1- null/GSTT1-null genotypes were associated with low CD4+ T cells counts and high HIV-1 viral load in HIV-1infected patients on ART.

Resistance of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>to Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (<i>Dhfr</i>and <i>Dhps</i>) and Artemisinin and Its Derivatives (K13): A Major Challenge for Malaria Elimination in West Africa

The spread of resistance to antimalarials is a major public health problem worldwide and especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the highest morbidity and mortality rates are found with a critical scarcity of data on resistance. The objective of this review is to describe the mutations in the pfdhfr, pfdhps and k13 genes associated with resistance to artemisinin and Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine reported in West Africa during the decade 2007 to 2017 followed by a meta-analysis of their prevalence. A bibliographic search on the MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and Sciences Direct databases made it possible to find 405 scientific papers relating to resistance to artemisinin and to Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine during the period 2007-2017. The analysis has concerned 217 scientific articles after the elimination of duplicates with 57 articles included in this review after the examination of titles and abstracts. The results of the present review show that the dhfr and dhps mutants are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Although, Kelch 13 mutants from Southeast Asia associated with artemisinin resistance are still absent in West Africa, studies have reported the presence of synonymous or non-K13 mutations correlated with a delay in parasite clearance in Burkina Faso (2.26%), Senegal (5.5%) and Togo (1.8%). The increased prevalence of dhfr and dhps mutants in West Africa could jeopardize its use for intermittent preventive treatment in the near future. Despite the absence of strains resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapy in the West African region, increased surveillance is necessary to prevent the rapid occurrence of possible resistance, especially in the context of synonymous or non-K13 mutations correlated with a delay in parasitic clearance.