Mitigating Iron Toxicity by Using Rock Phosphate to Improve Rice Productivity

Iron toxicity is a major constraint to rice production, particularly in highly weathered soils of inland valleys in Sub-Saharan Africa where the rice growing area is rapidly expanding. This study aimed to improve the productiveness of iron toxicity sensitive’s rice fields as well as in the unsensitive fields by using local phosphate fertilizers. Eighteen (18) rice genotypes were been assessed in a split plot design in two areas: without iron toxicity and with iron toxicity. NPK, NK, Rock Phosphate, Triple super phosphate, Calcined phosphate and Acidulated phosphate were used as fertilizers. Data collection was focused on agronomic traits and yield (g/m2). The best fertilizers in the area without iron toxicity were NPK (820.2 g/m2) and triple super phosphate (751.7 g/m2). In the iron toxicity area, the best yields were performed by NPK (785.5 g/m2) and raw calcined phosphate (698.3 g/m2). Yet, the Accessions 15, Accessions 225, Accessions 226 and Accessions 270 were rainfed rice genotypes while CC109 A, HB 46 and HB 62 were low-land/irrigated rice genotypes. NPK, NK and acidulated phosphate fertilizers alleviate the best, iron toxicity in both sensitive and unsensitive rice fields.

Study of Some Biodemographic Parameters of Caryedon serratus Olivier (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Insect Pest of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica Lin.) Fruit, in Burkina Faso

The lack of food security leads us to turn to the riches of the forest, namely non-timber forest products (NTFP) and timber forest products (TFP). In Burkina, these products are a source of income for families, improving their living conditions. Tamarindus indica L. that is a NFTP, is widely used in both rural and urban areas. Unfortunately, tamarind is subject to attack by Caryedon serratus. Its biological activity begins on the fruit before the harvest. The aim of our study is to evaluate some biodemographic parameters of the insect pest C. serratus Olivier. First100 healthy T. indica pods were placed in contact with ten pairs of C. serratus for 24 hours. 25 pods, each carrying a maximum of two eggs, were divided into five batches of 5 pods. Then a pair of C. serratus aged less than 24 h was placed in contact with 4 healthy pods for 24 h. Every day, the pair was removed and transferred to another box containing 4 new healthy pods. A total of 20 replicates were performed. The results showed that C. serratus has an average lifespan of 14 days. However, the female (16 days) lived longer and laid an average of 34 eggs during her lifetime. The egg-laying period lasted 14 days, the number of eggs increased until reaching a maximum peak on the 4th day. C. serratus has an embryonic development time of 3 days and an emergence rate of 66.63%. However, the weight of males and females differed significantly (p = 0.0108). We found an intrinsic rate of natural increase of 0.12 and a population doubling time was 5.68 days. These results have enabled us to gain a better understanding of its development cycle and its capacity for regeneration. This allows us to implement control strategies for better stock protection.

Resistance of Klebsiella to Imipenem by Production of Carbapenemase Gene blaIMP at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Objective: Class B carbapenemases are bacterial enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of β-lactam core antibiotics, except for monobactams. The objective of this study was to identify the carbapenemase gene blaIMP in the genus Klebsiella at the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital (CHUP-CDG) of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: The study involved 17 bacterial strains responsible for human infection and isolated from various biological samples during the period from 2009 to 2013. The strains were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to cefotaxime, ceftazidime and imipenem using the Mueller-Hinton agar diffusion method. The carbapenemases resistance genes were detected by conventional PCR using specific primers at the molecular biology laboratory of CERBA/LABIOGENE, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Results: The antibiotic susceptibility test showed high resistance of the 17 Klebsiella isolates tested to cephalosporins. A high cefotaxime-resistance rate (82.35%) and ceftazidime-resistance rate (88.23%) was found among the strains tested against 11.76% resistance rate for imipenem. Analysis of PCR products by gel electrophoresis revealed 4 strains (23.53%) with blaIMP-type gene. Conclusion: Klebsiella is a well-known bacterium in clinical practice. The present study demonstrated the blaIMP-type gene in cephalosporin-resistant strains of Klebsiella at CHUP-CDG. More effective monitoring and treatment solutions are needed to prevent the spread of these resistant strains.

Detection of Low-Risk and High-Risk Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus in Archived Tissues from ENT Tumors in Burkina Faso

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is classified into high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and HPV (LR-HPV) according to their oncogenic potential. These viruses can be found in the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and in the ENT sphere. HPV ENT infections can lead to benign or malignant tumors in which we could find both LR-HPV and HR-HPV genotypes. The objective of this study was to investigate the genotypes of HR-HPV and LR-HPV in archived tissue samples derived from both benign and malignant tumors of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. One hundred and twenty formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archived tissues of the ENT sphere from 26 benign tumors and 94 malignant tumors were included. The tissues were first deparaffinized with xylem. The extracted DNA was used to test for high-risk and low-risk HPV by Real-Time Multiplex PCR. HPV DNA was found in 57.7% (15/26) of benign tumors and 43.61% (41/94) of malignant tumors. The prevalence of HPV infection was 46.67% (56/120) in all tumors combined. The most common HPV genotypes found were HPV 11 (34.28%), HPV 6 (30%), HPV56 (14.28%) and HPV 33 (8.57%). There were 21.43% (12/56) cases of genotypes co-infections with 10 cases of double infection and 2 cases of triple infection. Both low-risk and high-risk HPV are found in ENT tumors with relatively high HPV prevalence.

G6PD Deficiency and COVID-19 in Burkina Faso: A Possible Link?

Burkina Faso is a malaria-endemic country, with a high incidence of G6PD deficiency (G6PDd), which recorded its first case of COVID-19 in March 2020. G6PDd leads to a decrease in the efficiency of erythrocytes to combat oxidative stress, while SARS-CoV-2 infection induces massive production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in patients. In the present review, we discuss a possible link between G6PDd and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mean prevalence of G6PDd in Burkina Faso is estimated at 16.6% among males and 6.5% among females. A total of 21,128 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Burkina Faso with 387 deaths reported (with a mortality rate of 1.15% among diagnosed cases) as of August 30, 2022. To our knowledge, no association study between G6PDd and SARS-CoV-2 infection has been conducted to date in Burkina Faso. However, several case reports around the world have described elevated risks of hemolysis and thrombosis, and other complications among G6PD-deficient patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The use of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has also been deemed unsafe by some authors for the treatment of COVID-19 among patients with G6PDd. Although HCQ has been shown to be well tolerated in COVID-19 patients in Burkina Faso, the drug could induce hemolytic crises in people with G6PD deficiency. G6PD is important in regulating ROS and maintaining erythrocyte homeostasis. In view of its high prevalence in Burkina Faso, determination of the G6PD status is required in COVID-19 patients for adequate management such as identifying a subset of COVID-19 patients for whom close monitoring and supportive care may be essential and to restrict treatment with HCQ.

Inventory and Biodiversity of the Entomofauna Associated with Shea Fruits (Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn), an Important Non-Timber Forest Product in the Ziro Province of Burkina Faso

A few studies have highlighted the degradation of shea tree fruits mainly due to insects in Burkina Faso. The insects associated with these non-timber forest products are still poorly known, hence the interest of this study. The objective of the study is to make a qualitative inventory of the biodiversity of insect pests of shea fruits during the ripening period in two different ecosystems. It was carried out in 2021 in three locations of the Ziro province. 30 shea fruit trees distributed in 9 sites listed in agrosystems and protected areas were selected for monitoring and collecting insects infested with the fruits. The inventory identified 25 species in 13 families clustered in 5 orders. The order of Diptera, composed of 6 families with 15 species recorded, is the most dominant order in this diversity. Among the different families, 3 of them, Calliphoridae, Tephritidae and Muscidae, present at least 3 species each. 7 species are mainly associated with fruit damage with a predominance of Ceratitis silvestrii Bezzi (Diptera: Tephritidae). 91.33% of the emergences from infested fruits and 43.41% of the individuals trapped belong to this species. C. silvestrii, which presents a homogeneity in its distribution between locations and ecosystems, is therefore the main pest species of shea fruits in production in this zone. The results suggest the need to determine the economic importance of Tephritidae infesting shea fruits.

First Research on Bat Bacteria in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

The world is in turmoil with the emergence of various diseases in which bats play a key part. Indeed, bats are known to host bacteria that can create major public health problems. The investigation into bat bacteria was carried out from December 2020 to September 2021 at seven sites in Burkina Faso. Bat specimen collection occurred from 6 pm to 5 am with mist nets. On each bat captured, an oral and rectum swab was taken to search for bacterial species using standard bacterial culture methods. A total of 204 bats representing 11 species were captured. 183 bat specimens were infected by at least one bacterium with a prevalence of 89.7%. 54 species of bacteria divided into 30 genera were identified from the 183 specimens. Bacterial species richness was the highest in the bat Mops condylurus (A. Smith, 1833) followed by Epomophorus gambianus (Ogilby, 1835). Genus Escherichia was the most frequent of the bat species. Genus Pseudomonas alone is represented by six species. The most infected site was the rectum, from which we isolated 44 species of bacteria out of the 54 species. The most infected locality was Ouagadougou. Bacteria are highly pathogenic to humans and may be responsible for public health problems, such as Shigella sp. was identified and bacteria known to cause harm to bats such as Yersinia and Pasteurella were also isolated. From this study, decisions on the management of public health problems can be considered drown to avoid the emergence and re-emergence of certain zoonotic diseases.

Clinical and Paraclinical Profiling of Patients with Viral Hepatitis B and C Attending Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou (HOSCO)

The present study aims to describe the clinical and paraclinical profile of patients infected by viral hepatitis B and C and follow-up. The clinical and paraclinical data used in this description are from patients infected by viral hepatitis B and C of the HOSCO Hepato-Gastroenterological Department from May 15, 2021 to July 23, 2021. The informed consent was provided to each patient included in this study. “Univariate analyses were evaluated using Pearson’s Chi2 test” using R software version 4.0.2. During the study period, we identified 149 patients with viral hepatitis B and/or C who met our inclusion criteria. The sex ratio was 0.83 at the rate of 68 men for 81 women with the average age at 37.17 years ± 12.21 years. The most represented age group was 30 - 44 years (49.7%). The most incriminated risk factors were medical care by injection (62.58%), excision (31.90%), blood transfusion (4.29%) and scarification (1.23%). HBV infection was the majority with a frequency of 95.97%. The HBV viral load was measured in 91.95% of patients, 77.18% of whom had a detectable DNA viral load ≤ 2000 IU/mL. The clinical and biological course was good in patients after therapeutic initiation. HBV-HCV-HIV co-infection was 0.67%. Abdominal ultrasound was normal in 87.92% of patients. Fibrosis was minimal and moderate in 58.39% and 19.46% of patients. Among patients, 52.35% were on Tenofovir therapy, 2.68% on Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir, 0.67% on ARVs and 44.29% did not require treatment. Viral hepatitis B and C are common, and both affect sex. Thus, new screening strategies need to be implemented to improve the diagnosis of hepatitis B and C. Effective strategies against viral hepatitis B and C must be developed, subsequently.

Genetic diversity of hepatitis viruses in West-African countries from 1996 to 2018

The severity of hepatic pathology and the response to treatment depend on the hepatitis virus genotype in the infected host. The objective of this review was to determine the distribution of hepatitis virus genotypes in West African countries. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct was performed to identify 52 relevant articles reporting hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G viruses genotypes.Hepatitis B virus(HBV) genotype E with a prevalence of 90.6%(95%CI: 0.891-0.920) found in this review, is characterized by low genetic diversity. Hepatitis C virus(HCV) genotypes 1 and 2 represented 96.4% of HCV infections in West African countries, while hepatitis delta virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis G virus genotypes 1 and HEV genotype 3 were reported in some studies in Ghana and Nigeria. HBV genotype E is characterized by high prevalence, low genetic diversity and wide geographical distribution. Further studies on the clinical implications of HBV genotype E and HCV genotypes 1 and 2 are needed for the development of an effective treatment against this viral hepatitis in West African countries. Surveillance of the distribution of different genotypes is also needed to reduce recombination rates and prevent the emergence of more virulent viral strains.

Inventory, Geographical Distribution of <i>Caryedon</i>Species in Burkina Faso, and Evaluation of Their Impact on Stored Groundnut

To understand the mechanism of infestation of stored groundnut in farming areas, studies on the inventory and geographical distribution of Caryedon species were carried out in the tree savannah and in producers’ storage structures. The incidence of C. serratus in stored groundnut was evaluated. Inventory and geographical distribution of insects belonging to Caryedon genus was achieved through a sampling in the savannah and producers’ granaries. The inventory and geographical distribution of insects was made throughout Burkina Faso whereas the evaluation of the perforations of groundnut pods was made in the western zone of the country. The results of the inventory showed the presence of two species belonging to Caryedon genus which are C. serratus and C. crampelii. These species are found on the agro-ecological zones of the country. The survival and maintenance of Caryedon species genus are ensured by the presence of plants belonging to various families such as Caesalpiniceae and Mimosaceae. The evaluation of the losses caused by C. serratus in producer’s stored groundnut revealed that the pods perforation rate varied according to the locality. In?Toussiana, the rate of perforated pods ranged from 53.72% to 100% in five months while in?Karangasso Sembla, for the same conservation time, the rate was in the range from 2.8% to 35%. However it is C. serratus which is responsible for the losses observed in the stored groundnut. Indeed, in the western area of Burkina Faso where more than 25% of the production is realized, 70% of groundnut stocked without treatment is destroyed by this insect after only four months of storage.

Antioxidant capacity and genoprotective effect of ethanol fruit extract from Detarium microcarpum Guill. and Perr.(Caesalpiniaceae)

Objective: To evidence the ability of ethanol fruit extract from Detarium microcarpum(D. microcarpum) to preserve DNA integrity against oxidative genomic damage.Methods: Ethanol extract from D. microcarpum fruit pulp was analyzed for its antioxidant capacity using ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl,2,20-azinobis-3-ethyl-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate, superoxide anion, deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation models. The genoprotective activity was assessed ex vivo by comet assay, on liver cells of NMRI female mice using cyclophosphamide(CP) as genotoxic agent.Results: Ethanol extract from D. microcarpum fruit pulp exhibited interesting antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation assays. The extract did not present any genotoxic effect but protected DNA against CP-induced damages with a dose-dependent manner. The genoprotective effect observed was related to the antioxidant molecules of the fruit that scavenged the hydroxyl radical(generated by the metabolism of CP) as well as the peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals issued from lipid peroxidation. Other mechanisms such as inactivation of CP metabolism to genotoxic end products, induction of the expression of antioxidant and DNA repair enzymes have been discussed.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the wild edible fruit from D. microcarpum could be beneficial on consumer's health by its antioxidant and genoprotective effects, particularly during chemotherapies exhibiting genotoxic effects like CP in cancer treatment.

Chemical and Sr-Nd compositions and ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar ages of NW-trending dolerite dikes of Burkina Faso: Evidence for a Mesoproterozoic magmatism in the West African Craton

The Paleoproterozoic basement of the northeastern part of the Leo-Man craton is intruded by generally NW-trending dikes. These regional scale dikes extend over 1000 km in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. We present chemical and Sr-Nd isotope compositions, as well as 40 Ar/39 Ar ages of these dikes with the following strikes N98°-N112°, and N114°-N124° in NE Burkina Faso. Field relationships show that the dikes are posterior to all other rock types dated between 2.26 Ga and 2.0 Ga. Chemical data indicate that the dikes are continental flood basalts and composed of low-Ti(TiO2 ≤ 2 wt.%) sub-alkaline basalts and andesites. They exhibit a minor negative Europium anomaly(0.86-0.99) and slightly fractionated REE patterns((La/Yb)_N= 2.5-9.1; Yb_N = 9.5-19.9). The ratios of Th/Ta(1.3-11.4) and Ce/Pb(5.2-58.5)suggest a varying crustal assimilation of the dike magmas during ascent in the continental crust for all studied samples. Calculated P-T conditions indicate that the magma reached temperatures of 1285 ℃(calculated from olivine compositions) and pressures of 6.9 kbar(calculated for pyroxene minerals).Calculated initial 87 Sr/86 Sr(0.70040-0.70260) and ε_(Nd)(t)=+2.1 to-3.5 at 1575 Ma,also point to a crustal contamination with the most primitive samples showing T_(DM) values of 1946 Ma and 2154 Ma. The low values of La/Ba(<0.2) and Nb/La(<1.0), contrast with the low Th/Nb(<0.9), and suggest a lithospheric mantle or subduction-modified mantle as possible source for the dikes. Sr-Nd data, Mg# and NbTa-Zr-Y-Th-Tb-Yb compositions further suggest that the most primitive samples were emplaced in a none orogenic setting and their magmas were subjected to variable crustal contaminations. Literature and the present whole rock 40 Ar/39 Ar age determinations show that the dikes were emplaced during a widespread Mesoproterozoic magmatism between 1.6 Ga and 1.2 Ga, and were affected by a thermal event causing the argon systematics resetting, best constrained by the date of sample KK1(1236 ± 20 Ma,^(40)Ar/^(36)Ar = 294 ±13, MSWD = 2.2). Contemporaneous 1590-1570 Ma extensive magmatism is reported in other crustal blocks in Baltica(Sveconorw-Goth, svecofennian) NW Laurentia(Slave craton, Yukon),and Australia(Gawler craton), and together with the 1575 studied dikes, are related to the breakup of the supercontinent Nuna.

Comparison of Proximate Composition and Nutritional Qualities of Fifty-Three Cashew Accessions from Burkina Faso

Cashew cultivation is growing in Burkina Faso, but nut production remains low. Identification of high-performance plant material with known varietal characteristics is essential for breeding. This study consisted of physical-chemical and nutritional characterization of almonds from a core selection of 53 cashew accessions from Burkina Faso. Proximate composition included contents in water, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, ash, cellulose using standard methods. Major constituents were lipids with an average level of 50.71% ± 4.07%, followed by carbohydrates and proteins with average levels of 21.18% ± 3.81% and 20.62% ± 1.58%, respectively. Average water, ash and cellulose levels were 4.56% ± 0.39%, 2.87% ± 0.27% and 4.61% ± 2.52%, respectively. The analysis of variability within accessions, based on physical and chemical parameters, identified 3 groups that differ in lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, cellulose and energy value. The first group containing 17 accessions of fat-rich cashews, average protein levels and very high energy values is more interesting for tree improvement programs.

Effectiveness of Hermetic Storage Using PICS Bags and Plastic Jars for Post-Harvest Preservation of <i>Acacia macrostachya</i>Seeds

In Burkina Faso, the availability of Acacia macrostachya “Zamnè” seeds throughout the year is threatened by the attacks of pests. So, the effectiveness of airtight (hermetic) storage for the preservation of these seeds was evaluated using 20-litre plastic jars and 50 kg PICS bags as hermetic containers with 50 kg polypropylene bags as controls. Seeds of Acacia macrostachya (17.5 kg) were stored in each of these storage devices for six months under ambient conditions in the laboratory. The number of storage pest Bruchidius silaceus increased significantly in polypropylene bags from 235 to 715 individuals on average/500 g of seeds. But in PICS bags and plastic drums, the number of this pest did not vary significantly (191 and 239 individuals on average/500 g of seeds for plastic jars and PICS bags respectively). In both hermetic devices, we found few individuals of another major storage pest Caryedon furcatus. However, polypropylene bags, haboured more pests’ in addition high numbers of C. furcatus and Oryzaephilus mercator which were not found in the hermetic devices. Seeds damage and weight loss increased significantly in polypropylene bags from 7.40% to 20.23% and 0.50% to 3% respectively compared to PICS bags and plastic jars. The germination rate of A. macrostachya seeds decreased significantly in PICS bags, plastic jars and polypropylene bags with average percentages of 14%;11% and 15% respectively compared to the initial average of 27%. PICS bags and plastic jars are therefore effective in preserving the quality of A. macrostachya seeds, but the effects of these hermetic devices on seed viability need to be explored further.

Influence of Host Plants on the Development of Caryedon serratus Olivier (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae), Insect Pest of Groundnut Stocks in Burkina Faso

The beetle Caryedon serratusOlivier is a major insect pest responsible for the infesta-tion and damage on groundnut during storage. To understand the infestation mecha-nism of groundnut stocks, studies have been carried out on this insect biology under laboratory conditions in relation with its host plants. The results have demonstrated that the pre-oviposition on groundnut lasts on average 1.28 days. The oviposition pe-riod is 12.04 days, during which 80.42 eggs on average are laid. From hatching to adult stage, C. serratus larvae development goes through four stages with variable durations according to the stage. Three families of host plants (Papilionaceae;Caesalpiniaceae and Mimosaceae) were selected for females C. serratusto lay on their seeds. The re-sults showed that more eggs were laid on the seeds of Papilionaceae (98.75% of in-fested seeds) followed by Caesalpiniaceae (28.59% of infested seeds). Studies were carried out on the laying behavior of C. serratus under laboratory conditions and have revealed that whatever the conditions, C. serratus females lay on all the plant species seeds exposed. Insects’ development duration has varied according to the plant species seeds used.

Frequency of Antibiotic Resistance of <i>Escherichia coli</i>and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>by Production of TOHO-Type <i>β</i>-Lactamases at Saint Camille Hospital, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) appeared some years after the introduction in hospital environment of unhydrolysable or extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Several studies have been reported on the blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes in ESBL producing Enterobacteria, however, very few studies reported in the literature were related to blaCTX-M subgroup blaTOHO. TOHO enzymes were responsible for healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and in the community. In Burkina Faso, data related to these types of enzymes were scarce. The purpose of this study was to detect TOHO enzymes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in order to know the prevalence of infections related to bacterial resistance due to TOHO enzymes at Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). The study was conducted firstly by microbiological identification of ESBLs-producing by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae using API 20 E gallery;secondly the antibiogram was performed by the diffusion method and finally the molecular characterization was made by conventional PCR to search for the blaTOHO gene. The visualization of the specific bands was made using the ultraviolet lamp (Gene Flash) for the photography of the gels. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel 2013 and EPI Info version 6.0 software. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. We obtained at all 39 strains constituted by 21 (53.8%) Escherichia coli and 18 (46.2%) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Molecular characterization showed the presence of the blaTOHO gene in 25 bacterial strains (64.1%). It was therefore established in this study the existence of blaTOHO gene at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Our study made it possible to know the distribution of the blaTOHO gene in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Can Plasmodium falciparum Induce Homocysteinemia in Malaria Patients?

Background: Plasmodium falciparum has developed elaborate strategies to survive in the hostile intracellular environment of the infected host cell, including resistance to oxidative stress. Cysteine is a metabolic product of homocysteine and a precursor of the antioxidant glutathione used by Plasmodium falciparum to escape harmful oxidation. Objectives: In the present study we aimed to assess whether Plasmodium falciparum can induce homocysteinemia in malaria patients of Burkina Faso. Methods: Eighty-five (85) individuals including 25 affected by severe malaria, 44 by simple malaria, and 12 negative controls for P. falciparum infection were included in the present study. An enzymatic assay of plasma homocysteinemia was performed using the Homocysteine Enzymatic Assay reagent (ref 05385415 190) on the Roche/ Hitachi Cobas c. Results: The results of the present study show that the mean plasma homocysteine concentrations were 15.1 ± 8.4 μmol/L among patients with severe malaria, 14.0 ± 6.0 μmol/L in patients with uncomplicated malaria, and 12.6 ± 4.1 μmol/L in negative controls for malaria parasite. Conclusions: Our findings suggest high homocysteinemia in malaria patients, especially in those with severe malaria. Monitoring homocysteinemia in the latter group will be useful to avoid complications when an elevated plasma level of homocysteine is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Microbiological Quality of Fresh and Grilled Mutton Sold in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

In Ouagadougou, grilled meats in the form of pieces and brochettes are very popular and well-known to consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the microbial quality of mutton meat sold in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of 120 samples were collected from 20 meat grillers 60 samples of fresh meat and 60 samples of grilled meat. The sampling was done between the month of August 2018 and the month of February 2019. The samples were analyzed according to standard methods. The test performed were counts of Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria (AMB), yeasts and molds, enterobacteria, Campylobacter spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Brucella spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the search for salmonella, and the detection of antibiotics residues. Results showed a high count of AMB (8.77 and 6.78 log UFC/g);enterobacteria (6.58 and 3.05 log UFC/g), Staphylococcus aureus (6.45 and 4.35 log UFC/g), Bacillus cereus (6.98 and 4.52 log UFC/g), Campylobacter (6.03 and 3.86 log UFC/g), yeasts and molds (4.80 and 3.26 log UFC/g) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (0.45 and 0.15 log UFC/g), respectively in fresh meat and grilled meat. Presumptive Salmonella was found in 95% of fresh meat samples and in 75% of grilled meat samples. In the tested samples, no Brucella spp were detected. However, residues of antibiotics were found in 5% of fresh meat samples and 5% of grilled meat samples. Means of moisture and pH were respectively 74.91% and 6.05% for fresh meat and 53.21% and 6.06% for grilled meat. The average microbial counts recorded in fresh and grilled meat are significantly high and indicate poor hygiene in the raw material and ready-to-eat meat. Good practices of hygiene and processing guides should be developed for the meat grilling value chain actors to reduce contamination risks.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Appetite Suppressant Plants Used in Hauts-Bassins Areas of Burkina Faso

This study aimed to list the medicinal plants used as an appetite suppressant in Hauts-Bassins areas of Burkina Faso. An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken from September to November 2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire. To determine well-known families and species, some indices such as Family Importance Value (FIV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were calculated respectively. Sixty-seven traditional healers (41 men and 26 women) have been interviewed. The age group from 41 to 60 years old was more represented (47.76%). Fifty-eight (58) plant species belonging to 29 families and 53 genera were recorded to have appetite suppressant properties. Fabaceae family (25%) was the most mentioned followed by Combretaceae (12%). The most mentioned species were Guierasenegalensis (7.64%), Parkiabiglobosa (6.18%), Annona senegalensis and Gardenia erubescens (5.35% for both). Leaves and fruits had the highest frequencies of use with 41% and 25% respectively. The decoction (49.62%) was the main preparation method. The oral route was the only mode of drug administration. These results would contribute to strengthening the database on the medicinal plants used as an appetite suppressant by the traditional healers in Burkina Faso.

Molecular Characterization Using Microsatellites of Bambara Nut (<i>Vigna subterranea</i>[L] Verdcourt) Landraces Cultivated in Burkina Faso

Voandzou is a seed legume cultivated in Burkina Faso with significant nutritional potential. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of Bambara nut cultivated in Burkina Faso using microsatellite markers. For the study, fifteen SSRs markers were used for molecular characterization of 90 Bambara nut landraces from three agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. All markers were 100% polymorphic with an average value of 4.81 for effective alleles. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.654 to 0.867 with a mean of 0.775. Dendrogram classified the accessions in four mixed groups independently of the three agro-climatic zones. This distribution is consistent with the results on the agro-morphological characterization of the same landraces. This information was served as a basic model for breeding and conservation programs of V. subterranea in Burkina Faso.