Molecular Diagnosis of Sexual Differentiation Disorders in Burkina Faso

Sex development anomalies represent a group of congenital pathologies in which chromosomal, gonadal and anatomical sex differentiation is atypical. The aim of our study was to use molecular biology techniques to elucidate sex in cases of anomalies of sexual differentiation in Burkina Faso. This cross-sectional study took place from March 2023 to June 2023. Oral and blood samples were collected respectively using sterile swabs and stored on Swab Kits and NUCLEIcardTM (https://www.copangroup.com/product-ranges/nucleic-card/) were used to determine gonosome profiles. Extraction was carried out using the DNA Swap solution Kit and the DNA IQ System Kit, and a PowerPlex? 21 kit (Promega) for amplification. The Applied Biosystems 9700 thermal cycler was used for PCR followed by 36 cm capillary electrophoresis in the Applied Biosystems 3130 prism sequencer. Sequence files were analyzed using GeneMapper IDX v. 3.2 software. Seven (07) patients were registered during the study period. There were 4 cases of XX DSD or 46, XX DSD and 3 cases of XY DSD or 46, XY DSD. The median age of our patients was 16 years. Civilian sex was male in 4 cases and female in 3. The most frequent reason for consultation was micropenis in 3 cases, followed by primary amenorrhea and sex ambiguity. There were 03 cases of discrepancy between genetic sex and civil sex. The accessibility of molecular diagnosis is little known to clinicians. XX DSDs or 46, XX DSDs were the most frequent (4/7) in our study. The problem facing this situation is early diagnosis to help prevent complications in Burkina Faso.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of the Aqueous Extracts of the Leaves of Opilia amentacea (Opiliaceae)

Opilia amentacea (Opiliaceae) is a woody plant with multiple medicinal claimed effects. The present study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the decoction and macerate extracts from the leaves of Opilia amentacea. Moreover, acute toxicity and phytochemical analysis were performed. The acute toxicity was evaluated on NMRI mice at 2000 mg/kg bw. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema and the lipoxygenase inhibition assay. The radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assays were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. Qualitative and quantitative methods served for identifying and quantifying the extract’s phytoconstituents. The decoction demonstrated low acute toxicity;the lethal dose was therefore estimated to be superior to 2000 mg/kg bw. The extracts significantly reduced the mouse paw’s thickness at 600 mg/kg bw. The extracts developed weak radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. However, the macerate showed a high ability (664.90 ± 0.71 mol Ascorbic Acid Equivalent/g dry extract) to reduce the ferric ions. Saponins, sterols, triterpenes, and flavonoids were qualitatively detected in the two extracts. Total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) were found abundant in the extracts, especially the decoction (TP content (TPC) = 94.03 ± 2.66 mg GAE/g;TF content (TFC) = 35.05 ± 0.32 mg QE/g). Strong positive correlations existed between ferric-reducing capacity and TPC (r = 0.959) for the macerate, while TFC was mainly involved in the DPPH radical scavenging of the two extracts. Instead, most correlations were negative between the polyphenol compounds and the anti-inflammatory assays. The results indicate potent in vivo anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant effects of the aqueous extracts from the leaves of Opilia amentacea. Further studies are needed to find the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects mechanism.

Phytochemical Screening by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography, Antioxidant Activities and Acute Toxicity of Trunk Barks Extracts of Lannea velutina A. Rich

Lannea velutina is a traditional herbal remedy used to treat various diseases, including hypertension (HBP). Herbal medicines are affordable, and some have minimal side effects;they are rich in bioactive components that encourage prevention and treatment. This work uses appropriate experimental paradigms to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and acute oral toxicity of L. velutina trunk bark extracted in water, methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and hexane. According to a high-performance thin-layer chromatography profile, this shrub’s bark contains sterols, saponosides, flavonoids, and tannins. Compared to ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts, the methanol extract had the highest total phenolic (607.06 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoid (20.97 ± 0.23 mg QE/g DW), and condensed tannins (194.50 ± 0.75 CE/g DW) content. The methanol extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capability assay (IC50 = 8.59 g/mL;AAI = 4.66) compared to the other extracts. It exhibited antiradical action comparable to that of Trolox (IC50 = 15.16 g/mL), ascorbic acid (IC50 = 11.94 g/mL), and catechin (IC50 = 11.64 g/mL). The connection between flavonoid concentration and hydrophilic antioxidant activity was robust (r = 0.997). Mice were used to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts using guidelines 425 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. All tested extracts have an estimated LD50 greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight. The truncal bark of L. velutina could be an alternative source for HTA management.

Seroepidemiological Study of Dengue Virus Infection Suspected Cases in Burkina Faso

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by four related but antigenically distinct dengue viruses. In the last half-century, the prevalence of dengue fever has increased dramatically (up to 30%) worldwide, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Burkina Faso, the last dengue epidemic occurred in 2016, and the epidemiological situation is still poorly documented at the national level. Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct a sentinel seroepidemiology of suspected dengue virus infections from 2017 to 2020 at Charles de Gaulle University Pediatric Hospital Center of Ouagadougou. This investigation was designed to be a descriptive and analytical study. Patients with suspected cases of dengue fever were recruited from January 2017 to December 2020 during general medicine consultation and referred to Charles de Gaulle University Pediatric Hospital Center of Ouagadougou for the serological diagnosis of dengue. Venous blood was collected in dry or EDTA tubes and tested for DENV NS1 antigen, anti-dengue IgM, and anti-dengue IgG using SD Bioline Dengue Duo Rapid Detection Kit (Standard Diagnostic Inc., Korea). A total of 3400 blood samples from clinically suspected dengue cases were analyzed, of which 1784 (52.5%) were males, and 1616 (47.5%) were females. Among the 3400 patients included in the study, 661 (19.4%) were tested at least positive for NS1 antigen, anti-dengue IgM or anti-IgG. Among them, individuals positive for IgG suggesting past dengue virus infection were found in more than a third of 262 (7.7%) of the cases. Approximately, 80.0% (2705/3400) dengue suspected cases and 85.5% (341/399) early or primary dengue infections were recorded in the last four months of the study (September to December 2020), with a peak in mid-October and mid-November. There was no statistically significant difference in seroprevalence between males and females (p = 0.7), but an increasing seropositivity trend with age, from 11.6% for the patient under 5 years group to 39.7% for 30 years and over age group were noted. This study puts in evidence a considerable level of transmission of dengue viruses in Burkina Faso and provides baseline seroprevalence data. The recurrent outbreaks of dengue infection in multiple geographical areas need comprehensive surveillance and a diagnostic system to identify the actual burden and pinpoint the risk factors. A larger study is, therefore, needed to determine the actual prevalence of dengue in Burkina Faso and map the serotypes.

Helicobacter pylori Virulence Genes cagA, babA2, and vacA Detection in Dyspeptic Patients from Burkina Faso

The diverse clinical presentation of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection results from the interaction between bacterial virulence, host genetics, socio-demographic and environmental factors. This study aimed to characterize Helicobacter pylori virulence genes and the associated behavioral factors among dyspeptic patients in Burkina Faso. Two hundred and fifty (250) stool samples were collected from patients with dyspepsia seen at health centers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted using a commercial kit. Virulence genes were detected using conventional multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction with specific primers. The overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori of the 250 participants was 91.20%. CagA virulence gene was present among 20.19% of individuals, while babA2 and vacA were detected respectively among 9.65% and 67.54% of the population positive for Helicobacter pylori. Among vacA subtypes, vacAs1 was the most frequent, with 39.04%, followed by vacAi1 (19.74%), vacAi2 (17.54%), and vacAs2 with 10.96%. Regarding vacAm1 and vacAm2, they were less frequent at 6.14% each. “Handwashing three times or less per day” significantly increased the risk of having vacAi2 allele and H. pylori rRNA16s, with p-values of 0.013 and 0.020, respectively. The consumption of non-tap water increases the risk of carrying the cagA virulence gene. Additionally, H. pylori-positive patients living with more than four (4) people in their household had about two times the risk of having the vacAs1 allele. The present study shows the detection of Helicobacter pylori cagA, vacA subtypes, and babA2 by stool a PCR method in Burkina Faso. The strong association between sanitary habits and virulence factors depicts the composite interaction between ecological factors, gastric mucosa, and bacteria. Therefore, the synergic action of these factors should be considered when aiming for bacterial eradication and gastric pathology cure.

Phytochemical Analysis and Contractile Effects of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Brassicaceae) on the Isolated Uterus of Mice

Background: Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Brassicaceae) has been claimed to treat various conditions, including complicated childbirth. The principal objective of this research was to provide scientific evidence on the contractile effect of the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the whole plant from A. hierochuntica during labor. Method: Qualitative and quantitative methods helped identify and quantify the phytoconstituents in both extracts. The antioxidant activity was studied using four standard methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and LPO). Results: The inhibitory power of the extracts on pro-inflammatory enzymes such as 15-lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 was determined. The contractile effects of the extracts were evaluated using isolated pregnant mice uteri. Steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and reduced compounds were identified in both extracts. The hydroethanolic extract exhibited higher content of hydrolyzable tannins (15.07 ± 0.24 mg tannic acid equivalent/g) than the aqueous decoction (11.8 ± 0.69 mg TAE/g). The extracts demonstrated the ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals, reduce ferric ions, and inhibit especially lipid peroxidation. No significant difference was noted in the phospholipase inhibition between the extracts and betamethasone. The hydroethanolic extract displayed the most significant anti-lipoxygenase activity with an IC50 value of 55.82 ± 1.15 μg/mL. The lethal dose (LD50) of extracts was estimated to be superior to 2000 mg/kg body weight (bw). The ability of the samples to produce one cm amplitude of contraction at 50% effective concentrations (EC50) was 5.33 × 10−8 ± 0.32 mg/mL for oxytocin, 1.51 ± 0.08 mg/mL for aqueous extract and 3.57 ± 0.61 mg/mL for hydroethanolic extract. Conclusion: These findings could provide evidence for using Anastatica hierochuntica to facilitate childbirth.

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.

Anthelmintic activity of Saba senegalensis(A.DC.) Pichon (Apocynaceae) extract against adult worms and eggs of Haemonchus contortus

Objective: To evaluate the anthelmintic property of Saba senegalensis(A.DC) Pichon(Apocynaceae)(S. senegalensis) on Haemonchus contortus that is traditionally used in Burkina Faso for its gastrointestinal parasites treatment.Methods: The lyophilized aqueous decoction of leaves of S. senegalensis at concentrations of 0.10, 1.00, 3.00, 10.00 and 15.00 mg/m L was used on eggs and adult worms of Haemonchus contortus collected from gastrointestinal tract of small ruminant.Results: The LC_(50) on adult worms was 6.79 mg/m L and 3.25 mg/m L for the leaves of S. senegalensis and the levamisole(reference drug), respectively. Inhibition of hatching assay showed a concentration-dependent manner with an inhibition of 93.63% at the concentration of 15.00 mg/m L of S. senegalensis.Conclusions: These results indicate that the aqueous extract of S. senegalensis possesses an anthelmintic property and may justify its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites.

Impact of Health and Nutrition Interventions in the Prevention and Recovery of Child Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2010 to 2020: Review Article

Malnutrition is still a widespread public health problem worldwide. The objective of this review is to identify the most effective nutrition programs used in the prevention and management of child malnutrition in children under five years. Also, it is to suggest courses of action to improve interventions in the fight against malnutrition. The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and food diversification improves the mothers’ knowledge and contributes to prevention of malnutrition. Food supplementation increases the weight/height ratio of malnourished children. The two programs combined bring better results on mothers’ feeding practices and children’s anthropometric data. This review has highlighted the importance of food supplementation and nutritional education in the management and prevention of child malnutrition. In addition, the combination of several approaches to good dietary practices brings better results. Finally, primary prevention can protect children from the harmful consequences of malnutrition.

Cirrhosis: Therapeutic Aspects and Outcome for Hospitalized Patients in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Cirrhosis represents 27.63% of the hepatobiliary diseases in Burkina Faso. We aimed at studying the therapeutic and evolutionary features of the cirrhosis. Patients and methods: We implemented a cross-sectional and descriptive study, collecting retrospectively the data from 1st January 2012 to 31st March 2014. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on 1) clinical criteria (an edema-ascitic syndrome with a heterogeneous hepatomegaly with a sharp inferior border or atrophic liver and a portal hypertension);2) biological criteria (a hepatocellular insufficiency syndrome);and 3) ultrasound imaging suggesting cirrhosis. Qualitative variables were presented as frequencies and percentages while quantitative ones were presented as means. Results: The data of 273 patients representing 33.9% of all hospitalizations were analyzed. The hepatobiliary diseases represented 74.7% of all diagnosis. The participants’ mean age was 46.9 years and the sex ratio, 2.7. The HBs antigen and anti-HCV antibodies were positive in 76.5% and 14.6% of the cases, respectively. Ascites was treated with puncture in 40.2% of patients, a salt-free diet (38.8%) and diuretics (54.2%). Hepatic encephalopathy was treated with lactulose in 73.6% of patients and two patients (1.3%) underwent esophageal varices ligation to treat their gastrointestinal bleeding. Lamivudine, tenofovir, and lamivudine-tenofovir combination were administered to 57.4%, 32.8%, and 10% of HBs Antigen positive patients, respectively. Conclusion: Cirrhosis still mostly affects the young and active male population at the gastro-enterology department of the university teaching hospital Yalgado Ouédraogo. Patients show up at a very advanced stage of the disease in poorly prepared health centres. In this context, prevention by the anti-hepatitis B immunization and early systematic screening with treatment when indicated are very efficient weapons at our disposal.

Chronic Carriage of Hepatitis B Virus at the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo: Therapeutic Aspects and Outcome in a Cohort of HBeAg+ Outpatients

Introduction: The HbsAg prevalence in Burkina Faso was 9.1%. We aimed at describing the therapeutic features and the clinical outcome for the patients taking antiretroviral treatment. Materials and Methods: We implemented a cross-sectional study from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2015. Patients aged more than 15 years with positive hepatitis B surface antigen for over six months and positive hepatitis B e-antigen were included. Results: We analyzed the data of 148 participants for a sex ratio of 3;sixty-three patients including 49 men (77.8%) were on treatment. and 81.5% had inflammatory activity greater than one. Under tenofovir, the normalization of ALT was observed in 42 (84%) patients while HBV-DNA became undetectable in 24/33 patients. HBeAg negativation was observed in 16/25 (64%) patients after seven years of treatment. With lamivudine, 2/9 patients had a complete virologic response and six had a normalization of their ALT. Two and 9 patients lost HBeAg after 7 and 9 years of treatment, respectively. Overall 63% and 27% of the patients were in the high or low-adherence group, respectively. In the low-adherence group, all patients had normal or abnormal ALT, but detectable HBV DNA. Ten patients taking lamivudine developed resistance including primary resistance in three patients. No resistance has been observed with tenofovir. Conclusion: The management of the viral hepatitis B includes often a long follow up period without any medication. When antiviral is indicated, the adherence to the treatment is crucial to a long-term control of the virus. In our setting, the low purchase power of the patients may jeopardize their therapeutic future and there is a need to support this group of patients with free-of-charge medicines as it is provided for the HIV infected people.

Factors Associated with Antigen HBs Seroconversion among Blood Donors in Ouagadougou from 2008 to 2017

Introduction: The risk of transmission of pathogens such as hepatitis B virus threatens the safety of transfused patients especially in high endemic areas. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion in blood donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre of Ouagadougou. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors (VNRBD), was conducted from 2008 to 2017. Data on HBsAg seroconversion were collected. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-Rank test were used to estimate the survival curves. Cox’s regression identified the factors associated with this seroconversion. Results: Of 23,494 donors, 559 had HBsAg seroconversion. The number of donor years was 58,637.50 and the HBV incidence rate was 9.53 per 1000 donor years. The median seroconversion time was 75.73 months with extremes of 2.7 months and 107.12 months. The risk of seroconversion was 1.30 times higher among donors aged 21 to 24 years old (p = 0.007) and 2.49 times higher among those over 24 years old (p < 0.0001) than among donors under 21 years old. Female donors were 1.11 times more likely to seroconvert than male donors (p = 0.33). Donor residence was not significantly associated with HBsAg seroconversion (Hazard ratio = 1.12;p = 0.36). The risk of seroconversion decreased significantly with the number of blood donations (Hazard ratio = 0.58;p = 0.006). Conclusion: The incidence of HBsAg remains high among blood donors, which could have a negative impact on transfusion safety. The age of the blood donor was significantly associated to AgHBs seroconversion.

Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br Roots Barks against Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Background: Liver diseases including chronic hepatitis, steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer are now a public health problem. In 2002, cirrhosis accounted for 27.63% of hepatobiliary diseases in Burkina Faso. In Africa and more particularly in Burkina Faso, the majority of the population (about 80%) uses medicinal plants for their primary health care. Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br (Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Burkina Faso in the treatment of liver problems. This work aims to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties of Calotropis procera roots barks. Methods: The anti-fibrotic activity of the ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera roots barks was evaluated using diethylnitrosamine (DEN) to induce liver fibrosis in male Wistar rats. Serum biomarkers, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, Albumin, Υ-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) were evaluated and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase and catalase) as well as the level of malonedialdehyde (MDA) and that of nitric oxide (NO) were determined in the liver homogenate. Results: The treatment of rats suffering from hepatic fibrosis with the ethanolic extract leads to a significant restoration of the biomarkers of the hepatic function in particular, AST, ALP, GGT, Albumin. The extract also causes a reduction in oxidative stress in the liver through a significant increase in the activity rate of the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase accompanied by a significant drop in the rate of MDA and NO suggesting the anti-oxidant effect of extract. Conclusion: The results of the study show that the ethanolic extract of the roots barks of Calotropis procera has anti-fibrotic properties.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) and HTLV-1 &2 among Female Sex Workers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background: Herpes Simplex Virus type-2 (HSV-2) infection is one of the most common worldwide sexually transmitted and female sex workers are most at risk for these infections. Beside HSV-2, Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is one of these infections with a high risk of sexual transmission. HTLV-1 causes T-cell leukaemia and myelopathy. Little is known about the HSV-2, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections among female sex workers in West Africa in general, and particularly in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study aimed to estimate HSV-2 and HTLV-1/2 seroprevalence among female sex workers, in Ouagadougou in order to inform HIV prevention programs. Methods: Archived sera samples of a biological and behavioral cross-sectional study among female sex workers (FSWs) in Ouagadougou were tested for HSV-2 and HTLV-1/2. Sera samples collected from February to May 2013 were previously tested for HIV and syphilis and stored with participants’ additional consent for further infection testing. Antibodies against HSV-2 and HTLV-1/2 detection tests were performed using Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) methods. Results: HSV-2 seroprevalence was approximately 75.7% (95% CI: 70.8-79.9) among FSWs. It ranged from 69.3% among FSWs under 24 years of age, to 88.5% among those who were at least 30 years old. Furthermore, HSV-2 seroprevalence was high among FSW with no formal education (87.7%) and decreased significantly among those with at least primary education (76.0%) and others with secondary education and above (64.9%). Regarding HTLV-1/2, 11.2% (95% CI: 8.3 - 15.1) of FSWs were positive. By age group, 11.8% were positive among FSWs under 25 years of age;15.2% among those 25 to 29 years of age, and 5.8% among those over 30 years of age. Conclusion: HSV-2 and HTLV-1&2 infections are common among FSWs, which confirms the need for effective and preventive interventions such as sex education and early screening.