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PubMed2006

Molecular characterization of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s. in Madagascar.

Anopheles gambiae s.s. Giles (Diptera: Culicidae), the primary African malaria vector, has been characterized at the subspecies level in Madagascar, where only the molecular form S and haplotype gIA occur. The haplotype gIC proposed by other authors was not observed amongst the 35 mosquito genomes sequenced. These S/gIA characteristics are also found on the Comoros archipelago and in continental Africa.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Potential effects on fertility and child health and survival of birth-spacing preferences in sub-Saharan Africa.

Using Demographic and Health Survey data from 20 sub-Saharan African countries, this article compares the actual lengths of birth intervals to women's reported preferred lengths, and assesses the implications of the difference between the two for selected demographic and health indicators. The results show a clear pattern. In Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, women prefer much longer birth intervals than those they actually have, compared with women in the other 15 countries studied. As a consequence, the potential effects of spacing preferences on the level of fertility and on the prevalences of short (less than 24 months) birth intervals and child malnutrition are greatest in the same five countries. The covariates of preferred birth-interval lengths are also examined. An explanation is offered for this pattern, based on the observed sharp decline in fertility recently experienced by these five "forerunners." In general, women who know, approve of, discuss, and use family planning prefer longer intervals than do their counterparts. The policy and program relevance of these results is discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Invasion of Africa by a single pfcrt allele of South East Asian type.

BACKGROUND: Because of its dramatic public health impact, Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine (CQ) has been documented early on. Chloroquine-resistance (CQR) emerged in the late 1950's independently in South East Asia and South America and progressively spread over all malaria areas. CQR was reported in East Africa in the 1970's, and has since invaded the African continent. Many questions remain about the actual selection and spreading process of CQR parasites, and about the evolution of the ancestral mutant gene(s) during spreading. METHODS: Eleven clinical isolates of P. falciparum from Cambodia and 238 from Africa (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Bukina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Togo, Benin, Niger, Congo, Madagascar, Comoros Islands, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Cameroun, Gabon) were collected during active case detection surveys carried out between 1996 and 2001. Parasite DNA was extracted from frozen blood aliquots and amplification of the gene pfcrt exon 2 (codon 72-76), exon 4 and intron 4 (codon 220 and microsatellite marker) were performed. All fragments were sequenced. RESULTS: 124 isolates with a sensitive (c76/c220:CVMNK/A) haplotype and 125 isolates with a resistant c76/c220:CVIET/S haplotype were found. The microsatellite showed 17 different types in the isolates carrying the c76/c220:CVMNK/A haplotype while all 125 isolates with a CVIET/S haplotype but two had a single microsatellite type, namely (TAAA)3(TA)15, whatever the location or time of collection. CONCLUSION: Those results are consistent with the migration of a single ancestral pfcrt CQR allele from Asia to Africa. This is related to the importance of PFCRT in the fitness of P. falciparum point out this protein as a potential target for developments of new antimalarial drugs.

Africa↗

PubMed2004

Hematozoa of the avian family Vangidae (the vangas).

To date, limited surveys have been conducted on the endemic avifauna of Madagascar with regard to hematozoa. Wild-caught birds from the Vangidae, endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands, were mist-netted, and blood smears were made. Slides were examined for the presence of hematozoa at x100, x160, and x1000 using a light microscope. Parasites were measured using established techniques, and morphometrics were compared. On the basis of their distinctive morphologies and morphometrics, 4 new species of avian hematozoa are described in this study. Haemoproteus vangii n. sp. and Leucocytozoon lairdi n. sp. occur in the blue vanga (Cyanolanius madagascarinus), whereas Haemoproteus madagascariensis n. sp. and Leucocytozoon bennetti n. sp. are described from the hook-billed vanga (Vanga curvirostris). These represent the first hematozoa described from this family.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

A new species of Plasmodium from Malagasy vangas.

During a recent examination of blood smears from Malagasy birds, a species of avian Plasmodium unlike those currently known was observed. All infected birds were members of the Vangidae, which is endemic to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Plasmodium parvulum n. sp. is described, and classified as a member of the subgenus Haemamoeba because of gametocyte and schizont shape, displacement of the host cell nucleus, as well as distortion of the host cell. Round, rosettelike schizonts with 6-8 merozoites, clumped refractile granules, and little cytoplasm were observed. Both schizonts and mature, round gametocytes rotated and displaced the erythrocyte nucleus. A brief comparison to P. relictum is included.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Antimosquito precautions and medical chemoprophylaxis in French children with malaria.

BACKGROUND: France is the European country with the highest number of imported malaria cases (7,500 in 2000). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the nature and efficacy of prophylactic measures in children under 15 years of age referred for malaria. METHODS: Post travel questionnaires were given to the parents of malarial children in the emergency room. The study took place in two university hospitals in Marseilles, southern France, from August to October 2001. RESULTS: Eighty-eight children under 15 years of age were included in this 3-month period. Most of them had been infected in Comoro archipelago. Almost two-thirds used bed nets, but only 47% did so every night. Sprayed bed nets were used by 23%. Average compliances with cutaneous repellents, bedroom repellents and long-sleeved clothing were 32%, 24% and 26%, respectively. Air conditioners were uncommon. Only 22% of the children used chemoprophylaxis correctly, according to French recommendations. Five percent did not use any chemoprophylaxis, and 61% reported non recommended drug use. Although all the children traveled to chloroquine-resistant areas, chemoprophylaxis with mefloquine was less common than that with chloroquine + proguanil. No child fully complied with French recommendations concerning both anti mosquito measures and chemoprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient use of antimalaria precautions by traveling families is associated with the high incidence of pediatric imported malaria in southern France. Travelers' education should be increased to allow the optimization of malaria prophylaxis.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A case of chromomycosis treated by a combination of cryotherapy, shaving, oral 5-fluorocytosine, and oral amphotericin B.

A case of chromomycosis from Comoro Islands was first treated without success with high doses of oral amphotericin B (3 g per day). Treatment with itraconazole (400 mg per day) was also unsuccessful. Then, in vitro tests were done to study the susceptibility of this Fonsecaea pedrosoi strain to antifungal drugs. It was resistant to itraconazole, sensitive to 5-fluorocytosine, and the combination of 5-fluorocytosine with amphotericin B was synergistic. The patient was then treated with this last combination of drugs, which seemed to be effective. The patient stopped this treatment after six months, and relapse occurred two years later. The best therapeutic strategy in cases of chromomycosis seems to be a combination of two drugs chosen according to the results of prior antifungal susceptibility testing.

Aged↗

PubMed1987

African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

This Convention contains provisions relating to women's rights, pay equity, health, education, the family, the aged, freedom of movement, and asylum. Algeria ratified the Convention on 20 March 1987, Benin on 25 February 1986, Botswana on 22 July 1986, Burkina Faso on 21 September 1984, Cape Verde on 6 August 1987, Central African Republic on 27 July 1986, Chad on 11 November 1986, Comoros on 18 July 1986, Egypt on 3 April 1984, Equatorial Guinea on 18 August 1986, Gabon on 26 June 1986, Guinea-Bissau on 6 March 1986, Libya on 26 March 1987, Sao Tome and Principe on 28 July 1986, Sierra Leone on 27 January 1984, Somalia on 20 March 1986, Sudan on 11 March 1986, Tanzania on 9 March 1984, Uganda on 27 May 1986, Zaire 28 July 1987, Zambia on 2 February 1984, and Zimbabwe on 12 June 1986.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Marine protected areas in the eastern African Region: how successful are they?

This article reviews the governance and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and the coral reefs they contain, in the eastern African Region. This includes the Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Seychelles. Three generations or categories of MPAs are distinguished: i) small areas for protection of a single species or unique marine habitat; iii) large multiple use MPAs designed for coastal development as well as biodiversity protection; and iii) MPAs managed by a nongovernmental organization (NGO) or the private sector. Each of these MPA types is examined according to the policies, legislation, and management systems they entail as well as the economic and community situation they operate within. The paper also provides a review of some eastern African MPAs in terms of their size and location, the type of MPA, zonation schemes, and financial status. The successes of the different types of MPAs are discussed based on specific indicators, such as changes in biodiversity, infrastructure, compliance to regulations and the level of involvement of primary stakeholders in the management. From the review it is clear that a fourth generation of MPAs may be forthcoming; community-based MPAs. Although lack of data makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of these different categories of MPAs, it is clear that no MPA can succeed without support of the local communities. Generally, the results of the analysis are promising for MPAs, however a lack of data is hampering a deeper analysis. The major issues facing MPAs in the region are highlighted, as well as some regional initiatives striving to address these issues. A number of recommendations are made, aiming to strengthen the establishment and management of MPAs in the eastern African region.

Africa, Eastern↗

PubMed2002

Seagrass ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean.

Seagrasses are marine angiosperms widely distributed in both tropical and temperate coastal waters creating one of the most productive aquatic ecosystems on earth. In the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, with its 13 reported seagrass species, these ecosystems cover wide areas of near-shore soft bottoms through the 12 000 km coastline. Seagrass beds are found intertidally as well as subtidally, sometimes down to about 40 m, and do often occur in close connection to coral reefs and mangroves. Due to the high primary production and a complex habitat structure, seagrass beds support a variety of benthic, demersal and pelagic organisms. Many fish and shellfish species, including those of commercial interest, are attracted to seagrass habitats for foraging and shelter, especially during their juvenile life stages. Examples of abundant and widespread fish species associated to seagrass beds in the WIO belong to the families Apogonidae, Blenniidae, Centriscidae, Gerreidae, Gobiidae, Labridae, Lethrinidae Lutjanidae, Monacanthidae, Scaridae, Scorpaenidae, Siganidae, Syngnathidae and Teraponidae. Consequently, seagrass ecosystems in the WIO are valuable resources for fisheries at both local and regional scales. Still, seagrass research in the WIO is scarce compared to other regions and it is mainly focusing on botanic diversity and ecology. This article reviews the research status of seagrass beds in the WIO with particular emphasis on fish and fisheries. Most research on this topic has been conducted along the East African coast, i.e. in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and eastern South Africa, while less research was carried out in Somalia and the Island States of the WIO (Seychelles, Comoros, Reunion (France), Mauritius and Madagascar). Published papers on seagrass fish ecology in the region are few and mainly descriptive. Hence, there is a need of more scientific knowledge in the form of describing patterns and processes through both field and experimental work. Quantitative seagrass fish community studies in the WIO such as the case study presented in this paper are negligible, but necessitated for the perspective of fisheries management. It is also highlighted that the pressure on seagrass beds in the region is increasing due to growing coastal populations and human disturbance from e.g. pollution, eutrophication, sedimentation, fishing activities and collection of invertebrates, and its effect are little understood. Thus, there is a demand for more research that will generate information useful for sustainable management of seagrass ecosystems in the WIO.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

[Cholera: epidemiology and transmission. Experience from several humanitarian interventions in Africa, Indian Ocean and Central America].

With more than 50 countries affected and 200,000 notified cases per year (which is a gross underestimation), cholera, after having almost disappeared 50 years ago, has again become the calamity it was in the 19th century. To understand how this plague could have suddenly reappeared and spread all over the world and then taken root in the world's poorest countries, we give a brief outline here of the epidemiology of cholera, divided into three parts. The first part examines the origin and spread of the cholera pandemics, and particularly that of the seventh pandemic which, more than forty years after it began, is still, raging, in successive epidemic waves. The second part describes the modes of transmission of the cholera vibrio as they are seen in the field, examining the case of the cholera epidemic in the Comoro Islands in 1998. The third part shows the links between cholera and humanitarian disasters, through the use of concrete examples (refugee settlements, cyclones and volcanic eruptions). In conclusion, all the arguments presented here highlight not only the role of water and the lack of hygiene, but also the role of technical progress, especially in international transports, in the spread of the present pandemic.

Africa↗

PubMed2003

Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication--Southern Africa, 2001-March 2003.

Since the 1988 World Health Assembly resolution to eradicate poliomyelitis globally, substantial progress has been made in all World Health Organization (WHO) regions, and three regions (Americas, European, and Western Pacific) are classified as polio-free. The African Region comprises four epidemiologic blocks (Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western). The Southern African block comprises 14 countries--10 on the mainland (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) and four in the Indian Ocean (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles)--with a combined total population in 2002 of approximately 120 million persons. This report summarizes polio eradication efforts in the Southern African block during January 2001-March 2003, which indicate the possible interruption of wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission and underscore the need to sustain polio eradication efforts.

Africa, Southern↗

PubMed2003

[Hemoparasites of bats in Madagascar].

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and density of haemoparasites in wild malagasy bats. Among the 440 bats, belonging to 14 species sampled in 5 localities in different bio-climatic zones of the island, 93 (21%) showed at least 1 haemoparasite with, by order of frequency, Haemoproteidae (15.7% of 440 bats), microfilariae (7.0%) and Trypanosoma (0.7%). Among these 93 bats, 92 (99%) belonged to the family Vespertilionidae. Four bat species, all endemic to the Madagascar region (Madagascar and Comoros), were found to harbour parasites: Miniopterus manavi with Haemoproteidae (38% of 129 individuals), microfilariae (23%) and Trypanosoma (2%); Myotis goudoti with Haemoproteidae (24% of 68 individuals) and microfilariae (1%); Miniopterus gleni with Haemoproteidae (23% of 13 individuals); and Triaenops furculus with Haemoproteidae (4% of 28 individuals). The sex of bats was not linked to parasite prevalence. Within Miniopterus manavi, those individuals with greater weight also had a higher prevalence of microfilariae; and within the individuals harbouring microfilariae the greatest weights corresponded to the highest density of microfilariae. Ten bat species (with 202 individuals examined) were negative for any haemoparasite. This study is the first to provide evidence of haemoparasites in Malagasy bats; it provides interesting insights, especially concerning the parasite distribution per bat species and families, the pathogenicity of this type of parasitism and the parasite transmission by arthropod vectors.

Altitude↗

PubMed2005

[Rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis. About two new cases in Mayotte].

Conidiobolus entomophthoromycosis is a rare mycosis due to an ubiquitary telluric fungus. Although the organism is found around the world, it is more concentrated in warm, wet climates. Cases have been described in West Africa, Australia, South America and India. Conidiobolus spp was also to be found in animal like horse. The transmission mode of Conidiobolus has not been established but probably occurs via inhalation of fungal spores covering the nasal mucous membrane or from a minor trauma such as an insect bite. The clinical syndromes include intranasal tumour, nasal obstruction, broadening of the nose bridge, paranasal sinuses, cheeks and upper lip. Diagnostic is made by demonstrating distinctive non-septate hyphea with surrounding eosinophilic sleeve (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenom) in tissue sections. We report here two cases contracted in Comoro Islands. The first one was a 26 year-old man treated by amphotericin B during six weeks and then by itraconazole, with a clear improvement. The second one was a 37 year-old woman. She has been treated by amphotericin B, subsequently by imidazoles. There was a clear benefit on life duration, but the results for aesthetic aspect are not satisfactory. In the discussion, we review treatment efficacy and failure; in fact, surgery which includes removal of infected tissue and reconstructive procedures, is seldom curative. Several combinations of drugs have been used with different degrees of success. Nevertheless imidazoles remain more efficient than amphotericin B.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Chikungunya virus: its recent spread to the southern Indian Ocean and Reunion Island (2005-2006)].

Chikungunya virus (alphavirus, Togaviridae) is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus and responsible for a dengue-like acute disease characterized by severe arthralgias sometimes persisting during months and eventually years. Its geographical distribution is large, including west, central, east and southern tropical Africa, India and South-eastern Asia. Since 2005 february, Chikungunya disease invaded a number of islands in southern Indian Ocean, namely Comoro, Mauritius, Seychelles and Reunion islands. In this French department, it was responsible for 110000 to 200000 infections, neurological disorders, many deaths and some congenital infections not previously observed during preceding epidemics.

Alphavirus Infections↗

PubMed1990

Identification of the antigenic proteins of Cowdria ruminantium.

Immunoblotting of Cowdria ruminantium proteins with sheep or bovine antiserum identified 2 antigenically conserved proteins, one being an immunodominant 31 kDa and the other a minor 27 kDa protein. These proteins are present in the electrophoretic profiles of the Welgevonden, Ball 3 and Kwanyanga stocks and are recognized by sheep antiserum to the Welgevonden, Ball 3, Kwanyanga, Mali, Comoro, Breed, Germishuys, Kümm and Mara stocks and by bovine antiserum to the Welgevonden stock of C. ruminantium. The stocks did not reveal identical or unique antigenic properties which could explain differences in pathogenicity and cross-immunity observed amongst the various stocks of C. ruminantium.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

[The maintenance of malaria eradication in Reunion island (1979-1990)].

Malaria, which first occurred in Reunion in 1868, was eradicated from the island in 1979, as a result of eradication campaigns conducted since 1949. Reunion is now in a state of "anophelism without malaria". However, relations with nearby countries with a high malaria potential (Madagascar, Comoros) are responsible for a regular increase in the number of annual cases of imported malaria. This increase, associated with the appearance of chloroquine-resistance in the Indian Ocean area, illustrates the persisting risk of malaria re-appearance in La Réunion, and the need for maintaining a control programme. After describing the epidemiological situation and the ecology of Anopheles gambiae s.l. on the island, the authors give detail on the organisation of malaria control as adopted by the health services. Continuing eradication, which puts emphasis on antivector measures as Reunion is considered as an area with "unstable" malaria, implies an annual invest of US $3,350,000, of which 77% is exclusively used for vector control.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

[The cost of a campaign against malaria. General considerations].

Malaria is yet one of the major tropical problems and the technical evolution of the malaria campaigns since 90 years is a witness of its complexity. The cost of a programme against malaria, including house spraying, case finding with chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis for pregnant women, must allow a long-term (10 years) mobilization of resources. In Mayotte island (Comoro archipelago), the cost of the malaria campaign was, in 1987, about 6 US $ by inhabitant. Without man power cost, the house spraying needed 3 US $ by inhabitant, 0.2 US $ for Entomology and Parasitology Laboratories, 0.1 US $ for chemoprophylaxis, case finding and treatment. Apart from the frequency of house spraying which depends on epidemiological features (whole year or seasonal transmission), the integration of activities looks to be the major argument for the optimization of this cost.

Animals↗