IL-32 Drives the Differentiation of Cardiotropic CD4+ T Cells Carrying HIV DNA in People With HIV

Interleukin 32 (IL-32) is a potent multi-isoform proinflammatory cytokine, which is upregulated in people with HIV (PWH) and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the impact of IL-32 isoforms on CD4 T-cell cardiotropism, a mechanism potentially contributing to heart inflammation, remains unknown. Here we show that IL-32 isoforms β and γ induce the generation of CCR4+CXCR3+ double positive (DP) memory CD4 T-cell subpopulation expressing the tyrosine kinase receptor c-Met, a phenotype associated with heart-homing of T cells. Our ex vivo studies on PWH show that the frequency of DP CD4 T cells is significantly higher in individuals with, compared to individuals without, subclinical atherosclerosis and that DP cells from antiretroviral-naive and treated individuals are highly enriched with HIV DNA. Together, these data demonstrate that IL-32 isoforms have the potential to induce heart-homing of HIV-infected CD4 T cells, which may further aggravate heart inflammation and CVD in PWH.

Plasma Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Soluble Glycoprotein 120 Association With Correlates of Immune Dysfunction and Inflammation in Antiretroviral Therapy-Treated Individuals With Undetectable Viremia

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation persists in some people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during antiretroviral therapy and is associated with premature aging. The glycoprotein 120 (gp120) subunit of HIV-1 envelope sheds and can be detected in plasma, showing immunomodulatory properties even in the absence of detectable viremia. We evaluated whether plasma soluble gp120 (sgp120) and a family of gp120-specific anti-cluster A antibodies, linked to CD4 depletion in vitro, contribute to chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and subclinical cardiovascular disease in participants of the Canadian HIV and Aging Cohort Study with undetectable viremia.

METHODS

Cross-sectional assessment of sgp120 and anti-cluster A antibodies was performed in 386 individuals from the cohort. Their association with proinflammatory cytokines and subclinical coronary artery disease was assessed using linear regression models.

RESULTS

High levels of sgp120 and anti-cluster A antibodies were inversely correlated with CD4+ T cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio. The presence of sgp120 was associated with increased levels of interleukin 6. In participants with detectable atherosclerotic plaque and detectable sgp120, anti-cluster A antibodies and their combination with sgp120 levels correlated positively with the total volume of atherosclerotic plaques.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that sgp120 may act as a pan toxin causing immune dysfunction and sustained inflammation in a subset of people living with HIV, contributing to the development of premature comorbid conditions.

Humoral Responses Elicited by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine in People Living with HIV

While mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination elicits strong humoral responses in the general population, humoral responses in people living with HIV (PLWH) remain to be clarified. Here, we conducted a longitudinal study of vaccine immunogenicity elicited after two and three doses of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in PLWH stratified by their CD4 count. We measured the capacity of the antibodies elicited by vaccination to bind the Spike glycoprotein of different variants of concern (VOCs). We also evaluated the Fc-mediated effector functions of these antibodies by measuring their ability to eliminate CEM.NKr cells stably expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spikes. Finally, we measured the relative capacity of the antibodies to neutralize authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus after the third dose of mRNA vaccine. We found that after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, PLWH with a CD4 count < 250/mm3 had lower levels of anti-RBD IgG antibodies compared to PLWH with a CD4 count > 250/mm3 (p < 0.05). A third dose increased these levels and importantly, no major differences were observed in their capacity to mediate Fc-effector functions and neutralize authentic SARS-CoV-2. Overall, our work demonstrates the importance of mRNA vaccine boosting in immuno-compromised individuals presenting low levels of CD4.

Plasmatic HIV-1 soluble gp120 is associated with immune dysfunction and inflammation in ART-treated individuals with undetectable viremia

Background

Chronic inflammation persists in some people living with HIV (PLWH), even during antiretroviral therapy (ART) and is associated with premature aging. The gp120 subunit of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein can shed from viral and cellular membranes and can be detected in plasma and tissues, showing immunomodulatory properties even in the absence of detectable viremia. We evaluated whether plasmatic soluble gp120 (sgp120) and a family of gp120-specific anti-cluster A antibodies, which were previously linked to CD4 depletion in vitro , could contribute to chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and sub-clinical cardiovascular disease in participants of the Canadian HIV and Aging cohort (CHACS) with undetectable viremia.

Methods

Cross-sectional assessment of plasmatic sgp120 and anti-cluster A antibodies was performed in 386 individuals from CHACS. Their association with pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as subclinical coronary artery disease measured by computed tomography coronary angiography was assessed using linear regression models.

Results

In individuals with high levels of sgp120, anti-cluster A antibodies inversely correlated with CD4 count (p=0.042) and CD4:CD8 ratio (p=0.004). The presence of sgp120 was associated with increased plasma levels of IL-6. In participants with detectable atherosclerotic plaque and detectable sgp120, sgp120 levels, anti-cluster A antibodies and their combination correlated positively with the total volume of atherosclerotic plaques (p=0.01, 0.018 and 0.006, respectively).

Conclusion

Soluble gp120 may act as a pan toxin causing immune dysfunction and sustained inflammation in a subset of PLWH, contributing to the development of premature comorbidities. Whether drugs targeting sgp120 could mitigate HIV-associated comorbidities in PLWH with suppressed viremia warrants further studies.

Key points

Soluble gp120 is detected in the plasma of people living with HIV-1 with undetectable viremia. The presence of soluble gp120 and anti-cluster A antibodies is associated with immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and sub-clinical cardiovascular disease.

Diagnosis of paediatric TB using Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra on fresh respiratory samples

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert^® MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) on fresh respiratory samples for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB (PTB) in children.METHODS: Between July 2017 and December 2019, children with presumed TB were prospectively enrolled at clinical sites in three African countries. Children were assessed using history, physical examination and chest X-ray. Sputum or gastric aspirate samples were analysed using Ultra and culture. The diagnostic accuracy of Ultra was calculated against culture as the reference standard.RESULTS: In total, 547children were included. The median age was 4.7 years, 77 (14.1%) were HIV infected and 77 (14.1%) had bacteriologically confirmed TB. Ultra detected an additional 20 cases in the group of children with negative culture results. The sensitivity of Ultra was 66.3% (95% CI 47-82), and the specificity was 95.4% (95% CI 89-99) when assessed against culture as the reference standard.CONCLUSION: Despite the improved performance of Ultra as compared to Xpert as was previously reported, its sensitivity remains sub-optimal for the detection of TB in children. Ultra detected additional 20 cases which otherwise could not have been detected by culture alone, suggesting that the latter is an imperfect reference standard.

[Knowledges And Practices Of Iron Prescription By The Pediatric Ward In CHU Gabriel Touré Of Bamako, Mali]

GOAL

To assess knowledges and practices on iron prescription in pediatric ward in CHU Gabriel Touré of Bamako, Mali.

TOOLS AND METHODS

It was a prospective and transversal study canied out. We submitted questionnaire and analyzed the case history of to the children aged 1-60 months old who received iron during the study period from 1rstto 30 July 2012. The prescriptators' consent were solicited and obtained at first of all.

RESULTS

Fifty prestators were interviewed among them 10 pediatricians (20%), 31 pediatrics' resident (62 %), 2 generalists physicians (4%), 7 medical student (14%). One hundred 100 were analyzed medical records. More than half of the prestators known the need of iron in children. Thirty percent have received iron at 8 to 10mg/kg. The medication duration wasn't indicating in 92% of patients. In our context prestators well know about meaning and the needs of iron in children bout they're limited on iron food sources and iron storage.

CONCLUSION

The well theorical knowledge on indications and prescription roules on iron in children didn't escape from miss practices in its prescription. Moreover works should analyze the reasons of discrepancies.

[Particularities of early neonatal bacterial infection in the hospital environment of the CHU Gabriel Touré in Bamako]

INTRODUCTION

Early neonatal bacterial infection (ENBI) is a major concern in neonatology. In Mali, no study had addressed this aspect, hence the initiation of this work to study the epidemiological-clinical, biological and bacteriological profile of ENBI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a descriptive longitudinal study that took place from june 27 to september 3, 2016 involving newborns aged ≤ 72 hours hospitalized for ENBI confirmed by blood culture in the neonatology service of the pediatrics department of the Center Hospitalier et Universitaire (CHU) Gabriel Toure in Bamako. The parameters studied were the socio-demographic and obstetrical characteristics of the mothers, the clinical, biological and bacteriological characteristics of newborns infected early.

RESULTS

Of the 324 blood cultures performed, 52 were positive, i.e. an ENBI frequency of 11.04%. The sex ratio was 1.3 with 73.1% low birth weight. On admission, 90.4% of newborns had less than 24 hours of life and 86.5% were births outside the CHU Gabriel Toure. The main clinical signs were hyperthermia or hypothermia and respiratory distress. The main bacteria isolated in blood culture were Staphylococcus aureus (55.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.5%) and Escherichia coli (07.7%). Sensitivity to first-line biantibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone + gentamicin) was low (63.6%) and that of amikacin was better (100%). Half of the newborns infected early died and 19.2% of exeat without medical agreement was recorded.

CONCLUSION

Early neonatal bacterial infection is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In our context, amikacin could be a better therapeutic alternative.

[Portal cavernoma at child about two observations]

We report two observations of portal cavernoma diagnosed successively in Bamako and Dakar. The first is a 6-year-old male admitted to the service for ascites and abdominal pain. At admission the clinical parameters (weight, height, temperature, cranial perimeter and temperature) were within the norms for age. The clinical examination noted a moderate skin-mucosal pallor, asthenia. The biological assessment returned to moderate normochrome anemia with impaired pancreatic function while renal and hepatic functions were maintained. The abdominal scan performed after two low-contribution abdominal ultrasounds, objected signs in favor of a portal cavernoma with perisplenic and gastric varicose veins. The second is an 8-year-old male child born from an unborn marriage and from a followed pregnancy with premature delivery. His pathological history includes a notion of prematurity that required a stay in neonatology with umbilical catheterization and repeated abdominal pain. He had an acute abdominal episode in March 2015 justifying a surgical hospitalization for suspicion of appendicitis. At admission the clinical parameters (weight, height, temperature, cranial perimeter and temperature) were within the norms for age. The abdominal ultrasound prescribed for this was suggestive of portal cavernoma, later confirmed by abdominal computed tomography.

Isoniazid preventive therapy in child household contacts of adults with active TB in Bamako, Mali

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is known to reduce the risk of developing active TB in about 59% in children aged ⩽15 years. We assessed adherence, completion and adverse events among children who were household contacts of a newly diagnosed adult with smear-positive TB in Bamako, Mali.

METHODS

Children aged <15 years living in the same house with an adult smear-positive index case were enrolled in the study in the Bamako Region after consent was obtained from the parent or legal guardian. Adherence was assessed based on the number of tablets consumed during 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 260 children aged <15 years were identified as household contacts of 207 adult patients with smear-positive TB during the study period. Among all child contacts, 130/260 (50.0%) were aged 0-4 years and were eligible for IPT; 128/130 (98.5%) were started on IPT and 83/128 (64.8%) completed with good adherence at the end of the 6 months, and without any significant adverse events.

CONCLUSION

We successfully implemented IPT with good acceptance, but low completion rate. The Mali National TB Program and partners should expand this strategy to reach more children in Bamako and the whole country and create greater awareness in the population.

Brief Report: Subclinical Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis Is Associated With Increased Expression of Peripheral Blood IL-32 Isoforms Among Women Living With HIV

BACKGROUND

Persistent inflammation in HIV infection is associated with elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, even with viral suppression. Identification of novel surrogate biomarkers can enhance CVD risk stratification and suggest novel therapies. We investigated the potential of interleukin 32 (IL-32), a proinflammatory multi-isoform cytokine, as a biomarker for subclinical carotid artery atherosclerosis in virologically suppressed women living with HIV (WLWH).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nested within the Women's Interagency HIV Study, we conducted a cross-sectional comparison of IL-32 between 399 WLWH and 100 women without HIV, followed by a case-control study of 72 WLWH (36 carotid artery plaque cases vs. 36 age-matched controls without plaque). Plasma IL-32 protein was measured by ELISA, and mRNA of IL-32 isoforms (IL-32α, β, γ, D, ε, and θ) was quantified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Plasma IL-32 protein levels were higher in WLWH compared with women without HIV (P = 0.02). Among WLWH, although plasma IL-32 levels did not differ significantly between plaque cases and controls, expression of IL-32 isoforms α, β, and ε mRNA was significantly higher in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cases (P = 0.01, P = 0.005, and P = 0.018, respectively). Upregulation of IL-32β and IL-32ε among WLWH with carotid artery plaque persisted after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, smoking, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and history of hepatitis C virus (P = 0.04 and P = 0.045); the adjusted association for IL-32α was marginally significant (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-32 isoforms should be studied further as potential CVD biomarkers. This is of particular interest in WLWH by virtue of altered IL-32 levels in this population.

Loss of CD96 Expression as a Marker of HIV-Specific CD8+ T-Cell Differentiation and Dysfunction

Persistent immune activation and inflammation in people living with HIV (PLWH) are associated with immunosenescence, premature aging and increased risk of non-AIDS comorbidities, with the underlying mechanisms not fully understood. In this study, we show that downregulation of the T-cell immunoglobulin receptor CD96 on CD8⁺ T cells from PLWH is associated with decreased expression of the co-stimulatory receptors CD27 and CD28, higher expression of the senescence marker CD57 and accumulation of a terminally differentiated T-cell memory phenotype. In addition, we show that CD96-low CD8⁺ T-cells display lower proliferative potential compared to their CD96-high counterparts and that loss of CD96 expression by HIV-specific CD8⁺ T-cells is associated with a suboptimal response to HIV antigens. In conclusion, our results suggest that CD96 marks CD8⁺ T-cells with competent responses to HIV and the loss of its expression might be used as a biomarker for CD8⁺ T-cell senescence and dysfunction in PLWH.

Upregulated IL-32 Expression And Reduced Gut Short Chain Fatty Acid Caproic Acid in People Living With HIV With Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) are still at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that are mediated by chronic inflammation. Identification of novel inflammatory mediators with the inherent potential to be used as CVD biomarkers and also as therapeutic targets is critically needed for better risk stratification and disease management in PLWH. Here, we investigated the expression and potential role of the multi-isoform proinflammatory cytokine IL-32 in subclinical atherosclerosis in PLWH (n=49 with subclinical atherosclerosis and n=30 without) and HIV- controls (n=25 with subclinical atherosclerosis and n=24 without). While expression of all tested IL-32 isoforms (α, β, γ, D, ϵ, and θ) was significantly higher in peripheral blood from PLWH compared to HIV- controls, IL-32D and IL-32θ isoforms were further upregulated in HIV+ individuals with coronary artery atherosclerosis compared to their counterparts without. Upregulation of these two isoforms was associated with increased plasma levels of IL-18 and IL-1β and downregulation of the atheroprotective protein TRAIL, which together composed a unique atherosclerotic inflammatory signature specific for PLWH compared to HIV- controls. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that modulation of these inflammatory variables was independent of age, smoking, and statin treatment. Furthermore, our in vitro functional data linked IL-32 to macrophage activation and production of IL-18 and downregulation of TRAIL, a mechanism previously shown to be associated with impaired cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis. Finally, increased expression of IL-32 isoforms in PLWH with subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with altered gut microbiome (increased pathogenic bacteria; Rothia and Eggerthella species) and lower abundance of the gut metabolite short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) caproic acid, measured in fecal samples from the study participants. Importantly, caproic acid diminished the production of IL-32, IL-18, and IL-1β in human PBMCs in response to bacterial LPS stimulation. In conclusion, our studies identified an HIV-specific atherosclerotic inflammatory signature including specific IL-32 isoforms, which is regulated by the SCFA caproic acid and that may lead to new potential therapies to prevent CVD in ART-treated PLWH.

Psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 in the Guinean population. An online cross-sectional survey

Guinea, like many other African countries, has been facing an unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak, since March 2020. In April 2020, Guinean National agency for health security recorded 1351 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 313 recoveries and 07 deaths. To address this health crisis, some drastic measures were implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those measures might potentially cause some psychological problems among Guineans. Thus, we conducted this study to assess the psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 in the Guinean population. We carried out an online cross-sectional survey among internet users in Guinea. A free e-survey platform was used, and questionnaires were sent to internet users. The study ran from May 1 through May 10 2020. Participation in the study was voluntary. Data collection was based on sociodemographic information and self-reported questionnaires: Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) for stress evaluation, Penn state worry questionnaire (PSWQ), and an adapted Social Psychological Measurements of COVID-19. A total of 280 participants took part in the study; responses from 5 participants were deleted because of incompleteness. The average age of participants was 28.9 [95% CI: 28.1;29.6]. Most of participants were male 65.5% [95% CI: 59.5%;71.1%]. Unemployed participants stood for 48.7% [95% CI: 42.7%;54.8%]. IES-R scale for stress evaluation yielded the following findings: 19.6% (mild), 5.23% (moderate) and 9.15% (severe); 82.8% and 17.2% of participants had respectively reported low and moderate worry. No significant statistical association was found between sociodemographic variables and traumatic events (IES-R and PSWQ). However, 82% of our participants had to cope with the negative impacts of COVID-19. Although there were few cases of traumatic events, negative impacts of COVID-19 on study participants deserve to be underlined. So, further investigations are necessary to identify and disentangle specific psychosocial problems in different Guinean socio-cultural contexts.

[Drug-resistant tuberculosis with rifampicin in children co-infected with HIV in Bamako]

Drug-resistant tuberculosis, especially in children, is a major public health challenge. We report a case with rifampicin resistance diagnosed in an HIV co-infected in Bamako. The history of the disease suggests possible father-to-child transmission. After confirmation, MDR-TB treatment was initiated. Global improvement and normalization of biological parameters and X-Ray was obtained. The identification of this case highlights the need to improve diagnosticand treatment algorithms for rapid confirmation and better management.

[Socio-demographic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of adolescents treated and followed for HIV infection at the Hospital Gabriel Toure paediatric center]

HIV infection is a chronic infectious disease requiring long-term management and regular follow-up of patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study was to describe the socio-demographic, clinical, biological and therapeutic aspects of adolescents treated and followed for HIV infection at the Hospital Gabriel Toure paediatric center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 01/01/2001 to 31/12/2017, the medical records of children followed for HIV infection until adolescence were analyzed. It was a descriptive and analytical retrospective study.

RESULTS

One thousand five hundred and fourteen patients received antiretroviral treatment and 587 were still in follow-up on 31 December 2017, including 393 adolescents (sex-ratio = 1.2). The median age was 14.25 years and 55.1% of children had lost at least one parent. HIV serology was positive among mothers in 61.7% of cases (n=342), and 63% of them were on ARVs. Sixty-eight per cent of children were WHO Stage III or IV at the time of ART initiation. The median age at onset of ART was 53 months (26-96 months). The combination of 2 nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) with a non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) was used in 89% of patients. The median CD4 count before ARV treatment was 438/mm3. The average duration of follow-up under treatment was 9.8 ± 3.4 years. Fifty-one percent of adolescents had undetectable viral load. There was a correlation between the initiation of a second line of treatment and treatment failure (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The adherence of adolescents to ARV treatment requires the implementation of innovative strategies to improve the therapeutic success rate.

[Epidemiology and prognosis of eclampsia in Bougouni]

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to describe the epidemiological and prognostic aspects of eclampsia in the Bougouni reference health center.

METHODS

This was a transversal prospective, descriptive study from January 1 to December 31, 2015 in the gynecology-obstetrics department of Bougouni reference health center. Were included, all pregnant or postpartum women diagnosed with eclampsia during the study period.

RESULTS

The frequency of eclampsia was 2.54%. They were adolescent girls in 50% of cases, primigest in 62.5% of cases, unschooled in 67.5% of cases, having not performed any antenatal care in 70% of cases. Eclampsia occurred in antepartum in 37.5% of cases, in 5% in perpartum and in 57.5% in postpartum. Therapeutically, nicardipine with 72.5% and nifedipine with 22.5% were the antihypertensive drugs used. As for anticonvulsants, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) was used in 92.5% and diazepam in 7.5%. The maternal-fetal prognosis was marked by 2.5% of maternal death, 27% of prematurity and 27.5% of fetal death in utero.

CONCLUSION

Eclampsia is a dreadful pathology with serious maternal and fetal complications.

[Materno-Fetal Prognosis Of Anemia In Bougouni]

GOAL

The goal was to assess the maternal-fetal prognosis of anemia in pregnant women in the Bougouni reference health center.

METHODS

We carried out a prospective descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from January 1 to December 31, 2013 at the Bougouni reference health center. It covered all pregnant women with a hemoglobin level below 11g/dl regardless of the outcome of the pregnancy.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women was 33.2%. They were women married to peasants in 88.6% of cases, unschooled in 93.2% of cases, having not done antenal care in 56.8% of cases. Malaria was the most common etiology in 75% of cases. Anemia was severe in 61.4% of cases. The maternal-fetal prognosis was dominated by 3.3% of maternal death, 12.5% of abortion, 7.6% of prematurity and 6.8% of fetal death in utero.

CONCLUSION

Anemia in pregnant women is the source of many maternal-fetal complications.

[Management of Acute Malnutrition in Children in a Sahelian Secondary Hospital]

Malnutrition among children under five is a major public health problem in low-income countries, and contributes significantly to mortality in this age group. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical profile of malnourished children at the Nara hospital in north of Mali.

METHOD

It was a retrospective and descriptive study, from 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2016. Children aged 6 months to 59 months admitted for acute malnutrition were included.

RESULTS

Four hundred and sixty-one children had malnutrition, representing 15% of consultations and 50% of hospitalizations. The median age was 26 months (2 months-93 months). The sex ratio was 0.92 (M = 222, F = 239). Nineteen percent of the patients had progressive weaning (n = 90), and it was brutal in 371 patients (80%). The distribution of patients according to the Z-score was as follows: Z-score <-1 (n = 15, 3%), Z-score <-2 (n = 46, 10%), Z-score <-3 (n = 400, 87%). Mean MUAC was 105 mm (99mm-124mm). Hypoglycemia was noted in 45% (n = 204). The marasmus cases accounted for 80% (n = 367) kwashiorkor 10% (n = 48). The mixed form of malnutrition accounted for 10% (n = 46). The disease associated with malnutrition were pneumonia (n = 219, 47%), malaria (n = 115, 25%) and gastroenteritis (n = 68, 15%). The F75 milk was administered predominantly for 3 months in 93% of cases. For phase 2 of treatment, Plumpy Nut and F100 milk were respectively administered in 88% and 12%. The nutritional recovery rate was 95% (n = 435). Five percent of the patients died (n = 26). Pneumonia was the cause of death in 85% of cases. The cure rate for marasmus and kwashiorkor cases was respectively 94% and 93%.

CONCLUSION

Acute malnutrition remains frequent in the Sahelian environment. Better knowledge of mothers about weaning and dietary diversification will improve the nutritional status of children.

A Short-Term Assessment of Nascent HIV-1 Transmission Clusters Among Newly Diagnosed Individuals Using Envelope Sequence-Based Phylogenetic Analyses

The identification of transmission clusters (TCs) of HIV-1 using phylogenetic analyses can provide insights into viral transmission network and help improve prevention strategies. We compared the use of partial HIV-1 envelope fragment of 1,070 bp with its loop 3 (108 bp) to determine its utility in inferring HIV-1 transmission clustering. Serum samples of recently (n = 106) and chronically (n = 156) HIV-1-infected patients with status confirmed were sequenced. HIV-1 envelope nucleotide-based phylogenetic analyses were used to infer HIV-1 TCs. Those were constructed using ClusterPickerGUI_1.2.3 considering a pairwise genetic distance of ≤10% threshold. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the demographic factors that were likely associated with HIV-1 clustering. Ninety-eight distinct consensus envelope sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Using a partial envelope fragment sequence, 42 sequences were grouped into 15 distinct small TCs while the V3 loop reproduces 10 clusters. The agreement between the partial envelope and the V3 loop fragments was significantly moderate with a Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficient of 0.59, p < .00001. The mean age (<38.8 years) and HIV-1 B subtype are two factors identified that were significantly associated with HIV-1 transmission clustering in the cohort, odds ratio (OR) = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI, 0.04–0.66), p = .002 and OR: 0.17, 95% CI (0.10–0.61), p = .011, respectively. The present study confirms that a partial fragment of the HIV-1 envelope sequence is a better predictor of transmission clustering. However, the loop 3 segment may be useful in screening purposes and may be more amenable to integration in surveillance programs.

Childhood brain tumors in Mali

to assess epidemiologic and clinical aspects of childhood brain tumors in Mali. a retrospective, descriptive study of children aged 0-15 years with brain tumors, conducted in the pediatrics department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital Center in Bamako, Mali, from January 31, 2007 to December 3, 2012. In all, 41 cases of brain tumors were recorded during this period (mean: 5.5 years old; range: 1-12 years). Brain tumors were most frequent in the children aged 2-5 years (53.7%) and among boys (53.7%). Late stage at presentation was relatively frequent (34.1%) with a mean time to diagnosis of 10 months. Features of elevated intracranial pressure were the most frequent mode of revelation of primary tumors (26.8%). Supratentorial tumors accounted for 83% of the cases, and gliomas were most frequently (29.3%) identified on computed tomography. Only five patients underwent surgical tumor removal. A broader study including the other hospitals in Bamako could help to assess more accurately the epidemiology of pediatric brain tumors in Mali.

[Accidental household poisoning of the child at the Gabriel Toure university hospital center in Bamako]

INTRODUCTION

Household accidental child poisonings are frequent pediatric medical emergencies in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE

To study the epidemiological, etiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of acute accidental domestic poisoning in children aged 0 to 15 years admitted to the pediatric emergency department of Gabriel Toure.

METHOD

This was a prospective, descriptive study that ran from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. All patients aged 0 to 15 years admitted to pediatric emergencies for acute intoxication were included.

RESULTS

A hundred cases of acute accidental poisoning were collected. Children under five accounted for 94%. The majority of mothers was housewives and had custody of children (83%). Forty-nine percent of the mothers were unschooled. The place of storage of the product was indoor in 96% of cases. The product was taken by the child himself (88%). A gesture at the scene of the accident was reported in 68% of cases, the ingestion of milk (72%) and water (10%) were the first acts used. The hospital was the first resort (72%). The time between taking the product and admission to hospital was 1 to 5 hours in 58% of cases. Vomiting (37 cases), agitation (17 cases) and respiratory distress (16 cases) were the most common symptoms. Domestic products (48%) followed by drugs (33%) ranked first among the families of poisons. Caustic soda (18%) and bleach (17%) were the most commonly found intoxication products. The evolution was good with a cure without sequelae (93%).

CONCLUSION

Accidental acute intoxications to household products are common in Mali. The hospital admission deadline is still long; the actions taken by patients at the accident site often aggravate their states but are largely done by the parents before the use of health care.

HIV-1 envelope sequence-based diversity measures for identifying recent infections

Identifying recent HIV-1 infections is crucial for monitoring HIV-1 incidence and optimizing public health prevention efforts. To identify recent HIV-1 infections, we evaluated and compared the performance of 4 sequence-based diversity measures including percent diversity, percent complexity, Shannon entropy and number of haplotypes targeting 13 genetic segments within the env gene of HIV-1. A total of 597 diagnostic samples obtained in 2013 and 2015 from recently and chronically HIV-1 infected individuals were selected. From the selected samples, 249 (134 from recent versus 115 from chronic infections) env coding regions, including V1-C5 of gp120 and the gp41 ectodomain of HIV-1, were successfully amplified and sequenced by next generation sequencing (NGS) using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The ability of the four sequence-based diversity measures to correctly identify recent HIV infections was evaluated using the frequency distribution curves, median and interquartile range and area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Comparing the median and interquartile range and evaluating the frequency distribution curves associated with the 4 sequence-based diversity measures, we observed that the percent diversity, number of haplotypes and Shannon entropy demonstrated significant potential to discriminate recent from chronic infections (p<0.0001). Using the AUC of ROC analysis, only the Shannon entropy measure within three HIV-1 env segments could accurately identify recent infections at a satisfactory level. The env segments were gp120 C2_1 (AUC = 0.806), gp120 C2_3 (AUC = 0.805) and gp120 V3 (AUC = 0.812). Our results clearly indicate that the Shannon entropy measure represents a useful tool for predicting HIV-1 infection recency.

Species Identification and Resistance Status of Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in Guinea

Insecticide resistance is one of the primary threats to the recent gains in malaria control. This is especially true in Guinea, where long-lasting insecticidal nets are currently the primary vector control intervention. To better inform the national malaria control program on the current status of insecticide resistance in Guinea, resistance bioassays were conducted, using Anopheles gambiae s.l. Giles, in three sites. Molecular analyses were also done on An. gambiae s.l. to determine the species and find whether the target-site mutations kdr and Ace1R were present. Susceptibility tests revealed resistance to DDT and pyrethroids, although mosquitoes were susceptible to deltamethrin in two of the three sites tested. Mosquitoes were susceptible to bendiocarb, except in Kissidougou, Guinea. The kdr-west mutation was widespread and the frequency was 60% or more in all sites. However, the Ace1R mutation was present in low levels. Insecticide susceptibility should continue to be monitored in Guinea to ensure insecticide-based vector control methods remain effective.

[Congenital Hypothyroidism: 2 observed cases at the Gabriel Toure University Hospital of Bamako, Mali]

We report two observations of congenital hypothyroidism diagnosed in 2011 in the university hospital of Gabriel Toure in Bamako. The first occurred in a male infant of 40 days, admitted for respiratory distress and anterior compressive cervical swelling. Although his neonatal period occurred without any medical particularity, family medical history revealed the presence of unexplored goiter in three paternal uncles. Neurological examination was normal with the presence of constipation. A cervical-thoracic scan showed a homogeneous and symmetric hypertrophy of thyroid lobes with a compression of the trachea. The dosage of thyroid hormones confirmed hypothyroidism (FT4 = 1.6 pmol/l, TSH = 60 µUI/ml). After one month of treatment using Levothyroxine, 10 mg/kg, there was a drastic improvement of respiratory distress, a regression of goiter and normalization of thyroid hormones. At six months of life he had no goiter and psychomotor development was normal. The second case occurred in a male infant of 2 years, from an area of endemic goiter. Puffiness of the face without lower limb edema, constipation, and delayed independent walking were the reasons for consultation. On examination, we noted the absence of goiter, large anterior fontanel with facial dysmorphism (lunar facies, hypertelorism, flat nose, macroglossia) and infiltration of the skin more marked in the face with cold extremities. He required support to sit. The thyroid function tests confirmed hypothyroidism (FT4 = 72 nmol/l, FT3 = 0.40 nmol/l, TSH > 60 µUI/l). Under levothyroxine, there was normalization of thyroid hormones after one month of treatment and disappearance of the skin infiltration. At six months of treatment he had acquired independent walking. Mental prognosis remains to be evaluated. These cases confirm the necessity of routine neonatal diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

Ethnomedical and ethnobotanical investigations on the response capacities of Guinean traditional health practioners in the management of outbreaks of infectious diseases: The case of the Ebola virus epidemic

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The recent outbreak of Ebola virus infections has mostly remained confined to the West African countries Guinea-Conakry, Sierra-Leone and Liberia. Due to intense national and international mobilizations, a significant reduction in Ebola virus transmission has been recorded. While international efforts focus on new vaccines, medicines and diagnostics, no coherent national or international approach exists to integrate the potential of the traditional health practitioners (THPs) in the management of infectious diseases epidemics. Nevertheless, the first contact of most of the Ebola infected patients is with the THPs since the symptoms are similar to those of common traditionally treated diseases or symptoms such as malaria, hemorrhagic syndrome, typhoid or other gastrointestinal diseases, fever and vomiting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an ethnomedical survey conducted in the 4 main Guinean regions contacts were established with a total of 113 THPs. The socio-demographic characteristics, the professional status and the traditional perception of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) were recorded.

RESULTS

The traditional treatment of the main symptoms was based on 47 vegetal recipes which were focused on the treatment of diarrhea (22 recipes), fever (22 recipes), vomiting (2 recipes), external antiseptic (2 recipes), hemorrhagic syndrome (2 recipes), convulsion and dysentery (one recipe each). An ethnobotanical survey led to the collection of 54 plant species from which 44 identified belonging to 26 families. The most represented families were Euphorbiaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Rubiaceae. Literature data on the twelve most cited plant species tends to corroborate their traditional use and to highlight their pharmacological potential.

CONCLUSIONS

It is worth to document all available knowledge on the traditional management of EVD-like symptoms in order to evaluate systematically the anti-Ebola potential of Guinean plant species.

[Knowledge and practices regarding iron prescription by medical staff of the pediatric ward in the Gabriel Touré university hospital of Bamako, Mali]

GOAL

To assess knowledge and practices on iron prescription in the pediatric ward of the Gabriel Touré university hospital of Bamako, Mali.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out from the 1st to 31st July 2012 in the service. We presented the participants with a questionnaire and analyzed the medical files of children aged 1-60 months old who received an iron prescription. Each prescriber's consent was solicited and obtained prior to the study.

RESULTS

Fifty prescribers were interviewed, among them 10 pediatricians (20%), 31 pediatrics' residents (62%), 2 generalist physicians (4%), 7 medical student (14%); and 100 medical records were analyzed. More than half of the prescribers were aware of the need of iron in children, with 42% knowing about iron reserves. 8% of prescribers knew that iron absorbed through food was heme iron or non-heme iron. Thirty percent of patients received iron at a dose of 8 to 10mg/kg. Length of treatment was not indicated in 92% of patients.

CONCLUSION

In our context, sufficient theoretical knowledge and of children's iron need did not exclude bad prescription practices. Future studies should analyze the reasons of behind this discrepancy.

[Neuromalarian lesions in the pediatric unit, Gabriel Toure University Hospital (Bamako, Mali)]

INTRODUCTION

Malaria is one of the rare public health plagues which has been prevailing over centuries. It is severe around the world poverty line and remains the most widely spread disease in intertropical zones. The Afro-tropical region, which accounts for 8% of the world population, bears the heaviest malaria burden, with 80% to 90% of cases (200 to 280 millions) among which, 90% are due to P. falciparum.

OBJECTIVE

To study neuromalarian lesions in 0-15 year old children in the Pediatric Unit at Gabriel Touré, University Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 2009 to January 2010 the study covered 92 children, aged 0-15 years old, with neuromalarian lesions hospitalized at the Pediatric unit of the Gabriel Toure University Hospital.

RESULTS

2230 patients were received suffering from malaria, among whom 1320 hospitalized for neuromalarian. 92 cases (6.97%) of neuromalarian lesion were identified. There were 57 boys and 35 girls, with 1.63 sex ratio. 0 to 5 years old age group was the most significant, accounting for 67.39% of subjects. Axial hypotony was the most frequent lesion encountered (65.22%). Temporary blindness was reported in six patients (6.52%). Behavior disorders were reported in seven patients (7.61%). Five patients (5.43%) were victim of hemiplegia. Axial hypotonicity was associated with aphasia in thirty-seven patients (40.22%) and peripheral hypertonia in eighteen patients (19.57%). Seven patients (7.61%) became epileptic and six (6.52%) were suffering from dystonia. Recovery effects were 50% in the short term and 73.9% in the medium term.

CONCLUSION

Despite progress made in terms of diagnosis and care, malaria still remain a fearsome pathology and source of neuromalarian lesions among which some lead to permanent disability. Early intervention and proper treatment could reduce the incidence of neuromalarian lesions.

High level of HIV-1 resistance in patients failing long-term first-line antiretroviral therapy in Mali

OBJECTIVES

In resource-limited settings, few data are available on virological failure after long-term first-line antiretroviral therapy. This study characterized the genotypic resistance patterns at the time of failure after at least 36 months of a first-line regimen in Mali, West Africa.

METHODS

Plasma samples from 84 patients who were receiving first-line antiretroviral treatment and with an HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) >1000 copies/mL were analysed. Genotypic resistance testing was performed and HIV-1 drug resistance was interpreted according to the latest version of the National Agency for HIV and Hepatitis Research algorithm.

RESULTS

At the time of resistance testing, patients had been treated for a median of 60 months (IQR 36-132 months) and had a median CD4 cell count of 292 cells/mm(3) (IQR 6-1319 cells/mm(3)), a median HIV-1 RNA level of 28266 copies/mL (IQR 1000-2 93 495 copies/mL) and a median genotypic susceptibility score of 1 (IQR 1-4). The prevalence of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations was 78% and 82%, respectively. Viruses were resistant to at least one drug in 92% of cases. Although etravirine and rilpivirine were not used in the first-line regimens, viruses were resistant to etravirine in 34% of cases and to rilpivirine in 49% of cases. The treatment duration, median number of NRTI and NNRTI mutations and some reverse transcriptase mutations (T215Y/F/N, L210W, L74I, M41L and H221Y) were associated with the VL at virological failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a high level of resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs, compromising second-generation NNRTIs, for patients who stayed on long-term first-line regimens. It is crucial to expand the accessibility of virological testing in resource-limited settings to limit the expansion of resistance and preserve second-line treatment efficacy.

Performance of a clonal-based HIV-1 tropism phenotypic assay

Adequate determination of HIV-1 tropism is important in clinical and research settings. Genotypic and phenotypic approaches to evaluate tropism have been described. Phenotypic assays are widely used to determine HIV-1 tropism because of their sensitivity to detect minor CXCR4-using variants (X4). However they cannot differentiate mixed quasi-species of R5 and X4 viruses from dual-tropic viruses. We describe here a clonal-based HIV-1 tropism phenotypic assay. Env-pseudo-typed viruses were produced by co-transfection of the env expression plasmid pcDNA3.1/V5HisTOPO and a backbone vector pNL4-3.Luc.E-R- that expresses the entire HIV-1 genome except for env and vpr in 293T cell cultures. Co-receptor use was tested by infecting U87.CD4.CCR5+ and U87.CD4.CXCR4+ cells in the presence or absence of co-receptor inhibitors, using 10 clones from each sample. The ability of the assay to detect minor variants in a viral population was assessed by mixing X4 and R5 clones using different ratios. Both R5 and X4 minority variants were detected when present at greater than 0.4% in a mixture of envelope populations. This assay can be useful in both clinical and research laboratories.

[Mothers knowledges, attitudes and practices on female genital excision in Bamako]

AIM

In Mali society, female excision is a cultural practice. Despite the awareness campaigns, it affects nearly 85% of the female population (EDSM IV). This study was initiated to assess the knowledges, attitudes and practices of mothers about female circumcision.

METHOD

We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study from June 1 to July 31, 2011, in the Department of Pediatrics of the teaching hospital of Gabriel Touré, Bamako, regarding the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers related to the female excision.

RÉSULTS

We interviewed 224 mothers. The prevalence of female circumcision was 73%. In 72.7% of cases, the area affected by the mutilation was unknown to the mother. Nearly seventy percent (69.6%) of mothers thought that female circumcision had advantages only and should even be mandatory (74.6%). Female circumcision was associated with tradition, and it would be a religious obligation for 65%, and 21.4% of mothers, respectively. More than half of the girls were circumcised before their first year (76.3%) and 26.3% in the neonatal period. The majority of mothers were against a law banning the practice of female circumcision (54%). Ninety five percent of mothers reported that they would renew the experience of female circumcision.

CONCLUSION

Female circumcision remains a well-established practice. Policies to fight against female circumcision are faced to very deep beliefs.

[Isolated mandibular fractures study's in the CHU-OS of Bamako: 55 cases]

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine sociodemographics, clinical and therapeutic aspects in patients with isolated mandibular fractures in the Bamako dentistry teaching hospital (CHU-OS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out restrospective study over a period of four months involving isolated mandibular fracture cases, confirmed by a clinical and radiological examination in 2006. The data were collected from medical records, entered and analyzed using Epiinfo.fr 6.0 software.

RESULTS

The lesions involved 42 men and 13 women with a sex ratio of 3.23. The age group of 21-30 was the most affected. The main cause was found to be road traffic accidents with 72.72 % of the total cases. The fractures of the mandible at the level of horizontal branch were the most frequent with 34.54 %. The orthopedic treatment was used in 72.72 % of the cases, with a good and very good results.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the high frequency of isolated fractures of the mandible mainly from road traffic accidents, as well as their occurrence among young adults.

[Malian first observation of disseminated African histoplasmosis with predominant bone localizations in an HIV-negative child in Bamako (Mali). Review of the literature]

Endemic deep fungal infections are still under recognised diseases in daily medical practice because of their rarity in sub-Saharan area. The African histoplasmosis Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii (H. capsulatum duboisii) is the most frequent variety described in Mali through limited studies in adult patients, since the first case described by Catanei and Kervran (1945). Our case report is a disseminated histoplasmosis in a young 6-year-old african child. He was male and rural. The infectious localisations were mucosae, skin, lymphnodes, urinary tract and bones. Evolution has been marred by an episode of worsening of symptoms despite initial clinical improvement with ketoconazole. After healing of mucocutaneous lesions, we noticed a limitation of ampliation of both wrists. The radiographic bone lesions were lysis of the right lower end of the right radius and cubitus and fragmentation of cubital epiphysis of the same arm. Lacunes were present on the fifth right finger in metatarsus and phalanx; lacune and blowing aspect of the second phalanx of the left third finger was noted. The disseminated form of African histoplasmosis may occur in HIV-negative subject. The prognosis depends on early diagnosis and administration of appropriate and well-conducted therapy.

Mutations in variable domains of the HIV-1 envelope gene can have a significant impact on maraviroc and vicriviroc resistance

Background

Resistance to CCR5 inhibitors, such as maraviroc and vicriviroc is characterized by reduction of maximal percent inhibition which indicates the use of an inhibitor-bound conformation of CCR5 for human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1) entry. It is accompanied by substitutions in gp120 and gp41. Variable domain 3 (V3) plays the most important role, but substitutions outside V3 could also be involved in phenotype resistance. In this work, we investigated how mutations in variable regions of the viral envelope protein gp120 can contribute to CCR5 inhibitor resistance.

Methods

Resistant isolates were selected by passaging CC1/85 and BaL viruses with sub-inhibitory MVC and VCV concentrations. Mutations in gp160 were identified and mutants containing V2 (V169M), V3 (L317W) and V4 (I408T) were constructed.

Results

MVC and VCV susceptibility and viral tropism were assessed by single cycle assay. Mutant I408T showed 4-fold change (FC) increase in the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) to MVC, followed by L317W (1.52-FC), V169M (1.23-FC), V169M/I408T (4-FC) L317W/I408T (3-FC), V169M/L317W (1.30-FC), and V169M/L317W/I408T (3.31-FC). MPI reduction was observed for mutants I408T (85%), L317W (95%), V169M/I408T (84%), L317W/I408T (85%) and V169M/L317W/I408T (83%). For VCV, I408T increased the IC₅₀ by 2-FC and few mutants showed MPI reduction less than 95%: I408T (94%), L317W/I408T (94%) and V169M/L317W/I408T (94%). All mutants remained R5-tropic and presented decreased infectivity.

Conclusions

These results suggest that mutations in the V4 loop of HIV-1 may contribute to MVC and VCV resistance alone or combined with mutations in V2 and V3 loops.

[Reasons for hospitalisation of hiv-infected children in pediatric service of the Gabriel Toure teaching hospital, Bamako]

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to determine the reasons of hospitalization of HIV-infected children in our context and to identify factors associated with mortality in the course of hospitalization.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Our study took place in the department of pediatrics of the Gabriel Touré Teaching Hospital. It involved all the children hospitalized between March 1st and August 31st, 2010 to whom an infection with HIV was diagnosed before or during the hospitalization.

RESULTS

Thirty seven HIV-infected children were hospitalized. The average age at admission was 46,9 months and the sex ratio was 0,76. HIV infection was discovered during the hospitalization for 29 children (78,4%). Fifteen children were orphan of at least a parent. The medical pathological history include sickle cell disease (2 cases) and tuberculosis (1 case). The great majority (91,9%) were at WHO stage 3 or 4. The main AIDS-defining events were severe malnutrition (73%) and pneumonia (45,9%). They were followed by bacterial infections (21,6%) and malaria (13,5%). An anemia was found at 85,7 % of the children.

CONCLUSION

Efforts must be made for early diagnosis and management of pediatric's HIV infection.

Transmission of HIV-1 drug resistance in Benin could jeopardise future treatment options

OBJECTIVES

As access to antiretrovirals (ARV) increases in developing countries, the identification of optimal therapeutic regimens and prevention strategies requires the identification of resistance pathways in non-B subtypes as well as the surveillance of drug mutation resistance (SDMR) including the trafficking of viral strains between high-risk groups such as commercial sex workers (CSW) and the general population (GP). In this study, the authors evaluated the rate of primary resistance mutations and the epidemiological link between isolates from GP and CSW from Bénin.

METHODS

Plasma samples were obtained from 129 HIV-1-infected treatment-naïve individuals. Drug resistance mutations were identified using SDMR list and compared with other resistance algorithms.

RESULTS

No nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutations were found. Four patients had non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance (K103N, G190A). One patient exhibited protease inhibitors resistance mutation, F53Y. Using the SDMR list, the authors obtained a rate of 3.9% of primary resistance. Nevertheless, the authors observed several mutations not on SDMR list but included in others resistance database, taking those mutations into account, the authors obtained a rate of 15.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our results show a low rate of SDMR, this algorithm may underestimate resistance mutations that may impact treatment options in developing countries. Primary resistance rates were similar in CSW and in the GP. Our phylogenetic analysis confirmed the genetic exchange between groups.

[Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: 12 cases in Mali]

INTRODUCTION

Data about childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common childhood malignancy in industrialized countries, are scarce in African publications. The purpose of this prospective, unicentric study were to assess the socio-demographic, clinic and laboratory characteristics of the children treated for lymphoblastic leukemia in our pediatric oncology unit in Gabriel Touré Teaching Hospital in Bamako, Mali.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study includes all children between 1 and 15 years old treated for cytologically documented acute lymphoblastic leukemia from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2009.

RESULTS

A total of 12 cases including 8 boys and 4 girls (sex ration, 2) were treated during the study period. Mean age was 92 months. Age was less than 4 years old in 2 cases. 5 (41,7%) were between 5 and 9 years in 5 (41.7%) and between 10 to 15 years in five. At the time of presentation, 9 patients (75%) were in a cachectic state; 10 had lymphadenopathies, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly; and 2 had neurological involvement. The delay for definitive diagnosis was 5 months in 4 cases (33,3 %) and less than 5 months in the remaining cases. Initial white blood cell count was more than 50 000/mm3 in 10 cases and less less than 50 000/mm3 in 2 cases. All patients were treated using the LAL GFAOP protocol including LAL1 in 6 cases, LAL2 in 5 and LAL3 in 1. Treatment complications were included 6 undocumented infections in 6 cases, hemorrhage in 2 and severe anemia in 4. Four patients died. At 5 years follow-up, overall survival rate was 66,7%.

CONCLUSION

A multicentric study including a greater number of children is needed to increase understanding of the characteristics of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in sub-Saharan Africa.

Effect of antiretroviral therapy on HIV-1 genetic evolution during acute infection

The rapid evolution of HIV-1 is a major obstacle to viral eradication. Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) during primary HIV-1 infection could limit viral diversity. Eighteen patients recently infected with HIV-1 were selected. Nine initiated ART soon after enrolment and nine remained untreated. Replication-competent (RC) viruses were quantified at baseline and after one year of follow-up. Viral diversity in the C2V5 envelope region was evaluated from plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and cell culture at both time points. The amount of RC virus in the treated group declined (median −5.42 infectious units per million [IUPM]) while it remained stable or increased in the untreated group (median +0.87 IUPM). At one year post infection, we observed a significant increase in diversity for the C2V5 (+0.150%) region, specifically in the hypervariable loops V4 (+0.73%) and V5 (+0.77%), in the untreated group. More importantly, viral diversity did not significantly increase in treated individuals during the first year post infection. Genetic diversity during primary infection remains low through the first year of infection. Early treatment could contribute to a decrease in RC viruses from PBMCs and to limitation of viral diversification in the viral reservoir. These findings may have relevance for the rational design of specific immunotherapeutic strategies.

Ambulatory Monitoring of Preterm Infant During Their First Year of Life at the Pediatric Deparment of Cocody Teaching Hospital

The prematurity remains in our developing countries a problem of current events. The deficiency in human resources and the low level of the technical equipment exposes premature babies to a high risk of morbidity and mortality in neonatal period. Those who survive need a closer follow-up after their discharge from hospital. Our objective through this study was to appreciate the quality of following-up premature babies in ambulatory. It was a longitudinal study with descriptive aim which took place from January, 2007 till December, 2008 in the paediatric service of the Teaching Hospital of Cocody. Our population was constituted by 100 premature babies selected in a random way. The premature babies had on average 31,7 weeks of gestationel age. The sex ratio was 0,96. The born weight was between 900 and 2550g. The main causes of prematurity were multiple pregnancies (18 %), malaria (15 %), premature break of membranes (12 %) and éclampsia (10 %). Most of premature babies were hospitalized for a problem of breeding ( 47 %.). The average number of consultation was 6,25. Only 25 children were effectively followed during 12 months with a middleweight of 9112g. The follow-up had been interrupted before 3 months of native age in 31 % of cases and before 3 months of real age in 52 % of cases. The mothers had preferred the feeding in 48 % of cases, but the curves of weight development were superposables whatever the type of food supply. The pathology during the follow-up was dominated by digestive disorders, respiratory infections and anaemia. Forty percent of the premature babies was able to have an haemoglobin test and 8 %, a neuroradiological scraeming. A third of the premature babies (30 %) had been hospitalized again for anaemia (10 %) and respiratory infections (10 %). We recorded 3 deaths. CONCLUSION: The follow-up of premature babies getting out of hospital remains difficult in our context of life. The mothers must be sensitived on the consequences of prematurity and the importance of their follow-up. This follow-up has to be the affair of all, as well parents, health workers that government.

[Prevention of mother to child HIV transmission in an African hospital, Bamako-Mali]

AIM

Pregnant women HIV infection has main risk the contamination of newborn. MTCT actions permit to reduce that risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our survey has been realized in Gabriel Touré teaching hospital gynecology and obstetrics and pediatric departments. It is about an observational prospective and descriptive survey that spreads on a period from January 2005 to December 2008. Has been included in the study all the HIV positive pregnant women followed in our service and their babies that had received ARV prophylaxis and 18 months of life serology.

RESULTS

We recorded 211 HIV positive pregnant women on a total of 9291 childbirths (2.27%). We noted 90.52% of HIV-1 vs 7.11% of type 2. The mother treatment consisted in a tri therapy in 77.25 vs 0.47% of bi anti retroviral and 22.28% of mono anti retro viral therapy. Maternal viral load was undetectable at the moment of delivery in 78.20% of cases. We noted vaginal delivery in 84.36% vs 15.64% of caesarean section. Newborns respectively received 67.32%; 4.88% and 22.92% of bi, tri and mono therapy. They formula-fed in 98.98%. The mother to child HIV transmission rate was 1.98%.

CONCLUSION

HIV prevalence in pregnant patients is relatively height. HARRT in HIV positive mothers associated to bi therapy and formula feeding to their infants permit to obtain low vertical HIV transmission rate.

Immunogenicity and tolerability of an inactivated and adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine, in HIV-1-infected patients

We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a single dose of the split virion AS03-adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine (A/California/7/2009) in 84 HIV-1 infected individuals. Antibody titers were determined by hemagglutination inhibition assay and by microneutralization. Vaccine was well tolerated. At 21 days post vaccination, 56 (67%) patients had seroconverted. There was no correlation between baseline CD4 cell count (p=0.539) or HIV viral load (p=0.381) and immune response. Other vaccine strategies should be evaluated in this HIV population, to improve response rates.