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Biomedical subjects

J Chandenier

Publications and source records attributed to J Chandenier.

43 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[African histoplasmosis due to Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii: relationship with AIDS in recent Congolese cases].

Six new cases are described for African histoplasmosis, Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii, from Congo. The first was an HIV sero-negative child who has been monitored for the last three years. While under treatment with ketoconazole, amphotericin B, and finally itraconazole, the development of the infection was accompanied by purulent lesions, mainly cutaneous, but also superficial and deep lymphadenopathies. As a last option, itraconazole gave very satisfactory results both during the acute phase and during long-term treatment. However, eight months after treatment had ceased, there was a relapse and the long-term treatment had to be restarted. The other cases concerned HIV sero-positive patients with disseminated infections that had all been mistaken for tuberculosis. After diagnosis of the infection in two cases, the following two years of treatment could not prevent death. A fourth case, diagnosed in December 1994, is currently undergoing treatment. The fifth subject was lost after diagnosis during follow-up, but inquires made after the discovery of the patient's death strongly indicated acquired immunodeficiency as the cause. The last of these six cases, determined as HIV sero-negative, showed large bony lesions of the spinal column associated with a sore on the thorax. Thus, in a short period of time, three or four cases of African histoplasmosis occurred which were associated with HIV infection. Only seven identical observations have previously been reported in the literature. Therefore, we believe that this mycosis should now be included in the criteria for the diagnosis and definition of AIDS in the tropics.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

[First case of multiforme granuloma in Congo].

We report a case of multiform granuloma observed in a young woman of 28 years from Brazzaville, Congo. Extended lesions on the arms, back, face, legs and feet appeared over one month. They consisted of slightly squamous erythemato-oedematous plaques, with polycyclical margins and raised papular borders. The diagnosis was made histologically and recovery was spontaneous over a period of two months. We discuss clinical and histopathological aspects, which can sometimes lead to confusion with Hansen's disease.

Adult↗

[Drug sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum in vivo and in vitro in Brazzaville (Congo)].

Various projects were launched in 1993 to monitor the chemosensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum in Congo. Resistance of 34 strains in Brazzaville to chloroquine, quinine and mefloquine and of 35 to halofantrine was investigated in an in vitro survey using an isotopic micro test. The resistance rates were 61.8, 14.7, 3.0 and 0.0% respectively. Thus, the chemoresistance which first appeared in 1990 is confirmed and is stable in the population. This finding was further confirmed by a parallel in vitro analysis of sensitivity to chloroquine in Brazzaville. A chloroquine monitoring network is now being established throughout the country based on simplified WHO tests of 100 asymptomatic schoolchildren conducted every six months. The first results in 1993, from three Southern regions indicate that parasites are found in 20 to 60% of cases seven days after a standard 3 day treatment with 25 mg/kg, according to the region. The results of in vitro and in vivo tests are very variable. Indeed, the value of such results for these tests for national monitoring is questionable: a more reliable system of identifying true therapeutic failures would be better suited.

Animals↗

[Perception of the Central Hospital by the urban population of Yaoundé: quantitative and qualitative methods].

Two studies, using different methods, were used to assess the opinions of the local population on Yaounde Central Hospital (YCH), the changes made as part of a restructuring program and use of health care facilities. The study population comprised YCH patients and the urban population of Yaounde as a whole. One study used personal interviews, according to standard epidemiological survey methods (1,267 inhabitants). The other used focus group discussions involving 8 to 12 people each (10 groups). There was no significant difference in the results recorded by these two methods. Focus group discussions are cheaper and easier to implement and are thus valuable for use alone or prior to more extensive studies using questionnaires. Classic epidemiological survey methods produce results which are reproducible and suitable for statistical analysis, and will make it possible to follow the progress of the new working policies of the YCH.

Attitude to Health↗

[Prevention and control of malaria in pregnant women in an urban setting (Yaoundé, Cameroun)].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the methods of preventing malaria (chemoprophylaxis, vector control) and of fever management (presumptive treatment of malaria) used for pregnant women in Yaounde, Cameroon and to identify the most important factors for assessing these practices. The 221 women studied were selected by cluster sampling. All had made extensive use of health services during pregnancy and 77% were using chemoprophylaxis. The number of febrile episodes in pregnant women who claimed to have used chemoprophylaxis was not significantly different to that in the women who did not use it. However, the mean birth weight of the babies of women who had used chemoprophylaxis was significantly higher. The women did not systematically use vector control measures; 21% used insect repellents (electric plaques, coil burners) and 20% used aerosol insecticides. Only 10% of the women slept under simple, untreated mosquito nets and none used mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide. Fifty per cent of the women had at least one episode of fever during pregnancy and 77% were treated for presumed malaria. However, the treatment was not standardized and was unsuitable in a third of cases. Possible changes in the chemoprophylaxis strategy are discussed.

Adult↗