Molecular Detection of Pathogens Involved in Sexually Transmitted Infections in Brazzaville, Congo

The objective of this multicentric study was to assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma génitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis infections in Brazzaville, in the Republic of Congo, using molecular methods. From January to December 2021, the sexually transmitted disease risk participants were recruited from six centers: The Association of Young HIV-Positive People of Congo, The Congolese Association for Family Welfare, The Association for Support to Vulnerable Groups, Talangaï hospital, Brazzaville university hospital (outpatient service) and the private clinic COGEMO (outpatient service). The real-time multiplex PCR was carried out to detect these pathogens. Each patient had at least one specimen (urine, urethral, anal and/or vaginal samples). The patients were considered infected when one of their samples was positive. 287 participants made of 227 women and 60 men were tested. The general prevalence of these infections was: Chlamydia trachomatis 2.79%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 3.14%, Mycoplasma génitalium 3.45% and Trichomonas vaginalis 2.97. The prevalence rates according to sex were: C. trachomatis, M. génitalium, N. gonorrhea and T. vaginalis were 1.32%, 2.05%, 1.32% and 3.42% in women and 8.33%, 7.02%, 10% and 1.75% in men, respectively. Most infected patients were asymptomatic. Prevalence rates were higher in bisexual individuals, with the exception of T. vaginalis which showed higher prevalence in heterosexual patients. The bisexual and homosexual individuals represent a major public health problem in sexually active young adults, particularly among men having sex with men. These sexually transmitted infections are mainly asymptomatic, their diagnosis and management remain difficult in developing countries.

Effective surveillance systems for vectorborne diseases in urban settings and translation of the data into action:a scoping review

Background:Vector-borne diseases(VBDs)continue to represent a global threat,with“old”diseases like malaria,and“emergent”or“re-emergent”ones like Zika,because of an increase in international trade,demographic growth,and rapid urbanization.In this era of globalization,surveillance is a key element in controlling VBDs in urban settings,but surveillance alone cannot solve the problem.A review of experiences is of interest to examine other solution elements.The objectives were to assess the different means of VBD surveillance in urban environments,to evaluate their potential for supporting public health actions,and to describe the tools used for public health actions,the constraints they face,and the research and health action gaps to be filled.Main body:For this scoping review we searched peer-reviewed articles and grey literature published between 2000 and 2016.Various tools were used for data coding and extraction.A quality assessment was done for each study reviewed,and descriptive characteristics and data on implementation process and transferability were analyzed in all studies.After screening 414 full-text articles,we retained a total of 79 articles for review.The main targets of the articles were arboviral diseases(65.8%)and malaria(16.5%).The positive aspects of many studies fit within the framework of integrated vector management.Public awareness is considered a key to successful vector control programs.Advocacy and legislation can reinforce both empowerment and capacity building.These can be achieved by collaboration within the health sector and with other sectors.Research is needed to develop well designed studies and new tools for surveillance and control.Conclusions:The need for surveillance systems in urban settings in both developing and developed countries was highlighted.Countries face the same challenges relating to human,financial,and structural resources.These findings also constitute a wake-up call for governments,academia,funders,and World Health Organization to strengthen control programs and enhance VBD research in urban environments.

Impact of a community-based intervention on Aedes aegypti and its spatial distribution in Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso

Background:Several studies highlighted the impact of community-based interventions whose purpose was to reduce the vectors’breeding sites.These strategies are particularly interesting in low-and-middle-income countries which may find it difficult to sustainably assume the cost of insecticide-based interventions.In this case study we determine the spatial distribution of a community-based intervention for dengue vector control using different entomological indices.The objective was to evaluate locally where the intervention was most effective,using spatial analysis methods that are too often neglected in impact assessments.Methods:Two neighbourhoods,Tampouy and Juvenat in Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso,were chosen among five after a survey was conducted,as part of an assessment related to the burden of dengue.As part of the communitybased intervention conducted in Tampouy between August and early October 2016,an entomological survey was implemented in two phases.The first phase consisted of a baseline entomological characterization of potential breeding sites in the neighbourhood of Tampouy as well as in Juvenat,the control area.This phase was conducted in October 2015 at the end of the rainy season.The mosquito breeding sites were screened in randomly selected houses:206 in Tampouy and 203 in Juvenat.A second phase took place after the intervention,in October 2016.The mosquito breeding sites were investigated in the same yards as during the baseline phase.We performed several entomological analyses to measure site productivity as well as before and after analysis using multilevel linear regression.We used Local Indicators of Spatial Association(LISAs)to analyse spatial concentrations of larvae.Results:After the intervention,it is noted that LISAs at Tampouy reveal few aggregates of all types and the suppression of those existing before the intervention.The analysis therefore reveals that the intervention made it possible to reduce the number of concentration areas of high and low values of pupae.Conclusions:The contribution of spatial methods for assessing community-based intervention are relevant for monitoring at local levels as a complement to epidemiological analyses conducted within neighbourhoods.They are useful,therefore,not only for assessment but also for establishing interventions.This study shows that spatial analyses also have their place in population health intervention research.