HIV and Seroconversion among Pregnant Women at the University Hospital of Mother and Child in Chad

Background: HIV in pregnant women presented a risk of transmission to newborns. This study was to determine HIV prevalence among pregnant women in the birthing rooms and give antiretrovirals to women infected and their newborns. Methods: A preliminary study was conducted from 2013 to 2015 at the Mother and Child Hospital. Pregnant women were counseled and tested for HIV-antibody according to the national algorithm using Determine HIV 1 & 2 and Immunocomb II Bispot HIV1 & 2. The women screened HIV-negative during the prenatal consultation and who accepted a second test were screened in the birth room. The data collected were processed using the Access Microsoft office 16 and SPSS software version 18. Results: A total of 6080 pregnant women were tested before and in the birth room. Of these, 5943 (97.4%) were detected as HIV-negative and 159 (2.6%) were HIV-positive. Of the 5943 with HIV-negative status, 1333 accepted the second test in the birth room, 10 of which have become HIV-positive. The rate of seroconversions was 0.75%. Conclusion: This study determined the prevalence of HIV in pregnant women. The result reveals the importance and necessity of repeating the screening test in the birth room because of the possibility of seroconversion or new infection during pregnancy.

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.

APOBEC3G Role on HIV Infection in Africa: A Systematic Review

The highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) has allowed people living with HIV to live longer with a better quality of life. However, toxicity and the emergence of drug resistance arise from HAART use. Therefore, new antiretroviral therapy is needed since no cure or vaccine is available against HIV. Virus-host interaction has been proven to be important in the last decade. Host factors such as the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), a receptor used by HIV to penetrate host cells, have led to the discovery of the Maraviroc, which is an antiretroviral medication used in the United States. In contrast, other factors like C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) and the Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (APOBEC3G), a potent host defense factor against HIV, is under investigation. APOBEC3G antiviral activity remains a possible therapeutic target against HIV. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the role of APOBEC3G polymorphisms and their expression on HIV infection disease progression in Africa. We used Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar and searched for relevant publications in French or English reporting on APOBEC3G polymorphisms association with HIV infection in African populations from January 2009 to May 2023. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyzes) was used to process for reporting systematic review. Fifteen studies were included, of which seven were on APOBEC3G polymorphisms and eight were on APOBEC3G expression. Among the APOBEC3G polymorphisms, the most studied was H186R or rs8177832. The average of the minor allele frequency of H186R of APOBEC3G available for the studies included in this study was 0.29 with a 95% CI (0.172;0.401) and varied from 0.108 reported in Uganda to 0.47 recorded from Burkina Faso. The polymorphism H186R was not associated with HIV status in Southern Africa. However, the referent allele of H186R was protective against HIV infection in Western Central Africa, while in West Africa, it was the minor allele (G) of H186R which was protective against HIV. This review warrants a need to increase research on APOBEC3G, from its variants to its hypermutations on the continent with an essential variety of HIV-1 subtypes, to impact the research on A3G-based anti-HIV strategies.

Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Papillomavirus in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection in the world. Today, there is growing evidence that HPV can be transmitted early in life, and one potential route is mother-to-child transmission. Data on this route of HPV transmission are scarce in Africa and particularly in Burkina Faso, where no data on the subject are yet available. The aim of our study was to estimate the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HPV infection and to identify circulating genotypes. Methodology: Cervico-uterine samples were collected from 100 full-term pregnant women and, buccal samples were obtained from their newborns at Hopital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO) by the specialist physician. HPV DNA amplification and genotyping were performed by PCR followed by hybridization using the HPV Direct Flow Chips kit, detecting 36 genotypes including 18 high-risk and 18 low-risk. Results: The prevalence of HPV in newborns was 8% (8/100). Six (6) HPV-positive neonates had HPV-positive mothers, while 2 HPV-positive neonates had HPV-negative mothers. The vertical transmission rate was 26.09% (6/23). Mother-newborn genotypes were concordant. However, the genotype profile of the newborns was more restricted than that of the mothers. Conclusion: HPV DNA was found in 8% of newborns in our study. The genotype profile of the mother-newborn pair was concordant. Asymptomatic HPV infection in a pregnant woman could constitute a risk factor for vertical transmission.

Petrographic and Geochemical Characteristics of the Pouni Palaeoproterozoic Formations North of the Léo Square Degree (Burkina Faso, West Africa)

The Pouni area is made up of basalts belonging to the Boromo belt, lamprophyres and granitoids. These geological formations are similar to geological formations of the same type in other regions of the Palaeoproterozoic domain of the Man/Leo shield. This study, which focused on the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of these geological formations, led to the following main conclusions: The lamprophyres are basic plutonic rocks that cut through other geological formations. The basalt belongs to the northern part of the Borormo belt and is thought to be a relic of overthickened oceanic plateaus. There are two groups of granitoid rocks. The granodiorite has a geochemical signature close to that of Archean TTGs and is metaluminous in character. It has a low potassium content. The minor element and rare earth element spectra indicate that it could be derived from partial melting of basic magmatic rocks. Biotite granites are peraluminous and highly potassic. Minor element contents and rare earth spectra indicate that they could be derived from partial melting of felsic materials. Geotectonic diagrams show that the granitoids identified in the Pouni zone were emplaced in an active tectonic context, similar to that of present-day subduction zones.

Insight from Lithostructural and Aeromagnetic Data from the Léo Square Degree, Central-Western Burkina Faso

This study, carried out in the Léo square degree (west-central Burkina Faso) in the Palaeoproterozoic domain of the Man/Léo ridge, aims to define the shapes and positions of granitic plutons and the organisation of deformation structures using aeromagnetic data. These data have shown that there are small sub-circular granitic bodies to the north of the granitic masses in this region, and a large sub-circular granitic body to the south, around which are other smaller granitic bodies. The lineament map shows that the deformation structures are organised along three main directions and largely form these sub-circular plutonic bodies. We suggest that the granitic plutons are coalescent, pending identification of the internal structures of these granites to further refine the geodynamic model.

Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality at Hospital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO): A Study from 2017 to 2020

Introduction: Neonatal pathology remains a real public health problem in developing countries. In Burkina Faso, this mortality has declined over the last ten years but remains below compared to the Sustainable Development Goals, which is 12 per 1000 living births at most by 2030. This study aims to identify specific causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality and will contribute to the implementation of preventive and curative measures aimed at reducing neonatal mortality at HOSCO. Method: This was a retrospective study using the records and database of newborns hospitalized from January 1srt, 2017 to December 31srt, 2020. Using logistic regression, the factors associated with mortality were determined. Results: During the study period, 3020 newborns were hospitalized. Most newborns (83.71%) were referred by a peripheral health facility. The average age at admission was 0.3 days ± 0.9 and the sex ratio was 1.2. Prematurity was the leading cause of hospitalization (61.13%) followed by neonatal infection (38.34%) and neonatal suffering (23.88%). The mortality rate was 40.6% with 82.71% cases of death in the early neonatal period. The main causes of death were low birth weight (47.39%), respiratory distress (18.76%), neonatal suffering (17.37%) and neonatal infection (13.87%). Home delivery, gestational age 36 weeks, number of PNC 4, concept of resuscitation, Apgar at the 5th minute 7, birth weight 2000 g and >4000 g, respiratory distress, hypothermia, neurological disorders were factors associated with deaths. Conclusion: Neonatal mortality is influenced by both maternal and fetal factors and many of them are preventable.

Molecular Diagnosis of Sexual Differentiation Disorders in Burkina Faso

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

Petrographic and Geochemical Characteristics of the Granitoids in the South of Godé (North of the Square Degree of Léo-Burkina Faso, West Africa)

South of Godé, in the central-western region of Burkina Faso, granitoids of Paleoproterozoic age are similar to those of the Man/Leo shield. This study focused on the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of these granitoids, with the following results: 1) The tonalite that outcrops in the south-west of the study area belongs to the TTG group or first generation granitoids. They are most often ribboned at outcrop and have a geochemical signature close to that of Archean TTGs. Tonalite has a metaluminous character and the REE spectrum indicates that it may be derived from partial melting of basic magmatic rocks. 2) Biotite granites have no outcrop structure. They are weakly metaluminous to peraluminous and potassic to highly potassic. Their rare earth spectra indicate that they may be derived from the partial melting of TTG granitoids. 3) Geotectonic diagrams show that the granitoids studied to the south of Godé were emplaced in an active tectonic context similar to that of present-day subduction zones.

Evaluation of Water Losses by Evaporation in the Nakanbe Basin

A numerical approach to heat and mass transfer in a large water reservoir is presented. This water reservoir is likened to a parallelepiped reservoir whose vertical and lower walls are adiabatic and impermeable. The equations that govern natural convection in water are solved by the finite volume method and Thomas’salgorithm. The adequacy between the velocity and pressure fields is ensured by the SIMPLE algorithm. We are going to evaluate the water losses by evaporation from three dams in the Nakanbé basin in Burkina Faso for a period of thirty years, that is to say from January 1, 1991, to March 15, 2020. The three dams have a rate of evaporation greater than 40% of the volume of water stored. Indeed the rate of evaporation in each dam increases with the water filling rate in the reservoir: we have observed the following results for each dam in the Nakanbé basin;for the date of 02/27/1988 to 03/13/2020., the Loumbila dam received a total volume of stored water of 22.02 Mm3 and 10.57 Mm3 as the total volume of water evaporated at the same date. At the Ouaga dam (2 + 3), it stored a water volume of 4.06 Mm3 and evaporated 2.03 Mm3 of its storage volume from 01/01/1988 to 05/07/2016. Finally, with regard to the Bagré dam, it stored 745.16 Mm3 of water and 365.13 Mm3 as the volume of water evaporated from 01/01/1993 to 03/31/2020.

Study of Axisymmetric Infinite Guide Lined with Locally Reacting Material without Flow Using DtN Operators

The present work proposed a new method for the modeling by the finite element method of the acoustic propagation problems in infinite axisymmetric cylindrical guides lined with locally reacting absorbent materials without flow. The method deals with the development of an efficient transparent boundary condition based on DtN operators. The method developed in this study is successfully applied to a straight axisymmetric lined guide by imposing a mode on one of the artificial boundaries of the truncated guide. The results are in good agreement with analytical solutions. Applying the method for a non-uniform axisymmetric lined guide which is a complex case, proved its effectiveness and the results compared to those of PML layers are in very good agreement.

Indirect Electroanalysis of 3-Methyl-4-Nitrophenol in Water Using Carbon Fiber Microelectrode Modified with Nickel Tetrasulfonated Phthalocyanine Complex

Electrochemical detection of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (MNP) in direct phenol oxidation occurs at high potentials and generally leads to progressive passivation of the electrochemical sensor. This study describes the use of a carbon fiber microelectrode modified with a tetrasulfonated nickel phthalocyanine complex for the detection of MNP at a lower potential than that of direct phenol oxidation. The MNP voltammogram showed the presence of an anodic peak at -0.11 V vs SCE, corresponding to the oxidation of the hydroxylamine group generated after the reduction of the nitro group. The effect of buffer pH on the peak current and SWV parameters such as frequency, scan increment, and pulse amplitude were studied and optimized to have better electrochemical response of the proposed sensor. With these optimal parameters, the calibration curve shows that the peak current varied linearly as a function of MNP concentration, leading to a limit of detection (LoD) of 1.1 μg/L. These results show an appreciable sensitivity of the sensor for detecting the MNP at relatively low potentials, making it possible to avoid passivation phenomena.

Sleep Disorders among Professional Oil Tanker Drivers in Ouagadougou Burkina Faso

Introduction: Sleep disorders among professional drivers are a major road safety problem. They cause fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel, which can lead to road traffic accidents and even accidents at work. The aim of this study was to assess sleep disorders among professional drivers of oil tankers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out from 11 April 2020 to 11 September 2020 in the national hydrocarbon company’s fuel depot. All the drivers present at the time were included and accomplished a questionnaire incorporating the commonly scales using to assess sleep disorders, sleep quality and sleep apnoea. Data analysis using R 3.6.1 software enabled to perform univariate and multivariate analyses to identify associated factors. Adjusted odd ratios were used to measure the strength of association. The significance level chosen was p ≤ 0.05. Results: All the 339 respondents were male. A proportion of 33.6% suffered from insomnia, including 12.7% with moderate to severe insomnia, and 18.58% were at risk of sleep apnoea. On the Epworth scale, 26.6% of drivers showed sleep debt and 4.1% excessive daytime sleepiness. The risk factors associated with insomnia were the use of psychostimulants. A history of diabetes and insomnia were risk factors associated with sleep apnoea syndrome. Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disturbance and insomnia among the respondents were 52.2% and 33.6% respectively. Use of psychostimulants was the identified risk factor. The prevalence of SAS was 4.72%, with diabetes and insomnia as associated factors.

Contribution of Satellite Observations in the Optical and Microphysical Characterization of Aerosols in Burkina Faso, West Africa

In this work, we proceed to an optical and microphysical analysis of the observations reversed by the MODIS, SeaWiFS, MISR and OMI sensors with the aim of proposing the best-adapted airborne sensor for better monitoring of aerosols in Burkina Faso. To this end, a comparison of AOD between satellite observations and in situ measurements at the Ouagadougou site reveals an underestimation of AERONET AOD except for OMI which overestimates them. Also, an inter-comparison done based on the linear regression line representation shows the correlation between the aerosol models incorporated in the airborne sensor inversion algorithms and the aerosol population probed. This can be seen through the correlation coefficients R which are 0.84, 0.64, 0.55 and 0.054 for MODIS, SeaWiFS, MISR and OMI respectively. Furthermore, an optical analysis of aerosols in Burkina Faso by the MODIS sensor from 2001 to 2016 indicates a large spatial and temporal variability of particles strongly dominated by desert dust. This is corroborated by the annual and seasonal cycles of the AOD at 550 nm and the Angström coefficient measured in the spectral range between 412 nm and 470 nm. A zoom on a few sites chosen according to the three climatic zones confirms the majority presence of mineral aerosols in Burkina Faso, whose maxima are observed in spring and summer.

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

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

Cognitive and Psychosocial Accessibility to Modern Contraception: Subscales Validation

While studies have examined physical access to services, cognitive and psychosocial barriers to contraceptive use have received less attention, despite their impact on access. Research shows that fours main dimensions exist under the broad concept of cognitive and psychosocial access. This study aims to validate the construction of these dimensions and measure the relation between them and their links with modern contraceptive use. We utilized a questionnaire module to collect 15 questions measuring these dimensions through the 6th round of the Performance monitoring and accountability 2020 (PMA2020) survey in Burkina in 2019. We employed the scale validation technique to choose appropriate measures (observable indicators or items) for constructing each latent dimension (unobservable) in our study. The items consisted of questions that utilized a 5-point Likert scale or dichotomous responses to capture various psychosocial aspects. To assess the validity, reliability, convergence, and divergence of the latent dimensions and items, we utilized the validscale command in Stata. The validation process confirmed the reliability of all the dimensions. Contraceptive approval is more aligned with birth spacing rather than birth limiting, reflecting prevailing social perceptions. Women’s contraceptive agency was found to be more associated with their ability to discuss and negotiate with their partners rather than independent decision-making. Correlations between dimensions were generally weak, but the levels of knowledge, agency, and approval of contraception are positively correlated with contraceptive use and intention to use. Giving women more decision-making power and providing information to address side-effect concerns can enhance contraceptive approval.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Fungi Associated with Sesame Diseased Plants of the Three Agroclimatic Zones of Burkina Faso

Sesame is Burkina Faso’s second essential agricultural export after cotton. It’s consequently a supply of income for producers and foreign exchange for the country. However, sesame production is characterized by low average yields of about 538 kg·ha-1 at the farmer’s field as compared to the potential yield of the improved varieties (1500 - 2000 kg·ha-1). Fungal diseases are some of the major constraints to sesame production in Burkina Faso. The present study contributes to the development of means to control pathogenic fungi of this crop, which are responsible for significant losses. The objective is to identify the fungi associated with diseased sesame plant samples. To this end, 149 samples of diseased sesame plants were collected from different production sites located in three agro-climatic zones of the country. The analysis of the samples according to the blotting paper method, based on the morphological characteristics of the fungi, allowed the identification of 18 genera with prevalence rates from 2.68% to 97.98%. The most frequently identified genera were Macrophomina (97.98%), Cercospora (86.57%), Fusarium (85.23%), Phoma (62.41%) and Colletotrichum (61.07%). The results also showed a variable distribution of fungi according to the agro-climatic zone with the predominance of Macrophomina in all three zones. Molecular identification by DNA sequencing of 120 isolates belonging to the different fungi detected allowed the identification of 25 species of which the most representative were Macrophomina phaseolina, Cercospora sesami, Corynespora cassiicola, Alternaria simsimi, Alternaria porri, Fusarium oxysporum, F. fujikuroi, F. equiseti, Colletotrichum capsici, and C. gloesporiodes. The present study showed that diseased sesame plants collected from different production sites in Burkina Faso housed several species of fungi. The fungi presence in diseased plants indicates the need to inform and raise the stakeholders’ awareness about the phytosanitary problems of sesame, but also to develop effective and appropriate control methods against these crop pathogens in Burkina Faso.

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.

Trends of Inequalities in the Use of Long-Term Reversible Contraceptives in Burkina Faso between 2010 and 2015

Background: Efforts have been made in Burkina Faso, a French-speaking country, since 2010 to improve healthcare access and provide affordable contraceptive methods to women. With the increasing prevalence of modern contraceptives in Burkina Faso, it is important to examine the socio-demographic factors that contribute to this new pattern of contraceptive use. This study aims to analyze the changes in socio-demographic factors associated with long-term contraceptive use and provide scientific evidence to guide policy development and action planning in family planning. Data and Methods: We utilized data from the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey, which included 17,087 women aged 15 - 49 years, and the 2015 Demographic and Health Module, which included 11,504 women in the same age group. For the analysis of contraceptive use, we focused on women who were in need of contraception (either met or unmet), of reproductive age, non-pregnant, and either married or sexually active but not married. We included users of modern reversible methods and excluded non-users, as well as users of traditional or permanent methods. Results: Our findings revealed a high prevalence of long-term contraceptive use across all categories;however, certain challenges were identified, such as lower levels of information about contraceptive methods among users and the persistence of inequalities. Family planning discussions and partner approval did not influence long-term contraceptive choice. Additionally, some providers selectively offered specific methods based on women’s life course characteristics, such as parity and marital status, despite evidence suggesting that young and nulliparous women can effectively use long-term methods. Conclusion: Given the high effectiveness of long-term contraceptive methods, it is crucial to address barriers that hinder their utilization among young and nulliparous women, as well as those who desire to delay pregnancy. Efforts should focus on improving knowledge and dispelling misconceptions surrounding long-term methods. Providers play a pivotal role in this process by adopting counseling strategies that enhance users’ understanding and facilitate informed decision-making regarding contraceptive options.

Seroepidemiological Study of Dengue Virus Infection Suspected Cases in Burkina Faso

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