He is currently working toward validating whole-genome sequencing methodologies targeting viral pathogens for implementation into a public health diagnostic service. References 1. Armstrong C, Lillie RD. Experimental lymphocytic choriomeningitis of monkeys and mice produced by a virus encountered in studies of the 1933 St. Louis encephalitis epidemic.

Malnutrition is a major threat to infant health and development in sub-Saharan Africa. With increasing costs in commercial complementary foods, infants in rural communities are often fed with unprocessed nutrient-deficient family staple foods. The aim of this study was to formulate complementary diets from locally cultivated sorghum, soybeans, and mangoes using soaking, toasting, germination, and fermentation processes. Through mass balance, eight formulations were developed, where a Codex Alimentarius recommendation of ≤5.5g protein content per 100kcal of cereals-added high-protein complementary foods was considered. Our results showed that the nutritional compositions of the formulated diets ranged from 4.64-6.44% moisture content, 1.04-1.70% ash content, 10.73-20.02% crude protein, 68.07-80.76% total carbohydrate, 0.07-3.44% crude fat, 1.35-3.40% crude fibre, 364.63-462.80kcal energy, 120.9-131.2mg/100g calcium and 1.02-6.99µg/mg vitamin A. Soaking significantly increased the nutritional value of soybeans and sorghum, and was further increased with subsequent toasting, germination, or fermentation. The functional properties of all formulations were within acceptable limits for complementary feeding as the formulations were less bulky and could easily be cooked into gruels. In addition, trained breastfeeding mothers, who served as sensory panelists, rated the overall acceptability between 7 (like moderately) and 8 (like very much) on the hedonic scale. The formulations did not differ in acceptability in terms of taste, colour, flavour, and smoothness, and those containing toasted soybean flour were rated highest for colour and flavour. This research indicated that nutrient-rich food formulations from locally acquired low-cost sorghum, soybeans, and mangoes could be used extensively in the treatment of child malnutrition in Africa.

This paper discusses the methodological challenges in studying health risks that could arise from consuming terrestrial snails infested with pathogenic microorganisms. In Cameroon, snails remain an inexpensive protein source and are collected from free-living environments termed “farms.” Our focus has been on understanding health risks due to the handling and consumption of snails collected from locations that include decaying vegetation and untreated human and household wastes. To complement preliminary field observations and get more in-depth understanding of the existing situation, we adopted a qualitative approach using lived experiences, participant observation, in-depth interviews, and a focus group. We made use of informal settings where snail vendors and consumers narrated their routines and experiences from snail harvesting to consumption and the strategies they use to keep their families safe from foodborne illnesses. The study adopted two frameworks: Soft Systems Methodology to explore and model the “messy” nature of the social system and Social Practice Theory to explore the local practices identified through systemic model. The challenges discussed are set in the context of conducting social research in a developing world situation in a time of social and political tension and a global pandemic (COVID-19). With this in mind, the methodological decisions discussed include the type of enquiry and selection of frameworks, selection of field sites, recruitment and engagement with participants, design of interview instruments, interpretation, and trustworthiness of the study findings. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of using our approach.

This study sought to understand the health risks of foodborne pathogens in fresh leafy vegetables that are grown and consumed locally in Yaounde, Cameroon. Through a survey, 200 respondents were recruited to relate possible food-related illnesses to leafy vegetable consumption. Additionally, a total of 168 vegetable samples consisting of six leafy vegetables and 15 irrigated water samples from five water sources were collected from farms and local markets for microbiological analysis. Using a high-fidelity DNA polymerase, five potential bacterial pathogens, namely, Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica were also examined. The mean counts of total viable count and total coliforms followed decreasing trends from vegetables obtained on the farms to the local markets, and these ranged from 4.98-8.74 log cfu/g and 1.77-7.42 log cfu/g respectively. All pathogens detected were of significant concern to public health showing high occurrence in some vegetables: STEC (20%) and Yersinia enterolitica (13%) in cabbage, Campylobacter spp. (21%) in lettuce, Listeria monocytogenes (15%) in African nightshade, and Salmonella spp. (15%) in amaranth. Importantly, 42% of respondents highlighted that they frequently got sick from eating leafy vegetables from the study area. These microbiological and qualitative results along with certain vegetable farming and vending practices (such as the use of untreated sewage water for crop irrigation, the sales of physically dirty, muddy, and unpackaged vegetables) indicated that foodborne diseases could be occurring among leafy vegetable-consuming populations in Cameroon.

Background Snail meat is an important source of nutrition in Cameroon, but the food safety risks are poorly understood. We characterized public health risks from snail meat consumption as a social system in Cameroon, by examining local snail practices that expose snail meat handlers and consumers to foodborne pathogens. Methods We used exploratory qualitative approaches, that is, lived experience, face-to-face in-depth interviews, participant observation and a focus group, to explore fifteen key informants’ routines and lived experiences, and perceptions of two health officials on the food safety practices around snail meat consumption in Cameroon. This information was organized and interpreted using Soft Systems Methodology and Social Practice Theory, which permitted a systemic appreciation of local practices. Results We distinguished five kinds of actors (snail vendors, market sellers, street vendors, street eaters and home consumers), who performed seven successive practices (picking, selling, cracking, washing, cooking, hawking and eating). We then identified three worldviews about snails: family support or to reduce poverty, a source of nutrition and a food choice (taste, preference). Our findings revealed participants’ competences were based on childhood learning and ‘inborn’ experiences, and materials used in snail activities reflected participants’ parentage and ‘state of poverty’. Although most interviewees highlighted ‘unhygienic conditions’ when explaining snail picking locations, participants believed washing and cooking should kill all contaminants. Conclusion Several opportunities for human exposures to foodborne pathogens including snail picking in domestic wastes and sewage, the selling of unpackaged live snails, improper snail meat washing and hawking in loosely closed buckets, were apparent from our analysis. These findings suggest fruitful opportunities aimed at improving health outcomes among African snail meat handlers and consumers.