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Use of two methods of analysis to estimate the annual rate of tuberculosis infection in Southern Algeria.

SETTING: Analysis of tuberculin skin test surveys. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the annual tuberculous infection rate in Tamanrasset (southern Algeria) by applying on the one hand the classical method of the Tuberculosis Surveillance Research Unit (TSRU) of the International Union Against Tuberculosis, and on the other the study of variations of allergy published by Raj Narain et al. METHODS: 3675 pupils aged 5-18 years were tested in October 1982 or November 1983; 1240 of them were tested on both occasions. The technique of the World Health Organization, with 2 TU PPD RT23 tuberculin was used by trained testers. The TSRU method was applied to the 863 children aged 5-15 years without bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) scar, according to three estimates of the prevalence of infection (cut-off points of the distribution of reactions of 10 mm, of 14 mm corrected by dividing by 0.82, and mirror technique with a mode of 17 mm), and to three hypotheses of the decrease in infection risk (1%, 3% and 5%). The study of variations of allergy was used in the 1240 pupils tested twice (BCG-vaccinated or not). RESULTS: The average annual risk of tuberculous infection estimated by the TSRU method was lower than 1% (0.5%-0.6% according to the most stringent criteria). By the method of variations of allergy, the estimated annual infection rate was 0.9%. For the latter, our results are consistent with those obtained by other researchers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the study of variations of allergy might be a good alternative approach to estimate the annual infection rate in countries where children are BCG-vaccinated at birth, which is the case for most developing countries.

Adolescent↗

Incidence of Campylobacter infection in infants in western Algeria and the possible protective role of breast feeding.

A case-control study aimed at comparing the incidence of campylobacter infection with that of other enteropathogens in infants was performed in Oran, Western Algeria. During a one-year period, infants consulting in a health centre were included if they had acute diarrhoea. The controls comprised infants going to the same centre for vaccination. Butzler medium Virion was used to look for thermophilic campylobacters. Campylobacters were isolated in 17.7% of the 411 patients and in 14.9% of the 247 controls. No statistically significant difference was found after stratification by age. In contrast, other enteropathogenic bacteria were rarely present. Among the potential factors of clinical expression of infection, breast feeding appeared to have a protective effect which was higher for campylobacter diarrhoea than that observed for other causes of diarrhoea. These data contrast with those previously published in Bangladesh and could be an incentive for promoting breast feeding in this country, where the tradition is decreasing far below the standard which is generally accepted.

Age Factors↗

Composition of the essential oils of Thymus and Origanum species from Algeria and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

The composition of the essential oils of Origanum and Thymus species restricted to Algeria and the North Africa region was determined. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the isolated essential oils were also determined. The oils of oregano plants were strongly characterized by p-cymene (16.8-24.9%), gamma-terpinene (16.8-24.9%), thymol (8.4-36.0%), and carvacrol (1.1-29.7%), a thymol chemotype for Origanum floribundum and a alpha-terpineol chemotype for Thymus numidicus being described for the first time. The strains of Listeria monocytogenes tested were relatively resistant to the action of essential oils of either Origanum or Thymus species. All essential oils possessed antioxidant activity, but this was dependent on the specific chemical composition and the method employed to determine such activity.

Algeria↗

Abdominal Burkitt-type lymphomas in Algeria.

In a previous retrospective analysis from the principal paediatric centres of Algeria, Burkitt-type lymphomas (BL) were shown to account for around 46.5% of the total childhood non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas in that country. In the present study, a series of 49 abdominal BL from the Paediatric Clinic of Surgery, Mustapha Hospital, Algiers, has been studied. The age distribution shows a peak between 4 and 5 years of age, and the sex ratio is (M:F) 2.26:1. The disease is characterized by a rapid evolution in the absence of therapy. The major problem is an explosive form of the disease, which at present seems difficult to control in this country. Fifteen of the 49 patients (30.6%) died before completion of the first course of chemotherapy; however, complete remission (CR) was obtained for 30 patients (61%). Overall survival was 42.85% (21/49), whereas survival of patients who reached CR is 70% (21/30). When CR was obtained, deaths were related to cerebrospinal fluid involvement, local recurrence, secondary bone marrow involvement or therapeutic accidents. All patients alive with no evidence of disease (NED) 8-months after CR can be considered definitively cured. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology performed on 31 BL patients and on a control group of 25 children with other malignant tumours showed that most Algerian BL have elevated EBV titres. A search for viral markers within malignant cells in 17 patients indicated that 88% (15/17) of the BL cases were EBV-associated. Analysis of the immunological and cytogenetic data showed that, as in the rest of the world, these BL cases involve proliferation of B-cell-type lymphocytes, with characteristic cytogenetic translocations involving chromosome 8. This report represents the most detailed description so far of BL from an area in non-equatorial Africa and the first report of a large series from North Africa.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

[Studies on ticks (Acarina, Ixodidae), parasites of cattle in West Algeria. I. Systematic survey and seasonal activity].

Tick samples (Acarina, Ixodidae) were collected for two years on bovidae from the whole Oran area which were brought weekly at the Oran open market (Algeria). The 5,500 ticks thus obtained could be divided into six genera and twelve species. From the phenological analysis the following were defined: three spring species (Rhipicephalus bursa, Rh. turanicus and Rh. sanguineus), three summer species (Hyalomma detritum, H. impeltatum and Boophilus annulatus), three winter species (Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis punctata and Dermacentor marginatus) and three species called perennial (H. marginatum, H. excavatum and H. lusitanicum). In fact, the latter are present on cattle all year around, but in winter, the collected specimens (mostly male and a few females) remain fixed on their host without feeding. The parasitic intensity for each species and its relative distribution pattern were studied monthly on cattle from november 1981 to september 1983. The distribution on host of different species was analyzed. Short rostrum ticks were found to have a significant preference for specific habitats (depending on the thickness of the teguments) while long rostrum species are fixed on more varied sites. In the case of plurispecific infestations of the same area, phenomena of competition-exclusion were not observed. Most of the animals are simultaneously infected by two or four different species of ticks. Taking into account this first estimation, it was possible to define two types of associations both related to the rearing methods and geographical source of bovines.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Algeria↗

[Analysis and speciation of metals in sediments of an artificial water reserve in a mining zone the case of Guenitra Dam, Algeria].

The distribution of Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn and Fe was studied in the sediments of Guenitra reservoir located in a mining zone in the northeast of Algeria. An analytical procedure involving sequential chemical extractions was used for the partitioning of metals in the fractions: exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to iron and manganese hydroxides, bound to organic matter and bound to mineral structures. Experimental results obtained, show that the metals investigated are distributed in all the compartments of the sediments. Except for iron, the quantity of each metal associated with the available fractions exceeded 70% of the total quantity. Cd and Zn mostly occurred in the oxidisable fraction and the hydroxide bound fraction dominated in the case of Pb.

Algeria↗

High genetic diversity and clonal growth in relict populations of Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei (Oleaceae) from Hoggar, Algeria.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Laperrine's olive (Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei) is an endemic tree from Saharan massifs. Its populations have substantially regressed since the Pleistocene and are presently distributed in a fragmented habitat. Long-term persistence of this taxon is uncertain and programmes of preservation have to be urgently implemented. To define a conservation strategy, the genetic diversity and breeding system of this tree have to be investigated. METHODS: One hundred and eleven ramets were prospected in the laperrinei populations from the Tamanrasset region, southern Algeria. Genetic polymorphism was revealed at nuclear and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) microsatellite loci allowing a comparative assessment of the genetic diversity of laperrinei and Mediterranean populations based on bi-parental and maternal markers. Additionally, nuclear microsatellite markers enabled the genotypes to be identified unambiguously. KEY RESULTS: Based on nuclear microsatellite data, the total diversity was high (Ht=0.61) in laperrinei populations and similar to that observed in western Mediterranean populations. A substantial cpDNA diversity (Ht=0.19) was also observed. Genetically identical ramets originated from the same stump (which can cover >80 m2) were identified in each population. Sixteen per cent of genets exhibited more than one ramet. In addition, several cases of somatic mutations were unambiguously revealed in distinct ramets stemming from the same stump. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that highly isolated and small laperrinei populations are able to maintain a high genetic diversity. This supports the existence of relict trees persisting for a very long time (probably since the last humid transition, 3000 years ago). It is proposed that the very long persistence associated with an asexual multiplication of highly adapted trees could be a strategy of survival in extreme conditions avoiding a mutational meltdown due to reproduction in reduced populations.

Algeria↗

Halorubrum ezzemoulense sp. nov., a halophilic archaeon isolated from Ezzemoul sabkha, Algeria.

A novel extremely halophilic archaeon was isolated from Ezzemoul sabkha, Algeria. The strain, designated 5.1(T), was neutrophilic, motile and Gram-negative. At least 15 % (w/v) NaCl was required for growth. The isolate grew at pH 6.5-9.0, with optimum growth at pH 7.0-7.5. Mg(2+) was required for growth. Polar lipids were C(20)C(20) derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, and phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulfated diglycosyl diether. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 5.1(T) was 61.9 mol% (T(m)). Phylogenetic analysis based on comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 5.1(T) clustered with Halorubrum species. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 5.1(T) from other Halorubrum species. The name Halorubrum ezzemoulense sp. nov. (type strain 5.1(T)=CECT 7099(T)=DSM 17463(T)) is proposed.

Algeria↗

Salicola salis sp. nov., an extremely halophilic bacterium isolated from Ezzemoul sabkha in Algeria.

A novel, extremely halophilic bacterium was isolated from brine samples collected from Ezzemoul sabkha in north-east Algeria. Cells of this isolate, designated B2T, were Gram-negative, rod-shaped and motile. Growth occurred between 10 and 25% (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally at 15-20% (w/v) NaCl. The pH range for growth was 6.0-9.0 with an optimum at pH 7.0-7.5. The predominant fatty acids were C16:0 and C18:1omega9c. Other fatty acids present were C16:1omega9c, C18:0 10-methyl, C12:0 3-OH, C10:0 and C12:0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 56.0 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain B2T was closely related to Salicola marasensis in the Gammaproteobacteria. The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain B2T and the type strain of Salicola marasensis was 99%. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments between strain B2T and Salicola marasensis indicated a level of relatedness of 52%. The phenotypic characteristics of strain B2T allowed its differentiation from recognized species of the genus Salicola. Strain B2T was able to hydrolyse starch but not aesculin. It was unable to use carbohydrates and could not use citrate, pyruvate or succinate as sole carbon and energy sources. On the basis of the polyphasic data presented, strain B2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Salicola, for which the name Salicola salis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B2T (=CECT 7106T=LMG 23122T).

Algeria↗

The spectrum of beta-thalassaemia in Algeria: possible origins of the molecular heterogeneity and a tentative diagnostic strategy.

We report here on the final results of an epidemiological survey involving 177 beta-thalassaemic chromosomes in Algeria. Four common mutations account for 86% of the chromosomes, the other ones carrying nine other rare mutations. Combination of these results with those of other smaller regional epidemiological studies indicates the existence of still a wider range of mutations. The nature and frequencies of these mutations, their linkage with RFLP-haplotypes, agree well with the history of the region. Knowledge of this spectrum of mutations enables the design of a diagnosis strategy that takes into account the local economical constraints.

Adolescent↗

Sickle cell beta-thalassaemia compared with sickle cell anaemia in Algeria.

Clinical, haematological and biochemical features in 42 subjects with S-beta thalassaemia (31 subjects with S-beta thalassaemia and 11 subjects with S-beta+ thalassaemia); and in 42 with homozygous sickle cell disease were compared. Persistent splenomegaly was more common and painful crises less common in the S-beta thalassaemia group. Total Hb was higher and reticulocyte count lower in S-beta+ thalassaemia than in S-beta thalassaemia or SS disease. Microcytosis was marked in the S-beta thalassaemia group while the MCV was normal in sickle cell anaemia. Hb F was significantly higher in the S-beta thalassaemia group, without any influence on the severity of the disease. Many features suggest that sickle cell thalassaemia is more severe in Algeria than in Negro subjects and similar to the disease in Italian patients.

Adolescent↗

Novel genetic structure associated with an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase blaVEB gene in a Providencia stuartii clinical isolate from Algeria.

A ceftazidime-resistant Providencia stuartii isolate from Algeria harbored a ca. 160-kb conjugative plasmid that contained a truncated bla(VEB-1b) gene flanked by three 135-bp repeated elements. This work gives further evidence of the worldwide spread of bla(VEB) genes that are associated with genetic structures other than class 1 integrons.

Aged↗

Enzyme polymorphisms of Ideles populations (Ahaggar, Algeria) and the Iwellemeden Kel Kummer Twaregs (Menaka, Mali).

Surveys dealing with enzyme polymorphisms have recently been conducted in the Sahara. Results from two populations are reported here: 227 inhabitants of Ideles village (Ahaggar, Algeria); 285 nomads of a genetic isolate, the Kel Kummer Twareg tribe (Menaka, Mali). The four classical molecular variants of G6PD:A+, A-, B+, B-, are found in Ideles. The frequency of the G6PD A+ Negroid variant reaches 15% in Ideles and 7.7% among the Kel Kummer. However, gene frequencies will have to be recalculated after a study of the genetic transmission through families. The PGDC gene of 6PGD is especially frequent in the Kel Kummer where 10 'Canning' phenotypes have been observed. The PGM distribution of alleles at locus 1 in Ideles is the same as in the Mediterranean populations. The pa gene of acid phosphatase, relatively frequent in Ideles, has been excluded by drift from the Kel Kummer gene pool. AK and LDH enzymes have also been studied in both samples. The abnormal Ea1 mutation of serum pseudocholinesterase exists in Ideles and in the Kel Kummer as in other populations of the Sahara; the C5 esterase component was revealed by electrophoresis in 5% of the Kel Kummer people.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Indirect evaluation of a gene frequency: calculation of beta-thalassemia frequency in Algeria based on associated hemoglobin variants frequency.

The gene frequency (q) of beta-thalassemia (T) is more difficult to evaluate directly than the frequency of hemoglobin variants (V), Hb S and Hb C being the most frequent ones in Algeria. Among 150 subjects with a phenotype V, we identified 76 compound heterozygotes VT(0) (T(0) = beta(0)-thalassemia) and 74 homozygotes VV: qT(0) is therefore practically equal to qV. Calculation based on the investigation of 54 subjects detected during the same period (33 VT among which 23 VT(0) and 21 TT among which 9 T(0) T(0) yields qT = 1.43 qT(0) = 1.43 qV. According to Cabannes [1965], qV is equal to 0.0113, qT is 1.43 X 0.0113 = 0.0162. This indirect method, based on investigation of patients, gives a less precise evaluation of gene frequency than a direct method based on large population screening. This evaluation, however, is sufficient to estimate the incidence of beta-thalassemia and its impact from a public health point of view.

Algeria↗

Hemoglobin H disease from Algeria: genetic and molecular characterization.

A case of Hb H disease from Algeria was studied at the genetic and molecular level in order to delineate the pattern of alpha-thalassemia in the Mediterranean population. The family study indicated that both parents had the hematological and clinical manifestation of alpha-thalassemia trait and that the affected sibling had homozygous alpha-thalassemia with 5.6% Hb H, microcytosis and an alpha-/non-alpha-biosynthetic ratio of 0.64. Hybridization in globin cDNA alpha excess suggested that the molecular defect responsible for this form of alpha-thalassemia is a partial deletion of the haploid stock of alpha-globin genes. The Algerian case of Hb H disease studied thus differs from Asian and Negro cases by the mode of inheritance of the alpha-thalassemia mutation involved.

Adult↗

Hemoglobin Bart's in Northern Algeria.

The hemoglobin patterns of 293 cord bloods from Northern Algeria were examined by electrophoresis on cellulose-acetate strips. A fast-moving component, identified as Hb Bart's, was found in about 10% of the cases. The levels of Hb Bart's ranged from 0.1 to 10% of the total hemoglobin. There was a significant correlation between the Hb Bart's levels and the decrease in MCV. The relative rates of globin chain synthesis measured by 3H-leucine incorporation was estimated in 15 cord bloods. It was found imbalanced in the 5 cord bloods which contained more than 0.5% Hb Bart's. These findings suggest that elevated Hb Bart's levels in the Algerian population are due to the presence of alpha-thalassemia.

Algeria↗

Culture and mental illness in Algeria.

The main aim of this article is to review research and observations on the association between cultural factors and the rates and symptoms of mental illness in Algeria. In addition to traditional concepts and practices, modern psychiatric services and the classification of mental illness are discussed. Research on depression, schizophrenia, drug-abuse and alcoholism are reported. Two major sociocultural factors related to mental illness are emphasised: the Muslim religion and social changes during both the colonial and post-colonial eras. Many culture-specific family stresses are also related to mental illness.

Algeria↗