Quality of Water Adjusted Sources and Storage in the Households of the Sanitized Villages in Area of National Program of Sanitized Schools and Villages at Tshopo Province in Republic Democratic of Congo

Introduction: The present research paper aims at assessing the bacteriological water quality in households and at provisioning points, and so factors of water deterioration. Method: a transverse study has been conducted during the period starting from 11 up to 28 October 2018 within 6 Health Zones (HZ) in Tshopo Province integrated in National Program of Schools and Sanitized Villages (NPSSV). Water samples have been collected within 300 reserves of households and 30 water provisioning and analysed points in order to find out water contamination factors. The frequencies and raw OR have been estimated at (p < 0.05) valued significative. Results: fecal coliforms (80% CI95: 75% - 85%) and total (97% CI95: 95% - 99%) were significantly present in water reserves and the presence of Escherichia coli were at about 27% (IC95 22% - 32%). These proportions were correspondingly at 63%, 90% and 10% at water provisioning. The fecal coliforms were the highest in water reserves of sanitized villages (p < 0.05) and Escherichia coli were at about three times higher in traditional sources (17% vs 6%). The duration of water conservation was around 48 hours and more (OR = 4.41;IC95: 1.92 - 10.11), water classification of sanitized risk “intermedium” and the recipients of conservation with bottleneck were associated with the presence of E.coli in water (p < 0.05). Conclusion: water from provisioning sources and household reserves are severely polluted and water quality is not good at consumption point and at provisioning point. The reinforcement of safety measures at water points, reduction of conservation length and hygienic water cleaning of storage water recipients are necessary to assure quality of water.

Abdominoplasty, Liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My Experience in This Aesthetic Plastic Surgery with Black African Women in a Low-Income Country

Background: In low-income African countries, the demand and use of plastic surgery operations including abdominoplasty, liposuction and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) are increasing. The goal of this work is to present my experience and the challenges of this aesthetic plastic surgery among black African women. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted about the abdominoplasties, liposuctions and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) which I operated in public and private hospitals at Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) in black African women. It covers a period of 13 years, going from December 1, 2010 to December 1, 2023. For this study, I had at least 6 months period (to Juin 1, 2024) to assess the occurrence of early and late postoperative complications. Results: I performed 84 abdominoplasties, 144 liposuctions and 23 Brazilian butt lifts (BBL). The average age at the time of abdominoplasty was 44 years with extremes ranging from 26 to 55 years and a concentration of cases (60.7%) in the age group of 40 to 49 years. The age group of 20 to 29 years old represented the lowest rate of requests for abdominoplasty (4.7%). Patients with a BMI of 30 to 2 were the majority (61.9%), followed by those between 25 to 2 (29.7%). 67.8% of patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). The average age at the time of liposuction was 41 years with extremes ranging from 21 years to 69 years;and more than half of cases (68%) in the age group between 30 and 49 years. As for Brazilian butt lift (BBL), the average age was 33 years with extremes ranging from 24 to 42 years and a concentration of patients (91.3%) between 20 and 39 years. The immediate postoperative complications of abdominoplasties observed were: seroma in 7% of cases, hematoma and partial infection of the surgical site in 5% of cases. Pathological scars (hypertrophic, keloid) after abdominoplasties were observed in 9% of cases. The most common complication of liposuction was contour deformity. I observed 16 patients (11.1%) with soft-tissue depressions or elevations, skin panniculus or folds. For Brazalian Butt Lift (BBL), complications like asymmetry for 2 patients (8.9%), contour irregularities for 2 patients (8.9%), and excessive fat removal for 6 patients (26%), had observed. I have not recorded any cases of death or pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: I perform aesthetic plastic surgery procedures in black African women with a high socioeconomic standard of living compared to the average of the general population. The renunciation of planned surgery is motivated by the impossibility of paying the cost of the operation as well as by popular and religious perceptions regarding cosmetic surgery. The results of these aesthetic plastic surgery procedures carried out are very satisfactory for them. The challenges to overcome are mainly threefold: the unforeseeable complications of these cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, popular and religious perceptions of cosmetic surgery as well as the poverty of the population.

A Pilot Study about the First Cases of Coronary Angioplasty in Democratic Republic of Congo/Kinshasa: Patient Profile

Background: The objective of this pilot study was to describe clinical profile, electric, echocardiographic and angiographic caracteristics with procedural outcome of congolease patients undergoing coronarography in the first and only one cardiac catheterization center opened in Kinshasa. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out over a period from October 2019 (date of establishment of the first coronary angiography unit in DR Congo) to March 2021. We proceeded to a serial sampling of the consecutive cases of all the patients who have an angiographic exploration of coronary arteries. Clinical, ECG and cardiac ultrasound data were collected in all patients. The indications for the coronary angiography examination were set by differents cardiologists on the basis of repolarization troubles in the electrocardiogram, cinetic troubles in echocardiography, positive stress test and chest pain in patients with cardiovascular risq factors. Results: The serie (47 patients) was predominantly male with a sex ratio M/W of 2.6. The average age was 59.8 ± 10.5 years. Arterial hypertension (HBP) was the main risk factor (89.4%);followed by diabetes mellitus (14.9%). Chest pain was the main functional sign with an atypical character in 44.7%. The ECG showed ST segment depression (17%) and T wave inversion (17%), the anterior region being the most affected. Hypokinesia was the most common echocardiographic abnormality (34%), followed by akinesia (10.6%). The anteroseptal and apical territories were affected in 12.8%. Dilated myocardiopathy (DMC) was significantly predominant in the male sex (29.4% vs 7.7%;p = 0.011). With radial puncture as the main approach, coronary angiography was pathological in 44% revealing mono-truncal lesions. The left coronary network was the most affected: the middle inter ventricular artery (12.8%), the proximal interventricular artery (10.6%) and the proximal circonflex artery (10.6%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (for age > 50 years for men and >60 years for women), arterial hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy emerged as independent determinants of pathological coronary angiography. Transluminal angioplasty was performed in 27.7% of patients. The bypass indication was retained in 4.3% of cases and medical treatment in 68%. Conclusion: Coronary angiography was used to diagnose lesions responsible for ischemic heart disease and to treat 27.7% of patients locally. The young age of patients and limited financial resources encourage the strengthening of preventive measures against cardio vascular risq factors.

Profile of retinal diseases in adult patients attending two major eye clinics in Kinshasa,the Democratic Republic of Congo

AIM:To determine the frequency and types of retinal diseases and the extend of the related visual loss in adult patients attending two public eye clinics of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo.METHODS:Review of medical records of patients with retinal diseases seen in the major eye clinics in Kinshasa,the University Hospital of Kinshasa(UHK)and Saint Joseph Hospital(SJH),from January 2012 to December 2014.Demographics and diagnoses were retrieved and analyzed.Outcome measures were frequency and prevalence of retinal diseases,blindness and low vision.RESULTS:A total of 40965 patients aged 40 y or older were examined during this period in both clinics.Of these,1208 had retinal disease,giving a 3-year and an annual prevalence of 3%and 1%,respectively.Mean age was 61.7±10.7 y,and 55.8%of the patients were males.Arterial hypertension(68.1%)and diabetes(43.3%)were the most common systemic comorbidities.Hypertensive retinopathy(41.8%),diabetic retinopathy(37.9%),age-related macular degeneration(AMD;14.6%),and chorioretinitis and retinal vein occlusion(7.3%each)were the most common retinal diseases,with 3-year prevalence rates of 1.3%,1.0%,0.43%,and 0.21%respectively.Bilateral low vision and blindness were present in 26.8%and 8.4%of the patients at presentation.Major causes of low vision and blindness were diabetic retinopathy(14.8%),AMD(4.9%),retinal detachment(2.8%),and retinal vein occlusion(2.5%).The prevalence was significantly higher among males than females,and at the UHK than SJH.CONCLUSION:Retinal diseases are common among Congolese adult patients attending eye clinics in Kinshasa.They cause a significant proportion of low vision and blindness.

The road towards sustainable control of schistosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo:Pre-assessment of staff performance and material resources in endemic regions

Objective: To improve knowledge and practice of health staff as well as the availability of material resources for diagnosis and management of schistosomiasis in two endemic provinces of DRC(Kinshasa and Bas-Congo).Methods: Structured interviews were performed using questionnaires with staff from 35 healthcare facilities in 9 health zones(HZ) of Kinshasa and 2 HZ in Bas-Congo.Results: Schistosomiasis was reported to be present in all the included HZ.Health staff knew the most important symptoms of schistosomiasis, but advanced symptoms were more accurately reported in Bas-Congo.Knowledge of symptoms related to schistosomiasis such as anemia(P = 0.0 115) and pollakiuria(P = 0.0 260) was statistically different in both two provinces.Kato-Katz technique and urine filtration were unavailable in both provinces.Parasitological diagnosis was mostly performed using the direct smear method.PZQ was available in 70% of the health facilities, all situated in Bas-Congo.Diagnosis and treatment mostly relied on symptoms and cost more in urban area than in rural.Conclusions: Though knowledge on schistosomiasis among health staff appears sufficient, substantial efforts still must be made to improve the availability of diagnostic tools and treatment in the health facilities in DRC.

Mass Distribution Campaign of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2018 to 2021 in the Context of the Emergence of COVID-19: Results and Lessons Learned

Introduction: The DRC had planned 23 mass distribution campaigns distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) for the years 2018-2020, the implementation of which spanned from 2018 to July 2021. This article reviews the campaign’s planning process, the results, challenges, and lessons learned. Methods: A descriptive method was used to postpone the planning and implementation process according to the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) standards adapted to the COVID-19 context. The changes and adaptations implemented as well as the challenges encountered are described. Results: Between January 2018 to June 2021, 23 LLIN mass distribution campaigns were organized in the DRC with the financial support of The Global Fund to Fight against Tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria (GFTAM) and Against Malaria Foundation (AMF) allowing the distribution of 55,273,473 LLINs to 19,048,372 households at risk of malaria transmission with an average of 2.9 LLINs per household. The enumerated population (111,081,191) exceeded 7% of the micro plans projected population (102,790,391) while the number of households enumerated (19,311,629) was 3% lower compared to the micro planning projection households (19,862,417). Compared to a reported household coverage of 96% of households achieved over the expected households, the independent monitoring carried out revealed 91% of households served in the intervention areas. The main reasons for not reaching households mentioned by the respondents were absence at the time of distribution (26%) followed by the loss of vouchers (16%). Several communication channels were used among which, community workers were the most frequently mentioned (63.1%), followed by radios (18.5%) and churches (12.4%). Conclusion: Good planning, effective coordination of stakeholders, and revision of the implementing campaigns methods following the COVID-19 were factors in the success of this campaign. An effort to respect the schedules for renewing LLINs in households, coupled with good continuous distribution, is necessary to maintain the gains and hope for an impact in terms of morbidity and mortality reduction of malaria.

Epidemiology of Cancer in Rural Congo: Case of IME Kimpese Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background and Aim: Cancer is a public health problem in developing countries. It is aggravated by diagnostic confirmation difficulties. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of cancers in Congolese rural areas. Methods: A historical cohort study was conducted with 914 histopathological protocols at the IME/Kimpese hospital from January 2008 to December 2013. Results: The mean age of patients was 55.2 ± 14.5 years, and 61.9% were women with a sex ratio of 2W/M. Ductal carcinoma (23.6%), squamous cell carcinoma (23.5%) and adenocarcinoma (23.1%) were the most common cancers. The most affected organs were breast (26.3%) and prostate (14.3%). 41.5% of cancers had an undifferentiated character and more than half (51.1%) a differentiated character. The majority of this cancer infiltrated other organs (57.9%). Among cancers where grade was found, 16% and 10.8% were respectively grades 1 and 4, and the presence of metastases was observed in 10.9% of cancers. Conclusion: Cancer is more frequent in elderly women with a predominance of squamous and ductal carcinoma. The presence of a national cancer registry is necessary in the country for a good follow-up of cancer cases.

Study of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Hôpital de Référence Saint Joseph, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Foot infections resulting from biofilm producers and multi-drug resistant organisms is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus, as it can impede the wound healing process. This study was carried out in order to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern and the biofilm production in diabetic foot ulcers isolates. Clinical samples were collected from patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers by using sterile swabs. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using disk diffusion method on Mueller Hinton Agar. Biofilm formation was assessed by Crystal Violet Staining Method. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were resistant to ofloxacin (83.3%), ciprofloxacin (75.0%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (75.0%), and gentamicin (58.8%) but very sensitive to oxacillin (100.0%) and vancomycin (91.7%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates showed resistance to the commonly used antibiotics such as ofloxacin, cefotaxime, ampicillin (81.8%), ceftazidime and imipenem (72.7%). The majority of bacteria studied were biofilm producers. This study showed that bacteria isolated from diabetic foot ulcers were biofilm producers and presented resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Knowledge on antibiotic sensitivity pattern and biofilm phenotype of the isolates will be helpful in determining the drugs for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

Improving Demand for Health Services with the Involvement of Community Health Workers: A Case Study of Community Dynamics at Mosango Rural Health Zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: DRC is one of Sub-Saharan Africa country with high infant and maternal mortality. The major problem is the underuse of health services because of inaccessibility on all fronts and also the population under-information to the health and development problems. Community participation is one of the basic requirements and basic principles of the Primary Health Care to solve this problem. That is why we choose Mosango RHZ to assess the improvement of demand for health services with the involvement of community health workers. Methods: We conduct a cross-sectional study carried out in Mosango RHZ in 2019. The study combined a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) based on the realist evaluation approach which takes into account the Context-Mechanisms-Effects explained in the conceptual framework model. Results: Four predictive factors determine the improvement of health indicators with the involvement of CHWS in activities of the Mosango RHZ: Having attended school (p = 0.000;OR = 0.150);Having sufficient theoretical knowledge on malaria, diarrhoea, pneumonia, malnutrition, availability of inputs to treat these diseases (p = 0.004;OR = 0.192);Having taken the training as CHWS and Having undergone more than one training as CHW (p = 0.013;OR = 0.074). This result corroborated with other studies carried in low- and middle-income countries like DRC. Conclusion: The involvement of CHWs on improving demand for health services is effective in Mosango RHZ. The improvement of health service indicators and the effectiveness of this community intervention were conditioned by capacity building of the CHWs, the availability of inputs and the involvement of the community in the activities of the health zone through the Community Action Cells.

Does New Regulation Points to an Effective Use of Strategic Environmental Assessment? Lessons from Democratic Republic of Congo

To date, an important debate regarding the use of Strategic Environmental Assessment in policy and plan-making seems to focus on whether to reform or develop SEA regulations. Despite the well-established theoretic relevance of legislation, there is only little empiric evidence, moreover in developing countries. This paper aims to verify the contributions of new regulations to a proper use of SEA, based on the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both the SEA practice previously to the legislation reform and the newly introduced SEA system established by the new regulation were characterized. The new regulation was verified against the previous practice of SEA within the country and the compliance with international performance criteria. The outcomes suggest that the overall quality of SEA documentation is still in need of major improvements. Gaps include alternatives development and impacts monitoring. The biggest performance limitations of the new regulation are related to the length of SEA processes, public consultation, SEA information to provide, and alternatives to consider. Finally, it is suggested that regulation reform or straightforward adoption might not be enough to support an effective use of SEA.

Vaginal Colonization and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Group B <i>Streptococcus</i>Isolated from Pregnant Women in Maternitéde l’Hôpital Des Soeurs de Pauvres de Bergame de Kimbanseke, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium which often colonizes maternal vaginal and rectal epitheliums and can be transmitted to the neonate during delivery. GBS infections may cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity, including sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. In Democratic Republic of Congo, few studies have been done on GBS colonization of pregnant women. This study was conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo in order to determine the prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization among pregnant women at a gestational age of 35 - 37 weeks and the antibiotic susceptibility. Vaginal swabs of 104 pregnant women were inoculated onto Chromatic Strepto B medium. GBS isolates were identified by Gram staining, catalase test, blue-green colonies and confirmed to be GBS by Strepto B latex test kit. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the disc diffusion method. The prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization was 23.07%. Of the isolates studied 100%, 75%, 62.5%, 50% were sensitive to vancomycin, clindamycin, cefazolin, and erythromycin respectively. Our findings seem to suggest that maternal GBS colonization rate in this study was higher compared to a previous report from Bukavu in Democratic Republic of Congo. All isolates were found to be sensitive to vancomycin which was the most effective antibiotic for the treatment of GBS infections.

Using Remote Sensing to Analyse the Role of Urbanization in the Transformation of Land-Use and Land Cover in Likasi Town (Haut-Katanga, DR Congo)

Environmental change is characterized as an alteration in the environment caused primarily by human activities and ecological processes that are natural. Given the fact that the southern part of the province of Haut-Katanga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is part of the African Copperbelt and has been a region of intense mining for decades, humans have affected the physical environment in various ways: such as overpopulation, suburbanization, wastage, deforestation. It is therefore important to track and control the changes in the area’s mining activities. This study aimed to analyze these changes using remote sensing techniques. Landsat satellite images from 2002 and 2022 were processed and classified to quantify changes in built-up area, agricultural land, and vegetation cover over the 20-year period. The classification results revealed sizable differences between the two time points, indicating considerable expansion of built-up land and declines in agricultural land and vegetation cover from 2002 to 2022 in Likasi. These findings provide evidence that urban growth has transformed the landscape in Likasi, likely at the expense of farmland and ecosystems. Further analysis of the remote sensing data could quantify the changes and model future trends to support sustainable land use planning. The land cover and land use analysis were performed with the assistance of the ERDAS 16.6.13 software by mapping LANDSAT data from two different years 2002 and 2022.

Epidemiological and Histopathological Profile of Prostate Cancer: A Retrospective Study in the Pathology Department of the University Clinics of Kinshasa

Background: Prostate cancer, the most common male cancer, represents a real public health problem in terms of its frequency and severity in different countries around the world. It disproportionately affects people of African descent wherever they live in the world [1]. To the best of our knowledge, its extent and particularities in the African environment are not well known. Objective: To determine the epidemiological and histopathological profile of prostate cancer in the CUK anatomopathology department. Methodology: This is a retrospective study conducted at the University Clinics of Kinshasa Anapathology Department from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2022, a period of 8 years. Word processing and tables were entered using the Hp brand computer, with Microsoft Office WORD 2016 software. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 22.0 software. Results were presented in tables and figures. Results: Prostate was diagnosed in 132 cases, i.e. 1.58% of all CUK laboratory analyses and 8% of cancers diagnosed. The age group most affected was 66-75 years, i.e. 59% of all subjects. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type, and biopsy dominated in 111 cases (84.1%). Conclusion: Prostate cancer is a real public health problem. Worldwide, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, and the leading cause of cancer-related death in men. In the DRC, because of the delay in consulting our patients and the weakness of systematic screening, patients are seen at an advanced stage of the disease. Treatment is multidisciplinary, involving surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (including targeted therapies). Patient awareness and screening campaigns will help to considerably reduce the delay in diagnosis and the morbidity and mortality associated with prostate cancer.

Feasibility of iFISH patterns in hematologic malignancies among Congolese patients at Kinshasa University clinics

Objective: To analyze the feasibility of detecting Ph1 in leukemia patients in the Kinshasa University Clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo, at KU Leuven, Belgium.Methods: Bone marrow and peripheral blood samples with chronic myeloid leukemia,acute myeloid leukemia or acute leukocytes leukemia were obtained from 32 patients in Kinshasa University clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo and transferred to KU Leuven in Belgium for i FISH feasibility. Ph^1 was detected by using a remote analysis of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization(i FISH).Results: Out of the 32 patients involved in this study, 65.6%(n = 21) of the cases were successfully tested, of which 52.4%(n = 11) were i FISH positives for the variant t(9;22)(presence of Ph^1) in chronic myeloid leukemia samples and 47.6%(n = 10) negatives in all subtypes of hematological malignancies. However, there was a female predominance in chronic myeloid leukemia samples Ph^1-positives by i FISH, whereas no sexual influence was observed on acute subtypes of leukemia.Conclusions: i FISH analysis is feasible on samples obtained from remote sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the optimization of the sample storage is necessary to further improve i FISH's performance.

High prevalence of epilepsy in onchocerciasis endemic health areas in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background:A high prevalence of epilepsy has been observed in many onchocerciasis endemic regions.This study is to estimate the prevalence of active epilepsy and exposure to Onchocerca volvulus infection in a rural population in Ituri province,Democratic Republic of Congo.Methods:In August 2016,a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an onchocerciasis endemic area in the rural health zone of Logo,Ituri Province.Households within two neighbouring health areas were randomly sampled.To identify persons with epilepsy,a three-stage approach was used.In the first stage,all individuals of the selected households were screened for epilepsy by non-medical field workers using a validated 5-item questionnaire.In the second and third stage,suspected cases of epilepsy were examined by non-specialist medical doctors,and by a neurologist,respectively.A case of epilepsy was defined according to the 2014 International League Against Epilepsy(ILAE)guidelines.Exposure to O.volvulus was assessed by testing for IgG4 antibodies to an O.volvulus antigen(OV16 Rapid Test,)in individuals aged 3 years and older.Results:Out of 1389 participants included in the survey,64 were considered to have active epilepsy(prevalence 4.6%)(95%confidence interval[CI]:3.6-5.8).The highest age-specific epilepsy prevalence estimate was observed in those aged 20 to 29 years(8.2%).Median age of epilepsy onset was 10 years,with a peak incidence of epilepsy in the 10 to 15 year-old age group.OV16 test results were available for 912 participants,of whom 30.5%(95%CI,27.6-33.6)tested positive.The prevalence of OV16 positivity in a village ranged from 8.6 to 68.0%.After adjusting for age,gender and ivermectin use,a significant association between exposure to onchocerciasis and epilepsy was observed(adjusted odds ratio=3.19,95%CI:1.63-5.64)(P<0.001).Conclusions:A high prevalence of epilepsy and a significant association between epilepsy and exposure to O.volvulus were observed in the population in Ituri province,Democratic Republic of Congo.There is an urgent need to implement a CDTI programme and to scale up an epilepsy treatment and care programme.

It’s not just science: challenges for public health intervention in Ebola epidemics in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is suffering from the world’s second largest and most prolonged Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic on record (Figure 1). The current prevalence of EVD in the DRC makes this the 10th (and largest) EVD epidemic in the DRC since the first discovery of the Zaire Ebola virus in 1976 (Ilunga Kalenga, 2019).Globally, it is the second worst outbreak in the history of Ebola epidemics.

Onchocerca volvulus as a risk factor for developing epilepsy in onchocerciasis endemic regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo:a case control study

Background:A high prevalence of epilepsy has been observed in onchocerciasis endemic areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).With this study we aimed to investigate whether Onchocerca volvulus infection is a risk factor for developing epilepsy in onchocerciasis endemic regions in the DRC.Methods:Between October and December 2015,a multi-centre case control study was performed in onchocerciasis endemic health zones(HZ)in the DRC:one study site was situated in Tshopo Province in the HZ of Wanierukula(village of Salambongo)where there had been 13 annual community distributions of treatment with ivermectin(CDTI),a second was situated in Ituri Province in the HZ of Logo(village of Draju)where ivermectin had never been distributed and in the HZ of Rethy(village of Rassia)where there had been THREE CDTI annual campaigns before the study.Individuals with unprovoked convulsive epilepsy of unknown etiology were enrolled as cases(n=175).Randomly selected healthy members of families without epilepsy cases from the same village and age-groups and were recruited as controls(n=170).Results:Onchocerciasis associated symptoms(e.g.,itching and abnormal skin)were more often present in cases compared to controls(respectively,OR=2.63,95%CI:1.63-4.23,P<0.0001 and OR=3.23,95%CI:1.48-7.09,P=0.0034).A higher number of cases was found to present with microfilariae in skin snips and with O.volvulus IgG4 antibodies in the blood compared to controls.Moreover,the microfilariae load in skin snips was 3-10 times higher in cases than controls.Conclusions:This case control study confirms that O.volvulus is a risk factor for developing epilepsy in onchocerciasis endemic regions in the DRC.

Sulphuric Acid Bake-Leach Process for the Treatment of Mixed Copper-Cobalt Oxide Ores

A sulphuric acid bake–leach method for the treatment of mixed copper-cobalt oxide minerals was investigated as an alternative to the reductive leaching method. Sulphuric acid bake-leach process of the mixed copper-cobalt oxide ore was carried out by mixing the sample with sulphuric acid followed by baking of the mixture in a muffle furnace. Baking tests were conducted at different conditions such as temperature, time, and varying amounts of acid. The reacted samples were then subjected to water leaching at room temperature to determine the leachability of copper and cobalt from the baked material. The dissolutions of copper and cobalt were dependent on acid concentration with cobalt showing more sensitivity to the amount of acid. Both copper and cobalt were extracted from the baked material within short leaching times and without the addition of reducing agents. The outcome of this work has shown that the sulphuric acid bake-leach process is a possible alternative to the reductive leaching method for copper-cobalt oxide ores.