Gastrointestinal Ulcers Treatment: Plants and Recipes Used by Herbalists of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou Districts, Southern Benin

This study set out to identify plants and recipes used by herbalists in the municipalities of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and to characterize the distribution of their knowledge. An ethno-pharmacological survey was carried out in which informants who agreed freely were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 85 herbalists were surveyed. The data were processed with Microsoft Excel to calculate the relative frequencies of citation of the various species mentioned by the herbalists and various indices including Simpson’s Index were adapted to test the distribution of their knowledge. Multiple regression and correspondence analysis were performed using R studio. Our results revealed that the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, all equitable in their knowledge of anti-ulcer plants, are likely to know more than the other ethnic groups. On the other hand, respondents practicing Islam are more likely to know many antiulcer plants than those practicing Vodoun and Christianity. This constant distribution of knowledge of anti-ulcer plants among the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, three different ethnic groups seems normal and attests to the fusion between these different ethnic groups in view of this knowledge. A total of 70 anti-ulcer recipes, made from 71 species of medicinal plants or non-floristic resources were recorded. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Ocimum gratissimum were the top 03 most frequently cited in descending order of frequency. All the species cited are grouped into 44 botanical families among which the Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapotaceae were strongly represented. Benin’s flora abounds in a diversity of medicinal plant species known to herbalists in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou for the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers. The results of this study constitute a good archive for the selection of plant species for in-depth studies with a view to formulating improved traditional medicines for gastrointestinal ulcers.

Nutritional and Sanitary Quality of Infant Flours Produced in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The quality of infant flours used during the weaning age is of great importance in that it conditions the nutritional health of infants and young children. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and sanitary quality of infant flours produced in the city of Ouagadougou. This was a cross-sectional study including 11 out of 25 infant flour production units that gave their consent to partake in the study. In total, 25 infant flour samples have been collected from July to September 2021. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters were determined according to standard methods. The ANOVA analysis of variance showed significant differences between the means of the physico-chemical and the means of the microbiological parameters respectively. The results showed that 60% of proteins and 80% of lipid and total carbohydrate contents were below the authorised limits. The energy values were below the authorised limit in 88% of the cases. All instant infant flours had microbiological loads compliant with Burkinabè standards. As for infant flour to be cooked, 63.64% and 81.82% had satisfactory numbers of total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were detected in these samples with 86.36% of infant formulae having results below the recommended limit. These results show that the infant flours produced in Ouagadougou were somehow of acceptable quality. However, there is a need to improve the formulae for macronutrient contents, energy values and sanitary quality to comply with the recommendations.

Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of an ACAZY Herbal Formula Used in Traditional Medicine to Treat Respiratory Infections

ACAZY is a plant formula used in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso to treat respiratory infections. After phytochemical analysis, this study evaluated extracts’ anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties from the ACAZY recipe. Three extractions, an aqueous macerate (AM), an aqueous decoction (AD) and an hydroethanolic macerate (HEM) of the ACAZY recipe powder were carried out. Phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and the determination of phenolic compounds. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed in vitro using pro-inflammatory enzyme inhibition tests. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) antioxidant properties were also determined. The antibacterial activity was evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae strains. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthracenosids, sterols and triterpenes in the extracts. The extracts inhibited pro-inflammatory enzymes by more than 40% at only 100 µg/mL. The extracts also showed potent antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration 1 mg/mL on Staphylococcus aureus and 2 mg/mL on Streptococcus pneumoniae. The extracts in the ACAZY formula have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in vitro. The AD also showed an antibacterial activity. This justifies its use in traditional medicine to treat acute respiratory infections.

Optimization of Biogas Production from Organic Municipal Waste: Development of Activated Sludge as Digesters Inoculum

This study is a contribution to the optimization of organic fraction of municipal waste bioconversion into biomethane, by activated sludge production as inoculum for digesters. The wastewater (WW) and cow dung (CD) samples were taken from the slaughterhouse of Ouagadougou town, Burkina Faso. Different mixtures were made, enriched with mineral solution and cellulose at 5% (w/v) as: 10% CD + 90% WW (C7), 30% CD + 70% WW (C6), 50% CD + 50% WW (C5), 70% CD + 30% WW (C4), 90% CD + 10% WW (C3), 100% CD (C2) and 100% WW (C1). The pH evolution and biogas (CH4 and CO2) production were followed for 25 days. Cultures tend to acidify with increase in cow dung proportion. Biogas production was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in C5 (880.0 mL), C6 (862.0 10 mL) and C7 (772.0 mL). Mixture C5 had a highest level of CO2 production (40%). Also C7 and C6 retained in the experiment contained respectively organic matter, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and total alkalinity (TAC) as 41.06%, 47.02%, 1320 mg acetic acid/L, 3036 mg Acetic acid/L and 520 mg CaCO3/L, 1310 mg CaCO3/L. Mixture C6 was the best medium for microorganism proliferation stability with 3.5 × 105 UFC/ml of methanogens bacteria. It also possessed buffering capacity, which prevents acidification of medium during VFAs production.

Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves seedlings growth of two sahelian date palm cultivars (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>L., cv. Nakhla hamra and cv. Tijib) under salinity stresses

This study presents an analysis of the impact of mycorrhizal inoculation on growth under salt stress of date palms cultivars Nakhla hamra (NHH) and Tijib known in the Sahel for their earliness in flowering and fruiting. The seedlings were grown in a greenhouse on a sandy substrate watered to field capacity every two days and were subjected to increasing levels of NaCl (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 16 g·L-1) and then inoculated with 5 strains of Glomus (G. aggregatum, G. intraradices, G. verriculosum, G. mosseae, G. fasciculatum). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three factors (cultivars: Tijib and Nakhla Hamra x seven levels of NaCl concentrations x six levels of inoculum). The results showed that in the absence of NaCl, G. verriculosum significantly enhanced shoot growth: 33.5 cm against 30.3 cm in the control and roots growth: 81.5 cm against 78 cm in NHH, while in Tijib, the growth is stimulated by Glomus fasciculatum: 33.8 cm against 32.7 cm for stems and 90 cm against 86 cm for the roots of inoculated plants and controls. In contrast, in the presence of NaCl 8 g·L-1, NHH has a better growth in the presence of G. intraradices: 37.3 cm against 30.6 cm for stems and 77 cm against 73 for roots, while Tijib grows better in the presence of G. fasciculatum with respectively 31.9 cm against 31.7 cm and 51.27 cm against 51.6 cm for stems and roots of inoculated plants and controls. Biochemical analysis revealed that changes in levels of proline depend on the cultivar, the mycorrhizal strain used and concentrations of NaCl applied. These results open the prospect of using mycorrhizal fungi to improve the productivity of palm trees in the Sahel.

Purification Potential of Local Media in the Pre-Treatment of Greywater Using Vertical Biofilters under Sahelian Conditions

Several on-site greywater treatment systems are under development including biofiltration, whose efficiency is influenced by the filter media. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the type of filter media and their grain size in the removal of organic and microbial pollutants from greywater. Hence, three types of local filter media of different grain size were used for the pre-treatment of greywater. Their removal potential and clogging time were evaluated and compared. The results indicated that the type of filter media and the grain size have an influence on the elimination of organic and microbial pollution from greywater. Indeed, sand of 1 - 2 mm in size obtained the highest removal efficiencies of organic pollutants (67.35% and 78.04% for COD and BOD5 respectively) and microbial indicators (2.07, 1.77 and 2.27 log. units for E. coli, fecal coliforms and enterococci respectively). Although media of fine texture enhanced the removal efficiencies, they experienced significant clogging problems. To overcome these limitations while enhancing the removal efficiency, 1) pre-treatment stage with coarse materials followed by a treatment with finer materials or 2) the use of a combination of fine and coarse materials should be considered.

Identification of Bacteria Strains Isolated in Urinary Tract Infections and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility at the National Public Health Laboratory, Ouagadougou

Background: Urinary tract infections are still a real public health concern. The aim of this study was to identify the bacteria strains involved in urinary tract infections and to determine their antibiotic resistance profiles. Methods: Two kinds of studies were performed. The retrospective study was carried out for 2 years (from January 2018 to December 2019), and the prospective study was extended over a period of 6 months (from January to June 2020). Isolation and identification of bacteria strains were performed using conventional microbiology techniques. The strains’ resistance profiles were determined by the diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton according to the criteria of EUCAST- 2015. Fourteen (14) antibiotic discs were used depending on the isolated germ. Results: A total of 187 bacterial strains were isolated from 82 men and 105 women. Among the germs identified, 77.54% were Enterobacteriaceae and 13.36% were cocci strains. Non-fermentative gram-negative bacilli accounted for 9.08% of the isolated bacteria. The results showed that the majority of Enterobacteriaceae strains were resistant to beta-lactams: 100% to amoxicillin, 98.75% to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, 41.76% to ceftriaxone, and 43.14% to ceftazidime. These findings were obtained with fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides: 50.09% with ciprofloxacin, 54.04% with norfloxacin, and 22.58% with amikacin. 8.75% of the Enterobacteriaceae strains tested were resistant to imipenem. The same trends were observed with non-fer- mentative bacteria. As for the gram-positive bacteria isolated during our study, 13.33% were resistant to vancomycin, 21.05% to gentamicin, 94.12% to penicillin G, 88.89% to ampicillin, 77.78% to cefotaxime, 63.63% to kanamycin, and 52.63% to erythromycin. Conclusion: This study revealed, as in other studies, that Enterobacteriaceae strains remain the most incriminated bacteria strains in urinary tract infections, with a strong resistance to antibiotics. It is important that actions be taken to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections and mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Metallo-Beta-Lactamase and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase among Enterobacteria Isolated at National Public Health Laboratory of Brazzaville

The improper use of antimicrobials against infectious diseases has allowed microorganisms to develop defense mechanisms that give them insensitivity to these agents. All bacteria are concerned by this phenomenon. This work aimed to assess prevalence of beta-lactamase produced by enterobacterial isolates. Then, disc diffusion, double disc synergy test (DDST) and combined disc test (CDT) were respectively used for antimicrobial resistance, detection of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) and Metallo-Beta-Lactamases (MBL). bla genes were detected by PCR. A total of 132 enterobacterial strains were studied. Resistance to antibiotic families was observed with a greater frequency than 50%. Gentamicin was the least active beta-lactam antibiotic, with a resistance rate of 88%. 40.9% of strains show an ESBL phenotype and 16.6% were MBL. An overall prevalence of 74% (40/54) and respectively rates of 29.6%, 27.7% and 16.7% for blaSHV, blaCTX and blaTEM genes were observed. SHV, CTX, CTX/SHV/TEM, CTX/TEM, SHV/TEM and CTX/SHV were different ESBL genotypes observed. ESBL-producing enterobacteria isolation worried about the future of antimicrobial therapy in the Republic of Congo. This is a public health problem that requires careful monitoring and implementation of a policy of rational antibiotics use.

Response to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of Two Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Varieties Subjected to Salt Stress under Semi-Controlled Conditions

Salinity is a major problem that seriously impacts agricultural production, particularly that of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). However, the plant has the ability to associate with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi to better tolerate salt stress. Thus, thanks to the extension of the AMF hyphae, the hydromineral nutrition and the tolerance to excess toxic ions (Na+ and Cl-) of the plant are optimized. In this context, the contribution of AMF to the salt stress tolerance of two tomato varieties under semi-controlled conditions was studied. To do this, the frequency and intensity of mycorrhization, the relative mycorrhizal dependency, the survival rates, the aerial and root dry weights, the mineral (P, K+, Na+) and proline contents of the plants subjected to four levels of salinity [0, 70, 140 and 210 mM of NaCl] were evaluated. All the parameters assessed appeared to be dependent on the variety, the fungal strain and the NaCl concentration. With the Lady Nema variety, inoculation with the Claroideoglomus etunicatum strain at [NaCl 140 mM] resulted in the highest frequencies (54%), intensities (40.47%), and relative mycorrhizal dependencies (19.65%). This same symbiotic couple recorded high survival rates (55%) and aerial (2.03 g) and root (0.50 g) dry weights. Significant contents of K+ (Leaves: 7.5 mg⋅g-1;Roots: 4.4 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter), P (Leaves: 15.15 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter) and proline (975 nmoles⋅g-1 of fresh matter) were also recorded by this pair, with the lowest Na+ contents (Leaves: 1.93 mg⋅g-1;Roots: 0.96 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter). For the Mongal variety, at [NaCl 140 mM], the highest frequencies (50.36%), intensities (35.14%) and relative mycorrhizal dependencies (43.95%) were obtained thanks to inoculation with Rhizophagus fasciculatus. The highest survival rates (59%) and aerial (2.58 g) and root (0.79 g) dry weights were also obtained with this symbiotic couple. The contents of K+ (Leaves: 6.1 mg⋅g-1;Roots: 3.09 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter), P (Leaves: 12.49 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter) and proline (942 nmoles⋅g-1 of fresh matter) the most important and those in Na+ the lowest (Leaves: 2.03 mg⋅g-1;Roots: 1.53 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter) were also recorded for this same pair. Thus, the best fungal partner for the Lady Nema variety is C. etunicatum, followed by F. mosseae and R. fasciculatus, while for the Mongal variety it is R. fasciculatus, followed by C. etunicatum and F. mosseae.

Response to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of Two Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Varieties Subjected to Water Stress under Semi-Controlled Conditions

In arid and semi-arid regions, the growth and development of cultivated plants, especially tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), are severely limited by water deficit. Thus, to cope with this constraint, the plant establishes symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the soil whose extension of the hyphae allows a better and deeper exploration;this notably improves the hydromineral nutrition of the plant. Therefore, the choice of fungal partner becomes crucial for the establishment of a crop in water-deficient soil. In this context, the contribution of AMF to the water stress tolerance of two varieties of tomato plants was assessed under semi-controlled conditions. Parameters, such as the mycorrhizal frequency, intensity of mycorrhization, relative mycorrhizal dependency, growth, and biochemical parameters (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and proline contents) of plants subjected to three levels of water stress (T100, T70, and T30), were evaluated. The highest frequencies and intensities of mycorrhization and relative mycorrhizal dependencies were obtained with plants of the Xewel variety inoculated with Rhizophagus fasciculatus (F: 95.24%, 88.35%, and 13.64%;M: 40.52%, 37.52%, and 11.22%;D: 23.7%, 54.4%, and 78.82%) and in those of the Lady Nema variety inoculated with Claroideoglomus etunicatum (F: 95.12%, 87.01%, and 15.25%;M: 40.66%, 37.99%, and 11.42%;D: 19.27%, 57.01%, and 70.98%), respectively at water regimes of T100, T70 and T30. These same symbiotic couples recorded, at T30, the best survival rates (+ 40%) and the higher aerial (77% and 74%) and root dry weights (80% and 59%). Plants of the Xewel variety inoculated with R. fasciculatus recorded the highest contents of carbon (T70: 30.59% and T30: 21.55%) and phosphorus (T70: 0.18% and T30: 0.17%). Plants of the Lady Nema variety recorded the highest nitrogen contents with 3.51% and 3.20%, respectively at T70 and T30. Plants of the Lady Nema variety, inoculated with C. etunicatum, also recorded the highest proline contents (572.25, 739.44, and 1165 nmoles•g−1 of fresh material), followed by those of the Xewel variety inoculated with R. fasciculatus (580.36, 763.65, and 1112.11 nmoles•g−1 of fresh matter), respectively at T100, T70, and T30. For the Lady Nema variety, the best fungal partner is C. etunicatum, followed by R. fasciculatus and, finally, Funneliformis mosseae. However, for the plants of the Xewel variety, R. fasciculatus is the most efficient, followed by F. mosseae and C. etunicatum. This suggests that, in tomatoes, the efficiency of mycorrhizal symbiosis under water stress conditions is not only dependent on the host plant but on both associated symbiotic partners. Hence, it is a need for screening to identify the best symbiotic couples in a stressful environment.

Influence of the Backslopping Practice on the Microbial Diversity of the Lactococcus Population in a Model Cheesemaking

The objective of this work was to study the microbial diversity of natural whey starters (NWS), with a special focus on Lactococcus strains, during 10 successive days of backslopping. Each day, whey samples were enumerated for their Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus levels. The diversity and dynamics of the Lactococcus population in whey were investigated using phenotypic methods such as acidifying aptitude and enzymatic activities. Molecular approach using REP-PCR, ERIC-PCR, plamid profiles, phages and prophages research and PFGE was also applied. Lactococci were the main population in whey. Strains from raw milk were sub-dominant. Based on PFGE and phenotypic results lactococci in whey displayed a more heterogeneous phenotype and pulsotype which may reflect greater variations than previously observed within starter. No phages and prophages were spotted on. Plasmids did not seem to be exchanged from strain to strain. The backslopping practice seemed to allow the strains of the starter to rapidly acquire a specificity of their own. The changes observed presumed a slow adaptation of the strains to the “back- slopping environment”. The study of NWS diversity constitutes an important step for the comprehension of acidification defects that recurrently occur in cheesemaking technologies using the backslopping practice.

Purification of Moringa oleifera Leaves Protease by Three-Phase Partitioning and Investigation of Its Potential Antibacterial Activity

One of plant-based products for dental care is plant-based proteolytic enzymes which are principally proteases. In order not to damage the protein and bioactive content, an efficient method should be employed for their purifications. As such, three-phase partitioning (TPP) was used to purify protease from moringa (Moringa oleifera). TPP is an emerging, promising, non-chromatographic and economical technology which is simple, quick, efficient and often one-step process for the separation and purification of bioactive molecules from natural sources. It involves the addition of salt (ammonium sulphate) to the crude extract followed by the addition of an organic solvent (butanol). The protein appears as an interfacial precipitate between upper organic solvent and lower aqueous phases. The various conditions such as ammonium sulphate, ratio of crude extract to t-butanol and pH which are required for attaining efficient purification of the protease fractions were optimized. Under optimized conditions, it was seen that, 35% of ammonium sulphate saturation with 1:0.75 ratio of crude extract to t-butanol at pH 7 gave 4.94-fold purification with 96.20% activity yield of protease in the middle phase of the TPP system. The purified enzyme from Moringa oleifera has no antimicrobial effect on the pathogenic bacteria tested. However, this purified enzyme, can be considered as a promising agent, cheap, and safe source which is suitable for using in various industries.

Production of Vinegar Mango Using Acetobacter tropicalis CRSBAN-BVA1 and CRSBAN-BVK2 Isolated from Burkina Faso

Production and quality of vinegar from mango juice was evaluated using a two steps production procedure. The first step of fermentation was done using Saccharomyces cerevisae KVL013 for 7 days. The second step, an acetic fermentation was realized using two acetic acid bacteria: A. tropicalis CRSBAN-BVA1 and A. tropicalis CRSBAN-BVK2 for 21 days. Several parameters of the vinegar produced such as physico-chemical and sensory properties were determined. Microbial density during each step was monitored. Results showed that pH, alcoholic and acetic acid contents of vinegar were respectively 2.97%, 7% and 4.54% g/ml respectively by using A. tropicalis CRSBAN-BVA1 and 3.02%, 7% and 4.32% g/ml with A. tropicalis CRSBAN-BVK2. Sensory evaluation revealed that the vinegar was acceptable to the panellists. Results of microbial density showed that the maximum concentration of cell biomass produced was 4.32 × 108 and 4.25 × 108 CFU/ml respectively for CRSBAN-BVA1 and CRSBAN-BVK2.

Response Surface Methodology as an Approach for Optimization of Vinegar Fermentation Conditions Using Three Different Thermotolerant Acetic Acid Bacteria

This study aimed to investigate optimal fermentation conditions of biological acetic acid fermentation for vinegar production. Optimization was performed on 3 acetic acid bacteria strains namely VMA1, VMA7 and VMAO using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken-Design (BBD) was achieved with three different independent process parameters involving: fermentation temperature, original alcohol concentration and original acetic acid concentration and one dependent variable (acetic acid yield). The results showed that the mathematical models describe correctly the relationship between responses and factors (F values of the models (p R2 (coefficient of correlation) respectively 0.96, 0.94, 0.98, and adjusted R2 0.95, 0.92, 0.98). The maximum acidity was obtained respectively at fermentation temperatures, original alcohol concentrations and original acetic acid concentrations ranging from [37.5°C - 45°C], [16% - 20% (v/v)], [1.5% - 2% (w/v)] for VMA1, [40°C - 45°C], [14.5% - 20% (v/v)], [1.7% - 2% (w/v)] for VMA7 and [42°C - 45°C], [17% - 20% (v/v)], [1.5% - 2% (w/v)] for VMAO. The use of these acetic strains in the production of vinegar may seriously lead to a decrease or even an ablation of the costs related to the cooling of bioreactors especially in warm and hot countries, in the context of global warming.

Survey of Cereal Consumption Habits in the Community of Djougou, Benin

The cereal group occupies a prominent place in the dietary habits of people in northern Benin and there is little recent information on cereal consumption. This study aims to assess the consumption, acquisition and supply of cereals to households in the community of Djougou. A semi-directive survey with KoBoCollect was conducted among 369 households to collect individual cereal food consumption data. The survey data processed by statistical tools showed that the most consumed cereals are maize (95%, p = 0.887), millet (58%, p = 0.755), rice (55%, p = 0.753), sorghum (15%, p = 0.635), wheat (5%, p = 0.920) and fonio barely 5%. The most common mode of acquisition in Djougou is purchase (50%, p = 0.947) but donation is also observed (25%, p = 0.988) as well as production observed in 20.6% of households. Purchases are made from retailers in local markets (45%, p = 0.920) but also in streets and alleys (30%, p = 0.765). The most widely used preservation technique is drying at room temperature (70%, p = 0.995). Households most often dry in the areas provided in the field (50%, p = 0.783) and at home (40%, p = 0.643). The preferred storage location is the kitchen (60%, p = 0.790). The bedroom (20%, 0.669) and the store (15%, 0.522) are the alternative places for storing cereals. In addition, the supply costs of cereals increased between 2020 and 2021. This vertiginous rise in prices is due, among other things, to the covid19 pandemic. The various data generated not only make it possible to have fresh data but also to invest them in the assessment of health risks for the achievement of a high level of protection of the health and life of consumers.

Effectiveness of Disinfection in Bacteriology Laboratories in Togo, 2021

Background: Laboratory personnel is at risk of biological contamination leading to laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs). The use of disinfection products is essential in the prevention of these infections. This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents used in disinfection in bacteriology laboratories in Togo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to December 2021 in all bacteriology laboratories in Togo. Swabs taken before and after disinfection of surfaces and staff hands were immediately plated on agar media. Counting and identification of isolated colonies were done after 24 hours of incubation. The ANOVA test was used to compare calculated means, prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare bacterial frequencies. Results: A total of 393 samples were taken, of which 41.2% were from hands. Before disinfection, surfaces were more contaminated than hands with respectively 40.4% and 29.6% (PR = 1.3;CI 95% = [0.9 - 1.9]). After surface disinfection with 0.5% of chlorine solution, bacterial elimination was total, but partial on hands washed with soap, with residual contamination of 3.7%. A total of 108 strains were isolated before disinfection of which Klebsiella spp. 38.9% and Staphylococcus spp. 25.0%;after disinfection 4 strains were isolated of which: Staphylococcus spp. 75.0% and Klebsiella spp. 25.0%. Conclusion: Surface disinfection was more effective than hand washing with soap and water. We recommend proper hand washing.

Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality of Poultry Imported into Togo and the Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella spp. Isolated

In Togo, despite the government’s efforts, food requirements in terms of animal proteins are not covered by national production and are subject to huge imports of meat products. However, the hygienic quality of these imports is not guaranteed for the consumer. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of unhygienically unsatisfactory imported poultry and to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella spp. strains. A total of 285 samples of imported poultry, including 55 chicken thighs, 10 chicken backbones, 25 chicken wings, 5 whole chickens, 30 sausages, 35 chicken forequarters, 95 chicken drumsticks and 30 guinea fowl wings, were analyzed using standard AFNOR routine methods. The following germs were tested: Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (TAMF), Anaerobic-Sulfite-Reducing (ASR), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on Salmonella spp. strains isolated using the agar disk diffusion method (CA-SFM). Results showed 100% compliance for TAMF, coagulase-positive Staphylococci and Escherichia coli. On the other hand, 3.84% and 2.46% non-compliance were recorded for ASR and Salmonella respectively. Non-compliance with hygiene rules is generally thought to be the cause of meat contamination. Seven 7 strains of Salmonella were isolated, 5 of which were of the OMA serogroup, and the other two of the OMB and HMB groups. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed resistance to certain beta-lactam antibiotics and quinolones, in particular: cefalexin (28.57%), cefoxitin (14.28%), cefuroxime (28.57%), ceftazidime (28.57%), ceftriaxone (28.57%) and nalidixic acid (28.57%). This result may be explained by the uncontrolled use of B-lactam and quinolone antibiotics in poultry farming. As Salmonella spp. is a pathogenic enteric bacterium that causes food-borne illness in humans, resistance to third-generation cephalosporins remains a major public health problem.

Post-Harvest Fungi Associated with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Seeds Produced in Burkina Faso

Cowpea is a very popular foodstuff among people in sub-Saharan Africa. In Burkina Faso, it is the main food legume, especially in rural areas. Its production is facing difficulties including post-harvest losses caused by fungi. Therefore, the objective of this study was to isolate and identify fungal strains associated with cowpea seeds produced in Burkina Faso. Thus, a total of 108 seed samples were collected in the three agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso. The sanitary analysis of the seeds was carried out using the direct contact method. The isolation and purification of the isolates were performed on Potato Dextrose Agar medium while their identification was done through macroscopic and microscopic phenotypical characterization using different culture media (Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and Czapeck Dox Agar (CZA)) and different identification keys. A total of 10 fungal species were isolated, with predominance of Aspergillus flavus, Aspegillus niger, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporium and Rhizopus sp. whose infection rates were 70.8% to 100% of seed samples. In addition to being present in all three zones, the infection rates of Aspergillus flavus (56.55%), Aspergillus niger (20.35%) and Rhizopus (32.80%) were higher in the Sahelian zone. In the Sudano-Sahelian zone, Macrophomina (50.66%) and Fusarium (18.88%) presented the highest infection rates, while Penicillium sp. showed the highest infection rate (2.84%) in the Sudanian zone. This finding demonstrated the necessity to improve post-harvest and conservation techniques of cowpea to limit crop losses and preserve the sanitary quality of this important foodstuff.

RETRACTED:Effect of Long-Term Inorganic Fertilization on Diversity and Abundance of Bacterial and Archaeal Communities at Tillage in Irrigated Rice Field

Short Retraction Notice The paper does not meet the standards of "Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology". This article has been retracted to straighten the academic record. In making this decision the Editorial Board follows COPE's Retraction Guidelines. The aim is to promote the circulation of scientific research by offering an ideal research publication platform with due consideration of internationally accepted standards on publication ethics. The Editorial Board would like to extend its sincere apologies for any inconvenience this retraction may have caused. Editor guiding this retraction: Prof. Abass Alavi (EiC of ABB). Please see the article page for more details. The full retraction notice in PDF is preceding the original paper which is marked "RETRACTED".

Biochemical Profile of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 at the Infectious Disease Management Centre in Lomé in 2020

Background: COVID-19, an infectious viral disease, has caused a global health crisis. Most cases remain asymptomatic. The majority of patients have mild symptoms while about 15% develop a severe form. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears broad, encompassing asymptomatic infection, upper respiratory tract symptoms, and severe viral pneumonia with respiratory failure that can lead to death. Laboratory tests play an important role in the management of COVID-19 patients. In addition to being essential for the diagnosis, several biological analyses make it possible to identify the inflammatory processes and the potential complications of this disease. This study attempted to identify biochemical assays that could help in the prognosis of the disease to ensure early management. Methods: This was a descriptive study. It focused on patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 19, 2020, to January 26, 2021, at the Infectious Disease Management Centre in Lomé (Togo). Medians were compared using the (Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon) test and frequencies were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Results: We included 782 patients. The median age was 41 years IQR from 32 to 55. We observed several biochemical abnormalities in varying proportions for all biochemical parameters studied. Compared to non-serious patients, critically ill patients at admission had more frequently elevated urea, creatinine, transaminases, TG, GGT, CRP and blood glucose. Also, they had more frequent decreases in total cholesterol, HDL-c, blood chloride, and blood calcium. As for patients who died during hospitalization, compared with healed patients, they had more frequent elevations of urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, GGT. CRP and blood glucose. They also had a more frequent decrease in total cholesterol, HDL-c, blood chloride, blood calcium, and blood glucose (p = 0.025). Conclusion: This study shows that COVID-19 is a multi-organ systemic inflammatory viral disease that should be systematically investigated once the diagnosis is confirmed.