African Journal of Parasitology, Mycology and Entomology

Introduction: Knowledge gaps still exist in Burkina Faso regarding the diagnostic performance of the highly sensitive rapid diagnostic test (hsRDT) for the detection of Plasmodium (P.) falciparum malaria infection in pregnant women during antenatal care visits in Bobo-Dioulasso city. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 288 pregnant women was conducted between October and December 2022. P. falciparum malaria infection in peripheral blood was detected using the hsRDT, conventional RDT (cRDT), microscopy, and an ultrasensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The hsRDT, cRDT, and microscopy performance were assessed using qPCR as the gold standard. Cohen’s Kappa test was used to estimate the agreement between the different diagnostic tests. Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum infection was 59.72% (172/288) by qPCR. The sensitivity of the hsRDT, cRDT, and microscopy was 51.16% [95% CI (43.44–58.85)], 50.58% [95% CI (42.87–58.28)], and 32.56% [95% CI (25.62–40.11)], respectively. The specificities were 98.28% [95% CI (93.91–99.79)], 99.14% [95% CI (95.29–99.98)], and 99.14% [95% CI (95.29–99.98)] for the hsRDT, cRDT, and microscopy, respectively. The agreement between the hsRDT and qPCR was moderate (Kappa = 0.44; p < 0.001). For parasite density by qPCR below 100 parasites/µL, the hsRDT and cRDT had the same sensitivity of 28.81% [95% CI (20.85–37.87)] but higher than that of microscopy [5.93% (95% CI 2.42–11.84)]. Conclusions: The sensitivity of the hsRDT is similar to that of the cRDT but better than that of microscopy. These results highlight the need for further studies to better guide recommendations on using the hsRDT malaria control and elimination. Full article

Introduction: Neonatal anemia remains a significant yet under-recognized public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings. Neonatal anemia is characterized by a decreased hemoglobin level in the blood of newborns. Its complications include tissue hypoxia and delayed neurodevelopment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity, associated factors, and outcomes of anemia among hospitalized neonates in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and September 2021 among 242 neonates admitted to a tertiary hospital. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Anemia was defined based on WHO criteria. Statistical associations between anemia and potential risk factors were analyzed using Chi-squared tests. Results: The prevalence of neonatal anemia was 16.5%. Among anemic neonates, 52.2% had mild anemia, 37.5% moderate, and 10% severe. Low birth weight was present in 62.5% of anemic cases. Neonatal infections were diagnosed in 40% and Rhesus incompatibility in 22.5% of anemic newborns. Significant associations were found between anemia and neonatal infection (p = 0.03), as well as lack of maternal iron supplementation during pregnancy (p = 0.02). Management included antibiotics (40%), phototherapy (30%), and blood transfusion (15%). While 80% of anemic neonates recovered, 20% died during hospitalization. Conclusion: Neonatal anemia affects one in six hospitalized newborns in the Hôpital de l’Amitié of Nouakchott. It is associated with preventable risk factors such as infection and inadequate maternal iron supplementation. The wider aim of this research is to improve the rates of neonatal anemia in this setting. Full article

Background: The decision to treat infections due to Candida spp. should be based on the susceptibility of Candida isolates. The resistance of Candida spp. to antifungals is increasing with the use of empirical or repeated treatments. In Mali, there are few data on Candida species distribution and in vitro susceptibility to antifungals. We aim to describe the distribution and in vitro susceptibility of Candida isolates. Methods: A retrospective and prospective study was conducted from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019. A total of 1224 samples from inpatients and outpatients, including both males and females, were collected. The identification of the Candida species and in vitro antifungal susceptibility were performed using VITEK-2 (AST-YSO8 cards, bioMérieux). Results: In total, 1175 (95.9%) samples tested positive for Candida spp.; 54.33% were from community health care centers; 89% were female; 85% of the Candida spp. were isolated from vaginal discharge and 10.40% were isolated from pus; and the most common species were Candida albicans (68%), Candida glabrata (11%), and Candida tropicalis (6%). Fluconazole was the most potent antifungal, with 99.81% susceptibility to all Candida isolates. Susceptibility to flucytosine was 98% for C. albicans, 100% for C. glabrata, 97% for C. tropicalis, and 36.96% for C. krusei. Susceptibility to amphotericin B was 96% for C. albicans, 97% for C. glabrata, 100% for C. tropicalis, and 81% for C. krusei. Conclusions: C. albicans and C. glabrata were common and susceptible to the antifungals tested. C. krusei and C. rugosa were the most resistant. Systematic antifungal in vitro susceptibility tests before the treatment of candidiasis infections should be reinforced in health care facilities in Mali. Full article