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PubMed2005

Characterization of Borrelia lusitaniae isolates collected in Tunisia and Morocco.

Borrelia lusitaniae is a species within the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and is infrequently isolated in Europe. In contrast, this species is by far the most predominant in North Africa and in Portugal. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, at several loci, of a large population of isolates from free-living Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Tunisia and Morocco. We found a moderate diversity of the whole genome by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis as well as in the ospA gene sequences, compared to a high level of strain homogeneity in the small noncoding ribosomal spacer. In contrast, a high diversity of this locus has been previously reported for Portuguese isolates. We hypothesize that B. lusitaniae strains isolated in North Africa constitute a clone of Portuguese origin.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Linkage analysis of families with severe childhood autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy in Morocco indicates genetic homogeneity of the disease in north Africa.

It has been previously shown in Tunisian and Algerian families that the locus for SCARMD maps to the proximal part of 13q, and in Algerian families that the disease is associated with deficiency of the 50 kDa dystrophin associated glycoprotein (50DAG). We have tested this linkage in six families from Morocco where this disease is also prevalent. In one family the 50DAG was tested and found to be negative in a muscle biopsy. Our results showed similar linkage in this country, with statistical tests indicating genetic homogeneity between the three Maghreb countries.

Algeria↗
PubMed1996

Estimation of the liveweight and body condition of working donkeys in Morocco.

The age, sex, liveweight and body measurements (heart girth, umbilical girth, height, length from elbow to tuber ischii and circumference of the foreleg cannon bone) of 516 donkeys used to transport goods in Morocco were recorded. There were few donkeys over 12 years of age. For adult donkeys weighing from 74 to 252 kg, the best equation with only one variable for predicting liveweight was: liveweight (kg) = heart girth (cm)2.65/2188. The inclusion of two variables improved the prediction marginally, but the addition of further variables gave little further improvement. The best prediction equation for adult donkeys was: liveweight (kg) = (heart girth [cm]2.12 x length [cm]0.688)/380. For donkeys under three years of age, weighing from 52 to 128 kg, the best prediction equation was: liveweight (kg) = (umbilical girth [cm]1.41 x length [cm]1.09)/1000. Other liveweight prediction equations for donkeys and horses were tested on the data and tended to overestimate the weight of these working donkeys. A subjective method for assessing the body condition of the donkeys was developed, using a scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese).

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Iron availability and consumption of tea, vervain and mint during weaning in Morocco.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Iron deficiency impairs growth and psychomotor development of infants. In Morocco, infusions are introduced very early in infant diet, and could contribute to iron deficiency, due to their high polyphenol content. METHODS: The availability of tea, mint and vervain infusions was assessed using an in vitro model of digestion and dialysis. Two gastric pHs were used: pH 4 as in the first week life, and pH 2.5 as in older infants. Six repetitions of each experiment were made. The total polyphenol content of infusions was measured. RESULTS: At pH 4 and at pH 2.5, iron availability was decreased by tea and vervain, and increased by mint and ascorbic acid. At both pHs it was increased by addition of ascorbic acid to tea and vervain. In addition, at pH 2.5 it was increased by addition of ascorbic acid to mint. The highest value was observed in the presence of both ascorbic acid and mint (33.1 +/- 4.1%). In any case, iron availability was higher at pH 2.5 than at pH 4 (with single compounds or combinations with ascorbic acid). The polyphenol contents (mg/l) of tea, vervain and mint infusions were 2,236.1, 771.1, and 16.5. CONCLUSIONS: Tea and vervain infusions inhibited iron availability. In contrast, mint improved it; vitamin C helped in preventing these inhibiting properties. It could be proposed to discourage tea and vervain drinking at early weaning and to replace them by mint infusion, or at least to promote the consumption of vitamin C-rich fruit juice to counteract these inhibiting effects.

Ascorbic Acid↗
PubMed1989

The effects of airborne fluorides on oral conditions in Morocco.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries and dental fluorosis, as well as various other oral conditions, in 2378 subjects (ages seven to 60) living in the fluoridated area of Khouribga and the non-fluoridated area of Beni Mellal, Morocco. The community index of dental fluorosis (CFI) ranged from 1.99 to 2.80 in the high-fluoride area: Over 90% of the population was affected, and more than one-third of the subjects showed moderate dental fluorosis. However, in Beni Mellal, more than 96% of the dentate subjects examined were free of dental fluorosis, and the CFI of 0.02 was considered not significant. Significant differences were observed between the two areas with respect to caries prevalence. DMFT and DMFS indices were markedly lower in the fluorosis area of Khouribga. The oral conditions of subjects appeared to be better in Khouribga, where the gingival and calculus indices were significantly lower than in Beni Mellal. The analyses of covariance showed no significant differences in plaque accumulation (PI) between the Khouribga and Beni Mellal samples. However, a close statistical correlation was found between PI and GI in Beni Mellal and Khouribga.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Efficacy of chloroquine in the treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Turkey.

In most regions of the world, chloroquine (CQ) has been the standard treatment for Plasmodium vivax malaria for more than 40 years. Recently, however, CQ-resistant P. vivax has been reported from Oceania, several parts of Asia, and South America. The therapeutic efficacy of CQ in the treatment of acute, P. vivax malaria has now been assessed in two areas of the Turkish province of Sanliurfa: the towns of Karacadag and Sekerli. On admission and on days 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, all 112 patients investigated were examined clinically and blood samples were collected and smeared. Treatment consisted of 10 mg CQ/kg on day 0, the same dose on day 1, and 5 mg CQ/mg on day 2, each dose being supervised. Worryingly, 14.7% of the patients from Karacadag and 10.3% of those from Sekerli showed apparent treatment failure between days 3 and 28. In Sanliurfa province, in south-eastern Turkey, there therefore seems to be a high risk of therapeutic failure in patients given CQ to cure P. vivax malaria, probably because of CQ resistance.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

The impact of clothing style on bone mineral density among post menopausal women in Morocco: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The clothing style is an important factor that influences vitamin D production and thus bone mineral density. We performed a case-control study in order to evaluate the effect of veil wearing (concealing clothing) on bone mineral density in Moroccan post menopausal women. METHODS: The cases were osteoporotic women whose disease was assessed by bone mineral density measurement. Each patient was matched with a non osteoporotic woman for age, and body mass index. All our patients were without secondary causes or medications that might affect bone density. The veil was defined as a concealing clothing which covered most of the body including the arms, the legs and the head. This definition is this of the usual Moroccan traditional clothing style. RESULTS: 178 post menopausal osteoporotic patients and 178 controls were studied. The mean age of the cases and the controls was 63.2 years (SD 7) and the mean body mass index was 32.1 (SD 8). The results of crude Odds Ratios analyses indicated that wearing a veil was associated with a high risk of osteoporosis: OR 2.29 (95% CI, 1.38-3.82). Multiparity or a history of familial peripheral osteoporotic fractures had also a significant effect on increasing the osteoporosis risk (ORs: 1.87 (95% CI, 1.05-3.49) and 2.01 (95% CI, 1.20-3.38)). After a multiple regression analysis, wearing the veil and a history of familial osteoporotic fractures remained the both independent factors that increased the osteoporosis risk (ORs: 2.20 (95% CI, 1.22-3.9) and 2.19 (95% CI, 1.12-4.29) respectively). CONCLUSION: our study suggested that in Moroccan post menopausal women, wearing a traditional concealing clothing covering arms, legs and head increased the risk of osteoporosis. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical impact of the above findings and to clarify the status of vitamin D among veiled women in Morocco.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Dynamics of a disabled population in Morocco.

BACKGROUND: The disabled population constitutes a class of people needing special care and necessitating important economic and social effort. METHODS: In this paper, using specific parameter settings, partial differential equations are used to model the temporal change of the proportion of the disabled population in Morocco. RESULTS: Combining different forms and values of the parameters, a numerical method is proposed and three scenarios are considered. These forms and values are determined by data fitting and simulation. CONCLUSIONS: The experiments show clearly the dynamical evolution of the disabled population with time and age according to each scenario.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Ochratoxin A in human plasma in Morocco: a preliminary survey.

Available epidemiological information seems to indicate that Balkan endemic nephropathy is associated with consumption patterns involving foodstuffs contaminated with ochratoxin A (OTA) and with a higher frequency of OTA-positive blood samples. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess OTA concentrations in human plasma in Morocco. Therefore, samples from 309 healthy volunteers (213 males, 96 females) were analysed. The analyses revealed that 60% of the human plasma sampled was positive for OTA (61.5% in the male and 56% in the female population), and an average concentration of 0.29 ng/mL (0.31 ng/mL in males, 0.26 ng/mL in females). The highest concentration found was 6.59 ng/mL. The results suggest that the Moroccan population is exposed to OTA, even though the OTA plasma levels are lower than that reported in some North African countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Pluralism and pragmatism: knowledge and practice of birth in Morocco.

This article examines knowledge and practice surrounding birth in Morocco, using women's narratives of their recent birth experiences, observations of medical encounters, and statements about prescribed behaviors during pregnancy and birth, as well as the vocabulary used to refer to physiological processes, disease conditions, and social relationships. The analysis shows that the three major themes that define the traditional Moroccan ethnophysiology of birth--conceptions of hot and cold, the symbolism of blood, and the metaphors of openness and obstruction--are not inconsistent with the precepts of biomedicine and public health and do not in themselves constitute obstacles either to safe home births or the use of formal health services. Women integrate biomedical and local knowledge and practices and simultaneously seek care from "traditional" and "modern" practitioners, creatively combining elements in accordance with their situations and the means at their disposal. Birth narratives show the eclecticism and flexibility that characterize women's attitudes and behaviors regarding pregnancy and birth. Women's decisions are shaped by two overriding considerations: incertitude about what can happen during the last phase of a pregnancy and ambivalence toward the available alternatives for care, both of which reflect a realistic assessment of their situations. By showing how women make decisions in response to these considerations, this article seeks to clarify some of the links between beliefs and practices and to contribute to ongoing discussions regarding the relevance of local knowledge for patterns of health care.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Famine relief and imperial policy in early modern Morocco: the political functions of public health.

There has been no systematic ethnology nor comparative history of public health. In fact, there has been a broad consensus that prior to the arrival of missionaries and colonial health authorities there was no indigenous public health. These assumptions apply to only some settings and do not reflect the general history of public health. The present study concerns public health in the first century of Alawi rule in Morocco, ca. 1670-1790. The early Alawi sultans undertook public health programs, most of which concerned the prevention and relief of mass starvation. Goals of the programs were consistent with other features of their public policies. Effectiveness of the programs was limited partly by technical and scientific factors, but more by political constraints, especially the sultans' higher priorities for political stability than public welfare and public health. These data provide important insights not only into Moroccan social and political history, but also into the more general problem of the political nature of public health.

Disasters↗
PubMed1989

Improving feeding systems for sheep in a Mediterranean rain-fed cereals/livestock area of Morocco.

In rain-fed cereal-producing areas of Morocco, stubble and straw from barley and wheat and forage grazed from fallow lands are important feeds for sheep. Supplementation to maintain BW of ewes pregnant while grazing stubble, methods to improve utilization of straw, annual forage legumes to complement grazing of fallow land, and by-product feeds in diets for weaned lambs have been tested in collaborative research trials. Pregnant ewes grazing cereal stubble for 10 to 12 wk at a modest stocking rate and unsupplemented, or at a heavier stocking rate and supplemented after 5 wk, gained about 3 kg; most of the gain occurred in wk 1 to 4 due to intake of residual scattered grain. Following the stubble-grazing period (coincident with late gestation), straw plus an energy supplement alone resulted in low lamb birth weight and survivability. Urea treatment increased N content of straw and holds potential. After the onset of winter rains, self-reseeding annual legume (Medicago spp.) pastures allowed lactating Timahdit ewes to gain 4 kg during 90 d postpartum. Their suckling lambs gained 260 g/d, thus doubling the weight of lamb weaned per ewe compared with those grazing unimproved fallow. Confined growing lambs fed diets with 40% sugarbeet pulp or 20% carob meal gained more than 200 g/d, reducing the time needed to reach market weight. These results demonstrate that marked improvements in performance and efficiency of sheep in Mediterranean rain-fed cereal/livestock systems are possible using locally available resources.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2005

West Nile virus in Morocco, 2003.

West Nile virus (WNV) reemerged in Morocco in September 2003, causing an equine outbreak. A WNV strain isolated from a brain biopsy was completely sequenced. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses, Moroccan WNV strains isolated during the 1996 and 2003 outbreaks were closely related to other strains responsible for equine outbreaks in the western Mediterranean basin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

[Establishment and analysis of a log to record scorpion stings in Morocco].

Within the framework of a strategy against scorpion stings, an information system was established to track the indicators of morbidity and mortality caused by scorpion stings. The study of these indicators was carried out based upon a national record of scorpion stings. During the year 2001, 15,571 cases of scorpion stings were reported, that translates into an incidence rate of 1.2%. The patients were poisoned in 11.6% of the cases. Most of the patients (79.3%) were only put under clinical surveillance and did not receive any symptomatic treatment. The death rate was 6.3% and death only occurred in children of less than 15 years old (2.1% of the cases). This study demonstrated an improvement in morbidity and mortality indicators in comparison to the data collected before this campaign, all of which verifies the positive impact of the strategy which was put into place. However, it is necessary to continue monitoring until Morocco can overcome this problem.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Scorpion envenomation and serotherapy in Morocco.

A clinical and biologic study was conducted in Morocco to assess the efficiency of antivenom therapy for treating victims of scorpion stings. Epidemiologic and clinical data were collected from 275 patients envenomed by Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus and Buthus occitanus scorpions. Patients received antivenom or other drugs. Blood samples were collected at the time of hospital admission and 1 hr and 3 hr after treatment. Serum venom levels were quantified by using an ELISA. An association was found between clinical signs of envenoming and the level of venom in serum. Patients classified as grade II (moderate envenoming) had higher serum levels of venom level than patients classified as grade I (mild envenoming). At admission to the hospital, the mean venom concentration was not significantly different between the group not treated with antivenom, the group who received 2-5 ml of antivenom, and the group who received 10 ml of antivenom. A significant decrease in serum venom levels and an improvement in the clinical conditions were observed in patients administered 10 ml of antivenom. The lower decrease in serum venom levels in patients who received 2-5 ml of antivenom was due to lower doses of antivenom. No difference in the venom concentration was observed in patients who were not treated with antivenom. The absence of administration of antivenom increased the risk of developing clinical signs at the end of the hospitalization period. However, this risk was much higher when more than 1 hr elapsed between the time of the scorpion sting and the time of hospital admission. The results demonstrate that antivenom is effective in decreasing circulating venom and morbidity. Serotherapy is more efficient when given as soon as possible after envenomation and with adequate quantities of antivenom.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 in selected dairy and meat products marketed in the city of Rabat, Morocco.

Samples of meat and dairy products taken from the city of Rabat, Morocco, were examined for the presence of Escherichia coli O157 by the selective enrichment procedure followed by plating on cefixime-tellurite-sorbitol MacConkey agar and a latex agglutination test. The ability of isolates to produce Shiga toxins (ST1 or ST2) was also tested by an agglutination test using sensitized latex. Dairy samples (n = 44) included different products commonly consumed in the country. Meat samples (n = 36) were taken from traditional butchers because these products are generally marketed in this way. Random samples were taken from each product during the period of January through May. Of the 80 samples tested, 8 (10%) harbored E. coli O157. Four dairy and four meat samples were contaminated (9.1 and 11.1%, respectively). Of 10 E. coli O157 isolates from contaminated samples demonstrating true antigen-antibody agglutination, 5 (50%) produced either ST2 alone or ST2 plus ST1. Four of the five strains (80%) were meat isolates and produced ST2 with or without ST1, and the fifth was a dairy isolate producing ST2.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Occupational medicine in Morocco: analysis of practices and proposition of action].

With the aim of a better knowledge of their activities of training and information of workers, a survey has been conducted through questionnaires sent to 582 occupational health physicians in Morocco. Among the 48% of physicians who accepted to answer the questionnaire, over half was effectively working in companies. This study revealed many problems in prevention of professional hazards. Workers information about professional risks and measures of prevention was systematically given by 56% of physicians during pre-employment examination and 51% during systematic visit. During "third time", 49% of physicians were informing workers of professional risks and 54% of measures of prevention. With regards to meetings of information, only 26% of physicians were organising such meetings and teaching workers first aid. Consequently, we propose the implementation of protocols "Safety in companies". Informing and teaching the workers about safety, are the mandatory first steps to reduce and prevent professional diseases and accidents; occupational medicine, despite various obstacles should promote it.

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice↗
PubMed1999

[Current status of treatment for chronic renal insufficiency in Morocco].

In 1980, the first Moroccan hemodialysis center was founded in Casablanca. The number of centers has been increasing since then, to reach 61 centers to wards the of 1996. There are 1800 hemodialysed (males 59%, females 41%) with and average age of 51 +/- 4 years. In about one third of the cases, the cause of the end stage renal failure remains unknown. However, chronic glomerulonephritis comes at the head of known causes (25%), followed by interstitial nephritis (19%). A temporary vascular access (catheter) was necessary in 81% of cases when dialysis has started in emergency in 61% of patients. Infections were the most frequent complications (21%) namely septicaemia (8%) and tuberculosis (7%). The vaccination against hepatitis B virus is done systematically in all the centers, and the number of chronic carriers of HBS Ag is about 7%. Further more, serological C virus is positive in 40% of the hemodialysed patients. Cardio-vascular complications were dominated by percarditis (13%) especially at the beginning of the dialysis. Anaemia remains very frequent and often very important requiring multiple blood transfusions (35%) in the absence of erythropoietin treatment. The death rate, which is very difficult to estimate, is of about 18%. Peritoneal dialysis was used in 50 patients but only four patient continued on peritoneal dialysis therapy. 108 patients were transplanted (23 cases in Morocco, 85 in other countries) with a waiting list of 0 to 12 years. Hemodialysed Moroccan's population is characterised by the high number of unknown causes and the gravity of the admission stage. A renal effort in prophylactic should be performed to avoid certain causes of renal failure.

Adolescent↗