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At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

High prevalence of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a phylogenetic analysis.

A prevalence of 10.3% of GB virus C (GBV-C)/hepatitis G virus (HGV) carriers was found in 97 pregnant women from Kinshasa, Congo (formerly Zaire), while prevalences of 1%, 4.1%, and 0% were found for hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and human T-lymphotropic virus respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the ten GBV-C/HGV positives based on the 5' non-coding region using three different methods identified consistently three GBV-C/HGV genotypes. Four main clades were found within the type 1 sequences. All the Congolese isolates are GBV-C/HGV type 1 in two different clades. The clustering of seven Congolese isolates was inconsistent in different methods. Further likelihood-mapping analysis showed a well-resolved phylogeny, confirming the clustering of the seven Congolese isolates with a Belgian strain representing a new clade in the GBV-C/HGV type 1 sequences.

Deltaretrovirus Infections↗
PubMed2000

Deterioration in the nutritional status of young children and their mothers in Brazzaville, Congo, following the 1994 devaluation of the CFA franc.

The effects of the January 1994 devaluation of the African Financial Community (CFA) franc on the nutritional situation of the populations concerned has been little documented. We report in this article on two nutritional cross-sectional surveys that were conducted before and after this devaluation (1993 and 1996) in two districts of Brazzaville, Congo. The surveys involved a representative sample of 4206 households with a child aged 4-23 months. Complementary feeding practices and the anthropometric indices of the children and their mothers were compared, adjusting for changes in household socioeconomic characteristics. The results show a decline in the quality of the first complementary foods offered to the infants, i.e. less frequent use of special transitional foods and imported complementary flours (of higher nutritional quality), and preparation of less nutritious local gruels. Overall, the nutritional situation had deteriorated, with greater levels of stunting and wasting among children, mothers with lower body mass index, and infants with reduced birth weights. Increased food prices would appear to be the direct cause of the decreased quality in complementary feeding, but factors other than the devaluation have also had an impact on household welfare. The influence of these factors on nutritional-status is discussed.

Congo↗
PubMed2000

Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication--Democratic Republic of Congo, 1996-1999.

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis by December 31, 2000 (1). Although progress has been extraordinary (2), full implementation of polio eradication strategies has been delayed in several countries affected by war. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced continual armed conflict since October 1996. As a result, DRC is the last country in the African Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement National Immunization Days (NIDs*). DRC is an important global reservoir for wild poliovirus and shares more than 5580 miles (9000 km) of border with nine countries; in at least seven of these countries polio is endemic. The large area of DRC, substantial amount of poverty, weak health-care infrastructure, poor transportation and communication, and competing demands for resources present considerable challenges to polio eradication. This report summarizes information on the existing health-care infrastructure and routine coverage, information from NIDs carried out in 1999, and results from the recently established surveillance system for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP).

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2000

Beta-globin gene haplotypes and alpha-thalassemia analysis in Babinga pygmies from Congo-Brazzaville.

We analyzed beta-globin gene cluster haplotypes and deletional alpha+-thalassemia (-alpha3.7kb) in 54 Babinga pygmy subjects from Congo-Brazzaville. The beta(S)-globin gene frequency was 0.065 and that of the deletional alpha-globin gene (-alpha3.7kb) was 0.29. Eighty-five percent of the beta(S) chromosomes and 13% of the beta(A) chromosomes were associated with the Bantu haplotype, 10% of beta(A) chromosomes with the Senegal haplotype, and the remaining beta chromosomes with atypical haplotypes. None of the chromosomes were of the Benin haplotype. These results are clearly of anthropological and evolutionary interest. They also support earlier observations that alpha+-thalassemia is prevalent at a high frequency in African populations.

Cluster Analysis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The laboratory diagnosis of an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever at Oblivskaya village, Rostov Province: proof of the etiological role of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus].

The results of the molecular biological detection of the etiologic agent of hemorrhagic fever in Rostov Province are presented. The role of the causative agents of Astrakhan rickettsial fever, hemorrhagic fever with the renal syndrome, Q fever, leptospirosis and listeriosis has been excluded by means of such immunochemical reactions as the direct and indirect immunofluorescent tests, the solid-phase immunoenzyme assay, the complement fixation test and the agglutination test. The relationship between the cases of hemorrhagic fever in the focus of the outbreak and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus has been demonstrated due to the use of the polymerase chain reaction with preliminary reverse transcription.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1999

[Coexistence of mass hysteria, konzo and HTLV-1 virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo].

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Pindi located 115 kilometers from Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo to characterize a local school epidemic involving paralysis of the lower extremities, identify risk factors, and establish differential diagnosis with konzo and spastic paralysis related to human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Data was obtained using a qualitative approach based on records, interviews, focus group technique, and neurological examination. Blood tests using the ELISA and western blot tests were performed to detect HTLV-1 and HIV 1 and 2. A total of 41 cases of paralysis were observed between 1994 and 1998. All patients were female and most (n = 28) were between the ages of 16 and 20 at the time of the study. The majority of cases were recorded in 1998 (31 prevalent cases and 16 incidents). Epidemiological data, clinical findings, and laboratory tests suggested that the etiology was mass hysteria with somatic conversion rather than toxic or viral causes in most cases. The psychosocial environment played an important role in the spread of the epidemic. These findings demonstrate the crucial role of the psychosocial environment in the occurrence of mass hysteria and support use of integrated health programs in developing countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Poverty among widows of Kinshasa, Congo.

The linkages between poverty and death in the family in a sector of the city of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (previously Zaire) were studied. The poor people have been identified using 3 convergent norms, described in the Methods of Materials section, based on total expenditure, calorie consumption in food, and proportion of expenditure for food. Family histories were recorded to understand the difficult situation of widow-headed households identified within the sample area. The relationship between death in the family and poverty was bi-directional: on the one hand, death of the breadwinner can accelerate the level of poverty; and on the other, poverty conditions can result in further deaths in the family.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Parasitologic survey of schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni in Katana, Democratic Republic of Congo].

It is now widely recognized that development of irrigation projects in endemic areas for schistosomiasis invariably leads to a recrudescence of the disease by increasing the habitat of the intermediate snail host of Schistosoma mansoni. This fatality was again demonstrated by experience in the Katana region of the Democratic Republic of Congo where development of 43 fresh water reservoirs for raising Tilapia nilotica led to multiplication of Biomphalaria pfeifferi. A parasitological study was conducted in three new villages around these basins and in neighboring villages. Stool examinations were performed in a total of 787 people. Infestation rates were 8.1 p. 100 and 4 p. 100 respectively. Infestation exceeded 25 p. 100 in children between the ages of 10 and 14 years. These findings underline the need for preventive measures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Sequencing and comparative analysis of the complete glycoprotein gene of three Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus Chinese isolates].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the complete sequences of glycoprotein (M) gene of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) Chinese isolates (Xinjiang hemorrhagic fever virus, XHFV) BA66019, BA8402 BA88166 and to compare and analyze the relationships among the viruses. METHODS: Based on the conserved reverse complementarity of the CCHFV genomic termini, a primer PCM-Tag was designed and used together with random hexmers to initiate reverse transcription of viral RNA to synthesize cDNA. The latter was amplified with single primer PCM-Tag using the proof-reading DNA polymerase to produce the complete M gene. The PCR products were gel-purified and the whole M segment was sequenced and the comparison and analysis were performed aided by computer for the phylogenesis and coding strategy. RESULTS: Comparison of the whole M gene sequences of XHFV reference strain BA66019 with international prototype CCHFV IbAr10200 showed an excess of 5 base pairs in length, resulting in 5,365 bp; while BA8402 and BA8816 are 5,365 bp long, 4 more base pairs than IbAr10200. The first start codons of long ORFs were located at the 78th base pair in M gene of BA66019, BA8402 and BA88166, which were 15 base pairs prior to that of IbAr10200. The precursors encoded by these M genes were totaled 1,689 amino acids (AA), 6 AAs more than that of IbAr10200. The similaries between CCHFV M genes in nucleotide level were: 80.9% (IbAr10200-BA66019), 80.2% (IbAr10200-BA8402), 80.2% (IbAr10200-BA88166), 83.7% (BA8402-BA66019), 83.6% (BA88166-BA66019), and 99.0% (BA8402-BA88166), respectively. The corresponding similarities in amino acid level were 85.1%, 86.3%, 86.6%, 87.8%, 88.0%, and 98.8%, respectively. The similarities of M genes of CCHFVs and Dugbe virus in both nucleotide and amino acid levels were around 55% and 37%, which were much lower than those among CCHFVs. CONCLUSION: The M genes of XHFVs and IbAr10200 formed respective independent phylogenetic branches genetically and the human-origin isolate BA88166 might be a variant of tick-borne BA8402, suggesting that there was only one kind virus prevailing in Xinjiang epidemic areas in 1980s.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Virus-specific proteins of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever].

A variant of Asian strain Hodzha of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (Hodzha-A), adapted to Vero-E6 culture and yielding high harvest in it, was used for analysis of the synthesis of virus-specific proteins and protein composition of virions. Major virus-specific proteins with mol. weights 110, 83, 78, 55, 57, and 45 kD and minor low-molecular-weight proteins of 42, 36, 23, and 21 kD were detected by immunoprecipitation with hyperimmune ascitic fluid and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in infected cell lysates. N-type glycosylation of gp83 and gp78 was shown using tunicamicin. Viral proteins with mol. weights of 83, 78, 55, 57, and 45 kD were detected in infected cell culture fluid and in purified virion preparations after ultracentrifugation in sucrose density gradient. Two proteins with mol. weights 55-57 and about 180 kD were detected in purified nucleocapside preparations.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Prevalence of HIV and HBs antigen in blood donors. Residual risk of contamination in blood recipients in East Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo].

Between January and August 1999, a total of 7277 blood donors at various health centers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo were screened for human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV1) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) using the ELISA technique. Findings showed an incidence of 6.4% for HIV1 antibodies, 9.2% for HbsAg, and 1% for HIV1 and HbsAg. Young females (under 39 years of age) from lower socio-economic classes were the most likely to be infected by HIV1. The risk of HIV transmission by transfusion of contaminated blood was 3%, which is close to the incidence of HIV in the general population. The findings of this study document the need to speed up implementation of blood donor screening in the city of Kinshasa and the rest of the country.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2001

Congo red agar plate method: improved accuracy and new extended application to Staphylococcus aureus.

In the last decade an increasing number of research studies have focused on the role of slime formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis and, more recently, also in S. aureus. In this context, much attention is being paid to evaluating the prevalence of slime production among bacteria strains isolated from clinical infections in an attempt to assess the role and the diagnostic value of this well recognised virulence marker. Such types of investigations require reliable techniques to identify slime producing strains. For years, even though based on a subjective chromatic evaluation, the Congo red agar plate (CRA) represented a reference phenotypic test for S. epidermidis. Only with the new introduction of PCR-based techniques, able to specifically identify the genes necessary for slime production, did the accurate genetic classification of slime producing bacteria become possible. In the present investigation, a comparison with new PCR methods confirmed the validity of the classic CRA test, implemented with minor refinements. Thanks to a few modifications it was also possible to adapt and extend the CRA test, making it also suitable to screen S. aureus strains.

Agar↗
PubMed2002

Genetic characterization of the M RNA segment of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus strains, China.

We report the genetic characterization of the M RNA segment of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Two CCHFV strains isolated in Xinjiang Province, a region endemic for CCHF in northwestern China, were studied. These strains, designated BA66019 and BA8402, were isolated in 1965 and 1984 from a CCHF patient and Hyalomma ticks, respectively. Viral RNA was extracted from suckling mouse brains infected with these two strains, amplified, and sequenced. The full-length M RNA, consisting of 5.3 kb, was determined for both strains. The coding nucleotide sequences of the two strains differed from each other by 17.5% and from the reference CCHFV strain IbAr10200 by a mean of 22%, suggesting that the genus Nairovirus comprises a group of genetically highly diverse strains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hemolytic disease of African newborn. Results of a survey conducted at Brazzaville (Congo)].

The authors report one study on the haemolytic disease of african newborn made in Brazzaville (Congo). As in the most of the african countries this disease is not very frequent and it is not very severe. Two cases have been found in two twins, born after the nineth pregnancy. These twins were premature and that can explain the severity of the disease. One of these twins because of his weight which was not impotent died. The immunization in the african wife seems to occur very late, after the fifth pregnancy at least.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Isolation and identification of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in the Stavropol territory].

The results of the isolation and identification of the causative agent of a haemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Stavropol Territory are presented. The virus isolated from blood of haemorrhagic fever patients by virological methods was identified in serological and molecular tests as Crimean haemorrhagic fever virus. This epidemiological analysis testify to increased activity of the natural focus of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in this area due to a number of natural and other factors leading to intensification of its epidemic realization.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Corneal complications of traditional local ocular treatment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo].

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the relationship between the use of local traditional eye medicine and the occurrence of corneal ulcers. The study population included 53 patients who consulted from January 1998 to October 1999 at two hospitals in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, after visiting a traditional healer. Clinical examination of the eye was performed in all cases and bacteriological tests in most. Local traditional eye medicine is used in both urban and rural areas. Factors associated with the use of local traditional eye medicine include level of education and social class. A cause-and-effect relationship was found between the use of local traditional eye medicines and development or worsening of corneal ulcers. Peripheral corneal ulcers were the most common. Corneal perforation was more frequent in association with peripheral ulcers. Use of traditional eye medicine often leads to corneal ulcers with perforation and destruction of the eye in most cases. For this reason these practice must be curtailed. However further study is needed to identify the active agents in plants used by traditional healers as well as to determine their efficacy and toxicity for the eye.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Multifactorial mortality in bongos and other wild ungulates in the north of the Congo Republic.

Wildlife mortality involving bongos, Tragelaphus eurycerus, and other ungulates was investigated in the north of the Congo Republic in 1997. Four bongos, one forest buffalo, Syncerus caffer nanus, and one domestic sheep were examined and sampled. Although an outbreak of rinderpest had been suspected, it was found that the animals, which had been weakened by an Elaeophora sagitta infection and possibly also by adverse climatic conditions, had been exsanguinated and driven to exhaustion by an unusual plague of Stomoxys omega.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Characteristics of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus circulating in Russia and Central Asia].

Five antigen-positive samples isolated from patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and from Hyalomma marginatum ticks collected in the European part of Russia and three laboratory strains of CCHF isolated in Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tadjikistan were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing. Comparison of nucleotide sequences of fragments of CCHF virus genome S segment and phylogenetic analysis of Russian strains showed that all CCHF strains isolated from humans and H. marginatum circulating in Russia were closely related and differed essentially from CCHF variants from other regions. Strains isolated in Uzbekistan and Tadjikistan were most closely related to CCHF strains from China.

Animals↗