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PubMed2002

Carriage of Vibrio species by shrimps harvested from the coastal waters of South West Cameroon.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Vibrio spp in unprocessed shrimps and their susceptibility to antibiotics. DESIGN: A prospective study of Vibrio spp associated with shrimps harvested from the coastal waters of South West Cameroon. SETTING: A laboratory based study at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Buea. Two hundred and thirty six shrimps harvested from the coastal towns of Limbe and Tiko, Cameroon, were examined for the prevalence of Vibrio spp using standard microbiologic procedures. The antibiotic sensitivity of isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. RESULTS: Of the 236 shrimps examined, 73 (30.9%) were contaminated with Vibrio spp. Further, a total of 125 Vibrio strains were isolated from the contaminated shrimps. Of this number, 33 (26.4%) were V. cholerae, 55 (44%) V. parahaemolyticus, 34 (27.2%) V. alginolyticus and three (2.4%) V. vulnificus. Antibiotic susceptibility generally ranged from 68.8% for polymyxin B to 99.2% for gentamycin. Multiple resistant strains were noted, especially with V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus CONCLUSION: Shrimps maintain a reservoir of potential Vibrio spp in the coastal area of South West Cameroon. This finding is of epidemiologic and clinical significance.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Induced abortion among women attending antenatal clinics in Yaounde, Cameroon.

OBJECTIVES: Unsafe abortion is a public health concern because of its impact on maternal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to document on induced abortion in Yaounde, Cameroon. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Six antenatal clinics in Yaounde, Cameroon. METHODS: Women attending antenatal clinics between October and December 1998 were included in the study and interviewed. Nulliparous were women with no previous delivery and multiparous were defined as women who had at least one previous delivery. RESULTS: Out of the 1532 women, five hundred seventy-two were nulliparous and 960 were multiparous. Of the nulliparous women 17% reported a previous abortion ever; this proportion exceeded 35% in those over 24 years. For multiparous women, the proportion who reported an abortion (between the last birth and present pregnancy) was 22%. In multivariate analysis on the group of nulliparous women, older age, having used modern contraception and having spent more than two years in the city were significantly associated with induced abortion. In the multiparous group, older age, having a full time job and antenatal clinic were significantly associated with induced abortion. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that induced abortion is a common practice in urban Cameroon. Because of restrictive laws, a substantial proportion of these abortions are likely to be unsafe, with the risk of associated complications. There is a need for expanded comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.

Abortion, Illegal↗
PubMed1999

[The focus of human trypanosomiasis in Campo (Cameroon). History and endemic situation in 1998].

For the first time in the last thirteen years, the human sleeping sickness focus at Campo, spanning the Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea border areas, has been prospected. The screening was carried out simultaneously on both sides of the border. This focus has been known since the beginning of the century but, contrary to what took place in other well-known foci in bordering countries south of Cameroon, either in the 1920s or the 1980s--there has never been an epidemic outbreak in that area. Such an epidemiological situation makes this focus particularly interesting. Though still active, trypanosomiasis is not very manifest. According to passive screening carried out in recent years, the estimated prevalence ranges between 0.2 and 0.5%. For this screening, 5,255 persons were examined on the Cameroonian side of the focus (90.6% of the census population). The serological screenings were carried out with the CATT 1.3, which is the CATT generally used in screening, and with the latex CATT which associates LiTat 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6. The search for trypanosomes was made by testing the lymph nod juice in presence of adenopathy and in the blood by Quantitative Buffy Coat (QBC), the mini anion exchange centrifugation (mAEC), as well as the in vitro culture using the kit for in vitro isolation of trypanosomes (KIVI) for individuals suspected to be serologically positive. 16 patients were identified in Cameroon but none in Equatorial Guinea. The results show that the Campo focus is active only on the Cameroonian side, centred on the village of Ipono with a limited prevalence (0.3%). The persisting epidemic is most likely to be associated with the presence of pigs carrying the Trypanosoma brucei gambiense which was identified during the study in Ipono. The strain that we isolated was studied by isoenzyme electrophoresis on cellulose acetate. Its zymodeme is the same as that of the human strain isolated in Campo. With the collected epidemiological data, a concerted medical and entomological action could be planned within the limits of the village of Ipono to eradicate the disease. This action may be organised by the existing local health structures. During this study, the latex CATT proved to be more cost-effective than the CATT 1.3 since a similar result was reached requiring eight times less work at a lower cost. This remains to be confirmed in a hyperendemic focus.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Factors that influence job satisfaction of nurses in urban and rural community health centers in Cameroon: implications for policy.

There has been a growing recognition of work-related stress among nurses in Cameroon that has contributed to job dissatisfaction and high turnover. This study, which was conducted with 158 nurses in three major hospitals and three rural health centers in the Northwest Province of Cameroon, examined whether there were significant differences in job satisfaction between nurses in urban hospitals and rural community health settings in the six major components of the job: work, pay, promotions, supervision, co-worker relationships, and the job in general. A convenience sample of 158 staff nurses grouped into three categories (nurses' aides, registered nurses, and state registered nurses), volunteered to participate in this study. These nurses differ by level of educational preparation of 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The Job Descriptive Index questionnaires and the Job In General scales were used to measure job satisfaction. These data were analyzed with inferential statistics. Focus group interviews with 10 nurses were also done, and content analysis was used to analyze the data. The major findings indicated significant differences between job satisfaction and type of healthcare work setting, level of professional education, gender, years of service, and age group. These results are useful for nurse educators, administrators, and researchers in the formulation and implementation of effective health policies for nurses and health care organizations. This study also provided the groundwork for a future cross-cultural study of nurses in the United States and Cameroon.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Antibiogram of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Buea, Cameroon.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antibiotic susceptibility of K. pneumoniae isolates from Buea, Cameroon. DESIGN: A prospective study of K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical samples of nosocomial origin. SETTING: A laboratory based investigative study at the Biotechnology Centres of the Universities of Buea and Yaounde 1, Cameroon, and three Buea based hospitals. K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from sputum, wound swabs and urine and screened for their antibiogram using standard procedures. RESULTS: Results on the antibiogram showed seven distinct antibiotypes distinguished by different susceptibilities to aminoglycosides (Spectinomycin and Gentamicin), Chloramphenicol and Augmentin. All the isolates shared multi-resistance to Amoxicillin and Trimethoprim. However, the isolates showed marked susceptibilities to Norfloxacin (90.01%), Cefuroxime (95.45%) and Ciprofloxacin (86.36%). CONCLUSION: The study has revealed that K. pneumoniae isolates in the environment of Buea, Cameroon are multi-drug resistant. This finding is of clinical and epidemiological significance.

Cameroon↗
PubMed2003

A new focus of Schistosoma mansoni in Yoro village, Mbam and Inoubou Division, Cameroon.

Investigations on intestinal schistosomiasis were carried out in Yoro, a small village located in the transitional zone between forest and savannah, in the Mbam and Inoubou Division of Cameroon. Four human-water contact points were identified in the village and sampled for snails, and the inhabitants underwent parasitologic and clinical surveys to search for signs and symptoms of intestinal schistosomiasis. The results indicated the presence of two freshwater snails, both potential intermediate hosts of Schistosoma sp: Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus forskalii. However, only the former species was incriminated in the transmission of the disease, with the prevalence of snail infection being 10% (1 of 10) and 14.3% (2 of 14), respectively, during surveys 1 (in the dry season) and 2 (in the rainy season). The overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni eggs in stool samples was 54.4% (98 of 180). The mean +/- SD intensity of infection was 100.3 +/- 114.7 eggs per gram of stool. Eggs of S. intercalatum were not detected during parasitologic examination of stool specimens. In Cameroon, it appears that unlike the distribution of S. mansoni, which usually follows that of B. pfeifferi, B. forskalii is commonly found where S. intercalatum does not exist due to competitive exclusion through introgressive hybridization. Of the 180 people included in the study, 52.3% reported abdominal pain and 37.5% had bloody stools. Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were noted in 11.7% and 3.9%, respectively, of the subjects examined. Three foci of S. mansoni were previously described in the Mbam and Inoubou Division, including Bafia town, Makenene, and Kinding Djabi villages. With the present focus in Yoro, the Mbam and Inoubou Division appears to be the most important endemic zone of S. mansoni in southern Cameroon.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Are smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients a 'sentinel' population for the HIV epidemic in Cameroon?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence rate in adults with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) can serve as a sentinel group for the estimation of HIV prevalence in the general adult population in Cameroon. DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic review of reported HIV seroprevalence rates in the general adult population and in adults aged 15 years and over with PTB in Cameroon, using indexed and non indexed articles, publications, and reports from 1989 to 2000. Reconstruction of the evolution of the HIV seroprevalence in the two populations was done, and the relationship between these was established by the regression equation and the calculation of the correlation coefficient r. RESULTS: During the period 1989-2000, the evolution of HIV seroprevalence in the general adult population and in adults with PTB showed a steady increase, with a strong linear relationship (r = 0.96, df 7, P < 0.01). Each percentage increase of HIV seroprevalence among PTB patients corresponded to an increase of seroprevalence of about 0.3% in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: HIV seroprevalence in PTB patients in Cameroon could serve as a 'sentinel' for HIV seroprevalence in the general population.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Iodine levels in food and soil in different regions in Cameroon].

Iodine deficiency diseases (IDD) are a public health problem in many developing countries, such as Cameroon. They are often the consequence of insufficient iodine intake and/or the effect of thiocyanate in foods such as cassava; this chemical inhibits iodine fixation by the thyroid gland. One method of combatting these diseases is to counsel and encourage the consumptions of iodine-rich foods. We accordingly undertook an evaluation of the iodine content of staple foods, the soil, and the salt in some zones of western Cameroon and in the capital. Food (63), salt (04) and soil (05) samples were collected in four villages of western Cameroon, and food (20), water (18) and salt samples (14) were collected in Yaoundé (central province). Iodine content in foods and soils was assessed by the catalytic destructive testing of thiocyanate by nitrate in the presence of iodine. Iodine content in water was determined colorimetrically after mineralization and in salt by volumetric methods. Results show that iodine levels in salt depend on its origin, but was much lower than the 50-100 ppm recommended by the WHO. Soil and water levels depended on the stream and the origin. Several of the more than 20 foods sampled from Yaoundé had iodine concentrations higher than 10 microg/100 g: plantain (22.5 microg/100 g), wheat flour (21 microg/100 g), corn flour (17.75 microg/100 g), groundnuts (12.5 microg/100 g), sweet potatoes (12.25 microg/100 g), zoom (11.34 microg/100 g) and rice (10.45 microg /100 g). In western villages, we noted that iodine levels in food crops depended on the soil levels. Nevertheless, it was high in cocoyam (79.5 microg/100 g), yarns (68 microg/100 g), potatoes (62 microg/100 g), plantains (58.15 microg/100 g), and red beans (53.93 microg/100 g). In general, these crops contain more iodine than the food in Yaoundé; these results can be used to combat IDD, especially among young children, teenagers and pregnant women.

Cameroon↗
PubMed2006

Molecular epidemiology of malaria in Cameroon. XXI. Baseline therapeutic efficacy of chloroquine, amodiaquine, and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine monotherapies in children before national drug policy change.

The availability of epidemiologic data on drug-resistant malaria based on a standardized clinical and parasitological protocol is a prerequisite for a rational therapeutic strategy to control malaria. As part of the surveillance program on the therapeutic efficacy of the first-line (chloroquine and amodiaquine) and second-line (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) drugs for the management of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections, non-randomized studies were conducted in symptomatic children aged less than 10 years according to the World Health Organization protocol (14-day follow-up period) at 12 sentinel sites in Cameroon between 1999 and 2004. Of 1,407 children enrolled in the studies, 460, 444, and 503 were treated with chloroquine, amodiaquine, or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, respectively. Chloroquine treatment resulted in high failure rates (proportion of early and late failures, 48.6%). Amodiaquine was effective at all study sites (proportion of failures, 7.3%). Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine therapy was less effective than amodiaquine (P < 0.05), with failures observed in 9.9% of patients. Chloroquine is no longer a viable option and has been withdrawn from the official drug outlets in Cameroon. Amodiaquine and, to a lesser extent, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine monotherapies are still effective in Cameroon, but further development of resistance to these drugs should be delayed by the novel strategy using artemisinin-based combination therapy. Our findings indicate that amodiaquine is the most rational partner for artesunate. Studies on the efficacy of artesunate-amodiaquine combination are currently being undertaken at several sites in the country.

Amodiaquine↗
PubMed1988

[Serological study of the virus responsible for hemorrhagic fever in an urban population of Cameroon].

A sero-epidemiological study of Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses in a urban population of Cameroon. The authors report the results of a sero-epidemiological survey undertaken in a urban population of Cameroon and concerning Congo, Rift (RVF), Lassa, Ebola, Marburg and Yellow Fever Viruses. On 375 human sera tested, 1.06% show antibodies against RVF virus and 1.87% are positive for anti-Ebola antibodies thus yielding evidence that these two viruses are present in this area of Cameroon. 33.75% have antibodies against Yellow Fever Virus as determined with an Hemagglutination-inhibition test. This quite high percentage, in spite of the weak specificity of the method for this virus, could raise the problem of the opportunity of a vaccination campaign. No antibody to Marburg, Lassa or Congo viruses is detected.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Sensitivity in vivo and in vitro of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine and amodiaquine in Bangangte (west Cameroon)].

A cross-sectional malaria survey was conducted during the rainy season in Bangangté (West-Cameroon), a town of 90,000 inhabitants located in the high tablelands zone of Cameroon. An in vivo study revealed that 50% of P. falciparum malaria patients were resistant to chloroquine (25 mg/kg over 3 days) and 26.3% to amodiaquine (35 mg/kg over 3 days) at a RII/RIII level. In addition, plasmodial indices indicated that malaria was mesoendemic in this area of Cameroon.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Country-wide rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO) in Cameroon.

The prevalence of infection in local communities has been used as the basis for the country-wide repartition of onchocerciasis in Cameroon, following the principles for rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO) developed by the World Health Organization. The levels of endemicity were evaluated in 349 villages by rapid epidemiological assessment (REA), a method based on the examination of nodules in males aged > or = 20 years. An onchocerciasis map was then drawn from the epidemiological data which had been collected previously, from clinico-parasitological surveys based on the examination of skin snips, and the results of the REA surveys. The REMO surveys allowed the main onchocerciasis foci in Cameroon to be accurately delineated, and several small endemic areas which had never been reported before to be identified. The total 'at risk' population (i.e. those for which ivermectin treatment should be considered as urgent or highly desirable) was estimated by combining the epidemiological results and the demographical data available from an administrative census. Those at risk were estimated to number 3.5 million, representing about 50% of the total rural population in Cameroon.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Basic haematological values in the Cameroon goat (Capra hircus).

1. Basic haematological values in 165 Cameroon goats (Capra hircus) are reported. 2. The erythrocyte count, mean 14.36 x 10(12) l-1, ranged from 8.24 to 24.7 x 10(12) l-1; the haematocrit values, mean 0.304, varied from 0.20 to 0.38; the haemoglobin content, mean 113.4 g/l, was in the range from 83.0 to 143.0 g/l and the leukocyte count, mean 13.67 x 10(9) l-1, had lowest and highest values between 5.4 and 24.5 x 10(9) l-1. 3. Comparing these blood constituents in 47 male and 118 female Cameroon goats we demonstrated statistically significant lower values of the haematocrit and haemoglobin content and a statistically significant higher proportion of lymphocytes in the female animals. 4. In 16 pregnant and 30 non-pregnant female Cameroon goats, all animals older than 3 years, no statistically significant differences of the red blood picture were noted. 5. Also in three groups, assorted according to age, no significant changes in basic haematological parameters were seen. 6. During one year follow-up of some haematological parameters, statistically significant seasonal changes were found. 7. All presented data are compared with values abstracted from the literature and discussed.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

mtDNA sequences of Chadic-speaking populations from northern Cameroon suggest their affinities with eastern Africa.

BACKGROUND: No mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from Chadic-speaking peoples have yet been reported, even though these populations inhabit a vast territory from eastern Nigeria to central Chad. This paper deals with the mtDNA sequences of four Central Chadic populations (Hide, Kotoko, Mafa and Masa) from northern Cameroon, biological samples from which were collected during anthropological research in the area of their homeland. OBJECTIVE: The main goals of this article are to report new mtDNA sequences of Chadic-speaking populations, to analyse their genetic diversity and to establish their relationships within the peri-Saharan area in respect of geography and languages. SUBJECT AND METHODS: The analyses are based on 104 mtDNA haplotypes, which can be localized into four different areas of northern Cameroon. Data collection was based on a strict geographical sampling strategy; the ethnonyms are retained here only for comparative purposes. RESULTS: None of the examined Chadic populations displays a departure from the normal mismatch distribution pattern, and the null hypothesis of the expansion event cannot be rejected. Analyses of molecular variance and F(ST) genetic distances revealed that the Chadic-speaking groups of northern Cameroon share more similarities with the populations of the Upper and Middle Nile Valley and East Africa than with populations from Central Africa. The results show geographical clustering to be more important than the correlation of linguistic affiliations with molecular genetic data. CONCLUSION: The observation that the Chadic group reveals some affinities to East Africans is extremely surprising giving the present-day geographical distance (around 2000 km) between them. These observations complement recent linguistic and archaeological findings, which consider the Chadic branch in the Afro-Asiatic phylum to be of eastern origin. A continuous, well-defined, geographic sampling strategy of the different genetic polymorphisms of the native populations of sub-Saharan Africa is further needed as the only way of understanding the differentiation of the mtDNA sequences at a micro-regional scale.

Africa↗
PubMed2000

env sequences of simian immunodeficiency viruses from chimpanzees in Cameroon are strongly related to those of human immunodeficiency virus group N from the same geographic area.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) group N from Cameroon is phylogenetically close, in env, to the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) cpz-gab from Gabon and SIVcpz-US of unknown geographic origin. We screened 29 wild-born Cameroonian chimpanzees and found that three (Cam3, Cam4, and Cam5) were positive for HIV-1 by Western blotting. Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis demonstrated that Cam3 and Cam5 belonged to Pan troglodytes troglodytes and that Cam4 belonged to P. t. vellerosus. Genetic analyses of the viruses together with serological data demonstrated that at least one of the two P. t. troglodytes chimpanzees (Cam5) was infected in the wild, and revealed a horizontal transmission between Cam3 and Cam4. These data confirm that P. t. troglodytes is a natural host for HIV-1-related viruses. Furthermore, they show that SIVcpz can be transmitted in captivity, from one chimpanzee subspecies to another. All three SIVcpz-cam viruses clustered with HIV-1 N in env. The full Cam3 SIVcpz genome sequence showed a very close phylogenetic relationship with SIVcpz-US, a virus identified in a P. t. troglodytes chimpanzee captured nearly 40 years earlier. Like SIVcpz-US, SIVcpz-cam3 was closely related to HIV-1 N in env, but not in pol, supporting the hypothesis that HIV-1 N results from a recombination event. SIVcpz from chimpanzees born in the wild in Cameroon are thus strongly related in env to HIV-1 N from Cameroon, demonstrating the geographic coincidence of these human and simian viruses and providing a further strong argument in favor of the origin of HIV-1 being in chimpanzees.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence of wheeze and self-reported asthma and asthma care in an urban and rural area of Tanzania and Cameroon.

We investigated the prevalence of wheeze, self-reported asthma, and asthma care via four cross-sectional surveys among adults and children (5-15 years) in urban and rural populations from Tanzania and Cameroon. Age-standardized prevalence of current wheeze (in the previous year) was 2.2% to 5.0% in adults and 1.9% to 5.2% in children in Tanzania, and 1.3% to 2.5% (adults) and 0.8% to 5.4% (children) in Cameroon. There were no consistent patterns of urban:rural prevalence. Peak flow rates varied with age, peaking at 25-34 years, and were higher in urban areas (age adjusted difference 22-70 L/min) and in the Tanzania populations. Awareness (83%-86% versus 52%-58%) and treatment (43%-71% versus 30%-44%) of asthma was higher among those with current wheeze in rural areas. Use of inhaled drugs, particularly steroids, was rare. Diagnosis by traditional healers (15%) and use of traditional remedies (62% of those recalling any treatment) were common only among self-reported asthmatic patients in rural Cameroon. Asthma is an importantclinical condition in sub-Saharan Africa. There were major gaps in clinical care, particularly in urban areas. Sustainable methods for delivering accessible and effective asthma care in sub-Saharan Africa are required.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Buruli ulcer disease in Cameroon rediscovered.

To assess the magnitude of the Buruli ulcer (BU) problem in Cameroon, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in the Nyong River basin and identified on clinical grounds a total of 436 cases of active or inactive BU (202 and 234, respectively). Swab specimens were taken from 162 active cases with ulcerative lesions and in 135 of these (83.3%) the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the IS2404 polymerase chain reaction. Most lesions (93%) were located on the extremities, with lower limbs being twice as commonly involved as upper limbs. The age of patients with active BU ranged from 2 to 90 years with a median age of 14.5 years. Vaccination with bacilli Calmette-Guérin appeared to protect children against more severe forms of BU with multiple lesions. We conclude that in Cameroon BU is endemic, at least in the study area, and that a comprehensive control program for BU in Cameroon is urgently needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Hepatitis B virus infection in Cameroon: a seroepidemiological survey in city school children.

A pilot survey conducted in Cameroon comprising 702 children of primary school age revealed that 58.5% of the children were positive for at least one HBV marker. An overall HBsAg prevalence of 19.9% was observed. Both any HBV marker and HBsAg prevalences increased with age (P less than 0.01). Of the HBsAg-positive subjects, 28.4% were positive for HBV-DNA; none was positive for anti-HDV. There was no significant difference among sexes for either any HBV marker or for HBsAg prevalence. However, a significant difference by sex was found in the percentage ratio HBsAg+/and any marker + (41.0% in males against 28.2% in females; P less than 0.05). No significant difference with respect to the father's occupation and family size was observed. When the zone of location of school was taken into consideration it was observed that suburban school children had a higher prevalence of any HBV marker as compared to central town school children (73.9% vs. 56.6%; P less than 0.001). These results place Cameroon among countries of high endemicity for HBV. The results also indicate an early acquisition of infection, a high infectivity, and probably continuous infection even in the primary school ages.

Cameroon↗