Intestinal Parasitosis in Children among Internally Displaced Persons in the Hauts-Bassins Region of Burkina Faso

Introduction: The setting up of camps for internally displaced persons in Burkina Faso as a result of terrorism creates favorable conditions for the emergence of digestive parasitosis in these displaced populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of digestive parasitosis in children of this population in the Hauts-Bassins region. Material and methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study from November to December 2020, in which stool samples were collected from internally displaced children from the Sinfra reception site in Banzon and from Poya in Karangasso Vigué. The stool samples were stored at room temperature, protected from dust and insects, in a cooler and then sent to the laboratory of the CHUSS in Bobo-Dioulasso where the parasitological analyses were performed. Results: The mean age was 5.8 ± 2.4 years. The most represented age group was 5 to 10 years (75.31%). The sex ratio is 1.61. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 53.09%. The prevalence was statistically higher among those who consumed well water than those consuming tap water (p = 0.01). Monoparasitism by protozoa and helminths represented 74.42% and 6.68% respectively. The polyparasitism rate was 9.31%. The species identified in monoparasite patients were protozoa with Entamoeba coli (37.21%), Giardia lamblia (25.58%), Endolimax nanus (6.98%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (4.65%). Biparasitism was identified with combinations, such as E. coli + E. histolytica/dispar (11.63%). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of digestive parasitosis among IDPs in the Sinfra and Poya reception site. Educational sessions on hand washing before meals, use of drinking water, etc. should emphasize preventive measures in these IDP camps.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Appetite Suppressant Plants Used in Hauts-Bassins Areas of Burkina Faso

This study aimed to list the medicinal plants used as an appetite suppressant in Hauts-Bassins areas of Burkina Faso. An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken from September to November 2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire. To determine well-known families and species, some indices such as Family Importance Value (FIV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were calculated respectively. Sixty-seven traditional healers (41 men and 26 women) have been interviewed. The age group from 41 to 60 years old was more represented (47.76%). Fifty-eight (58) plant species belonging to 29 families and 53 genera were recorded to have appetite suppressant properties. Fabaceae family (25%) was the most mentioned followed by Combretaceae (12%). The most mentioned species were Guierasenegalensis (7.64%), Parkiabiglobosa (6.18%), Annona senegalensis and Gardenia erubescens (5.35% for both). Leaves and fruits had the highest frequencies of use with 41% and 25% respectively. The decoction (49.62%) was the main preparation method. The oral route was the only mode of drug administration. These results would contribute to strengthening the database on the medicinal plants used as an appetite suppressant by the traditional healers in Burkina Faso.