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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Epidemiology of concomitant infections due to Loa loa, Mansonella perstans, and Onchocerca volvulus in rain forest villages of Cameroon.

An epidemiological survey was conducted in 16 remote villages of the rain forest of southern Cameroon to ascertain the prevalence and intensity of three species of filariae: Loa loa, Onchocerca volvulus, and Mansonella perstans. We examined 1458 individuals for blood-dwelling microfilariae and 1255 of these were also for the presence of palpable nodules. All the villages surveyed were found highly endemic for onchocerciasis and mansonellosis with prevalence ranging from 28.44% to 87.17% for O. volvulus and 52.48% to 100% for M. perstans. The intensities of infection were also found high for M. perstans with arithmetic means of microfilaremia ranging from 280.94 to 4947.57 mf/ml. The loiasis prevalence was relatively low with value from 2.22% to 19.23%. Males were found more infected than females for the three species of filariae, and the prevalence and intensities of microfilaremia vary differently in males and females at different ages. The three species of filariae displayed different degrees of association in the inhabitants with a low prevalence of co-occurrence between L. loa/O. volvulus and between L. loa/M. perstans. In contrast, there was a high prevalence of co-occurrence between M. perstans and O. volvulus. The implications of the co-occurrence of the three species of filariae in the populations of these remote villages on the intervention programs based on mass treatment with mectizan are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

A single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) approach for investigating genetic interactions of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma guineensis in Loum, Cameroon.

Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA provides a molecular tool for the identification of Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma guineensis and the hybrids of these two species. This molecular tool was utilized to provide a detailed analysis of the interactions between S. haematobium and S. guineensis in hybrid zones of Loum, Littoral Province, Cameroon. Individual hybrid schistosomes were identified within the natural populations collected from Loum in 1990, 1999 and 2000, which would have been misidentified as S. haematobium using solely morphological and sequence criteria. This study indicates the complexities of the hybridization between S. haematobium and S. guineensis and emphasizes the importance of assessing morphological, biological and molecular data to gain insights into the interaction of these two species over time.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Type 2 oculocutaneous albinism (OCA2) in Zimbabwe and Cameroon: distribution of the 2.7-kb deletion allele of the P gene.

In previous studies, we characterized a 2.7-kb interstitial deletion allele of the P gene associated with tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinism (OCA2) in African Americans and Africans. In this study, we investigated the frequency of this allele among OCA2 subjects in two African countries, Zimbabwe and Cameroon. The deletion allele was most common in Zimbabwe, comprising nearly all (92%) mutant alleles, which is the highest incidence reported so far. In addition, the deletion allele was widespread but less common among OCA2 Cameroonians and accounted for 65% of the mutant alleles.

Albinism, Oculocutaneous↗
PubMed2002

Importance of the ectomycorrhizal network for seedling survival and ectomycorrhiza formation in rain forests of south Cameroon.

An investigation was undertaken at two sites south Cameroon to assess the importance of living roots of adult trees as sources of inoculum for survival, ectomycorrhizal colonisation and growth of seedlings of Paraberlinia bifoliolata. One-month-old seedlings of Paraberlinia bifoliolata, isolated from or in contact with roots of adult target trees, were transplanted in concentric circles 5, 10, 15, and 30 m away from the stem bases of four adult tree species (Afzelia bipindensis, Brachystegia cynometroides, Paraberlinia bifoliolata and Tetraberlinia bifoliolata). After 4 and 8 months, survival, ectomycorrhiza formation and seedling height were observed; plant biomass was determined after 8 months. After 4 months, there was no difference in seedling survival between seedlings in contact with roots of adult trees and isolated seedlings. The number of ectomycorrhizal seedlings was higher among seedlings in contact with adult trees than among isolated seedlings. After 8 months, both seedling survival and ectomycorrhiza formation were higher in seedlings in contact with roots than in isolated seedlings. Seedling survival and ectomycorrhiza formation were highest under Brachystegia. The fraction of surviving seedlings that had formed ectomycorrhizas was lowest under Afzelia. The fraction of surviving seedlings that were ectomycorrhizal declined monotonically towards the edge of the crown projection. Biomass of seedlings in contact with adult trees was significantly higher than that of isolated seedlings. This difference was consistent for all four tree species. The height of seedlings did not vary with the treatment.

Cameroon↗
PubMed2002

Difference in food selection between patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) and tantalus monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops tantalus) in Kala Maloue National Park, Cameroon, in relation to nutrient content.

Phytochemical or nutrient analyses of primate diets have revealed clues to their food selection in a single species. On the other hand, few interspecific comparisons of phytochemical or nutrient composition of primate diets have been made, although diets are considered to differ in phytochemical or nutrient content from primate species to species, since different species have different body weights and different morphological and physiological characteristics. I compared the nutrient content of diet between patas monkeys ( Erythrocebus patas) and tantalus monkeys ( Cercopithecus aethiops tantalus) living sympatrically in Cameroon. Patas subsisted on a smaller number of food items, most of which were also tantalus food items. Then, I compared the protein-fiber ratio and the available energy content of the food items eaten by patas (patas foods) with those items eaten only by tantalus (tantalus foods). Both variables were higher in patas than tantalus foods, although there was no significant difference in available energy of plant foods. Next, when I performed discriminant analysis for patas foods and tantalus foods, employing the above two variables, a discriminant function with positive coefficients for both variables was obtained. The mean discriminant-function score of patas foods was higher than that of tantalus foods. Despite being somewhat larger in weight, patas selectively fed on a smaller number of foods of higher quality than did tantalus. I discuss why the results are inconsistent with a well known body weight-diet relationship (Jarman-Bell principle). Energy-efficient locomotion enables patas to exploit not only small dispersed food items of high quality but also areas where high-quality foods are distributed in clumps.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed2003

Survey of gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in Southwestern Cameroon.

A study on the distribution and population density of the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla g. gorilla) and the central chimpanzee (Pan t. troglodytes) was undertaken between December 1997 and August 2000 in the Campo and Ma'an Forests in southwestern Cameroon. The aim of this survey was to estimate the densities of the apes in different parts of the area, to assess the importance of the region for the conservation of these endangered species and to determine the influence of human activities such as logging and hunting. The survey was based on night nest counts on a total of 665.5 km of line transects. The overall density in the Campo Forest was estimated at 0.2 gorillas/km(2) and at 0.63-0.78 chimpanzees/km(2). The overall density of chimpanzees in the Ma'an Forest was estimated at 0.8-1 individuals/km(2). Gorilla density in this area was too low to allow an estimation. The highest gorilla nest density was found in secondary forest. The gorilla density in unlogged forest was significantly lower. Chimpanzees showed a clear preference for less disturbed areas. In unlogged forest, old secondary forests (logging more than 23 years ago) and areas of recent logging with large remaining patches of primary forest, significantly higher densities were calculated than inside the more heavily exploited logging concession. In areas with both logging and high hunting pressure both species were rare or even absent. The Campo Ma'an area is considered a very important area for the conservation of gorillas and chimpanzees. Conservation measures are urgently required to reduce the impact of logging and hunting. The creation of the Campo Ma'an National Park in January 2000 is an important measure to preserve the unique biodiversity in this so far hardly protected area.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Human physique and sexual attractiveness: sexual preferences of men and women in Bakossiland, Cameroon.

Men and women living in a rural community in Bakossiland, Cameroon were asked to rate the attractiveness of images of male or female figures manipulated to vary in somatotype, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), secondary sexual traits, and other features. In Study 1, women rated mesomorphic (muscular) and average male somatotypes as most attractive, followed by ectomorphic (slim) and endomorphic (heavily built) figures. In Study 2, amount and distribution of masculine trunk (chest and abdominal) hair was altered progressively in a series of front-posed male figures. A significant preference for one of these images was found, but the most hirsute figure was not judged as most attractive. Study 3 assessed attractiveness of front-posed male figures which varied only in length of the non-erect penis. Extremes of penile size (smallest and largest of five images) were rated as significantly less attractive than three intermediate sizes. In Study 4, Bakossi men rated the attractiveness of back-posed female images varying in WHR (from 0.5-1.0). The 0.8 WHR figure was rated markedly more attractive than others. Study 5 rated the attractiveness of female skin color. Men expressed no consistent preference for either lighter or darker female figures. These results are the first of their kind reported for a Central African community and provide a useful cross-cultural perspective to published accounts on sexual selection, human morphology and attractiveness in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Community production practices and desertification in the Sahelo-Sudanian region of Cameroon at the turn of the millennium.

The Sahelo-Sudanian region of Cameroon extends over 10 million hectares. Varied flora and soil types, a complex mosaic of vegetation and plant communities and a diversified wild animal population are the major natural resources of this region. Desertification in the region can be related to two major known causes: a. short or long-term drought due to short-term or long-term climatic trends toward aridity; b. human activities which degrade the biological environment. Globally, humans generally have less effect on desertification than climatic change in the short run. The only strategy to fight against this situation particularly in the developing countries is to withdraw populations from the areas and to settle them elsewhere. However, most local or regional desertification processes in general, and in the Sahelo-Sudanian region in particular, are due to the misuse or unsound exploitation of natural resources by humans and their animals. Often, comprehension of the complexity of even small interactions between parameters affecting our local environment remains limited. Poor economic assessments of the long-term benefits of proper natural resource conservation and management increase the extent of the exploitation, in turn increasing the degradation process. Yet ecologically sound management of natural resources integrating indigenous knowledge and basic population interest and concern can secure restoration in several areas and sustained productivity of Sahelo-Sudanian lands.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2006

Microbiological water quality of the Mfoundi River watershed at Yaoundé, Cameroon, as inferred from indicator bacteria of fecal contamination.

Using the membrane filtration technique to count total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC) and fecal streptococci (FS), the microbiological water quality of the Mfoundi River and four of its representative tributaries at Yaoundé, Cameroon, was assessed for human use and contact. Sampling was conducted so as to examine the potential origin of fecal contamination and how rainfall affects the measured concentrations of indicators organisms. Our results revealed that waters were not safe for human use or primary contact according to the standards for water quality established by the Word Health Organization (WHO). Indeed, these waters exhibited high concentrations of TC (Mean +/- SD = 5.6 x 10(8) +/- 2.5 x 10(6) CFU/100 ml), FC (Mean +/- SD = 6.8 x 10(5) +/- 2.4 x 10(3) CFU/100 ml) and FS (Mean +/- SD = 7.3 x 10(5) +/- 2.1 x 10(3) CFU/100 ml) that varied with the sampling sites and points. FC/FS ratio suggested that this contamination was more from warm-blooded animals than humans and correlation analysis points to the role of rainfall as a contributing factor, which enhanced the bacterial numbers detected. We conclude that there is a great potential risk of infection for users of waters from the Mfoundi River and its tributaries at Yaoundé.

Cameroon↗
PubMed1992

Absence of the LiTat 1.3 (CATT antigen) gene in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense stocks from Cameroon.

Antibodies to the variable antigen type (VAT) designated LiTat 1.3 are common in sera from parasitologically confirmed patients with gambian sleeping sickness. For this reason, LiTat 1.3 has been considered a suitable antigen for detecting Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis (CATT; Testryp-CATT, Smith Kline-RIT). However, surveys in the T.b. gambiense endemic focus of Fontem in Cameroon have suggested that expression of LiTat 1.3 might be rare or absent. We show here that the gene for LiTat 1.3 was indeed absent from some T.b. gambiense stocks isolated from this focus, and a LiTat 1.3-like gene was present in others. The divergent gene differed from the cloned version of LiTat 1.3. In addition, antibodies to LiTat 1.3 could not be detected in rabbits infected with either of the two kinds of T.b. gambiense from the Fontem area. We suggest that the absence of LiTat 1.3 expression in this focus may have important implications for the epidemiology and control of sleeping sickness, especially if heavy reliance is placed on the CATT.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1989

The outcome of labor at the University Teaching Hospital (CHU), Yaounde, Cameroon.

The University Teaching Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon became operational in 1982. This retrospective study analyses the performance of the maternity unit during the first 5 years. Data was obtained from casenotes, annual reports, delivery and operation registers. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) is one of the lowest in Africa. The perinatal mortality is low but could be improved upon. The reasons for the low MMR is discussed. It is possible to reduce the appalling MMRs of developing countries without sophisticated technologies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Studies on onchocerciasis in the United Cameroon Republic. III. A four year follow-up of 6 rain-forest and 6 Sudan-savanna villages.

After an interval of four years the same observers used the same standardized techniques to re-examine 1,016 people in 12 heavily infected rain-forest and savanna villages in Cameroon. The changes in the number of nodules and in the concentration of microfilariae in the skin and eye are described. These latter changes are correlated with the development and/or deterioration of eye lesions and visual impairment. In both the rainforest and the savanna there was a strong association between the development of eye lesions and a high concentration of microfilariae, not only in the eye but also in the skin, and more so at the shoulder than at the buttock. The importance of these findings for the prevention of blindness is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Pulmonary paragonimiasis in Cameroon.

Paragonimus africanus has been known to be endemic in the Bakossi area of Meme Division of Cameroon since it was first described in 1952. After a lapse of 25 years, exploratory work was undertaken in the area (but not in the same villages) to study the prevalence of the disease, to record the common presenting symptoms, to make a number of paraclinical examinations, to assess the beliefs and attitudes of the people towards the disease and the possible reasons for its persistent endemicity in that area and to carry out a therapeutic trial with Niclofolan (Bilevon). The disease was found to have a prevalence of 5% with a higher prevalence among those less than 20 years old. Boys were more affected than girls. The population did not appear to recognize the disease which they confused with tuberculosis. The disease was contracted by eating improperly cooked crabs, the intermediate host. The therapeutic trial with Bilevon given orally as a single dose was completely successful. This study showed that paragonimiasis must be considered seriously in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis in this area and that a study on a much wider scale is required to establish the real extent of the disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Sera from Cameroon recognize proteins of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from geographically diverse areas of the world.

Immunological reactions of clinically-defined sera collected from 176 children and adults (3 to 63 years of age) living in malaria endemic regions of Cameroon were evaluated by ELISA, growth inhibition studies and immunoprecipitation assays using different parasite isolates from geographically diverse areas. The proportions of sera positive by ELISA and with positive growth inhibitory activity tended to increase with increased age. SDS-PAGE analyses of immunoprecipitates using [35S]methionine labelled parasite polypeptides revealed that a wide range of proteins was recognized by the sera. There were many similarities in the patterns of antigens immunoprecipitated in the different isolates, particularly when immune sera were used. Variability in response was more evident in sera collected from children. These findings suggest that strains may share components which generate protective immunity.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Twenty-five years of blackfly control in a localized moist forest area of Cameroon: a review.

The high number of blackfly bites in a moist forest area of Cameroon, around the Sanaga river, was causing considerable nuisance and had led to a local ground-based larval control campaign. We have reviewed the 25 years of almost uninterrupted weekly larvicide applications in this area and emphasized the problems related to application difficulties, environmental pollution and blackfly resistance to the insecticides. Although the number of larvicidal compounds readily available is now limited, the future of blackfly control at this site does not seem to pose real technical difficulties because of its economic importance (hydroelectric dam) and the progress made in the fields of resistance management, search for new insecticide molecules and development of new control methods.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Infant disease patterns in northern Cameroon.

The epidemiology of common diseases of infants seen in district health service clinics in a culturally heterogeneous population in northern Cameroon was studied. Significantly higher incidences were found for respiratory tract infection in infants of non-Moslem households, and for diarrhoea in infants of Moslem households. A subsequent interview survey of parents of children aged 0-5 years revealed a higher prevalence of smokers and millet stalk kitchens in the compounds of non-Moslems. Other possible risk factors were explored. The findings indicated that in this area the influence of culture on disease in infants is strong, and epidemiological differences among cultural groups should be considered in the design of disease control programmes in the community.

Cameroon↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Early childhood feeding practices in northern Cameroon.

Following the identification of differences in disease patterns among infants from households of different social groups (Moslem and non-Moslem) in northern Cameroon, 534 mothers and their children 0-23 months old were studied to determine early childhood feeding practices in the 2 groups. Several significant differences were revealed. Compared with non-Moslem infants, Moslems were more likely to be given animal milk instead of breast milk before the age of 3 d. On average, millet pap was introduced to Moslem babies between their 1st and 2nd months and to non-Moslem babies between their 3rd and 4th months. Moslem mothers more commonly prepared pap with oil or cow butter as an ingredient. Moslem mothers also planned to wean their children at an earlier age than non-Moslems and were less likely to report boiling their children's drinking water. Moslem mothers of infants less than 5 months old were likely to believe their breast milk was insufficient. The implications of these findings on the higher incidence of infant diarrhoea, stunting and early childhood death among Moslems are discussed.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in a Cameroon rural forest area.

Sera of 807 people living in a rural forest area in southern Cameroon were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; 101 (12.5%) gave positive results and were confirmed by line immunoassay. There was a highly significant difference between subjects aged over 40 years and those under 40 years, with the former having a much higher prevalence of antibodies. There were also significant differences between antibody prevalences among subjects aged > 40 years in the 3 ethnic groups studied--Baka Pygmies (6%), Fangs (30%) and Boulous (44%). Further studies are necessary to determine the reasons for these differences.

Adolescent↗