Douala City Research Articles

From Sanitation to Clean Energy – Biogas Potential of Three Organic Wastes Collected in and Around Douala City (Cameroon)

From Sanitation to Clean Energy – Biogas Potential of Three Organic Wastes Collected in and Around Douala City (Cameroon)

Estimation of return dates and return levels of extreme rainfall in the city of Douala, Cameroon

The problem of extreme phenomena with a more precise estimation of their return periods for early warnings, notably to preserve the safety of populations and properties, arises all over the world. This work develops another aspect in the estimation of Return Levels (RLs) and Return Periods (RPs) of extreme precipitation in particular and natural risk in general. In particular, it gives the Return Dates (RDs) with their Confidence Intervals (CIs). The RPs, the RLs and their CIs for extreme rainfall were also investigated. These estimates were made by approaching the peak over a threshold chosen by the Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD). The CIs of RPs and RLs were determined by the Delta method. The daily rainfall data used were obtained from the data of the synoptic report for the period 2011 to 2021 for the Douala weather station (more details can be found on http://www.ogimet.com/guia.phtml.en). To validate the methods used, real cases of floods occurred in Douala city were considered: for example, a local press compiled flood dates and mentioned that a flood occurred on the April 16, 2013 in this city. Following the data of synoptic report, the corresponding amount of rainfall was around 150 mm. The results obtained have shown a RD on the August 12, 2014. The confidence intervals of return levels and return dates determined by the Delta method were [131.66, 168.456] and [June 23, 2014, January 02, 2015], respectively. These results are in agreement with the data of synoptic report since the rainfall amounts was 132.2 mm (belonging to the confidence interval of return levels), on the August 11, 2014 (belonging to the confidence interval of return dates). These predictions of RDs and RLs with their CIs, at reasonable time scales, can help for efficient management of floods and thus, improve early warnings for safety of populations and goods.

Optimising Pavement Performance in Douala City Using a Mixture of Clay and Sand Fractions

Pavements are complex structures composed of multiple layers, designed to withstand various types of stress, including mechanical, organic, and climatic. The pavement is constantly subjected to cyclic, dynamic-mechanical actions caused by road traffic and different axle loads. Classified as engineering structures, the standard theoretical durability of this type of construction is generally estimated to be around one hundred years. However, this objective may not be achieved if the designer does not take into account certain specific factors that are endogenous and exogenous to the structure. Therefore, the durability of a road can be achieved through an optimized design that meets the needs defined by the public authorities and the context of its socio-economic framework. This passage discusses the factors that affect the performance of pavements, including soil type, machinery used, users, and climatic conditions. Exceeding axle loads, which form the basis of pavement design calculations, is also a disruptive factor from a civic perspective. A pavement consists of multiple layers, each made up of materials that must meet strict quality criteria and respect the anthropological, economic, social, and natural environment. It is important to consider all of these factors when constructing a pavement to ensure its longevity and avoid any negative impacts on the surrounding area. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain the pavement to prevent any loss of economic or infrastructural development opportunities. Several road infrastructures in urban and inter-urban areas experience issues that result from a combination of causes, each with varying degrees of impact. Douala is one such city where civil engineering projects are subject to an environment that is not conducive to the longevity of infrastructure, especially road infrastructure. The city is situated on a surface layer covered by a predominantly sandy-clay soil. This study aims to propose a proportional mixture of clay and sand soil fractions to create an anvil effect during compaction. The objective is to create a hybrid backfill material that can achieve a high compaction rate. Good compaction is crucial for achieving optimal pavement layer performance. The thickness of the material to be laid is greatly affected by this characteristic, which in turn affects the volume of equipment depreciation and user comfort. This has a significant impact on a wide range of socio-economic benefits. Based on soil mechanics and geotechnical tests, a new material is proposed to combat the early onset of disorders such as potholes, ruts, erosion, or pavement collapse in bad weather or heavy traffic.

Real-time air quality monitoring based on locally developed unmanned aerial vehicle and low-cost smart electronic device

This article deals with the development of real-time air quality monitoring based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This investigation aims to design and develop an UAV-based platform that can monitor a large number of air pollutants in real-time with high spatial and temporal resolution. The proposed environmental monitoring system consists of five main elements, namely the UAV, sensors, data storage module, programmable card, and IoT communication module. Estimated pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic gases (carbon monoxide CO, nitrogen dioxide NO2, and carbon dioxide CO2) are detected by low-cost sensors. The ZigBee wireless protocol is used for communication between the PC and UAV. This work is carried out to assess the air quality in urban areas, given the heavy road traffic and the emissions of some companies. The data analyzed were collected from December 2, 2022 to January 3, 2023, in two major cities of Cameroon, Douala and Kribi. The periodic average values of the detected pollutants are 222 ± 22 μg/m3 and 85.7 ± 8.6 μg/m3 for PM2.5, 560.8 ± 1.0 ppm and 555.6 ± 1.0 ppm for CO2, 4.2 ± 0.2 ppm and 0.7 ± 0.1 ppm for NO2, and 27.6 ± 2.8 ppm and 4.5 ± 0.5 ppm for CO in Douala and Kribi respectively. This made it possible to have an air quality index (AQI) of 444.2 for Douala City and 171.3 for Kribi City. These high values indicate poor air quality during the measurement period.

Covid-19 restrictions and transport sector in Sub-Saharan Africa: insights from Douala City, Cameroon

The transportation industry is a key player in shaping today’s economy and society, but the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 drastically reduced services as governments implemented containment measures which drastically reduced services offered by transportation systems. Developed countries are already analyzing the pandemic's impact on transportation and proposing sustainable solutions. However, little is known about how developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with high urban population densities and unique mobility patterns, have responded. This study focuses on Cameroon, specifically Douala city, to examine the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on mobility patterns, transport operators, and provide recommendations to transport authorities in responding to future pandemics in the region. Interviews with 190 key informants, including taxi, bus drivers, and bike riders revealed a significant decrease in passenger demand, lower occupancy rates, reduced intra-urban and inter-urban mobility, and financial struggles for drivers, leading to layoffs. The study underscores the need for collaboration among stakeholders in the transport sector, involving public transport operators, government agents, policy makers, and the civil society in decision-making to create sustainable solutions for future pandemics.

Cosmic-ray exposure assessment using particle and heavy ion transport code system: case study Douala-Cameroon.

According to UNSCEAR, cosmic radiation contributes to ~16% (0.39mSv/y) of the total dose received by the public at sea level. The exposure to cosmic rays at a specific location is therefore a non-negligible parameter that contributes to the assessment of the overall public exposure to radiation. In this study, simulations were conducted with the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System, a Monte Carlo code, to determine the fluxes and effective dose due to cosmic rays received by the population of Douala. In minimum solar activity, the total effective dose considering the contribution of neutron, muon+, muon-, electron, positron and photon, was found to be 0.31±0.02mSv/y at the ground level. For maximum solar activity, it was found to be 0.27±0.02mSv/y at ground level. During maximum solar activity, galactic cosmic rays are reduced by solar flares and winds, resulting in an increase in the solar cosmic-ray component and a decrease in the galactic cosmic-ray component on Earth. This ultimately leads to a decrease in the total cosmic radiation on Earth. These results were found to be smaller than the UNSCEAR values, thus suggesting a good estimation for the population of Douala city located near the equatorial line. In fact, the cosmic radiation is more deflected at the equator than near the pole. Muons+ were found to be the main contributors to human exposure to cosmic radiation at ground level, with ~38% of the total effective dose due to cosmic exposure. However, electrons and positrons were found to be the less contributors to cosmic radiation exposure. As regards the obtained results, the population of Douala is not significantly exposed to cosmic radiation.

Flood susceptibility mapping in the Tongo Bassa watershed through GIS, remote sensing and frequency ratio model

Abstract Flooding constitutes a major problem for the inhabitants of Douala City in general and those of the Tongo Bassa watershed (TBW) in particular. Faced with this situation, public authorities need to put in place measures to mitigate the vulnerability of populations to these disasters. This article aims to map flooding risk areas in the TBW using the geographic information system, field data (historical flood points), remote sensing data (Sentinel II image) and the frequency ratio model. The map produced shows that 1.41, 8.88, 28.51, 33.86 and 27.33% of the basin area are respectively delimited into very low, low, medium, high and very high flood vulnerability classes. High and very high flooding risk areas (those where flooding is most likely to occur) occupy more than half of the basin (61.19%). These areas are characterized by significant imperviousness, low altitudes, weak slopes, significant proximity to watercourses and clayey soils. Most of the houses in the basin (66.92%) are located in areas affected by these two levels of exposure (high and very high). With respective success and prediction accuracy rates of 89 and 96.78%, a certain confidence deserves to be placed on the map of flooding risk areas produced.

A moderately chocked estuary: Influence of a constriction on the water level variations of the Wouri estuary (Cameroon)

We study the water-level (WL) evolution in the Douala basin (DB), a sub-basin of the Wouri estuary, separated from the ocean by a natural constriction and influenced by tides and river inflow. Our objective is to assess whether floods in Douala city could result from water overflow from the Douala basin due to Wouri river floods. We first evaluate the constriction’s damping effect by analyzing tide amplitude variations from the ocean to the basin. A simplified model for basin WL variation is developed, incorporating a dissipation parameter (Г) that is evaluated using weak tidal amplitude modulation from the ocean to the basin over the dry season of 2023. Results in the DB reveal nondimensional choking-parameter (P) values of 12–19, indicating moderate dissipation. The basin's relatively small area results in a nondimensional river discharge parameter (S) of 0–12, indicating high river discharge regimes. Subsequently, the model is used to evaluate the mean and maximum WL, as well as tide amplitude variations of the DB, as functions of river flow and ocean tides. The mean WL increases, but the maximum tide amplitude decreases as river input increases. The maximum WL in the basin always exceeds the maximum amplitude of ocean tides but is only significantly higher when river input is above 1000 m3/s. In current conditions, where maximum observed river input is around 1800 m3/s, it is unlikely that flooding will extend beyond the basin borders into the city of Douala. For a moderate increase (20%) in future maximum river fluxes, it is also unlikely that the DB will overflow into Douala city. Only a drastic increase in mean ocean level and river fluxes (which are possible scenarios associated with climate change) could potentially lead to a significant rise in basin WL, resulting in severe flooding.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components in secondary school student population in the city of Douala, Cameroon

Background: While the burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a lack of data among young Cameroonian population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its components among secondary school students in Douala. Design and methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out on 803 students recruited from February to May 2021 in public and private secondary schools in Douala city, Cameroon. MetS was assessed according to the IDF/AHA/NHLBI 2009 consensus definition. The data collection consisted of a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, measurement of anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference) and overnight fasting blood sample. Blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured using standard methods. Results: The mean age was 18±3 years, 73.3% female. The prevalence of MetS was 27.4%, common among participants aged ≥16 years, and higher in females compare to males (33.7% vs 11.1%, p<0.0001). The prevalence of MetS components i.e abdominal obesity, high BP, fasting hyperglycemia, low-level HDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia were 14.1%, 18.1%, 42.8%, 51.4% and 38.6% respectively. All MetS components were significantly higher in females compared to males except for high BP which was similar among the genders. Conclusions: In our study population, the prevalence of MetS is high and this calls for improved monitoring to limit the evolution of associated cardiometabolic complications among young Cameroonians.

Prevention and treatment of home moisture: the case of Douala city

Many cities of the world are affected by home moisture. This is typically the case of Douala city. The negative impact of home moisture on the human life and buildings are very important. Thus, it is a health and environmental concern. Many factors such as flooding, poor material for building construction, non-mastery of construction technics, poor drainage network and low visibility of hazards cartography increase the vulnerability of houses to moisture. To mitigate this problem, the study recommends: the construction of more drainage networks, the vulgarization of flood cartography, the mastering of construction technics to mitigate moisture and people sensitization about the effect of home moisture on their health.

A review of the sustainable drainage technics suitable for paved roads in the tropical area: the case of Douala city

A review of the sustainable drainage technics suitable for paved roads in the tropical area: the case of Douala city

Analysis of Cameroon’s National Drug Management System Using a Continuous Improvement Approach: The Case of Douala City

Analysis of Cameroon’s National Drug Management System Using a Continuous Improvement Approach: The Case of Douala City

Effects of Malaria and HIV Infection on Anemia and T-cells Levels in Children in Douala City, Cameroon.

Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and malaria are priority health issues for sub-Saharan Africa. Both diseases worsen each other through their effect on the immune and hematological systems. This study aimed to determine the effects of HIV infection and asymptomatic malaria on anemia and T-cells counts in children in the city of Douala in the republic of Cameroon. Method From May to November 2016, 197 HIV infected and 98 HIV-free non-febrile children up to 19 years old(128 male and 167 female) participated in the study. All HIV-infected children were receiving antiretroviral treatment and co-trimoxazole. Malaria diagnosis was performed using Giemsa-stained thick blood film; immunological and hematological parameters were assessed through a flow cytometer and an automated analyzer respectively. Chi-squared or Fischer's exact tests was used to compare the proportions, Mann-Whitney and ANOVA tests were used for the means. Statistical significance was set at p˂0.05. Results The prevalence of malaria was 8.8%, and that of anemia was 40.7%. CD4+-T cells were higher in malaria-infected children, both in HIV positive and negative (p=0.049). No significant association was found between malaria parasitemia and CD8+-T cell levels, both in HIV-positive and negative children (p=0.41). Anemia was higher in HIV-positive children (p=0.019), especially in those with severe immunosuppression (p=0.001) and in younger children (p=0.0083).Children on HIV treatment presented lower malaria prevalence (8.6% versus 10.10%), though the difference was not significant (p=0.7068). Malaria infection was associated with lower hemoglobin levels (10.5±1.7 versus 11.2±1.4; p=0.016). Conclusion Malaria infection may enhance CD4+-T cells. Both malaria and HIV infection lead to a drop in hemoglobin levels. The HIV treatment protocol may reduce malaria prevalence.

The determinants of the adoption of mobile money by small enterprises (SEs) in Douala, Cameroon

The purpose of this article is to analyze the factors that determine the decision to adopt mobile money by small Cameroonian enterprises, focusing on the profile of the manager and the sector of activity. From a random sample of 276 small businesses in Douala city, the estimation of a binomial logit model yielded the following results: economic benefits, ease of use and operational risk management are the factors that led to the adoption of mobile money by small enterprises (SEs). The importance of those varies according to the profile of the manager and the sector of activity. These results imply that SEs need to increase the adoption of mobile money in order to improve their performance.

Towards an Eco-Efficient Development Strategy that Minimises the Risks Associated with the Location of Gas Stations in Human Settlements: A Fuzzy PROMETHEE Method

Evaluating real world situations in risky environments based on various qualitative/quantitative criteria in order to suggest a strategy/policy among available options is one of the critical challenges in incident management. Such is the case when considering an eco-efficient development strategy that can minimize the risk associated with the location of gas stations in human settlements. Taking the Douala city of Cameroon as an example, four actions were evaluated, including the options of relocating the gas stations, putting in place of emergency response plan in gas stations, and relocation of households subject to a group of four criteria. Data were collected via personal communication with decision-makers using a five-point Likert scale. The market values of buildings subject to expropriation were estimated based on order No. 0082/Y. 15.1/MNUH/D of 20 November 1987 of the ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Cameroon. The financial costs incurred in establishing a gas station were an average value obtained from a sample of 80 gas stations randomly selected among those whose locations do not comply with existing regulations. These amounts were obtained from their financial records, while the value of putting in place an emergency action plan was obtained from the current market value of the equipment required. The algorithm of PROMETHEE under the usual criterion function was implemented. The results suggested that putting in place an emergency response plan could minimize relocation costs, maximize profits/welfare, and maximize environmental quality, and minimize social impacts, and was therefore considered as the most preferred alternative. Sensitivity analyses of results further confirmed that implementation of emergency response plan is the most preferred alternative.

Species composition and diversity of freshwater snails and land snails at the swampy areas and streams edges in the urban zone of Douala, Cameroon

Fascioliasis and bilharzia occur in the Littoral region of Cameroon. Recent reports indicate a high prevalence of bilharzia in school-age children in the locality of Njombé-Penja, close to the city of Douala. This infectious disease may spread in the near future to the city of Douala, especially if the localities at risk are visited by infected people, who defecate or urinate in streams or swamps as is the habit of populations in populous zones of the city and where environmental cleanliness is not respected. It is known that several molluscs are intermediate hosts of the infectious agents of this pathology but little is known about the snail’s community structure at the coastal zone of the country. The present study aimed to establish a baseline of information on the distribution of snails in the urban environments of the Douala coastal Littoral-zone, as a first step in evaluating the status and the occurrence level of snails known as intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis and distomatosis agents. Seventy-three sample units where inspected from July to November 2020 in eight quarters of the Douala city, using 49 non-contiguous transects 5x40 m² each along streams and 24 non-contiguous quadrates 10x10 m² each around swamps. A total of 4,068 snail’s shelter belonged to 9 families: 3(33.3%) and 6 (66.7%) families for land and freshwater snails respectively. Specimens belonged to 14 genera [6 (42.9%) and 8 (57.1%) genera for land and freshwater snails respectively], and 30 species [14 (46.7%) and 16 (53.3%) species for land and freshwater snails respectively]. Land snails were most diverse [E(Sn=151) = 14 ± 0 species] than freshwater snails [E(Sn=151) = 11 ± 1 species]. Economically important species were highly represented in land snails (30.3%) and lowly represented in freshwater snails (6.1%). Between land snails Achatina and Archachatina (invasive pests for agriculture) were highly recorded in Bépanda-Sic-Cacao, Makepé-Missoké and PK10-Plateau quarters while between freshwater snails known as obligate intermediate hosts for fascioliasis and bilharzia agents, Lymnaea was recorded in Bépanda-Sic-Cacao, Nkomba and Mbanga-Pongo quarters while Biomphalaria occurred exclusively in PK10-Plateau quarter. The community exhibited low evenness, low species richness, low species diversity and low dominance by a few species. The theoretical lognormal model fitted the species abundance distributions and species exhibited a positive association (Schluter’s ratio VR = 6.69, statistic W = 53.49, df = 8, p<0.001 for land snails; VR = 2.27, W = 18.18, df = 8, p = 0.020 for freshwater snails; VR = 4.17, W = 33.42, p<0.001 for the pooled data). Low dominance by a few species indicated that study sites were slightly influenced by interspecific competition and/or disturbance by human activities.

COVID-19 in Douala-Cameroon: Epidemiologic features, challenges to fight the pandemic, and psychosocio-economic impacts

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China. Cases of COVID-19 have been reported in a growing number of cities worldwide. Cameroon recorded the first case of the Coronavirus on March 6, 2020 and thereafter, there was a geometric increase in the number of cases. In response to this, the government announced firm measures in an effort to curb the exponential increase of the Coronavirus cases in the country. Despite the measures, the number of cases has continued to increase, coupled with another unwanted socio-economic phenomenon. This study aims to present the challenges to fight COVID-19 in Cameroon urban settlements as with the case of Douala metropolitan city, to examine its geographical distribution pattern, and to apprehend its socio-economic impacts on Douala city dwellers. Data used here derived from local and national health statistics, and from a cross-sectional study conducted in Douala city from May to December 2020. Results reveal that coherent measures were taken by health officials to fight the pandemics. However, spread of the virus has continued in the city, under a differentiated dissemination pattern. Findings also revealed that during lockdown, the city witnessed downturn in the economy, increase in domestic violence and mental health problems. The study recommends the effective follow-up of the measures put in place by the government as well as all the stakeholders, the financial support of enterprises and an aggressive sensitization of the population.

Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of Loa loa parasites responsible of a long-delayed filarial infection in an immigrant patient inhabited in Paris

A 21-year-old young boy who lived alone since one year and a half ago in Paris was referred due to severe vertigo. He is originally from Ivory Coast but lived from 2011 to 2017 in Douala city in west of Cameroon. Beside vertigo, he complained from headache, sudden abdominal pain and edema in both left and right forearms for about two years. General examination demonstrated a healthy condition with no subcutaneous nodules and swelling on any other part of the body, not splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Moreover, the eyes were normal with clear lens. Blood count analysis revealed a hypereosinophilia (2670*106/L, N: <500*106/L). A couple of direct and May-Grunwald-Giemsa stained smears, analyzed by microscopy revealed the semitransparent cylindrical worms with almost 300 μm length and 45 μm width identified as Loa loa. The identity of the worm was then confirmed by bidirectional sequencing of 450 bp fragment of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1-rDNA). Based on Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree, our isolate was clustered tightly with other few Loa species from Gabon in the same clade. No hybrid was observed among processed sequences since all species groups were discriminated separately. In the current case, he was originally from Ivory Coast but absence of medical and epidemiological evidences as well as the residency of our patient for 6 years in Cameroon made us suspicious that the patient has been most likely infected by L. loa worms in this country. The patient was treated by a couple of ivermectin (200 µg/kg for 3 days) and diethylcarbamazine (3 mg/kg, 2 times per day for 4 weeks) and a favorable evolution was observed within few weeks. Regarding at least one year and a half interval between the probable Loa loa infection in Cameroon and diagnosis, Loa loa worms are competent to persist in the human host for several years. Consequently, the clinicians should be aware of this parasitosis among the travelers or immigrants coming from endemic regions in Africa.

Epidemiological Profile and Management of Intestinal Occlusions of Cancer Origin in Three Hospitals in the City of Douala

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is the complete cessation of physiological intestinal transit made up of matters and gases for more than 24 hours having as etiology an obstructive malignant neoplasia, which may be intra or extra abdominal. It requires a specific diagnostic evaluation and multidisciplinary care. MBO is not only less frequent in our context but little update are known about the disease, hence the interest of our work. Objective: to study the epidemiological profile and management of MBO in three hospitals in the Douala city. Methodology: This was a transversal analytical study with collected retrospective data collection over a period of 10 years, ranging from January 2010 to December 2019 within eight months. The study, which took place in three hospitals in Douala’s city, had included the complete files of admitted patients and management of MBO with evidence of histological malignancy. Patients who had been managed out of our study sites as well as those who died before treatment and incomplete records were excluded. Results analysis is done statistically using sphinx plus2 version 5.0 and Microsoft Excel 2016 software. Results means from the experiment were compared using chi2 variable comparison. P&lt;0.05 is taken as statistically significant with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: We recruited 83 MBO cases. The hospital prevalence was 3.3% with a male predominance of 53% and the male / female sex ratio was 1:1. The mean age was 52.9 ± 17.8 years with the most affected being subjects from 60 years of age. Abdominal pain was the main reason for consultation (95.2%; 79 cases). Overall, 2.4% (03 cases) of our population were admitted with a state of hemodynamic instability and only 1.2% (01 case) was feverish. Meteorism was the most constant physical sign (81.9%; 68 cases). The X-ray examination of the abdomen was one of the most prescribed morphological tests (40.3%) but the thoraco-abdomino-pelvic scanner was most reliable for its precision of the occlusion site by obstructive mass with an reliability at 70.4% (p&gt; 0.0001). The left colon was the majority obstruction site (43.4%). Intestinal resection with anastomosis was the most commonly performed surgical procedure (71%; 59 cases). In addition to surgical treatment, 31,3% of our population study benefited from exclusive chemotherapy, 2,4% from adjuvant radiotherapy and 20,4% from concomitant radio and chemotherapy. Post-operative morbidity was represented by infections and bleeding from operative wound (2.4% respectively) and recurrence of bowel obstruction. Post-operative mortality rate of 16.8% was dependent on the existence of metastases (p&gt; 0.0001). Conclusion: Malignant bowel obstruction is generally more frequent among aged people with a male predominancy. Surgery is the essential treatment with adjuvant methods. The prognosis is pejorative especially in the presence of metastases. Therefore, we recommend strengthening the monitoring of patients having a cancer to increase their life expectancy.

The study of prevalence and associated risk factors of diseases and other clinical conditions diagnosed in dogs and cats in Douala city, Cameroon

Over a period of 5 years, a study was undertaken to establish the prevalence of clinical diseases in dogs and cats in Douala city, Cameroon, based on sex, breeds and age. Data were collected from clinical cases of dogs and cats admitted in six private veterinary clinics and analysed using Chi 2 test statistics. A total of 2397 clinical conditions were recorded; among them, dogs and cats were 2222 (92.7%) and 175 (7.3%), respectively. For dogs, the most occurring clinical diseases comprised parvovirosis (16%), helminthoses (8.2%), gastroenteritis (7.8%) and poisoning (7.8%), whereas pet cats showed highest prevalence of helminthoses (9.7%), poisoning (5.1%) and dermatitis (2.9%). The sex-wise highest prevalence was observed in male (dogs 67% and cats 59.4%) than female (dogs 33% and cats 40.6%) ( P = 0.009). Cross breeds (31.7%), local breeds (24.02%) and German shepherd (13.1%) were mostly affected, while highest clinical diseases were found (96, 54.9%) in the local cat breed counterpart. Incidence of diseases was more in puppies (68.7%) and in young cats (75.5%) compared to other age groups. The result of this study might help to instruct pet owners on preventive measures and to develop supplementary effective disease management and control strategies against pet animal diseases. Sur une période de 5 ans, une étude a été menée pour établir la prévalence des maladies chez les chiens et chats de la ville de Douala, au Cameroun, en fonction du sexe, des races et de l’âge. Les données ont été collectées à partir de cas cliniques des chiens et chats admis en consultation dans six cliniques vétérinaires privées et analysées à l’aide du test de Khi 2 . Au total, 2397 cas cliniques ont été enregistrés dont 2222 (92,7 %) chez les chiens et 175 (7,3 %) chez les chats. Chez les chiens, les maladies cliniques les plus fréquentes étaient la parvovirose (16 %), les helminthoses (8,2 %), la gastro-entérite (7,8 %) et l’intoxication (7,8 %), tandis que les chats ont présenté de fortes prévalences d’helminthoses (9,7 %), d’intoxication (5,1 %) et de dermatite (2,9 %). En rapport avec le sexe, la prévalence la plus élevée était observée chez les mâles (chiens 67 % et chats 59,4 %) que chez les femelles (chiens 33 % et chats 40,6 %) ( p = 0,009). Les races croisées (31,7 %), les races locales (24,02 %) et le berger allemand (13,1 %) ont été les plus touchées, tandis que les maladies cliniques ont été plus observées chez les chats de race locale (96 ; 54,9 %). L’incidence des maladies était plus élevée chez les chiots (68,7 %) et chez les jeunes chats (75,5 %) par rapport aux autres groupes d’âge. Le résultat de cette étude pourrait aider à instruire les propriétaires d’animaux de compagnie sur les mesures préventives et à développer des stratégies supplémentaires efficaces de gestion des maladies et de contrôle des maladies des animaux de compagnie.