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PubMedDate not supplied

Chrysops silacea and C. dimidiata: fly densities and infection rates with Loa loa in the Chaillu mountains, Congo Republic.

The densities, infection rates with Loa loa, and parous rates of Chrysops silacea and C. dimidiata were studied in various ecological zones throughout the Chaillu mountains in the People's Republic of the Congo. In the rainy season, C. dimidiata was the major vector in the forest, whereas C. silacea was predominant in the cleared forest zones. Fly densities were higher in the forest (natural forest or palmgrove) than in the villages. Parous and infection rates varied according to the ecological zone. The infection rate of parous females was related to the microfilarial rate in the human population, indicating that the Chrysops populations were extremely stable in the rainy season.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of the S RNA segments and nucleoprotein sequences of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Hazara, and Dugbe viruses.

The S RNA segments of the nairoviruses Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus (Chinese isolate) and Hazara (HAZ) virus were cloned and sequenced from PCR products. The RNAs comprise 1672 and 1677 nucleotides, respectively, and each encodes a protein in the viral complementary strand (54.0 and 54.2 kDa, respectively). The deduced protein sequences show homology to each other and to the nucleoprotein of Dugbe (DUG) nairovirus, although both the CCHF and HAZ viral proteins are larger. Alignment of the nucleoprotein sequences of CCHF, HAZ, and DUG viruses show that the CCHF and HAZ sequences are somewhat more closely related to each other (60.0% identity) than either is to the DUG sequence (55.4 and 53.0% identity, respectively); 39.5% of residues are identical across all three proteins. The carboxyl-terminus of DUG N protein shows a 40-residue deletion relative to the N proteins of the other two viruses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection and quantification of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in the tick, Hyalomma truncatum.

A viral antigen-capture ELISA was compared to a viral plaque-assay on human cell monolayers for detection and quantification of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in triturated experimentally infected Hyalomma truncatum ticks. In suspensions of ticks exposed as larvae to viremic mice, the ELISA detected 13% positive as compared to 3% (n = 721) positive by plaque-assay. Adult ticks inoculated with virus and sampled up to 102 days later were 84% positive by ELISA compared to 36% (n = 273) positive by plaque-assay. The two tests detected similar proportions of positive ticks in the two weeks immediately after viral inoculation; however, the ELISA was positive in 100% of inoculated adult ticks from 18-102 days post-inoculation while the plaque-assay was positive in 33% (n = 135) of the same specimens. CCHF viral antigen was detected in 10% (n = 101) of first-generation progeny tested as unfed larva pools by ELISA, yet no virus was detected by plaque-assay, indicating that either non-infective viral fragments or very low levels of live virus were detected by ELISA in these tick progeny. As detected by plaque assay, virus inoculated unfed adult ticks were virtually all infected by day 8 post-inoculation; by day 21 post-inoculation only 33% were detected as positive. A cohort of these ticks were allowed to blood feed from day 21-31 post-inoculation. When assayed after feeding all female ticks and nearly 50% of male ticks were detected as virus-positive. This indicates that the virus likely persisted in the unfed ticks below the level of detectability of the plaque-assay and increased in the blood fed ticks up to a detectable level. The ELISA however, detected 100% of ticks as virus-positive from day 14 post-inoculation throughout the remainder of the study, regardless of feeding status (day 102 post-inoculation). These results indicate that antigen-detection ELISA is more sensitive in detecting CCHF virus in ticks than plaque-assay. Since an infected tick remains antigen-positive by ELISA for possibly the remainder of its life, this assay will be a major improvement in field surveys and vector competency studies of ticks for CCHF virus.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Gonadal effects of fetal exposure to the azo dye congo red in mice: infertility in female but not male offspring.

The present study describes the relationship between gonadal agenesis and fertility in male and female mice exposed in utero to the diazo dye Congo red (CR). Maternal CR treatment inhibited testicular and ovarian function in the offspring after oral administration of 1 or 0.5 g/kg/day on Gestational Days 8-12. The testes of male offspring from CR-exposed dams were small in size and contained hypospermatogenic seminiferous tubules. However, despite the fact that testis weight was reduced by more than 70% in some males, they displayed normal levels of fertility when mated to untreated females for over 10 months. In contrast, female offspring from CR-exposed dams produced only about half as many litters and pups as the control pairs did under long-term mating conditions. Histological examination of the ovaries revealed that subfertility was correlated with ovarian atrophy. Females lacking maturing follicles were considerably less productive (1.3 litters and 11.5 pups) than treated females with histologically normal ovaries (7.1 litters and 78.1 pups). In summary, prenatal exposure to the dye CR affects the gonads of both male and female offspring, but only the female offspring display reduced fertility.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Socioeconomic, environmental, demographic and behavioral factors associated with occurrence of diarrhea in young children in the Republic of Congo.

This study is the result of a cross-sectional survey undertaken in five regions of the Republic of Congo. A sample of 612 women having children under 3 years of age was interviewed to determine the socioeconomic, environmental, demographic and behavioral factors associated with the occurrence of diarrhea in young children. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which variables predict the occurrence of diarrhea in a multivariable context. Most of the statistically significant variables were those suggesting behaviorally mediated modes of transmission. These include: type of weaning food fed to the child, maternal age, sex of the child, maternal sickness and method of refuse disposal. Male children had a more than two-fold odds of experiencing recent diarrhea than did female children among those greater than 1 year of age. Although breastfeeding status was not statistically significantly associated with diarrheal disease, children under 1 year of age who were already weaned had a greater odds of disease than those who were still breasted. Due to the pattern of extended breastfeeding in this population, this relationship was difficult to assess. Urban residence also was highly associated with diarrheal disease occurrence. Urban residence is likely to reflect a host of socioeconomic, environmental and behavioral factors. These findings underscore the potential impact of educational interventions on the occurrence of diarrheal disease among young children.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1982

Haematological and biochemical characteristics of Heteropneustes fossilis under the stress of Congo Red (diphenyl disazo binaphthionic acid).

The effects of the sublethal concentration (0.012%) of Congo Red on Heteropneustes fossilis were studied after 30 days exposure. The RBC count haemoglobin (Hb)% and PCV decreased significantly. The total WBC count, MCV, MCH, and MCHC showed a significant increase. Serum calcium, serum cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly elevated, whereas serum phosphorus was significantly reduced. The activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (AlPase), acid phosphatase (AcPase). RNase, GOT, GPT and amylase were also significantly elevated. The possible reasons for these changes are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Transmission of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus from experimentally infected sheep to Hyalomma truncatum ticks.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus was inoculated into West African sheep that were simultaneously infested with adult Hyalomma truncatum ticks. Certain sheep developed a viraemia and antibodies, indicating virus infection and replication; however, the length and magnitude of the viraemia and serological responses corresponded to the animals' immunological status. Tick attachment and feeding was not influenced by sheep infection. CCHF virus infection was acquired by 11-33% of female and 0-60% of male ticks. Infection in the ticks did not influence their feeding success, as judged by weight at drop-off, and the weight of eggs produced by infected and non-infected ticks was similar. Transovarial transmission of CCHF virus was demonstrated in 2 of 12 (17%) egg batches from infected female ticks, but in none of 19 egg batches from ticks that tested negative for CCHF virus. Our results suggest that under certain ecological conditions, sheep may serve to amplify CCHF virus in nature through horizontal transmission and that the maintenance cycle also may be influenced by transovarial transmission to the next generation of ticks.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus replication in adult Hyalomma truncatum and Amblyomma variegatum ticks.

The kinetics of the replication of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was studied in intra-anally inoculated adult Hyalomma truncatum and Amblyomma variegatum ticks. The virus was re-isolated by suckling mouse inoculation and revealed by antigen capture with ground ticks and indirect immunofluorescence of haemolymph. The virus was detected in ticks in the first hours post-inoculation (p.i.) and its replication was observed from 36 h p.i. onwards. Virus titre reached a maximum within 3-5 days then decreased slowly to a level of at 2 log LD50/ml for several months until the end of observations. Several specific, non-identified factors seem to favour CCHFV replication in H. truncatum. Long-term virus persistence seems to occur in CCHFV-infected adult ticks.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Host-passage-induced phenotypic changes in crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever virus.

Changes in virulence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus toward intracerebrally inoculated suckling mice (SM) were studied in relation to different host-passage histories. Two CCHF virus strains, one isolated from a human and the other from a tick, were passaged through various vertebrate and tick hosts and then reisolated and tested for their virulence toward SM. In various experiments, SM were inoculated with 12 different viral suspensions, each having a specific passage history. Survival curves of SM, which may reflect differences in viral strain characters, were established using an actuarial life table; differences were evaluated with the log-rank test. Regardless of the origin of the strain, CCHF viruses exhibited pathogenicity when passaged among SM. However, virulence, as measured by the proportion of deaths in SM, was altered following passage through another vertebrate host or tick. The final host seems to have a major influence on virulence. Because CCHF virus strains appear to vary little in their antigenic characters, it is hypothesized that hosts can induce phenotypic changes that modulate viral virulence.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

A neotropical snail host of Schistosoma mansoni introduced into Africa and consequences for the schistosomiasis transmission Biomphalaria tenagophila in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo).

Malacological surveys carried out in the early 1970s in water bodies of the Kinshasa area, Lower Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo), showed the appearance of a Biomphalaria species which was identified as Biomphalaria camerunensis. In 1976, other surveys confirmed the presence of the species in several sites and showed numerous infected snails with Schistosoma mansoni, demonstrating for the first time an active transmission of the parasite responsible of the intestinal schistosomiasis in this area. The most recent malacological sampling was carried out by one of us in 1994 in Mangungu River and revealed the presence of apparently the same snail species. However, conchological, anatomical and molecular studies showed that this snail may be considered as an introduced neotropical species, B. tenagophila. To our knowledge, this is the second example of the introduction of a neotropical snail host of schistosomes into Africa.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

A simple assay for determining antiviral activity against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus that is emerging as a significant human pathogen in many regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. In this report, we describe a simple screening method for discovering new antiviral compounds directed against CCHFV. Antiviral activity was determined by assaying infected SW-13 cells (human adrenal gland carcinoma) for protection from cytopathic effect (CPE). By using an in vitro neutral red uptake assay, we were able to quantitatively measure CPE induced by CCHFV. As a proof of concept, we used this method to evaluate the antiviral activity of ribavirin and a series of structural analogs (ribamidine, 6-azauridine, selenazofurin, and tiazofurin) against four geographically diverse strains of CCHFV. Ribavirin inhibited the replication of CCHFV as reported previously using plaque reduction assays. One drug, ribamidine, showed antiviral activity that was 4.5- to 8-fold less than that of ribavirin, and the other three drugs (6-azauridine, selenazofurin, and tiazofurin) did not show significant antiviral activity. There were no significant differences in drug sensitivities among the CCHFV strains. Development of this simple and reliable assay will potentially allow high-throughput screening for discovering additional antiviral drugs to combat this important public health threat.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[A nutrition survey among schoolchildren in Brazzaville, Congo].

OBJECTIVE: To identify nutritional characteristics among schoolchildren in Brazzaville, Congo. POPULATION AND METHODS: A 3-day feeding survey was undertaken in 3 primary education schools in the Brazzaville borough. The study was conducted among 1066 schoolchildren (534 boys, 532 girls) ranging from 6 to 14 years. The subjects were divided into 4 age groups: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-14 years old. The evolution of the feeding was studied according to age, and the nutritional intakes were compared with recommended dietary allowances. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The energy intakes were low, the mean caloric intake was 1984.9+/-448 Kcal. They increased between 6 and 14 years, especially between 13 and 14 years, where mean increase was twice as important as between 6 and 7 years. Energy provided by the evening meal was equivalent to 67.5% of mean caloric intake per day. The quantities of aliments taken increased with age. In addition, there were excesses and insufficiencies common or specific to the Congolese children of 4 age groups. High natrium intakes were observed at age 12 years, insufficient intakes of phosphore and lipids at 10 years. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the observation of the schoolchildren's behavior at Brazzaville, poverty seems to influence the schoolchildren's nutritional status. But, one could propose dietary advices, in order to improve the problems described here.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Instability of monoclonal myeloma protein may be identified as susceptibility to penetration and binding by newly synthesized Congo red derivatives.

Monoclonal myeloma proteins often have an abnormal, unstable structure, and tend to aggregate with fatal clinical consequences. A method for early clinical identification of this aggregation tendency is impatiently awaited. This work proposes the use of supramolecular dyes as specific ligands to reveal protein instability. Disclosure of excessive polypeptide chain flexibility in unstable monoclonal proteins, leading to increased susceptibility to penetration by foreign compounds, appeared possible when new supramolecular Congo red-derived dyes with different protein-binding capabilities were used for complexation. Two basic protein instability levels, local and global, were differentiated by comparing the extent of protein loading with dye and the subsequent electrophoretic migration rate of the complexes. A simple electrophoretic test is proposed for assessment of the instability of monoclonal proteins in clinical conditions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2005

Effects of alkalinity and co-substrate on the performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor through decolorization of Congo Red azo dye.

The effect of substrate (glucose) concentrations and alkalinitiy (NaHCO3) on the decolorization of a synthetic wastewater containing Congo Red (CR) azo dye was performed in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB). Color removal efficiencies approaching 100% were obtained at glucose-COD concentrations varying between 0 and 3000 mg/l. The methane production rate and total aromatic amine (TAA) removal efficiencies were found to be 120 ml per day and 43%, respectively, while the color was completely removed during glucose-COD free operation of the UASB reactor. The complete decolorization of CR dye under co-substrate free operation could be attributed to TAA metabolism which may provide the electrons required for the cleavage of azo bond in CR dye exist in the UASB reactor. No significant differences in pH levels (6.6-7.4), methane production rates (2000-2700 ml/day) and COD removal efficiencies (82-90%) were obtained for NAHCO3 concentrations ranging between 550 and 3000 mg/l. However, decolorization efficiency remained at 100% with decreasing NaHCO3 concentrations as low as 250 mg/l in the feed. An alkalinity/COD ratio of 0.163 in the feed was suggested for simultaneous optimum COD and color removal.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗
PubMed2005

Removal of congo red from aqueous solution by bagasse fly ash and activated carbon: kinetic study and equilibrium isotherm analyses.

Present investigation deals with the utilisation of bagasse fly ash (BFA) (generated as a waste material from bagasse fired boilers) and the use of activated carbons-commercial grade (ACC) and laboratory grade (ACL), as adsorbents for the removal of congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions. Batch studies were conducted to evaluate the adsorption capacity of BFA, ACC and ACL and the effects of initial pH (pH(0)), contact time and initial dye concentration on adsorption. The pH(0) of the dye solution strongly affected the chemistry of both the dye molecules and BFA in an aqueous solution. The effective pH(0) was 7.0 for adsorption on BFA. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of CR on all the adsorbents was a gradual process. Equilibrium reached in about 4h contact time. Optimum BFA, ACC and ACL dosages were found to be 1, 20 and 2 g l(-1), respectively. CR uptake by the adsorbents followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Equilibrium isotherms for the adsorption of CR on BFA, ACC and ACL were analysed by the Freundlich, Langmuir, Redlich-Peterson, and Temkin isotherm equations. Error analysis showed that the R-P isotherm best-fits the CR adsorption isotherm data on all adsorbents. The Freundlich isotherm also shows comparable fit. Thermodynamics showed that the adsorption of CR on BFA was most favourable in comparison to activated carbons.

Adsorption↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence and determinants of the use of modern contraceptive methods in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

INTRODUCTION: In 2003, a cross-sectional study was carried out in Kinshasa to determine the prevalence and to identify the correlates of the use of modern contraceptive methods among sexually active females. METHODS: Five hundred females of childbearing age (15-49 years) who were selected through a stratified sampling procedure were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire. The interview collected sociodemographic data, knowledge, perception and current use of modern contraceptive methods. RESULTS: Condoms appear to be the most widely known modern contraceptive method since it was cited by 43% of women; the pill was cited by only 28%, injectables were cited by 16.2%, IUD was cited by 8%, spermicidal foam was cited by 2% and the diaphragm was cited by <2%. Teenagers and young adults (15-24 years) were less knowledgeable of modern methods, while a noticeable proportion reported unwanted pregnancies. The prevalence of the utilization of modern contraceptive methods (barrier and hormonal methods) was estimated at 7%, with the male condom being the most commonly used method (reported by 74.3% of those using a modern method). Hormonal methods were used less often (the pill, 0.2%; others, <1% each). The current use of a modern contraceptive method correlated with having discussed contraception with someone [odds ratio (OR)=3.18; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.52-6.64] and having ever used a modern contraceptive method (OR=11.57; 95% CI=2.71-49.48). CONCLUSION: An increase in the level of knowledge on modern contraceptive methods through mass and interpersonal communications could be one of the key strategies to increase the utilization rate of modern contraceptive methods in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Teenagers should be considered a priority group since there is evidence of unmet needs among them.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

The lack of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus antibodies in healthcare workers in an endemic region.

We aimed to detect antibodies against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in healthcare workers (HCWs) in an endemic region. The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital that had cared for CCHFV infected patients in the period 2002-2003. The sera from the HCWs were collected one month after the last admitted hospital case (October 2003), and sent to the Pasteur Institute, Lyon, France to be studied for CCHF IgM and IgG by ELISA. The total number of HCWs included in the study was 75; the median age was 30, 68% of the subjects were female, and 83% of the HCWs were at risk of exposure to the body fluids of patients. Only one HCW from the group without risk of exposure was CCHF IgG positive. The adherence rate to universal precautions was high. In conclusion, a lack of CCHFV transmission from patients to HCWs was observed. This result could be related to the high rate of compliance to the universal precautions, which are sufficient to protect against CCHFV infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Zoonotic infections among veterinarians in Turkey: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and beyond.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus, Brucella spp, and Coxiella burnetii among veterinarians in a highly endemic and a non-endemic region for these infections in Turkey. METHODS: The antibody levels against these three infections were surveyed. Eighty-three veterinarians were included from two distinct geographic regions. RESULTS: CCHF IgG positivity (3% vs. 0%) and Brucella agglutination titer of > or =1/160 (33% vs. 5%) were more common in the endemic region, whereas the rates of Coxiella burnetii antibodies were similar (7% and 8%). A history of tick bite was significantly more common in the endemic region (35% vs. 12%, p=0.011). A multivariate analysis was performed among the veterinarians living in the endemic area, and percutaneous injuries were found to be associated with Brucella infection (OR 1.8, CI 1.09-3, p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Veterinarians should protect themselves against tick bites, and should use masks to prevent transmission by inhalation of zoonotic infections in endemic countries.

Adult↗