Prevalence of Dyslipidemia among Patients Received at the Biochemistry Unit of the Charles de Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital in Ouagadougou

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease represents a major public health burden worldwide. Research and management of risk factors contribute to the prevention of these diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the biochemistry unit of the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital (CHUP-CDG) in Ouagadougou. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. Patients of all ages who performed a lipid panel in the CHUP-CDG biochemistry unit during the study period have been included. Results: A total of 2872 patients have been included. The mean age of the study population was 27.72 ± 19.51 years and the M/F sex ratio was 0.81. Among the patients, 22.84% had at least one dyslipidemia. The prevalences of hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and hyper-LDL cholesterolemia were 11.57%, 49.19% and 57.50% respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia were present in 9.04% and 2.08% of patients. Hypercholesterolemia was significantly more frequent in the female sex (p = 0.0077);hyper-LDL cholesterolemia (p = 0.0255) and mixed hyperlipidemia (p Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of dyslipidemia in the study indicates a worrying situation. It would therefore appear essential to extend the search for risk factors nationwide, particularly those that can be modified, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality linked to cardiovascular disease.

Experience of Patients Who Underwent Scheduled Gynaecological Surgery at the Bogodogo University Hospital, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Surgery can cause anxiety and worry, such as waking up in pain, being physically harmed or dying. This study aimed to assess the experience of patients undergoing planned gynaecological surgery in the Obstetrics Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine department of the University Hospital Centre of Bogodogo. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study with prospective data collection during the period from June 1 to August 31, 2018. The study population consisted of patients who received scheduled gynaecological surgery during the period. Results: Seventy-six (76) patients underwent scheduled surgery and 62 were included. During discussion with the gynaecologist, 58 patients (93.55%) were satisfied. When the surgery was announced, 41 patients (66.13%) were anxious. At the consultation with the anaesthetist 59 patients (95.16%) were satisfied with the discussions. Fifty-five patients (88.7%) were anxious on admission to the operating theatre. The quality of care was satisfactory for 61 patients (98.39%) and all patients were satisfied with the care team. Conclusion: Periodic evaluation of patients’ experiences should therefore be incorporated into care evaluation policies in health facilities in order to contribute to continuous improvement in the quality of medical and surgical care.

Evaluation of the Fetal Neuroprotection Protocol with Magnesium Sulphate in a University Hospital in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Prematurity continues to stand as a major public health issue worldwide and more particularly for low incomes countries like Burkina Faso. Indeed, it is the main cause of high death rate and infant morbidity, neurologic deficiencies being one of them. Objective: From March 1st to September 30th, 2020, evaluate the fetal neuroprotection protocol using sulfate magnesium during births before thirty-three (33) weeks of amenorrhea at the University Health Centers (UHC) of Yalgado Ouedraogo and Bogodogo in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Patients and Methods: It was a prospective cohort survey, exposed or unexposed. The exposed ones are from the UHC of Yalgado Ouedraogo, while the unexposed ones are from the UHC of Bogodogo. Analysis of the results showed 87 newborns from the exposed and 180 from the unexposed. The mortality rate, as well as neonatal neurologic complications, was higher with unexposed than with exposed. Although antenatal exposure to magnesium sulfate was not statistically associated with mortality and morbidity in newborns at a threshold of 0.05%, it has shown an overall good neurological prognosis in newborns exposed. Conclusion: A survey of a large sample of the population would be relevant in order to better assess the determinants of this influence. Proposition: In light of the results, the use of magnesium sulfate for neuroprotective purposes could be considered in our countries.

Taxonomic Study of Five Parasitic Polypores of the Hymenochaetaceae Family of TIN Vegetation in Western Burkina Faso

The aim of this work is to inventory and study the lignicolous parasitic macrofungi of the Tin plant formation. The mycological outings from July to September 2018 and 2019, collected forty-four (44) basidiomes through a random sampling device over an area of 40,000 m2 including 1000 m long by 40 m2 wide. The standard methods and techniques used in mycology for taxonomic studies were used to describe and classify the carpophores collected in three families: Hymenochaetaceae, Ganodermataceae and Polyporaceae, into eight genera: Onnia (4.55%), Amauroderma (4.55%), Ganoderma (20.45%), Phellinus (52.27%), Inonotus (4.55%), Phellinopsis (6.82%), Grammothele (2.27%) and Trametes (4.55%). The genera Phellinus and Ganoderma were the most abundant. Finally, eight species were identified: Inonotus cf. ochroporus, Inonotus cf. pachyphloeus, Phellinus cf. cryptarum, Phellinus cf. hartigii, Phellinus cf. hippophaecola;Phellinus cf. robustus, Phellinus cf. igniarius, et Amauroderma cf. fasciculatum. Seven fungal species belong to the family Hymenochaetaceae and only the species Amauroderma cf. fasciculatum is a Ganodermataceae. However, all these fungal species are shown to be parasites of trunks and/or branches of the following woody: Parkia biglobosa (50%), Anogeissus leiocarpus (25%), Annona senegalensis (12.5%) and Mangifera indica (12.5%). Authors attest that the presence of phytoparasitic polypores in a plant formation is an indicator of aging hence the urgency to put in place the appropriate measures to safeguard and restore Tin’s plant formation.

Assessing the Impact of Gold Mining on the Quality of Water Resources in the Commune of Meguet, Burkina Faso

Despite its often illegal nature, artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso contributes to the economic and social development of the country. However, the rudimentary techniques used in gold panning have a significant impact on the environment due to inappropriate practices and the use of various chemical substances. This study aims to assess the impact of artisanal gold mining on the quality of water resources in a rural community at Méguet, Burkina Faso. To this end, surface and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed at the BUMIGEB laboratory. Field results show that the waters are slightly alkaline (6.97 < pH < 8.1), weakly mineralized and conductive (124 < EC < 543 μS/cm), with temperatures ranging from 24.6˚C to 31.6˚C. In addition, trace metals (TMEs) analyzed from surface and subsurface waters show very high levels, generally deviating from the levels recommended by WHO guidelines for Burkina Faso. Trace metals contamination of water resources in the commune of Méguet is mainly due to Fe (3.78 - 11.12 mg/kg), Hg (0.03 - 0.29 mg/kg), As (0.01- 6.31 mg/kg) and Pb (0.01 - 3.8 mg/kg). This study can serve as a basis for guiding national environmental policies to protect the water resources of the Méguet mine.

Study of Harmful Vaginal Practices of Women in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Vaginal practices include washing, altering, cutting, cleaning, enhancing, drying, tightening, lubricating, or loosening of the vagina, labia, clitoris, or hymen. This study aimed to investigate the different vaginal practices of women using non-pharmaceutical products. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical purposes that took place from January 15 to April 23, 2023, in the four largest markets in the municipality of Ouagadougou. This was performed using the data collection sheet in the KoboCollect application. Epi info 7.2.5.0. software was used for data analysis. For the analysis of associated factors, a p-value Results: In total, 977 women were surveyed. Among them, 43.19% underwent vaginal procedures using non-pharmaceutical products. The female practitioners were 34.34 ± 7.44 years old. The products used included plants, mineral substances, ointments, tablets, and solutions. Among the practicing women, 40.99% were looking for vaginal tightening. The main purpose was to maintain their partners (45.97%). Three-point thirty-two percent (3.32%) of the women who underwent vaginal procedures had reported adverse events. Conclusion: Raising awareness of the consequences of vaginal practices and encouraging women to go to a health center for any gynecological problem could significantly reduce the prevalence of vaginal practices.

Extent and Structure of Phenotypic Variability in Solenostemon rotundifolius Germplasm from Ghana and Burkina Faso

Solenostemon rotundifolius is a species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is currently one of the minor plants of high socio-economic interest. One of the limitations to promoting this species in Burkina Faso is the lack of varieties that meet consumers’ demands. Implementing a breeding program is an important step toward achieving this goal. Such a program is based on the variability of agronomical traits of interest within evaluated germplasm. This study aimed to assess the level of two germplasms variability of S. rotundifolius from Ghana and Burkina Faso for traits related to vegetative development, cycle, and yield. Agromorphological characterization of 174 accessions, including 116 from Ghana and 58 from Burkina Faso was carried out in Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. The characterization was made on the basis of fifteen (15) quantitative traits related to the canopy and leaf size, the cycle, and the yield. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between accessions within each germplasm for all the evaluated traits. The analysis of the structuration of this agromorphological variability allowed organizing the accessions into different groups. These results could lead to the identification of accessions within each germplasm for breeding purposes or future research on genotype-environment interactions.

Growth, Population Parameters and Stock Status of Sarotherodon galilaeus in Samandeni Reservoir, Burkina Faso

Mango tilapia, Sarotherodon galilaeus is one of the most caught fish species in the Samandeni multi-species fishing sites of which, few data on its biology and exploitation are available. The study aimed to Assess the stock status of S. galilaeus. Sampling was conducted from March, 2021 to February 2022 based on commercial fish catches to analyze growth parameters, first sexual maturity size and harvest status of the stock. A total of 572 specimens including 297 females and 275 males were examined. The stock assessment was performed by using the Length based Bayesian method of Biomass (LBB) and that of growth by the ELEFAN method. The growth parameters showed a seasonality of growth and females appeared to grow faster than males. On the other hand, males had a greater asymptotic length than females. Results on the estimated length of fish at first maturity showed that females firstly reached the maturity compared to males. The relative biomass (B/B0) estimated for the stock was higher than the relative biomass that produces maximum sustainable yield (BMSY/B0) indicating healthy biomass. In addition, the length at first sexual maturity was less than the length at the first catch, indicating the absence of overfishing of growth. In addition, extending the study to the various stocks of the reservoir would be important for the sustainable management of the Samandeni high economic fishing area.

Study of the Management and Disposal Practices of Unused or Out-of-Date Medicines by Households in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Not all medicines that pass-through consumers’ hands are used, and some often expire in households. These health products can be sources of accidental risks and pollution when they are not properly disposed of. In Burkina Faso, there are as yet no guidelines for the disposal of unused medicines in households. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent of household possession of unused or expired medicines, and to describe attitudes and disposal practices. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study covering households in the Ouagadougou commune conducted from June to August 2021. Two-stage stratified sampling was used: selection of Enumeration Zones (EZs) and selection of households, with each EZ comprising several households. Data collection was based on direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed using Epi Info software version 7.2.4.0. Results: In total, 417 household residents were surveyed out of the planned 423 households, corresponding to a completion rate of 98.58% compared with the initial sample. Among the respondents, 79.62% had unused and/or expired medicines in their household. A total of 2562 drug packaging units were counted, for a total weight of 121.90 kg. Nearly 75% were aware that improper disposal was a danger to the environment. Some respondents kept their unused medicines at home until they expired (43.41%), and disposed of them mainly by throwing them in the household garbage (75.58%). The majority (79%) were in favor of the government setting up a take-back program for these medicines. Conclusion: The introduction of a take-back program for unused or out-of-date medicines will ensure safer disposal of medicines, and better protection for households and the environment.

Cytotoxic Properties on Cervical and Liver Cancer Cells of Two Plant Recipes from Burkina Faso

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in developing countries. In recent years, natural plant-based compounds have been used in the search for drugs to combat numerous diseases, including cancer. In this study, we evaluate the cytotoxic properties of paanfo tiben 1 and paanfo tiben 2, two traditional herbal formulations from Burkina Faso used in the treatment of cancer in Burkina Faso. To this end, the recipes were infused and freeze-dried. The dry extracts obtained were used to determine total phenolics and flavonoids content, assess antioxidant activity using the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods, evaluate anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting 15-LOX, COX 1 and 2, and assess cytotoxic activity on HeLa cervical cancer and HePG2 liver cancer cell lines using the MTT test. The paanfo tiben 1 recipe showed the highest levels of total phenolics and flavonoids, as well as the best antioxidant activities, with IC50 values of 21.020 ± 0.6 µg/ml and 22.94 ± 0.57 µg/ml for DPPH and ABTS, and 165.15 mM EAA/mg dry extract for FRAP. It also exhibited the best cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 112.02 ± 0.025 µg/ml on HeLa cells and 80.67 ± 6.08 µg/ml on HepG2 cells. On the other hand, paanfo tiben 2 exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activities through inhibition of 15-LOX and COX 1, with inhibition percentages at 100 µg/ml of 32.523% and 24.717 % respectively. These results could justify the traditional use of these two recipes by traditional health practitioners in the treatment of cancer sufferers in Burkina Faso.

Contribution and Relevance of Transfontanellar Ultrasound in Newborns in Ouagadougou: Multicentre Study on 1000 Cases

Objectives: To demonstrate the contribution and relevance of ETFs through the study of 1000 examination reports carried out in the medical imaging departments of the OUAGADOUGOU CHU. Material and method: Analytical descriptive study with retrospective collection, extended from 1st January 2020 to 1st January 2022. Results: Of the 1000 transfontanellar ultrasound reports, the mean age of patients was 7.61 +/ 7.5 days, with extremes of zero and 28 days. Sex was specified in 989 cases. Males accounted for 54.49% and females for 45.51%. 555 transfontanellar ultrasound were performed in 2020. 441 in 2021 and 4 in 2022. 61.9% of transfontanellar ultrasound were performed at the Bogodogo University Hospital, 205 at Charles de Gaulle and 176 at Tengandogo. Indications for transfontanellar ultrasound were dominated by neonatal distress (65.8%), followed by convulsions (10.2%) and prematurity (9.1%). Transfontanellar ultrasound was normal in 570 cases (57%) and abnormal in 430 cases (43%). Abnormalities were dominated by haemorrhage and ischaemic lesions in 66.28% (285) and 21.63% (93) of cases respectively. In the group of normal transfontanellar ultrasound, neonatal distress represented 59.65% of indications and prematurity 10.7% of indications. As for abnormal transfontanellar ultrasound, neonatal suffering accounted for 73.95% of indications and convulsions for 12.56%. The average age ofpatients with an abnormal transfontanellar ultrasound was 8.74 days +/ 7.89 days. The indication for investigations was relevant in 42.2% of cases and irrelevant in 57.8%;of the transfontanellar ultrasound with relevant indications, 0.71 were normal and 99.29 abnormal;of the transfontanellar ultrasound with irrelevant indications, the transfontanellar ultrasound was normal in 98.1% and abnormal in 1.9%. Conclusion: Transfontanellar ultrasound is an important part of ultrasound in current practice. Haemorrhage, anoxic-ischaemic lesions and hydrocephalus are the most frequent pathologies found by this technique in newborns. Whether or not the examinations were normal depended on the appropriateness of the prescription.

Optimization of Diesel and Crude Oil Degradation in a Ghanaian Soil Using Organic Wastes as Amendment

Soil contamination by hydrocarbons poses numerous environmental, health and agricultural problems. The degradation of these pollutants can occur naturally but very slowly. It is therefore generally necessary to stimulate this degradation by different means. Thus, this study aimed to improve the bio-degradation of diesel and crude oil in a Ghanaian soil by biostimulation. For this, the sampled soil was characterized by standard methods and contaminated with diesel and crude oil at a proportion of 1% (w/w). Then, contaminated soil samples were supplemented with biochar-compost, poultry manure or cow dung at the proportion of 10% (w/w). Periodically, fractions of these samples were taken to evaluate the density of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) and the residual quantities of diesel or crude oil. The characteristics of the soil used show the need for supplementation for better degradation of hydrocarbons. The results of the study show that supplementing the soil with organic substrates increases HUB loads in soils contaminated by diesel and crude oil. They also show that the residual quantities of diesel and crude oil are generally significantly lower in supplemented soils (p = 0.048 and p < 0.0001 respectively). In addition, the study shows that degradation was generally greater in soils contaminated by diesel compared to those contaminated by crude oil, especially at the end of the study.

C1C2 Wiring and Posttraumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation: An Effective and Cheap Surgical Procedure in a Developing Country

Objectives: Atlantoaxial dislocation remains a rare and serious condition with a high preoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Its successful surgical management is still challenging and gratifying for neurosurgeons. Several technics have been described such as wiring, trans articular screwing, C1C2 screwing with plate and screw introduced by Goel et al., and modified by insertion of polyaxially screw and rod many years later by Harms. Unavailability and expensiveness of upper cervical spine instrumentation device led us to C1C2 Wiring resulting in a good outcome. Finally, a quadriplegic patient with a more comfortable financial condition had ordered devices from abroad and benefit for Goel and Harms screwing technique and improved dramatically from ASIA A to ASIA E. Material and methods: This is a retrospective study of patients managed in our department by a same neurosurgeon from January 2019 to April 2024. Results: We defined 6 men and 1 woman with an average age of 33 years. Unrestrained driver in a rollover motor vehicle accident was most common. Only one patient was neurologically intact on admission. Neurovegetative disorders were noticed in one patient. Dislocation was associated to a fracture of the dens in two patients. Three patients have been successfully operated with remarkable outcome, mostly from ASIA A to E. Conclusion: C1C2 dislocation is a serious condition and C1C2 Wiring represents an effective and cheaper technic. Therefore, this technic should deserve consideration above all in low incomes countries when screwing devices are not available. Seatbelt should be demanded for motor vehicle drivers and passengers.

Experimental Study of a Quadratic Boost: The Cascaded Connected Single Switch

The quadratic boost is studied under its real model. The equations, of the continuous conduction mode, descriptive of this model are established. From these equations, the expressions of the voltage gain and the efficiency are extracted. These two quantities are plotted as a function of the duty cycle in order to appreciate them in different operating points of the transistor. The values of the different components have also been extracted for the fabrication of a prototype of the converter. Thanks to a set of experimental measurements at the input as well as at the output of the prototype converter, the voltage gain and the efficiency could also be observed. These were also plotted for different loads to observe converter behavior. The theoretical curves were compared with the experimental curves which allowed to validate the proposed mathematical models on a large range of duty cycles.

Profile of Factors of Arduous Work among Healthcare Professionals in Healthcare Facilities in Northern Benin in 2021

Introduction: Work environments create the basis for arduous nursing work. This is what led us to research the factors of arduousness in the exercise of the health profession in North Benin, through this study. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study which focused on health professionals in the health zones of Parakou-N’dali and Tchaourou. The sampling was an exhaustive census. All health workers who had given their free and informed consent were included. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The variables studied were the factors of arduous work and socio-professional characteristics. The data collected was processed and analyzed with the Epi info 7.2.0.1 software. Results: A total of 692 were surveyed, the participation rate was 85.11% and the sex ratio (M/F) equal to 0.7. The average age was 38 years old. Nurses made up 32.66% of the sample. They were 86.42% subject to night work and 82.66% to alternating work. Overall, 70.23% worked more than 40 hours per week. Between 78.12% and 96.46% of non-specialist doctors, nurses, midwives and biomedical analysis technicians were required to work night shifts. Nurses, midwives, radiology and laboratory technicians were between 89.53% and 97.35%, organized in alternating work. In the sample, 55.20% complained about the insufficient number of work materials, 26.29% handled harmful chemical substances. Among those surveyed, 58.14% had been attacked. Conclusion: All professional categories of caregivers are subject to arduous work. Measures are needed to reverse the situation.

Postpartum Eclampsia in the Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine of the Souro Sanou University Hospital;Burkina Faso: About 76 Cases

Background: Postpartum eclampsia is a life-threatening obstetric emergency. Its management is multidisciplinary. Despite measures taken to accelerate the reduction of maternal, fetal and infant mortality in Burkina Faso, maternal deaths related to postpartum eclampsia persist. The aim of the study was to investigate the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic aspects of postpartum eclampsia in the obstetrics department of the Sourô Sanou University Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection covering the period from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. We included 76 patients in the study;the variables studied were the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic aspects. The data collected were entered on a microcomputer and analyzed with the EPI info version 7.2 software. Results: The prevalence of postpartum eclampsia was 0.87% compared to admissions to the obstetrics department. The average age of the patients was 23 years old with the extremes of 15 and 39 years old. Primiparas accounted for 39.47%, housewives 53%, and home births accounted for 15.79%. Seizures accounted for 55% of the reasons for admission, the average time to onset of these seizures postpartum was 3.8 days with extremes of 1 and 30 days with 45% of seizures occurring postpartum immediately. Maternal complications were noted in 42.10% of cases with 5 cases of Hellp syndrome, 3 cases of renal failure, and 3 cases of acute pulmonary edema. We recorded 4 cases of maternal death, representing a case fatality rate of 5.2%. Conclusion: Postpartum eclampsia is common in the obstetrics department of the Souro Sanou University Hospital Center with a significant case fatality rate. Emphasis should be placed on monitoring and prevention, especially women at risk of developing postpartum eclampsia for better maternal prognosis.

Abdominal Trauma during Pregnancy with Splenic Rupture and Fetal Death in Utero at Bogodogo University Hospital: A Case Report

Splenic injury caused by abdominal trauma during pregnancy is rare. Splenic injury associated with fetal death in utero following a fall from a tree top is even rarer. The authors report a case of splenic trauma associated with fetal death in utero following a fall from the top of a tree in a 19-year-old pregnant woman at 30 weeks amenorrhoea. She was referred from a 1st level health facility for trauma that had occurred the day before admission. She was in poor general condition (WHO performance status IV) and had a cardiovascular collapse. Ultrasound was used to diagnose haemoperitoneum and fetal death in utero. A CT scan was used to diagnose splenic lesions. Treatment consisted of splenectomy and caesarean section after resuscitation.

Investigation of Pollution Level of Traces Metals Elements in Agricultural Soil of Oubritenga Province of Burkina Faso

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pollution level of trace metals As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se and Zn in agricultural soil around the water reservoir. A total of 36 soil samples were collected both during off-season agriculture and pluvial agriculture from April to October 2022. The samples were analyzed for trace metals according to the standard methods of the US EPA 2007 with a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (MP-AES), Agilent Model 4210. The pollution level was assessed using contamination factor (Cf) and modified contamination degree (mCd). During the off-season, the concentration of trace metals followed in descending order as Mn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Zn. As, Cd, Co, Hg, Ni, Sb and Se were below the detectable limits. In pluvial season, the concentration of traces of metal follows the order Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Hg > As. Cd, Co, Sb and Se remain below the detectable limits. The concentrations of Cr, Mn and Zn were lower in the off-season agriculture than in pluvial agriculture. For Cu and Pb, the concentrations were higher in the off-season than in pluvial agriculture. The Cf ranges from 0.24 to 11.70 depending on the considered trace metal. The Cf values of As, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn indicated that the agricultural study soil was lowery contaminated by these trace metals. The agricultural study soil was moderately contaminated by Cr and Cu, and highly contaminated by Hg. Globally the agricultural study soil presents a moderate degree of contamination (mCd 2.25) by the eight trace metals studied. This result provides information on understanding the risks of trace metal contamination of agricultural soil. It is important to anticipate the control of soil contamination through regular monitoring of toxic metals in agricultural soils, control the quality of chemicals used in agriculture and regulate their use.

Evaluation under Semi-Controlled Conditions of the Pathogenicity of Three Isolates of Phaeoisariopsis personata (Berk. & M.A Curt.)

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) late leaf spot is an important disease caused by Phaeoisariopsis personata (Berk. Et M. A Curt.). This fungus is responsible for the most damaging leaf spots in peanut production. The present experiment was undertaken to evaluate the pathogenic variability of Phaeoisariopsis personata in Burkina Faso. To this end, detached leaves and healthy plants of three peanut varieties were inoculated. Isolates I3TF, I2TG and I1TK of the pathogen (105 conidia/ml), collected respectively in the western, central and eastern agroecological zones of country, were used. The inoculated leaves were kept in Petri dishes on moist blotting paper and stored in the laboratory during the experimental period. The inoculated plants were grown under glass in pots containing a mixture of sterilized sand and clay. The development of disease was monitored and severity was scored every 15 days using rating scale. The results obtained in the laboratory and in the greenhouse revealed that there is pathogenic variability in the isolates tested. Indeed, for each variety, the highest severity score was recorded in plants inoculated with isolate I3TF and the lowest severity score with isolate I1TG. In the laboratory the severity scores ranged from 6.76 to 8.80 in TS32-1, 6.18 to 8.29 in SH70P and 5.98 to 7.92 in PC79-79. In the greenhouse, the average severity scores ranged from 5.61 to 8.33 in TS32-1, from 5.19 to 8.00 in SH70P, from 4.90 to 7.50 in PC79-79. Thus, the variety TS32-1 was the most susceptible to all three isolates of the pathogen.

Growth, and Stock Status Assessment of African Catfish, Clarias anguillaris (Linnaeus, 1758) from Burkina Faso Newly Man-Made Lake Samandeni

The Samandeni reservoir in Burkina Faso, impounded in 2017, hosts a significant diversity of fish, including the Clariidae family. The fish stocks have been exploited since 2019, when the reservoir was opened to fishermen. However, no assessment of the status of these stocks has been conducted. The present study focused on the dynamics of Clarias anguillaris exploitation in order to have reliable information that can contribute to the planning of its sustainable exploitation. Length-frequency data on 323 individuals were sampled from commercial catches from March 2021 to February 2022. The growth parameters were determined using ELEFAN method and the stock assessment was done using the Bayesian Length-Based Biomass (LBB) method. The growth analysis showed isometry for both male and female fishes with allometric coefficient value of 3.03, 3.01 and 3.17 respectively for mixed sexes, male and female. Estimates values (0.6 and 0.4) of the growth oscillation intensity indicate the existence of seasonal growth. The relative biomass (B/B0) estimated for C. anguillaris was less than the relative biomass that produces the maximum sustainable yield (BMSY/B0) indicating biomass overfishing. In addition, the length at first capture was less than the optimal length at first capture indicating a growth overfishing status. Therefore, it would be desirable to increase the mesh size of the fishing gear so that juveniles are not caught, which will ensure an ecological sustainability of the exploitation of the Clariidae.