Honoré Sourou Bankolé

Variability of antibiotic susceptibility and toxin production of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from skin, soft tissue, and bone related infections.

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic commensal bacterium that mostly colonizes the skin and soft tissues. The pathogenicity of S. aureus is due to both its ability to resist antibiotics, and the production of toxins. Here, we characterize a group of genes responsible for toxin production and antibiotic resistance of S. aureus strains isolated from skin, soft tissue, and bone related infections.ResultsA total of 136 S. aureus strains were collected from five different types of infection: furuncles, pyomyositis, abscesses, Buruli ulcers, and osteomyelitis, from hospital admissions and out-patients in Benin. All strains were resistant to benzyl penicillin, while 25% were resistant to methicillin, and all showed sensitivity to vancomycin. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) was the most commonly produced virulence factor (70%), followed by staphylococcal enterotoxin B (44%). Exfoliative toxin B was produced by 1.3% of the strains, and was only found in isolates from Buruli ulcers. The tsst-1, sec, and seh genes were rarely detected (≤1%).ConclusionsThis study provides new insight into the prevalence of toxin and antibiotic resistance genes in S. aureus strains responsible for skin, soft tissue, and bone infections. Our results showed that PVL was strongly associated with pyomyositis and osteomyelitis, and that there is a high prevalence of PVL-MRSA skin infections in Benin.

Prevalence of nosocomial infections and anti-infective therapy in Benin: results of the first nationwide survey in 2012

BackgroundData on nosocomial infections in hospitals in low-income countries are scarce and often inconsistent. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of nosocomial infections and antimicrobial drug use in Benin hospitals.MethodsAll hospitals were invited to participate in the first national point prevalence study conducted between 10–26 October 2012 using the protocol developed by the “Hospitals in Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance” (HELICS) project. Infection prevalence rates and the proportion of infected patients and exposure to antimicrobials were assessed.ResultsOverall, 87% (39/45) of hospitals participated. Of 3130 inpatients surveyed, 972 nosocomial infections were identified among 597 patients, representing an overall prevalence of infected patients of 19.1%. The most frequent infections were related to the urinary tract (48.2%), vascular catheter use (34.7%), and surgical site (24.7%). 64.6% of patients surveyed were treated with antibiotics, including a significant proportion (30%) of non-infected patients and a high proportion of self-medication (40.8%). Resistance of leading nosocomial pathogens to antimicrobials included methicillin-resistance (52.5%) among Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin resistance among enterococci (67.5%), cefotaxime resistance among Escherichia coli (67.6%), and ceftazidime resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii (100%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (68.2%).ConclusionsBenin has high nosocomial infection rates and calls for the implementation of new national infection control policies. Patient safety education and training of all individuals involved in healthcare delivery will be critical to highlight awareness of the burden of disease. The high use of antimicrobials needs to be addressed, particularly their indiscriminate use in non-infected patients.

Antibiotic resistance and genotype of beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in nosocomial infections in Cotonou, Benin

BackgroundBeta lactams are the most commonly used group of antimicrobials worldwide.The presence of extended-spectrum lactamases (ESBL) affects significantly the treatment of infections due to multidrug resistant strains of gram-negative bacilli. The aim of this study was to characterize the beta-lactamase resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolated from nosocomial infections in Cotonou, Benin.MethodsEscherichia coli strains were isolated from various biological samples such as urine, pus, vaginal swab, sperm, blood, spinal fluid and catheter. Isolated bacteria were submitted to eleven usual antibiotics, using disc diffusion method according to NCCLS criteria, for resistance analysis. Beta-lactamase production was determined by an acidimetric method with benzylpenicillin. Microbiological characterization of ESBL enzymes was done by double disc synergy test and the resistance genes TEM and SHV were screened by specific PCR.ResultsESBL phenotype was detected in 29 isolates (35.5%). The most active antibiotic was imipenem (96.4% as susceptibility rate) followed by ceftriaxone (58.3%) and gentamicin (54.8%). High resistance rates were observed with amoxicillin (92.8%), ampicillin (94%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (85.7%). The genotype TEM was predominant in ESBL and non ESBL isolates with respectively 72.4% and 80%. SHV-type beta-lactamase genes occurred in 24.1% ESBL strains and in 18.1% of non ESBL isolates.ConclusionThis study revealed the presence of ESBL producing Eschericiha coli in Cotonou. It demonstrated also high resistance rate to antibiotics commonly used for infections treatment. Continuous monitoring and judicious antibiotic usage are required.

Characterization of Potential Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from Maize (Zea mays L.) in Central and Northern Benin (West Africa)

Our study aims to characterize Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from maize roots in five agroecological zones of central and northern Benin. Sixty samples were collected at the rate of four samples per village and three villages per agroecological zone. Rhizobacteria strains were isolated from these samples and biochemically characterized. These strains were analyzed for some of their PGPR traits like ammonia production and hydrogen cyanide following conventional methods. Microbiological investigation of these samples has shown that maize rhizospheres in central and northern Benin contain a high diversity of microorganisms. A total of nine species of maize Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria were identified. Those PGPR include five Bacillus species (B. polymyxa, B. pantothenticus, B. anthracis, B. thuringiensis, and B. circulans), three Pseudomonas species (P. cichorii, P. putida, and P. syringae), and Serratia marcescens. The microbial diversity does not depend on the soil types. The microbial density, generally high, varies according to both soil types and agroecological zones. All Serratia strains (100%) have produced ammonia, whereas 80% of Bacillus and 77.77% of Pseudomonas produced this metabolite. The hydrogen cyanide was produced by all isolates (100%) independent of their genus. These results suggest the possibility to use these rhizobacteria as biological fertilizers to increase maize production.

Assessment of the Contamination of Some Foodstuffs by Escherichia coli O157 in Benin, West Africa

Escherichia coli O157 is a pathogenic bacterium causing haemorrhagic colitis. It represents a serious public health problem in Northern America and Europe, which can plague Africa. Most cases of mentioned poisoning were related to contaminated meat products and vegetables. The present work aimed to estimate the prevalence of E. coli O157 in meat and vegetables in Benin. For this purpose, 6 lots of faeces samples from pigs and 8 from cattle were collected at the farms on the outskirts of Cotonou. Similarly, 20 samples of carcasses, 20 samples of intestines and stomach, and 20 surfaces samples of slaughtering equipment were taken. Vegetables and environment materials in gardens have also been sampled for 84 samples. Bacteriological analyses revealed a percentage of contamination of 50% for pig faeces and 25% for cattle ones. All the meats from stalling parks have been contaminated by this bacterium. For vegetables, 14.6% of samples were contaminated by E. coli O157. The presence of this pathovar in animal breeding and slaughtering environment and in the gardens shows that Benin is not aware of the risks of foodborne illness associated with the consumption of contaminated products. Therefore, it urges including that germ in a systematic search during safety control of food products in Benin.

Traditional treatment of human and animal salmonelloses in Southern Benin: Knowledge of farmers and traditherapists.

Aim:: This study aimed to report medicinal plants that are likely to be used in the control of salmonellosis. Materials and Methods:: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Benin. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 150 farmers and 100 traditional therapists in seven high municipalities. This step helped to collect plants that are used in the treatment of animal salmonellosis and typhoid fever in human. Results:: The results revealed a low level of use of medicinal plants among breeders who prefer antibiotics such as oxytetracycline (53.55%), tylosine + sulfadimerazine (15.30%), and alphaceryl (19.13%). However, plants such as Moringa oleifera (leaves), Carica papaya (leaves and seeds), and Vernonia amygdalina (leaves) were mostly used by some farmers. From traditional therapists, 57 plant species of 32 families were identified as typhoid fever cures; among which Leguminosae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae were predominant. Persea americana (22.72%), V. amygdalina (7.57%), and Corchorus olitorius (7.57%) were the most cited by traditherapists for the treatment of typhoid fever in human. Conclusion:: This study provides a database for further studies on the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Benin plant species on Salmonella spp. These evaluations will guarantee the availability of new therapeutic solutions for populations.

Comparative Study of Infectious Risks in Diagnostic Laboratories between Public and Private Hospitals in Benin

Introduction: Laboratory associated infections are serious occupational hazards for laboratory workers who are exposed through various routes. The present study aimed to compare the bacteriological risks encountered at diagnostic laboratories in public and private hospitals in Southern Benin. Methodology: A scorecard of laboratory practices was developed based on WHO laboratory inspection checklist. The private laboratory was split into two sections B1 and B2 and the public in C1 to C5. A total of 125 swabs from hand, cell phones, work surfaces and door knobs were collected from all laboratories and submitted to bacteriological analyses. Results: Apart from some sections of the public laboratories where poor sanitation was noticed, the overall hygiene level are satisfactory in both hospitals even though the private laboratories were significantly safer (p<0.05) than the public ones (68.55% and 55.81% respectively). Bacteriological investigations showed that mobile phones were the most contaminated items in the private labs while work surfaces harboured more germs in the public laboratories. Although private laboratories were contaminated by over 11 bacteria species against 5 from the public labs, coagulase negative Staphylococcus were the most prevalent isolated organisms from both hospitals. All the isolated bacteria form public and private laboratories were multidrug resistant. Conclusions: Though the hygiene level in the private labs was better than in public labs, the risk of lobaratory associated infections is rampant in both areas with respect to isolated organisms. Serious safety instructions and monitoring must be set to avoid worse situations.

Epidemiological Survey of Rotaviruses Responsible for Infantile Diarrhea by the Immunomolecular Technique in Cotonou (Benin, West Africa)

Rotavirus remains the main causative agent of gastroenteritis in young children, in countries that have not yet introduced the vaccine. Benin, in order to implement the WHO recommendations, projects to introduce the rotavirus vaccine in 2018 as part of its Expanded Program on Immunization. But before the introduction of this vaccine, epidemiological data on rotavirus infections and rotavirus genotypes circulating in Benin should be available. The aim of this study is to generate epidemiological data on infantile rotavirus diarrhea in Benin. In order to determine the epidemiological characteristics and electrophoretypes of rotavirus responsible for gastroenteritis in diarrheic children aged 0 to 5 years, 186 stool samples were collected according to the WHO Rotavirus Laboratory Manual from March 2014 to February 2015 at Suru-Lere University Hospital Center. Detection of rotavirus antigen was performed by the ELISA test, followed by molecular characterization using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 186 stool samples were analyzed for rotavirus, and seventy-three (39.2%) were found to be positive for rotavirus antigen by ELISA. Children aged 3 to 24 months were the most affected by rotavirus diarrhea in this study. Of the seventy-three children affected with rotavirus diarrhea, 27 (37%) had vomiting accompanied by dehydration and fever. Results based on electrophoresis showed that, among the 73 samples tested, 38 yielded typical rotavirus electrophoretic migration profiles.

Prévalence de l’antigène HBs à l’Hôpital de Zone d’Abomey-Calavi/Sô-Ava au Bénin de 2009 à 2014

L’infection au virus de l’hepatite virale B est un probleme de sante publique au plan mondial. Le present travail avait pour but de determiner l’evolution de la prevalence de l’Ag HBs a l’hopital de zone d’Abomey-Calavi/So-Ava sur la periode de 2009 a 2014. Deux etudes, l’une retrospective et l’autre prospective ont ete realisees. Un echantillon de 2871 et 62 sujets ont respectivement ete inclus dans ces deux etudes. Celles-ci ont concerne tous les patients de Janvier 2009 a Juillet 2014 et de Aout a Septembre 2014, respectivement, auxquels une serologie Ag HBs avait ete demandee. Un questionnaire a ete administre a chaque patient eligible pour evaluer leurs connaissances et aptitude vis-a-vis de l’hepatite. Au terme de ce travail, il ressort de l’etude retrospective que la frequence du portage de l’Ag HBs decroit d’annee en annee, de facon apparemment liee au niveau d’education particulierement eleve de cette population. Toutefois, elle demeure elevee passant de 15,54% en 2009 a 9,1% au troisieme trimestre de l’annee 2014. Une prevalence globale de 11,01% a ete determinee pour la periode allant de 2009 a Juillet 2014. La frequence de l’AgHBs en ce qui concerne l’etude prospective s’est revelee etre de l’ordre de 6,45%. Cette frequence du portage est plus elevee chez les hommes que chez les femmes. La majorite de la population a connaissance de l’existence de l’hepatite B mais une connaissance moindre sur ses modes de transmission. La sensibilisation et la prevention primaire par rapport aux hepatites, liees au niveau d’education eleve de notre population d’etude pourrait expliquer la frequence de portage de l’AgHBs plus faible que celle rapportee pour la moyenne nationale.

Review on the Problematic of Salmonellosis and Interests of Traditional Herbs inthe Treatment

Objective: Salmonellae are facultative anaerobic Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria generally 2-5 microns long by 0.5-1.5 microns wide and motile by peritrichous flagella. Salmonella spp are among the group of bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae commonly known as enteric bacteria that live in gastrointestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals. Worldwide surveillance data has demonstrated an overall increase in antibiotic resistance among nontyphoid Salmonella, although significant geographical and serotype variability exist. The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of salmonellosis has become more than compulsory nowadays especially with the new trend of antibiotic resistance and the effectiveness of the properties of these plants. The current study aimed to assess the importance of salmonellosis in Benin and the potentialities of treatment by medicinal plants. Materials and Methods: A systematic online search was performed whereby key-words such as “Salmonellae”, “Salmonellosis Benin”, “non-typhoidal salmonellosis”, “Medicinal plants Benin” and “traditional plants Benin” were entered in PubMed database, Google Scholar and www.google.bj. Obtained articles were included based on the reliability of their source, the study area (basically Benin and Africa) and the topic. Results: Host factors predisposing to severe non-typhoidal Salmonellae infection include reduced gastric acidity, impaired cell mediated and humoral immunity, and impaired phagocytic function. Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella can be associated with horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistant genes and with increased treatment failure and risk of invasive disease. Several scientists around the world have researched this matter and confirmed the antimicrobial properties of plants on bacterial infections mainly salmonellosis Conclusion: The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of salmonellosis has become more than compulsory nowadays especially with the new trend of antibiotic resistance and the effectiveness of the properties of these plants.