[Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV infection in the district of Diré in Mali]

In 1990, a study was made in the district of Diré, North Mali in West Africa, to determine the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV infections in general population. From 1,814 subjects tested, 1.1% (n = 20) have active pulmonary tuberculosis and 0.2% (n = 4) were seropositive with HIV1 or HIV1 + 2. No relation was made between the two diseases.

[Does human distomiasis due to Fasiola gigantica exist in the delta of the Niger river in Mali? (apropos of a serological survey)]

Finding of specific anti-Fasciola antibodies in persons living in the central area of the delta of Niger shows that human fascioliasis is a reality in Mali. Fasciola gigantica, the single species affecting livestock is probably the parasite concerned. We think that this parasitic disease in humans is underestimated, obscured by schistosomiasis which is hyperendemic in the country. Complementary studies are much needed for better identification of the problem.

[Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Mali]

This review summarises epidemiological and clinical data of HIV infection who was recognized in Mali since 1985. The most important rate of seropositivity for HIV is observed in the prostitutes group (40%). The estimated seroprevalence for adult population is between 1% and 5%. 46 cases for AIDS are reported in both sexes. The mean age is 35 years. Main signs are weight loss (91%), fever (80%), diarrhea (70%) and lymphadenopathy (50%). Three among the five cases of Kaposi's sarcoma are aggressive. 19.5% of AIDS have antibodies to HIV1, 41.3% to HIV2 and 39.1% to HIV1 and HIV2. Death rate is more than 50%. These data are compared with other countries of Africa.