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PubMedDate not supplied

Neurocysticercosis and epilepsy in Cameroon.

During January 2002 the frequency of Taenia solium cysticercosis was studied in a series of 504 epileptic patients from 3 rural localities in the West and North-West provinces of Cameroon using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for both circulating antigen (Ag-ELISA) and antibody (Ag-ELISA) detection. Taenia solium antigens were detected in the sera of 1.2% of the patients whereas specific antibodies against the parasite were present in 44.6% of the patients. Significantly less seropositive results in Ab-ELISA were recorded in Batibo than in Bandjoun and Bamendjou, whereas a borderline significant difference was recorded with increasing age. Furthermore, 56.2% of patients with late-onset epilepsy showed antibodies against cysticercosis. Taenia solium cysticercosis appears to be an important cause of epilepsy in Cameroon.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Social movements and health insurance: a critical evaluation of voluntary, non-profit insurance schemes with case studies from Ghana and Cameroon.

This paper assesses the performance of voluntary, non-profit health insurance schemes and their potential contribution to health in the two African countries of Ghana and Cameroon. Based on fieldwork conducted in the two countries during the main rainy season (June-July) of 1996, the paper examines whether and in which way the presence or absence of a social movement component might affect the performance of voluntary, non-profit insurance schemes in attaining some key objectives of improving access to health care among the target population, as well as achieving equity, efficiency and financial viability. The paper makes this assessment by examining the performances of each of two case studies according to the criteria of social movement, efficiency, equity, access and financial results. Based on case studies of a community financing insurance scheme in Ghana and a mutual aid insurance association in Cameroon, the study concludes that the evidence is not sufficient to confirm that the presence or absence of such a social movement dynamic per se accounts for the perceived performance of either of the schemes. However, it is also argued that the dynamic of social movement could enhance the design and performance of a scheme, especially the efficiency and quality of health care. Such enhancement is possible provided that the scheme is set up in such a way as to benefit from the specific contribution of a movement component, in particular, if the scheme engages in direct negotiations with providers over the price and quality of care and makes direct payment contracts with such providers. A good scheme design is therefore one of the real keys to success. Moreover, it is arguable that a non-social movement based scheme can incorporate elements of a social movement (such as greater community participation, accountability and autonomy) in the course of time. It is argued that this process would enhance the success of a non-movement-based scheme. The study finally presents some lessons and suggestions from the examination of the schemes which could be of benefit in the design, implementation and evaluation of similar schemes.

Cameroon↗
PubMed2000

Cooperia pectinata and C. punctata, parasites of the abomasum of cattle in northern Cameroon (Central Africa).

Cooperia pectinata Ransom, 1907 and C. punctata von Linstow, 1907 are common trichostrongyles of zebu cattle in Africa. Their intestinal localization within the digestive tract is considered by many authors to be exclusive. Nevertheless, some limited surveys in Malagasy, Mauritania, The Gambia and Cameroon reported the presence of both Cooperia species in the abomasum. The present survey was carried out in a slaughterhouse of northern Cameroon on 17 zebu cattle and confirms the infection of the small intestine and the abomasum by the two species within the total number of cattle examined. Abomasal infections especially with Cooperia punctata were heavier than those in the intestine. Due to the movements of herdbreeders in Central Africa, and to the preliminary results obtained in Mauritania, The Gambia, Burkina Faso and Malagasy, abomasal localization of C. pectinata and C. punctata may be encountered in very large areas of Africa, and that cooperiosis may contribute together with Haemonchus species to the digestive disorders involving the abomasum.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed2005

Abortion in the moral world of the Cameroon grassfields.

Despite high levels of unsafe abortion in Cameroon, remarkably limited attention has been paid to the moral dilemma for women who seek abortions. In-depth interviews were conducted with 65 Cameroonian Grasslands women within a hospital-based study, complemented by participant observation, use of hospital records and interviews with key informants. The paper demonstrates how a hidden moral code on abortion helps women to exercise individual agency despite prevailing moral values. At the same time, women's desire to keep abortion secret can impede adequate medical treatment, which in turn can increase the risk of complications and mortality. Abortion was more often condemned by the women because of the risk to their lives and of infertility rather than for religious reasons or because it is illegal. However, the economic and social realities of everyday life often overrode their fear of complications when they needed to end a pregnancy. The paper concludes that women have already broken through Cameroon's stringent restrictions on abortion through their practice. There is a large gap between what is permitted under the current law, which is colonial in origin, and women's need for legal abortion on broad socio-economic grounds. This calls for reflection on liberalisation of the present law.

Abortion Applicants↗
PubMed2003

Schistosoma intercalatum: an endangered species in Cameroon?

Despite the extremely wide distribution of both intermediate (snail) and definitive hosts, the species Schistosoma intercalatum has a highly restricted distribution in parts of West Africa (Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and São Tomé). Recent studies showed that the epidemiology of this species is very dynamic, including invasions and extinctions. This article reviews the epidemiology of S. intercalatum in Cameroon, where the species is endangered, and analyses its overall status in Africa. The possible reasons for the limited distribution of S. intercalatum are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Observations on the morphology and electrophoretic variation of enzymes of the rodent malaria parasites of Cameroon, Plasmodium yoelii, P. chabaudi and P. vinckei.

Six samples of rodent blood infected with malaria parasites were isolated from Cameroon. Of these, 2 contained mixed infections of Plasmodium vinckei and P. yoelii, 3 contained P. vinckei alone and 1 P. chabaudi alone. Each isolate was cloned and the resulting lines examined for morphology of blood and mosquito forms, and for electrophoretic variation in enzymes. The P. chabaudi and P. yoelii lines were morphologically and enzymically identical to isolates of the Central African Republic. Similarly, 1 P. vinckei line was identical to an isolate of the Central African Republic. The remaining 4 P. vinckei lines showed considerable variation, some enzymes being like those in isolates of surrounding regions, while others were unique to Cameroon.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Patterns of HIV risk behavior and condom use among youth in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon.

This study describes the levels of sexual risk behavior and condom use among Cameroonian urban youth in order to evaluate the need for reproductive health programs targeting youth and to inform the design of such programs. We use data from a survey conducted in July-August 2000 among a representative sample of 1,956 unmarried youth aged 15-24 years. The data show that in urban Cameroon, first intercourse often occurs at an early age. Despite the HIV epidemic, a substantial fraction of youth, particularly males, continue to have high rates of partner change. A substantial fraction of youth consistently use condoms with casual partners. However, consistent condom use in regular relationships remains low, even though many youth have multiple regular partners. These findings illustrate the need for youth-targeted reproductive health programs in urban Cameroon. To ensure that youth are reached before they adopt risky behaviors, there is a need for programs that target very young teenagers and emphasize consistent condom use.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2000

Diversity is demonstrated in class I HLA-A and HLA-B alleles in Cameroon, Africa: description of HLA-A*03012, *2612, *3006 and HLA-B*1403, *4016, *4703.

To examine the genetic diversity in west Africa, class I HLA-A and HLA-B alleles of 92 unrelated individuals from two areas in the Cameroon, the capital Yaoundé and the village of Etoa, were identified by direct automated DNA sequencing of exons 2 and 3 of the HLA-B locus alleles and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP) and/or sequencing of the HLA-A locus alleles. HLA-A*2301 (18.7%), A*2902 (10.4%), B*5301 (10.9%), and B*5802 (10.9%) were the most frequently detected alleles, present in at least 10% of the population. A total of 30 HLA-A locus and 33 HLA-B locus alleles, including six novel alleles, were detected. The novel alleles were HLA-A*03012, A*2612, A*3006 and HLA-B*1403, B*4016, and B*4703. HLA-B*4703 contains a novel amino acid sequence that is a combination of the first 5 amino acids of the Bw6 epitope and the last 2 residues of the Bw4 epitope. The addition of 6 alleles to the ever-expanding number of known class I HLA alleles supports our hypothesis that extensive genetic diversity, including previously undescribed alleles, would be observed in this African population. In the Yaoundé population, the allele frequency distribution at the HLA-A locus is consistent with distributions indicative of balancing selection. Extensive HLA-A-B haplotypes were observed in this population suggesting that only a fraction of the Cameroon HLA-A-B haplotype diversity has been observed.

Alleles↗
PubMed2001

HLA-DR and -DQ polymorphism in Cameroon.

HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 allele frequencies were determined by high-resolution polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP) and/or DNA sequencing in 126 healthy individuals in Cameroon. Eighteen DRB1, 11 DQA1, and 18 DQB1 alleles were observed. The most common alleles at each locus were DRB1*1503 (29%), DRB1*1301 (13%); DQA1*0102 (38%), DQA1*0302 (11%), DQA1*0401 (11%); and DQB1*0602 (31%), DQB1*0301 (13%), DQB1*0501 (12%). Forty-four different haplotypes were identified including 12 novel haplotypes demonstrating the HLA class II diversity resulting from allele combinations in this population. A single predominant DRB1*1503-DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602 haplotype was observed with a frequency of 27%. In summary, this study of HLA class II polymorphism in Cameroon demonstrates the extent of diversity in this population.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Ocular complications of leprosy in Cameroon.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the main ocular complications of leprosy in Cameroon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a prospective cross-sectional study which took place from July 1998 to January 1999 in five leprosaria in Cameroon. The ophthalmological examination of all patients was performed by the same team. RESULTS: Of the 218 patients examined, 60.1% were males and 39.9% females. 72.5% had a paucibacillary leprosy and 27.5% a multibacillary form. 77.5% of patients had at least one ocular lesion and 38.3% of eyes had visual acuity < or = 1/10. Madarosis and anterior uveitis were more frequent in multibacillary forms while lagophthalmos and cataract were so in paucibacillary forms. CONCLUSION: Ocular complications are frequent in leprosy in Cameroonians. It is a true public health problem and it is important to prevent these lesions by early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Beliefs and attitudes of caregivers toward compliance with childhood immunisations in Cameroon.

This study analysed factors associated with caregiver compliance and childhood immunisation schedules using a framework based on the Health Belief Model and a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Participants were caregivers who were enrolling their children (average age 5 y) into class one at randomly selected primary schools in Bamenda, Cameroon. Schools were selected using a stratified random sampling methodology. Seventy-two percent of the 550 participants responded that their children were up-to-date with their immunisations. Perceived susceptibility with an odds ratio (OR)=0.75, perceived severity (OR=0.74), and self-efficacy (OR=1.57) were found to be associated with caregiver compliance to childhood immunisations. Higher level of education and living in an urban location were also found to be associated with increased likelihood of caregivers being up-to-date with their children's immunisations. Results suggest that health service planning should include health education and health promotion programs targeting caregiver compliance with recommended immunisation schedules with resultant improvements in communicable disease control and child health in Cameroon.

Cameroon↗
PubMed1996

Association between anti-Pfs48/45 reactivity and P. falciparum transmission-blocking activity in sera from Cameroon.

Pfs48/45, a sexual stage parasite protein doublet of P. falciparum, is a target of antibodies which inhibit the development of the parasite in the mosquito. Twenty-eight (54%) out of 52 sera of gametocyte carriers from Cameroon reduced infectivity in the mosquito membrane feeding bioassay to less than 20% of the controls. These 52 sera were analysed by competition ELISAs for the presence of antibodies capable of competing the binding of six monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) directed against five different epitopes on Pfs48/45. The percentage of these 52 Cameroon sera that competed with one of the MoAbs ranged from 13% (epitope I) to 33% (epitope IIc). Comparison of activity in the transmission-blocking assay (> or = 80%) and in the Pfs48/45 competition ELISA show a relative specificity of 100% (24 of 24) and a relative sensitivity of 75% (21 of 28). Non-blocking sera showed no competition with any of the MoAbs. These MoAbs were further used to study the diversity of epitopes among isolates of P. falciparum using a two-site ELISA. MoAbs against epitope I, III and V reacted with four different isolates whereas epitope II could be subdivided into three epitopes. None of the isolates reacted with MoAb 3G12 (epitope IV). Using these four different isolates, the competition ELISA titre varies from 1/20 to 1/80 and no significant differences are found between the isolates except for epitope II where only three out of 11 positives for epitope IIa were also positive for epitope IIc.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

A seroepidemiological study of human cysticercosis in West Cameroon.

We studied the occurrence of human cysticercosis in 4993 individuals from three rural communities of Menoua Division, West Province of Cameroon. Circulating antigens of Taenia solium metacestodes were detected in 0.4%, 1.0% and 3.0% of the serum samples taken in Bafou, Bamendou and Fonakekeu, respectively, and examined using a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This test detects only carriers of living cysticerci and gives thus a good idea of the presence of active cysticercosis. The percentage of persons infected with cysticercosis increased with age. Twenty-two of the 34 seropositives underwent computed tomography (CT) of the brain. Thirteen of them were CT-scan positive, which shows that neurocysticercosis was present in 59.1% of the tested seropositive persons. No living cysticerci were detected among 20 seronegative people. About 20.6% of the seropositives had a history of or current taeniasis against only 1.9% of the seronegatives. Based on these figures and on the data on porcine cysticercosis (prevalence: 11%) and human taeniasis (prevalence: 0.13%) collected in the same region, we conclude that T. solium cysticercosis is an endemic, but overlooked public health problem in West Cameroon.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Anopheles species of the mount Cameroon region: biting habits, feeding behaviour and entomological inoculation rates.

There is a lack of data on the Anopheles fauna, its biology and the roles played by different vector species in the transmission of malaria in the mount Cameroon region. The biting habits, feeding behaviour and entomological inoculation rates of different Anopheles species during the dry and rainy season were investigated. A total of 2165 Anopheles was collected, 805 in the rainy season and 1360 in the dry season. Five Anopheles species were identified: Anopheles gambiae s.l., An. funestus, An. hancocki, An. moucheti and An. nili. An. gambiae, An. funestus and An. hancocki, recorded during both seasons, were the main vectors of malaria in the region. An. gambiae s.s. was the only member of the An. gambiae (Giles) complex. These three species had their peak activity between 1 and 2 am. A human blood index (HBI) of 98.29% was recorded for fed Anopheles. The sporozoite rate, for all vectors together, was significantly higher in the rainy season (9.4%) than in the dry season (4.2%) with all the species infected by Plasmodium falciparum. The average inoculation rate was 0.44 infective bites per man per night, which adds up to 161 infective bites per year in this study area. Analyses of relative abundance and infection rate of malaria vectors at different sites situated along a transect of 20 km during the dry season showed high heterogeneity in biting and sporozoite rates. No malaria vector was caught at 1200 m a.s.l. The mount Cameroon region should be considered an area of high malaria transmission intensity.

Altitude↗
PubMed2003

Variation in incidence of serious adverse events after onchocerciasis treatment with ivermectin in areas of Cameroon co-endemic for loiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) after mass treatment with ivermectin in areas co-endemic for loiasis and onchocerciasis, and to identify potential risk factors associated with the development of these SAEs, in particular encephalopathic SAEs. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed SAEs reported to have occurred between 1 December 1998 and 30 November 1999 in central-southern Cameroon by chart review, interview and examination of a subset of patients. RESULTS: The overall incidence of SAEs for the three provinces studied was 6 per 100,000. However, for Central Province alone the incidence of SAEs was 2.7 per 10,000 overall, and 1.9 per 10,000 for encephalopathic SAEs associated with Loa loa microfilaremia (PLERM). The corresponding rates for the most severely affected district within Central Province (Okola) were 10.5 per 10,000 and 9.2 per 10,000 respectively. Symptoms began within the first 24-48 h of ivermectin administration but there was a delay of approximately 48-84 h in seeking help after the onset of symptoms. First-time exposure to ivermectin was associated with development of PLERM. CONCLUSION: In Cameroon, the incidence of SAEs following ivermectin administration in general, and PLERM cases in particular, varies substantially by district within the areas co-endemic for loiasis and onchocerciasis. More intense surveillance and monitoring in the first 2 days after mass distribution in ivermectin-naïve populations would assist in early recognition, referral and management of these cases. The increased reporting of SAEs from Okola is unexpected and warrants further investigation. Research is urgently needed to find a reliable screening tool to exclude individuals (rather than communities) at risk of PLERM from the mass treatment program.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Henneguya mbakaouensis sp. nov., Myxobolus nounensis sp. nov. and M. hydrocyni Kostoingue & Toguebaye, 1994, Myxosporea (Myxozoa) parasites of Centropomidae, Cichlidae and Characidae (Teleosts) of the Sanaga basin in Cameroon (Central Africa).

The study of 102 teleost freshwater fishes of Sanaga basin in Cameroon revealed the presence of three myxosporean species, among which two were new. Host fishes were of three families: Centropomidae, Cichlidae and Characidae. New species were identified as Henneguya mbakaouensis sp. nov., a gill parasite of Lates niloticus and Myxobolus nounensis sp. nov. found in the kidney and spleen of Sarotherodon galilaeus and Tilapia mariae. Myxobolus hydrocyni Kostoïngue & Toguebaye, 1994, previously described in Chad, was also found in Cameroon; complementary informations were given on that parasite which seemed to be specific to its host.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Description of two new species of Nippostrongylinae (Nematoda, Trichostrongyuna, Heligmosomoidea) coparasites in Arvicanthis ansorgei (Muridae) from Cameroon.

In the small intestine of a single Arvicanthis ansorgei from Cameroon, two new species of Nippostrongylinae were found: Neoheligmonella zero n. sp. and Heligmonina comerounensis n. sp. N. zero belongs to the Neoheligmonella species in which the right dorsal ridge is poorly developed. Among these species, N. bainae (Durette-Desset, 1970), a parasite of Steatomys opinus from Burkina Fasso, is a closely related species. It is differentiated by the presence of vulvar alae, the ratio uterus length/body length and the separation of rays 2 and 3 at two thirds of their length. N. zero is also closely related to N. kenyae (Yeh, 1958) a parasite of Rattus rattus kijabius from Kenya by the pattern of the caudal bursa and the ratio spicules length/body length. The synlophe of N. kenyae was not described in detail but it is differentiated from N. zero by the position of the excretory pore, situated just posteriorly to the nerve ring and in the female by the ratio ovejector length/body length which is smaller. H. camerounensis n. sp. is characterised by the ratio dorsal ridges/ventral ridges which is 4/7. It is differentiated from the species of which the synlophe has not been described by the pattern of the caudal bursa (type 1-4 with tendancy 1-3-1). It is the first report of Nippostrongylinae species in Cameroon and the first record of a species of the genus Heligmonina in an Arvicanthis.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[The problem of glaucoma in Africa--progress report from Cameroon].

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in the world. This aspect is well known for the developed countries, however in Africa blindness mainly occurs due to cataract, trachoma and onchocercosis. Glaucoma is not mentioned enough. Patients present with severe findings after a long-lasting history of disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our project experienced surgeons and young medical doctors have been practising regularly in Cameroon since 2001. By means of support from the "Komitee zur Verhütung von Blindheit" and medical industries we keep in contact with a local ophthalmologist. During the consultation of hundreds of patients we have often seen highly advanced glaucoma cases. RESULTS: The medical therapy of glaucoma and also the surgical procedures are limited -- modern antiglaucomatosa are not available. We achieved sufficient regulation of intraocular pressure after trabeculectomy with or without cataract surgery in many cases. The success rate was decreased by severe scar reactions especially in young black people. In advanced glaucoma cases and oculus ultimus we also used the old techniques of iridencleisis. There was a good postoperative regulation of eye pressure, but sometimes we saw a giant filtering bleb after this iris-mutilating procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma is a very complex problem, also in Cameroon. Although the diagnostic possibilities are limited, the therapeutic spectrum is differentiated. The introduction of a robust laser for cyclophotocoagulation would be a useful alternative.

Africa↗