Kinetics of maternally-derived serogroup A, C, Y and W-specific meningococcal immunoglobulin G in Malian women and infants

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Immunisation with MCV during pregnancy resulted in an antibody response.

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Maternal immunization with MCV conveyed protective levels of MenA IgG at birth.

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Infant antibody levels declined over the first 3 months of life.

A prospective, randomised, controlled observer-blind trial measuring the efficacy and immunogenicity of trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) and the immunogenicity of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) in pregnant women and their infants up to 6 months of age was conducted in Mali. Here we reported the immunogenicity of MCV, which was used as a comparator vaccine to TIV, in this population. Third-trimester pregnant Malian women were randomized to receive TIV or MCV. Blood samples were collected from women prior to vaccination, 28 days post-vaccination, at delivery and 3 and 6 months post-delivery and from infants at birth and 3 and 6 months of age. Meningococcal-specific serogroup (Men) A, C, Y and W-specific antibodies were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in a randomly selected subset of 50 mother-infant pairs where the mother had received MCV. At birth, 94.0% (47/50) of infants had MenA specific IgG levels ≥ 2 µg/mL decreasing to 72.9% and 30.4% at 3 and 6 months of age. For MenC, 81.3% (39/48) of infants had MenC specific IgG levels ≥ 2 µg/mL at birth decreasing to 29.4% and 17.8% at 3 and 6 months of age. For MenY, 89.6% (43/48) of infants had MenY specific IgG levels ≥ 2 µg/mL at birth decreasing to 64.6% and 62.5% at 3 and 6 months of age. For MenW, 89.6% (43/48) of infants had MenW specific IgG levels ≥ 2 μg/ml at birth decreasing to 62.5% and 41.7% at 3 and 6 months of age.

Maternal immunization with MCV conveyed protective levels of IgG at birth through to 3 months of age in the majority of infants.

[Relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-AIDS) and conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma: A clinical epidemiological study of 26 cases in the ophthalmology department of the university hospital of Treichville-Abidjan (Abidjan-Côte d'Ivoire)]

PURPOSE

To describe the epidemiological and clinical parameters of conjunctival squamous cell carcinomas and their association with HIV-AIDS in the ophthalmology department of the university hospital of Treichville.

PATIENTS ET METHODS

This is a prospective and descriptive cross sectional study carried out in the ophthalmology department of the university hospital of Treichville from July 2007 to June 2011. Twenty-six (26) patients who were selected presented with a tumor of the globe and/or adnexa. A CT scan was performed in advanced cases. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen was performed in all cases. HIV serology was performed after informed consent. All patients were referred to the oncology department of the university hospital of Treichville where a unit of care for HIV-positive patients with malignant tumors is available. Statistical analysis was performed using the software program EPI info version 6.0.

RESULTS

We note a slight predominance of female patients 15 (57.69%) vs. 11 (42.3%) male patients. The mean age was 42.32 years, and 13 patients (50%) were between 25 and 45 years of age. Intraorbital tumors were the most common reason for consultation, i.e. 38.46%. Seventeen patients (65.38%) had no particular history. Nine patients (34.61%) were already on antiretroviral treatment on admission. Three patients, i.e. 11.54%, had already had tumor biopsy and/or evisceration. The mean duration of the disease before consultation in ophthalmology was 14.28 months. Localized limbal conjunctival tumors were found in 11 cases (42.38%). Advanced tumors with regional or cerebral extension accounted for 34.61% of cases. Six patients (23.078%) were HIV negative vs. 20 (76.92%) HIV positive patients. CD4 lymphocyte typing was performed in 17 patients (85%), and 45% had a CD4 count below 200. Only five patients were able to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but three of them died. The average length of follow-up was 29 months.

COMMENT

This study allowed us to establish a statistically significant link between HIV positive status of patients and the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma, (P=10(-4)), as well as the decline in CD4 count and disease progression (p=10(-3)).

CONCLUSION

The poor prognosis of conjunctival carcinoma reflects the low socioeconomic status of patients, physician under-staffing in our health care facilities, the prohibitive cost of anticancer drugs and the link between this disease and HIV-AIDS.

[Cataracts related to the extended application of dermocorticosteroids. A study of 8 cases in Abidjan]

INTRODUCTION

Cataract induced by corticosteroids is an entity, which has been well described for a relatively long time, but this eventuality caused by the cutaneous application of corticosteroids remains inadequately reported. The purpose of this study was to describe cataract as one of the complications of the misuse of cutaneous application of corticosteroids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In eight patients seen for visual loss, bilateral cataract was discovered. The only probable etiology in these cases appeared to be the cutaneous application of corticosteroids. Indeed, the work-up and careful history performed did not uncover any other etiology.

RESULTS

Eight patients, six women and two men, exhibited cataracts related to the application of topical corticosteroids. The age of the patients ranged between 39 and 45 years. The cataracts were bilateral and posterior subcapsular alone or combined. The period of use of corticosteroids ranged from 5 to 10 years. The products used consisted of a variety of chemicals including corticosteroids mainly in the form of traditionally manufactured soap, but also as ointment or other types of mixtures.

CONCLUSION

Topical corticosteroids induce posterior subcapsular cataract. The mechanism of action is direct access to the eye without any hepatic-first pass effect on the corticosteroid in question. The increasingly frequent use of corticosteroids in African blacks for skin lightening raises concern regarding the risk of epidemic cataracts in young women attempting to lighten their skin to be beautiful. Increased public awareness should be undertaken to prevent this growing and harmful phenomenon.

Evaluation of the prevalence of trachoma 12 years after baseline surveys in Kidal Region, Mali

OBJECTIVE

After prevalence surveys in all eight regions, Mali started a national programme to control trachoma in 1998. In the sparsely populated desert region of Kidal, where active trachoma prevalence was 46.2% in children under 10, no interventions beyond routine eye-care services were implemented. We estimated the prevalence of trachoma in Kidal, 12 years after baseline mapping surveys, to determine whether interventions to control trachoma were warranted.

METHODS

A total of 2165 individuals from 477 households were examined for clinical trachoma signs in a cluster survey using the WHO simplified grading system. Individual and household risk factors for trachoma were assessed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of follicular trachomatous inflammation (TF) in children 1-9 years of age was 15.6% (95% CI 11.8-19.5%). Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) was observed in 4 persons for an overall prevalence in all ages of 0.16% (95% CI 0.0-0.35%). Estimated household latrine coverage in the region was 33.1% (95% CI 14.0-52.2%). Residents of 52.8% of surveyed households reported access to a water source outside geographical boundaries of their communities.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of control interventions, the prevalence of clinical signs of trachoma among children was substantially lower than estimates 12 years earlier. The current prevalence of active trachoma remains above the threshold adopted by WHO, yet there is little evidence of chronic blinding trachoma.

[Anterior segment analysis using OCT3]

PURPOSE

Optical coherence tomography has been used for many years, in particular in the field of the retinal imaging, and is a promising technique in the analysis of the anterior segment, providing a similar resolution to histology for ocular tissue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present a collection of images obtained with the OCT3 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA), with parameters set to obtain good-quality images of the iris and corneal structures.

RESULTS

The OCT provides detailed analysis of the cornea, precise assessment of the dimensions and locations of corneal lesions - in the anterior-posterior plane as well as transversally or obliquely - with 10-microm precision, and the study of the iridocorneal angle and its dynamics.

DISCUSSION

Using the highly precise OCT3 for retinal imaging, it is possible to obtain good-quality anterior segment imaging, which makes the device highly versatile and thus increases reasons for acquiring this type of apparatus.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT3 users should not neglect this potential of the device, already in wide use for examining the retina.

[Central serous chorioretinopathy: a study of six cases observed in Abidjan between 2003 and 2005, suggesting a role played by the Ivorian political-military crisis]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to show that central serous chorioretinopathy is present in Ivory Coast and that the emotional and psychosocial context plays an important role in this disorder's pathogenesis.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

The authors report six central serous chorioretinopathy cases based on angiographic diagnosis, five in Black African subjects and one in a European subject. These cases were observed over a period of 2 years during the Ivorian political-military crisis.

RESULTS

In a center where angiography has been a current practice since 1999, up to 2002 479 angiographies were done without a single central serous chorioretinopathy case being diagnosed. After the beginning of the political-military crisis, six cases of central serous chorioretinopathy were observed out of 417 angiographies over a period of 2 years. All the patients were males, between 20 and 50 years old, five were Black Africans and one was a white European. Their professions varied (a contractor, a soldier, a business executive, for example). The angiography showed break points in ink spots in the majority of the cases, with one case showing multiple break points. All the patients were emotionally distraught because of the uncertainty of the political situation.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that central serous chorioretinopathy does indeed exist in the Black African subject, as it exists in the leucoderma subject without discrimination. This study emphasizes the anxiety and extreme emotional context as an initiating factor in the occurrence of central serous chorioretinopathy.

Valeurs biométriques de l’œil du sujet africain de race noire et hypothèse du rôle dans certaines pathologies

INTRODUCTION

The international literature seldom refers to eye measurements of the black African patient. Therefore, the various patterns where biometry elements are used as constituents deserve reconsideration as they may not correspond to the eye of the black patient of our region. This study provides true measurements for the black African patient in Ivory Coast. It also establishes hypotheses by extrapolating the role of measurements in pathologies such as glaucoma.

MATERIAL

and method: The study included 325 eyes of 217 male and female patients. All the patients underwent ocular keratometrics and echo biometrics to measure the depth of the anterior chamber, the width of the lens, and the total axial length with the ultrascan biometer using the contact method in A echometrics.

RESULTS

The mean keratometry in women was significantly higher than in men (43.99 +/- 1.62 diopters vs 43.46 +/- 1.45 diopters). The anterior chamber was deeper in men (2.69 mm +/- 0.54 vs 2.53 mm +/- 0.48). The men's eyes were significantly longer, with an axial length of 23.26 mm +/- 1.07 vs 22.56 mm +/- 0.90.

CONCLUSION

Significant biometric differences between men's and women's eyes, on the one hand, and between black African and white patients' eyes, on the other hand, can be observed. The reasons for these differences are several: they are natural, socioeconomic, and technical. If standard implant of a different power for black and white patients can be imagined, can we also infer that the biometrics of a black African patient predisposes him to a disorder such as glaucoma more than a white patient? Further in-depth studies could provide an answer to this question.

Oblitération de l’artère centrale de la rétine secondaire à une dissection de la carotide interne sur fibrodysplasie artérielle

INTRODUCTION

We report a case of a 66-year-old woman presenting a central retinal artery occlusion with no cardiovascular risk factor, with assessment using supra-aortic artery ultrasonography showing total internal carotid artery thrombosis.

OBSERVATION

When vascular thrombosis risk factors are absent, more in-depth assessment such as a supra-aortic artery angioscan can provide the diagnosis of arterial dissection on arterial fibromuscular dysplasia.

CONCLUSION

Central retinal artery occlusion is a rare but severe pathology. Therefore it is very important not to neglect the etiological assessment, because it can be the revealing element of a severe pathology.

[Sickle cell beta-thalassemia leading to serious ischemic retinopathy: a study of 18 patients in Abidjan]

The authors in this study intended to demonstrate that S-beta thalassemia can lead to severe ocular hemorrhagic risks, as is true of the sickle cell form. Both forms are also comparable in terms of the risk of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. Out of the 18 patients studied, 13 (72.2%) had sickle cell retinopathy. Three of 13 patients had already developed new vessels and risked intravitreous hemorrhage. The authors recommend that more vigilance be mounted for the detection of S-beta thalassemia so as to benefit from rigorous and systematic follow-up and early treatment. Retinal argon laser photocoagulation is only effective if a clear diagnosis is made early.

La rétinopathie chez le porteur du trait drépanocytaire AS : mythe ou réalité ?

INTRODUCTION

The retinopathy of sickle cell diseases is an ischemic retinopathy that occurs frequently in the major forms of HbSS and HbSC sickle cell diseases. The retinopathy of sickle trait HbAS has not been described extensively.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The aim of this study was to describe the retinal characteristics and thus gain better knowledge of sickle trait HbAS retinopathy. Seventy HbAS patients had a complete ocular examination including fluorescein angiography.

RESULTS

Seventy percent of the patients had retinal lesions, with 49.3% non-vasoproliferative lesions, 22.7% prevasoproliferative lesions and 2.7% neovascular lesions.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Retinopathy is associated with the HbAS sickle cell trait, but it is less serious than in the major forms of sickle cell syndrome.

[Epidemiology of eye injuries in Abidjanian children]

Eye injuries, most of them preventable, are particularly severe in Africa, because of the risks of infection and delay in treatment. We report a 16-month (March 1997-June 1998) prospective observational survey of eye injuries in children up to the age of 15 years at Treichville-Abidjan University Hospital. During this period, 62 children were treated for these injuries. Ocular traumas represented 4% (n = 245) of new admissions in ophthalmology, and 29% of these injuries occurred in children. The sex ratio was 5:2 boys to girls, and their mean age was 8.66 +/- 3.56 years. Eye injuries occurred most often during play (84%, n = 52). More than 85% (n = 53) of children were alone or without adult supervision at the time of the injury. The causal agent was most often wood (35%) followed by metal (29%). The mean time from injury to hospital admission was 1.8 +/- 0.77 day. Only 19% of patients were admitted the day of injury. Most patients (66%) first sought treatment in a primary care centre. More than 70% (n = 44) of injuries necessitated hospitalisation. Open eyeball wounds were the most common injury (53%) and were associated with endophthalmitis in 16%. The mean recovery of visual acuity was 0.1. At admission, 40 of the injured eyes (64.5%) had monocular blindness; six recovered, for a final blindness rate of 55%. Injuries associated with wooden objects had a final blindness rate of 77% and play-related injuries 63%. The primary posttraumatic sequelae were corneal scars. Eyeball phthysis (14.5%) was secondary to 8 open wounds of the eyeball and one postcontusion retinal detachment. Eye injuries remain a major cause of monocular blindness in children in Cote d'Ivoire. Most of them can be prevented by relatively simple measures including supervision of children and rapid hospitalisation when injury occurs.

[Isolated palpebral tumor revealing Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis: a case report]

INTRODUCTION

Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis is the most frequent of phakomatoses. Its incidence is 1/2,500-3,000 births. It is inherited through a dominant autosomal mode with a strong prevalence and changing expression. Eye and skin signs are essential to diagnosis and this case provided a noteworthy example of a unilateral upper palpebral tumor revealing this disease.

CLINICAL CASE

We report a case of a 6-year-old boy whose original clinical manifestation was a tumor on the upper eyelid of the right eye, present at birth. According to the anamnesis, this palpebral tumor gradually increased in size, causing a full ptosis. A biopsy exeresis of the tumor was carried out with an anatomicopathological study of the biopsy specimen, confirming the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The anatomicopathological study of the biopsy specimen enabled diagnosis of a neurofibromatosis revealed by this isolated palpebral localization responsible for significant aesthetic and functional damage.