Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Study of Medicinal Plants Sold in the Markets of the City of N’Djamena

The use of medicinal plants occupies an important place in traditional Chadian medicine, this study was carried out with the aim of listing the medicinal plants sold in the markets of the city of N’Djamena, and knowledge of the medicinal flora Chad, such as the leaves of Guiera senegalensis in Arabic called Khibeche, the roots of Cassia occidentalis called Am kwala-Kinkéliba in Arabic;the bark of Khaya senegalensis (Desv) A. Juss called Muraї in Arabic and the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum called Helbé in Arabic in order to treat the most frequently cited diseases such as malaria, the common cold, mother and newborn care, and typhoid. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted from September to December 2022, in three markets in the city of N’Djamena, based on individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, with 30 herbalists and traditional practitioners. Phytochemical screening analyses of the organs of four plants were carried out in the chemistry and biology laboratory of the Faculty of Exact and Applied Sciences (FSEA) following a standard protocol established by [1] and slightly modified by [2] [3]. The results of the surveys identified 68 species divided into fifty-five (55) genera and twenty-seven (27) families, the most represented of which were Caesalpiniaceae (10 species), Mimosaceae (5 species) and Combretaceae (4 species). The leaves were the most commonly used parts (43%), with decoction (70%) the most frequently used method of preparation. The oral route was the most popular with 73% of recipes. The phytochemical study revealed a wealth of secondary metabolites such as Trapezoidal Sterols, Alkaloids, Tannins, Flavonoids, Free Quinones, Anthocyane, Anthraquinones, Saponosides and Heterosides. These results can be considered as a source of information for scientific research in the field of phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Toxoplasmic Chorioretinitis: About a Case in an Immunocompetent Adult at the Renaissance University Hospital Centre (UHC) in N’Djamena (Chad) and Review of the Literature

Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis also known as ocular toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by the obligately intracellular multiplying protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii. Active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is a rare condition in immunocompetent people. We report a case of a 47-year-old patient who received reduced right visual acuity, left hemiparesis and eye pain. Examination of the right anterior segment of the eye is unremarkable. In the fundus of the right eye, there was a focus of active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis located in the macula at 1.5 mm papillary diameter next to old scar lesions. The ophthalmological examination of the left eye was unremarkable. The paraclinical assessment carried out on the patient shows a positive Remington test on two occasions three weeks apart. The clinical outcome after initiation of treatment was favorable with a healing of the active site within four weeks.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Human Infections in N’Djamena, Chad

Background: Urinary Tract infections and pus are major public health problems. The evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics makes the treatment of these infections problematic. This is why this study is undertaken to identify and evaluate the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics. Methods: This is a prospective study carried out from December 2020 to November 2021. The germs were isolated on the agar supplemented with cetrimide and identified by the API 20 NE gallery method according to the manufacturer’s protocol. The strains’ resistance profiles were determined by the diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton according to the criteria EUCAST- 2021. Results: A total of 46/1467 (3.13%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified, of which 29/1008 (2.87%) were urinary tract infections and 17/459 (3.70%) were pus. The high resistances were: 97.8% to ceftazidim, 91.3% to aztreonam, 93.5% to cefepim, 82.6% to piperacillin, 58.7% to levofloxacin, 52.2% to amikacin, 47.8% to tazobactam-piperacillin, 47.8% to tobramycin and 43.5% to ciprofloxacin. Low resistance was only 2.2% to fosfomycin, 2.2% to colistin and 15.2% to imipenem. Conclusion: This study reveals the considerable resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to commonly used antibiotics, and thus compromises the empirical treatment practiced in hospitals. This result motivates the need to carry out susceptibility testing of isolates before any prescription of antimicrobials.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) —An Experience of the Urology Department of the University Hospital of National Reference of N’Djamena (TCHAD)

Introduction: Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a multi-invasive technique in the management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It constitutes a reference in developed countries;however in sub-Saharan Africa, it is prostatic adenomectomy which is mostly used. The aim was to analyze the results of the TURP carried out at the General National Reference University Hospital in N’Djamena (Chad). Patients and Methods: This is a retro-prospective study which extended over a period of 2 years, from June 2014 to May 2016. The records of all patients who had undergone TURP during this period were listed and analyzed. We did frequencies and average calculations. Results: 59 patients’ results that were treated with TURP were collected. TURP represented 33.4% of all interventions performed for prostate pathologies. The average age of our patients was 66 ± 8.06 years (50 to 92). Urinary retention was the main reason for consultation (45.7%;n = 27) followed by dysuria (27.1%;n = 16). TURP was associated with another procedure in 28.8% (n = 17). The average duration of hospitalization of our patients was 4.15 days with extremes of 2 to 9 days. Perioperative complications represented 13.6% of cases, early complications represented 15.3% of cases and late complications represented 6.8% of cases. The postoperative voiding status with an average follow-up of 6 months was judged to be good in 72.8% of cases (n = 43). Conclusion: TURP occupies an important place in the management of prostate pathologies with precise indications. It offers many advantages. It must be popularized in our countries;this will make it possible to limit morbidity and mortality rates and slow down medical evacuations abroad.

Obstetric Complications Due to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at N’Djamena Mother and Child Hospital (Chad)

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision is all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genital organ or other injuries to the female genital organ whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons. Female genital mutilation causes numerous complications. Four in such cases multiplies obstetric complications. The aim of this study was to identify obstetric complications due to FGM. Patients and Material: We conducted a comparative prospective case-control study for three months, from January 1st to March 31st, 2014 in the maternity of N’Djamena Mother and Child. It focused on identifying neonatal and/or maternal complications during childbirth due to FGM. The study population consisted of pregnant women at term admitted for delivery labor. All parturients had to present the same sociodemographic and clinical profiles. A history of FGM was the main distinguishing criterion. Results: During the study period, we recorded 312 births to women with genital mutilation, among 1905 deliveries, representing a prevalence of 16.4%. One hundred ninety-one cases of circumcised women responding to the inclusion criteria were selected. Most of these women were between the ages of 20 and 29. The extreme age group was 15 and 39 (with a mean of 24.5 years). FGM was significant in age group over 20 years (Khi2 = 10.8;OR = 2.6 [1.4 - 4.9];P = 0.001). The type II of FGM which removed a part of the clitoris and the adjacent labia minora represented 64.40% patients in the group of women with FGM. Perinea laceration was the frequent maternal complication among parturient with FGM (Khi2 = 9.8;OR = 2.2 [1.4 to 3.6];P = 0.0007). FGM type III was associated with a high proportion of maternal complication (Khi2 = 11.2;OR = 7.3 [1.97 - 31.6];P = 0.0001). Still births were significantly higher in the group of parturient with FGM (11.5%, P = 0.015). Conclusion: Female genital mutilation is a common cultural practice in our country;it contributes to worsening maternal and fetal complications.

100 Cases of Clinical and Etiological Aspects of Cardiac Insufficiency in N’Djamena, Chad

Introduction: Cardiac Insufficiency is progressively taking over as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and a major public health problem in Chad. Our study was to contribute and provide a deeper understanding of the clinical and etiological aspects concerning the etiology and management of Cardiac Insufficiency in N’Djamena, Chad. Due to having no published data to distinctly understand this pathology in this part of the world, we represent here a summary of available data which could be used to describe the clinical and etiological aspects of Cardiac Insufficiency and to help in changing practices for an optimal management as a baseline for comparison in future studies. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive study conducted from November 30th 2011 to May 30th 2013 at the Good Samaritan Hospital of N’Djamena. Results: 100 hospitalized patients were included consecutively. The sex ratio was 1.08 with an average age of 40.21 ± 21.30 years. The main cardiovascular risk factors were high blood pressure (15%), obesity (12%) and diabetes (11%). Clinically, exertional dyspnea was found in 95% of cases, and signs of congestive heart failure in 61% of cases. The etiologies were 50% of Rheumatic valvulopathy, 22% of Dilated cardiomyopathy, 13% of Hypertensive cardiomyopathy and 12% of Congenital heart disease. Conclusion: The most common etiologies were Rheumatic valvulopathy, Congenital heart disease, Dilated cardiomyopathy and Hypertensive cardiomyopathy.

Maternal and Fetal Prognosis of Evacuated Parturients in N’Djamena Mother and Child Hospital (Chad)

Introduction: All pregnant women are at risk of obstetric complications leading to high fetal-maternal mortality and morbidity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the maternal and fetal prognosis of evacuated parturients. Patient and Method: we conducted a prospective analytical survey for four months, from April 1st to July 31st, 2018 in the Maternity of N’Djamena Mother and Child Hospital about the maternal and fetal prognosis of evacuated parturients. Any parturient evacuated or referred for obstetric complications was included. Study parameters were epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical, therapeutic and prognosis order. These parameters were analyzed in the SPSS 18 French version software. Results: Evacuated parturients represented 20% of maternity admissions. The average age was 23.9 years, with extremes ranging from 15 and 43 years. They were uneducated in 72.9%, primiparous in 46.8% of cases. The three delays were dominated by the 1st delay, which represented 34.1% of cases. In this series, 26.3% parturients had presented obstetric complications. Preruptive syndrome was the most common complication with 29.3% cases. Predisposing factors to maternal-fetal complications were low attendance antenatal care, late evacuation and distance travelled. The maternal mortality rate was 3%. Fetal complications were observed in 28.3% of cases and the neonatal mortality rate was 24.6%. Conclusion: The maternal and fetal complications of evacuated parturients are a real public health problem in our regions. The suppression of delays, capacity reinforcement of peripheral maternity and the periodic recycling peripheral centers to recognize obstetric emergencies will contribute to improve the maternal and fetal prognosis of evacuated parturients.

The Management Problem of Miliary Tuberculosis in the Service of Pneumo-Phtisiology at the National References University Teaching Hospital of N’Djamena (Chad): About 103 Cases

Introduction: Miliary tuberculosis (MT) is a rare form of tuberculosis (TB) and it is a major public health problem in our countries with limited resources. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective and descriptive study that started from 1st January 2018 to 31 December 2020 at the pneumo-phtisiology service of the CHU-RN of N’Djamena., All records of patients aged at least 15 years treated for miliary tuberculosis confirmed by X-ray chest were included in our study. Results: The prevalence of TD was 1.5% (n = 103) of all TB diagnosed in the service. The sex ratio was 1.34. The average age was 37.7 years with extremes ranging from 19 to 80 years. A low social economic level was found in 75.7%. The principal comorbidity found in this study was HIV with the prevalence of (22.3%). The general signs were dominated by deterioration of general condition (96.1%) and fever (91.3%). The main symptoms were cough (85.4%) and dyspnea (52.4%). The radiology of chest found a homogeneous dissemination and symmetrical in both lung fields in 100% of cases. Our study reported that 14 (13.6%) of death cases were found among patients. Conclusion: TM is a severe form of TB;it affects a young population in our context. Mortality remains high with prevalence of 13.6% of cases. Early management would improve the prognosis.

Vulnerability Evaluation of Groundwater of N’Djamena City: Contribution of the Parametric Methods GOD and SI

The purpose of this work is to study the vulnerability of the Quaternary aquifer that lies beneath the N’Djamena city Chad. The subsoil of N’Djamena city Chad is made up of a multilayered aquifer in which there are two main aquifers located respectively at a depth of about 10 and 60 m, between the two there is an intermediate aquifer at about 30 m depth. It is this latter water table, generally captured by human-powered pumps, that is the subject of this study. Because of anarchic garbage dumping, wastewater discharge, latrines scattered throughout the city, chemical fertilizers and herbicides used on the banks of Chari River and its tributary the Logone for market gardening, the quality of the water in this aquifer is highly threatened. Moreover, it has been noting that the sources of pollution are constantly increasing in conjunction with the growth of the population, so the knowledge and protection of groundwater are necessary. We have therefore carried out a study of intrinsic vulnerability using two mapping methods (GOD and SI), as mapping is recognized as an effective tool for decision support in the case of safeguarding water resources. The results obtained by the GOD method show that 38% of the study area is covered by high vulnerability, 29% by moderate vulnerability, 21% by low vulnerability and 21% by the very low vulnerability. With the SI method, 54% of the study area is covering by low vulnerability and 46% by the low and moderate vulnerability. The coincidence rate of low nitrate values in groundwater with areas of very low and low vulnerability is 91% and 76% for the GOD and SI methods, respectively. Although these observations validated the different maps obtained, the SI approach seems to be the most adequate for vulnerability tracing in our study area.

Evaluation of Quality Borehole Water Consumed in Public Schools in N’Djamena City(Chad)

In N’Djamena city,majority of population living there is connected to drinking water supply network.However,given untimely water cuts,some schools have chosen to carry out private drilling.Our objective is therefore to assess the quality of water intended for human consumption in these schools,to do this we have carried out a physico-chemical and bacteriological control on a number of water points.Seventeen(17)water points were collected during July 2015 and the physico-chemical parameters analyzed are as follows:pH,EC(Electrical Conductivity),TH(Total Hardness),turbidity,Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),K^(+),Na^(+),Cl^(-),NO_(3)^(-),HCO_(3)^(-)and SO_(4)^(2-).In addition to this,we looked for possible undesirable germs,indicators of pollution.The results of physico-chemical analyses carried out show that water from most boreholes has good quality with the exception of drilling F7,which has a high conductivity,and drilling F_(3)whose turbidity is also high.Bacteriological analysis shows that all water points contain total germs,the other germs of faecal origin are mainly present in the F9 borehole.

Epidemiological Profile of Chronic Kidney Disease at the General Hospital of National Reference of N’Djamena (Chad)

Introduction: Chronic renal failure is a disease that affects many patients worldwide and increasingly in Africa. At the end of 2003, about 1.1 million people were suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and were treated with periodic dialysis [12]. In Africa, CKF represents 2% to 10% of hospital admissions and is responsible for 4% to 22% of deaths [14]. So, this study is conducted for the first time in Chad, with the aims to determine the prevalence of CKD. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study over a period of 12 months from April 29, 2011 to April 28, 2012. All patients with chronic renal failure regardless of etiology and stage of chronic kidney disease were included in the study. Chronic renal failure was defined as a glomerular filtration rate below 60 ml/min/1.73m (MDRD) for more than 3 months. This study was conducted in several departments of the National General Reference Hospital (NGRH) of N’Djamena. Result: Among 2039 inpatients, 195 patients had chronic renal failure, as a frequency of 9.6%. The average age of our patients was 51 ± 16.8 years, ranging from 11 to 85 years. Male predominance was noted to be 59% of men against 41% of women. We noted that high blood pressure accounted for 66.2% (N = 129) of cases, diabetes in 48.2% (N = 94), alcoholism in 28.7% (N = 56), smoking in 14.9% (N = 29) and the association alcoholism-smoking in 19.5% (N = 38). Hypertension was the leading cause of chronic renal failure (66.2%). All patients had a serum creatinine and creatinine clearance was assessed. Among them, we noted 57 patients (29%) with end-stage renal failure. The average calcium and phosphate serum were 1.8 mmol/l and 1.6 mmol/l, respectively. We noted that 120 patients as 61.5%, currently took herbal medicine. 48 out of 57 of our patients with ESRD as 24.6% of patients in the study had received replacement therapy (hemodialysis) with 12.5% of deaths. Conclusion: Chad, who compiled the first study with 195 patients at the General Hospital of N’Djamena National Reference over a period of one year has objectified a prevalence of chronic renal failure of 9.6%.

Identification of Microorganisms in Poultry Farms in N’djamena and the Border Areas of Hadjer-Lamis and Chari-Baguirmi Chad

Introduction: On the outskirts of Ndjamena, semi-industrial poultry farming and traditional poultry farming are practised informally on almost all poultry farms in Chad. This type of poultry farming is faced with real health problems attributable to a lack of monitoring of the vaccination schedule, inadequate compliance with biosecurity measures and poor application of the Ichikawa rule based on the 5 M’s. Objective: The aim of this article is to identify the microorganisms responsible for contamination of poultry farms in the study area. Method: The study was carried out from 28/04/2022 to 31/01/2023 on the basis of 300 samples taken from feed, drinking water, droppings and scrapings from poultry housing surfaces in the 30 farms that served as a framework for our research. Sampling was of the simple random type, and farms were selected on the basis of the farmers’ consent. The data were recorded on pre-established survey forms. Our study was cross-sectional, descriptive and prospective. Bacteria were isolated using the reference method NF EN ISO 6579 for Salmonella spp. and cultured on the specific medium eosin methylene blue (EMB) for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Citrobacter freundii. Results: The following results emerged from this study: Escherichia coli (5.33%), Pseudomonas (1.33%), Citrobacter freundii (12%) and Salmonella paratyphi (21.68%). Conclusion: Of the 300 samples analysed, 121 (40.33%) were contaminated with pathogens. This high level of contamination is a health problem. The study shows that biosecurity is less satisfactory on the farms visited. Nevertheless, farms with a very satisfactory level of biosafety ensure food safety and variety for the population.

Geochemistry and Microstructure of Construction Materials from the Eastern Districts of N’Djamena Chad with a View to Their Stabilization in the Building and Pottery

The early collapse of habitats in the spontaneous neighborhoods of the South-East of N’Djamena city pushed us to carry out investigations on the soil characteristics of the Ambatta 1 (Z1), Ambatta 2 (Z2), and Siguété (Z3) neighborhoods in this city. XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and ATG/DTA (Thermogravimetry Analysis/Differential Thermal Analysis) were conducted for microstructural and thermal identification. The geochemistry of the three soils studied revealed the presence of SiO2 (49.03% - 73.80%), Al2O3 (08.35% - 17.34%), and Fe2O3 (03.79% - 10.90%) as major elements. The alkalines and alkaline earth elements include potassium K2O (02.57% - 03.07%), magnesium MgO (0.47% - 01.21%), titanium TiO2 (0.81% - 01.41%), sodium Na2O (01.01% - 01.13%) and calcium CaO (01.28% - 03.28%). The fire loss of 09.90% on average remains low. XRD revealed the presence of quartz (~64.28%), feldspar (~07.14%), which are non-clay minerals, and clay minerals like kaolinite (~14.85%), illite (~07.14%) and some traces of smectite and amphibite on all three sites. These oxides were confirmed by FTIR analysis through peaks illustrating the vibrational movements specific to these oxides. SEM shows particles in the increasingly shaped, rounded, shiny sand grains. This is the presence of quartz. These quartz micro textures of abrasive surfaces and topography with conchoidal fractures predict promising mechanical results. Smectite appears in wavy clusters, kaolinite in the form of shiny crystals, and illite materializes by the irregularity of the crystalline shape. These constituents are represented by the presence of their oxides specified by geochemistry. Thermally, the three samples overall retain more than 94% of their constituent on average for a temperature range reaching 950˚C, which predestines them for specific applications. Thus, this study aims to stabilize constructions using local materials after having mastered their constituents.

Upper Tract Treatment of Urogenital Fistulas at the National Fistula Treatment Center (CNTF)

Introduction: Urogenital fistula is the existence of an abnormal pathway between a urinary organ and a genital organ. It is a public health problem because of its frequency and social aspect. The aim of this study was to analyse the management of urogenital fistulas by the upper route at the National Fistula Treatment Centre in N’Djamena. Material and Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective descriptive and analytical study from May 2011 to April 2021. The records of all patients who had received fistula treatment during this period were identified and analysed. Results: During the study period 2369 patients were managed for cure of urogenital fistula including 84 by the upper route, i.e. 3.5%. The mean age was 28.5 ± 8.13 years. Loss of urine was the most common reason for consultation (71.4%). Primigravida were represented in 50% (n = 42). The average gestational age was 3.2 ± 2.8 with extremes of 0 to 9 pregnancies. Obstetric aetiology was the most common (92.8%). Ureterovaginal fistulas were the most common anatomoclinical type (36.9%). Uretero-vesical reimplantation was the main surgical procedure (41.7%). Late postoperative follow-up was successful in 85.7% of cases. Conclusion: Urogenital fistulas are common in our practice. The only way to combat this scourge is through prevention through information, education and communication.

Management of Secondary Leyll Syndrome Due to Anti-Covid Vaccine in a Case, at the Renaissance University Teaching Hospital, Ndjamena (CHAD)

Introduction: Lyell’s syndrome (SL), called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is one of the most serious forms of medication accidents. It is an acute, rare pathology, its incidence is estimated at 1 to 2 cases out of one million inhabitants per year and its evolution can be fatal. Materials and Methods: We report the observation of a 60-year-old patient, with no significant pathological history, admitted to our intensive care unit at the Renaissance University Teaching Hospital in N’Djamena for the treatment of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. In whom the onset of symptoms dates back to few hours after vaccination against COVID-19 with Ag Johnson and Johnson. Results: An ophthalmology opinion was requested and the patient was put on Fucithalmic. In our case, in addition to the advanced age of the patient (60 years old), her SCORTEN was ≥5. Conclusion: The late management as well as the absence of a specific department for severe burns, which condition the presence of a technical plate was fatal to her despite multidisciplinary care: Resuscitators, Traumato-Orthopedist and ophthalmologist.

Clinical Anatomopathological and Therapeutic Aspects of Buschke-Lowenstein Tumor

Introduction: Buschke Lowenstein Tumor (BLT) is a tumor, belonging to the group of verrucous carcinomas. It is endowed with an unpredictable potential of recurrence and degeneration. The aim of the work is to present the anatomical and therapeutic characteristics of BLT at the University Hospital of National Reference of N’Djamena in Chad. Patients and Method: Prospective descriptive study of 13 patients with BLT, from May 2009 to April 2019 in the department of urology was included. The patients more than 15, carriers of TBL located at: external genitalia, perineum and anal margin whose clinical, paraclinical assessment allowed the diagnosis of BLT, management and follow-up at the said service. Respect for the patient’s identity and consent, the patient’s consent is obtained and the anonymity of the photographs is observed. Result: A total of 13 patients had BLT, 11 males and 2 females. The average age of the patients was 32.5 years. The lesions were cauliflower-like and located on the vulva (n = 2), the penis, the perineum, the anorectal region in men (n = 11). Serology was positive for: HIV (n = 3), chlamydia (n = 4). The management was surgical by cauterization and excision. Cystoscopy and rectoscope were normal. The cure was obtained in all patients. Two patients had a recurrence at 5 months requiring a second successful cure. Conclusion: BLT is a frequent pathology in the urology department of the University Hospital of National Reference of N’Djamena in Chad. The surgical treatment by “cauterization exeresis” gives a better treatment.