Background The existence of an animal reservoir of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (T. b. gambiense), the agent of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), may compromise the interruption of transmission targeted by World Health Organization. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of trypanosomes in pigs and people in the Vavoua HAT historical focus where cases were still diagnosed in the early 2010’s. Methods For the human survey, we used the CATT, mini-anion exchange centrifugation technique and immune trypanolysis tests. For the animal survey, the buffy coat technique was also used as well as the PCR using Trypanosoma species specific, including the T. b. gambiense TgsGP detection using single round and nested PCRs, performed from animal blood samples and from strains isolated from subjects positive for parasitological investigations. Results No HAT cases were detected among 345 people tested. A total of 167 pigs were investigated. Free-ranging pigs appeared significantly more infected than pigs in pen. Over 70% of free-ranging pigs were positive for CATT and parasitological investigations and 27–43% were positive to trypanolysis depending on the antigen used. T. brucei was the most prevalent species (57%) followed by T. congolense (24%). Blood sample extracted DNA of T. brucei positive subjects were negative to single round TgsGP PCR. However, 1/22 and 6/22 isolated strains were positive with single round and nested TgsGP PCRs, respectively. Discussion Free-ranging pigs were identified as a multi-reservoir of T. brucei and/or T. congolense with mixed infections of different strains. This trypanosome diversity hinders the easy and direct detection of T. b. gambiense. We highlight the lack of tools to prove or exclude with certainty the presence of T. b. gambiense. This study once more highlights the need of technical improvements to explore the role of animals in the epidemiology of HAT.

Diarrheal diseases are very common in children under 5 years and may lead to a delay of physical and mental development. Despite this knowledge, data on diarrheal diseases and socioeconomic determinants are still scarce in Côte d'Ivoire. This study is then conducted with the objective to fill part of this gap and specifically assess link between infant diarrhea occurrence and some major socioenvironmental factors. Stool samples were collected from children less than five suffering from diarrhea at Yamoussoukro Regional Hospital in central Côte d'Ivoire. Molecular species specific diagnosis was used to detect Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica, three major protozoan parasites which cause diarrhea. Out of 306 stool samples examined, 62.75% were detected as positive at least for one of the protozoan parasite studied. Species specific prevalence was 36.93% for C. parvum, 20.92% for G. intestinalis and 22.55% for E. histolytica. Infection was more prevalent in children whose mothers were not educated although the difference was not statistically significant. No link was found between gender and infection while sanitation infrastructures, mother and children ages and water sources were found significantly associated with diarrhea occurrence. Awareness is then needed for women on lack of hygiene rules that could lead to diarrheal diseases burden.

No abstract

Malaria is a parasitic disease defined as a major problem of public health in Côte d'Ivoire. One of the constraints of the control of this disease might be the genetic diversity of the main pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum. This study aims to evaluate the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in individuals at the regional health center in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire. A total of 380 blood samples were collected from patients, from June to October, 2015, based on malaria clinical signs and symptoms. Whole DNA was extracted from blood samples tested positive by microscopic examination for P. falciparum. A nested PCR targeting the msp-1(block 2) allelic families was implemented for the parasite genetic diversity. The associations between malaria infection and socio-environment factors were estimated. Out of the 380 examined patients, 262 were tested positive by microscopic examination representing a prevalence of 68.95%. Genotyping from 160 sample randomly chosen allowed to identify 35 alleles comprising 13 K1, 12 Mad 20 and 10 Ro33 type. Mixed infections were significantly correlated with the parasite load. The number of parasite strains hosted by a patient was significantly linked to the level of anemia and the parasite density. The multiplicity of the infection (MOI) decreased significantly with the age. Genetic variability of strains is a very important parameter to be taken into account in the epidemiology of malaria. The present results should draw the attention of decision-makers to develop a better monitoring strategy for the elimination of malaria in an endemic country such as Côte d'Ivoire.

Objective: Waterborne gastrointestinal protozoa pathogens are frequently associated with morbidity and mortality, in children under five years but these protozoa pathogens are scarcely investigated in quality control of drinking water. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of waterborne protozoa such as Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia intestinalis, and Entamoeba histolytica in various natural water sources from Daloa city using genetic markers. Methodology and results: A total of 34 water source samples comprising 2 from springs, 5 from hydraulic pumps, and 27 from wells were investigated. Water stored in containers was also analyzed and a survey was conducted on households' water consumption habits. Species specific genetic markers were used to detect the presence of C. parvum, G.intestinalis, and E. histolytica. Out of the 34 sources surveyed, 14(41.2%) were infected with at least one of the 3 protozoa investigated. Twenty one (61.76%) out of the 34 Containers analyzed were found contaminated with at least one of the 3 parasites. About 15.2% of households surveyed used well water for drinking though it was shown that 48.14% of these wells are contaminated with waterborne protozoa. The detection of protozoa pathogen in some home containers and not in natural sources where the containers were filled, suggested that contamination may originate from containers through human actions. Low-income households should be aware of the risk of drinking water from wells and the need to boil or treated drinking water to avoid diarrheal diseases related thereto. Conclusion and applications:This study shows that the spring natural water used by people does not contain parasites unlike almost wells water that have real health risks if no treatment is performed before consumption. Practice good personal hygiene regarding water's storage containers and hand washing could reduce the risk of propagation of parasitic protozoa.