Introduction: Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are selected based on their performances. Here, we compared the diagnostic performance of different malaria RDTs. Methods: Febrile patients were tested for malaria using Vikia Malaria Pf/Pan, Meriline-Meriscreen Pf/Pv/Pan, Right Sign Malaria Pf/Pan, and Right Sign Malaria Pf RDTs at Melen Regional Hospital in Gabon. Results: In total, 120 of 274 tested children (43.8%) had malaria. The sensitivity was > 95% for all RDTs, while the specificity was > 85% for two tests. One test generated invalid tests (8%). Conclusions: Based on their performances, all tests except one may be recommended for malaria diagnosis.

Background The level of blood filariasis parasitaemia as well as the frequency of and the relationship between cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (CTX-P), antiretroviral therapy (ART) intake and CD4 cell count among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in rural areas of Gabon were being studied. Methods Sociodemographic data and recent biological tests of PLHIV and HIV-negative participants were collected. Loa loa and Mansonella perstans microfilaria were detected by direct microscopy examination and leucoconcentration. Results Overall, 209 HIV-positive and 148 HIV-negative subjects were enrolled. The overall prevalence of microfilaria was comparable between PLHIV (19.9% [n=41/206]) and HIV-negative participants (14.8% [n=22/148]) (p=0.2). The L. loa infection rate was comparable between HIV-positive (9.2%) and HIV-negative participants (6.8%) (p=0.2), while the M. perstans infection rate was 14-fold higher among PLHIV (p<0.01). L. loa parasitaemia was 6-fold lower in PLHIV receiving CTX-P (median 150 mf/mL [interquartile range {IQR} 125–350]) than in patients without (900 [550–2225]) (p<0.01). Among subjects with a CD4 cell count <200 cells/μL, the prevalence of M. perstans was 7-fold higher than that of L. loa (20.6% vs 2.9%). Conclusions This study suggests a similar exposure to L. loa infection of PLHIV and HIV-negative patients while M. perstans is more frequently found in HIV-positive individuals, notably those with a CD4 count <200 cells/μL.

Background: Chronic carriage of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) can induce chronic inflammation and dysbiosis, which are risk factors for non-communicable diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between IPI carriage and inflammation in a population of volunteers living in Gabon. Methodology and Principal Findings: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to November 2021 in asymptomatic participants aged 18 years and over residing in different areas of Gabon: Libreville (urban area) and Koula-Moutou and Bitam (rural areas). The detection of IPIs was carried out using common techniques. Inflammation markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were assayed. Overall, 518 participants were included, 64.5% (n = 334) of whom resided in urban area and 35.5% (n = 184) in rural areas. The median age was 35 years [27; 46]. The prevalence of asymptomatic IPIs was 29.9% (n = 155), with a significantly higher frequency in rural areas than in urban area (adjusted OR 6.6 [CI 3.2-13.8], p < 0.01). Protozoa were more frequent than soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in both areas: 81.6% (n = 40) in urban area and 69.8% (n = 74) in rural areas. STHs were predominant in rural areas (48.1%) than in urban area (22.4%). High concentrations of hsCRP and CRP were significantly more frequent in inhabitants of rural areas (23.4% (n = 43) and 56.5% (n = 104), respectively (p < 0.01) than those of urban area (11.1% (n = 37) and 34.5% (n = 116), respectively; p<0.01). High levels were more frequent in parasitized individuals (for hsCRP, 22.6%, n = 35, p < 0.01, for CRP, 52.9%, n = 82; p < 0.01); in particular among STH carriers (for hsCRP; 65.9%, n = 27, p < 0.01, for CRP: 36.6%, n = 15; p < 0.01). Conclusions/Significance: This first study showed that asymptomatic IPIs, especially STHs, are associated with higher CRP and hsCRP levels. Others biomarkers of inflammation must be analyzed to confirm the relationship between asymptomatic IPIs and chronic inflammation.