Adama Zida

Intestinal parasites in prisoners in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

OBJECTIVES to analyze the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of intestinal parasitosis in prisoners at the prison in Ouagadougou (MACO). MATERIALS AND METHODS cross-sectional study from November 2009 to January 2010, including a survey to determine the risk factors and clinical signs of intestinal parasitosis. It also included laboratory examination of feces samples from 403 prisoners, by direct analysis, the Willis and Ritchie methods, and a scotch test for oxyuris (Enterobios vermicularis). RESULTS The global prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 71.5%. There was a link between parasitism and the prison section. Amebae were the most frequent parasites (66.7%), with high prevalence of Entamœba coli (55.6%). They were followed by flagellata (16.6%), mainly Trichomonas intestinalis (9.2%). Helminths were less frequent (7.4%). Most subjects with parasites were symptomatic (diarrhea or constipation) (p = 10(-4)). CONCLUSION our results highlight the need to improve sanitation at the prison and provide hygiene education for the prison population.

Burden of Severe Fungal Infections in Burkina Faso

Because of the limited access to more powerful diagnostic tools, there is a paucity of data regarding the burden of fungal infections in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal infections in this sub-Saharan country. We primarily used the national demographic data and performed a PubMed search to retrieve all published papers on fungal infections from Burkina Faso and its surrounding West African countries. Considering the prevalence of HIV infection (0.8% of the population) and a 3.4% incidence of cryptococcosis in hospitals, it is estimated that 459 patients per year develop cryptococcosis. For pneumocystosis, it is suggested that 1013 new cases occur every year. Taking into account the local TB frequency (population prevalence at 0.052%), we estimate the prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis at 1120 cases. Severe forms of asthma with fungal sensitization and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis are estimated to affect 7429 and 5628 cases, respectively. Vulvovaginal candidiasis may affect 179,000 women, and almost 1,000,000 children may suffer from tinea capitis. Globally, we estimate that roughly 1.4 million people in Burkina Faso (7.51% of the population) suffer from a serious fungal infection. These data should be used to drive future epidemiological studies, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.

Female genital mutilation and female genital schistosomiasis-bourouwel, the worm: Traditional belief or medical explanation for a cruel practice?

Female genital mutilation and female genital schistosomiasis-bourouwel, the worm: Traditional belief or medical explanation for a cruel practice? Jurgen Wacker, MD, PhD (Professor), Adama Zida, PhD, MD (Professor), Christina Sitz, MD (Professor), Dagmar Schweinfurth (Medical Student), Janika Briegel (Medical Student), Anika Huser (Trainee in Gynecology), Hermann Feldmeier, PhD, MD (Professor), Joachim Richter, MD, PhD (Professor) a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Bruchsal, Teaching Hospital of the University of Heidelberg, Germany b Service of Parasitology-Mycology of CHU-YO Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso c Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charite University Medicine, Berlin, Germany d Department of Hepatology, Infectiology and Tropical Medicine, University of Dusseldorf, Germany e Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Torgau, Germany