Ivory Coast Research Articles

Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables Grown in Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Introduction: The presence of pesticide residues in primary and derived agricultural products raises serious health problems for consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the level of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables. Methods: Pesticide residues were extracted from market garden products (Solanum lycopersicum, Capsicum sp, Cucumis sativus and Lactuca sativa) by the QuEchERS method and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) technique. Results: These analyzes made it possible to detect 32 pesticide residues. All market garden products contained pesticide residues, 12.82% of which exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs). The pesticide families found were triazines (34.34%), urea derivatives (31.25%), organophosphorus residues (9.37%), organochlorines (9.37%), triazinones (9.37%) and carbamates (6.25%). Among the market garden products, only lettuce was contaminated by residues from all families with concentrations of pesticide residues exceeding their limits of quantification at the level of 5 molecules: Chlorpropham (0.016 mg/kg), Linuron (0.02 mg/kg), Chlorfenvinphos (0.026 mg/kg) Parathion-ethyl (0.014) and Metolachlor (0.013 mg/kg) which is an organochlorine pesticide. Organochlorines are among the prohibited pesticides. Among agrochemicals used, some were not approved. Conclusion: The results indicate the presence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables and highlight the urgent need to develop comprehensive intervention measures to reduce the potential health risk to consumers. The need for regular monitoring of pesticide residues and raising farmers' awareness of better pesticide safety practices are actions to be taken for the health of consumers.

The burden of HIV-1 and HIV-2 epidemics in Ivory Coast.

Simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) infecting chimpanzees (SIVcpz) and sooty mangabeys (SIVsm) are, respectively, the biological precursors of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) Types 1 and 2. Former French colonies in West Africa are the regions where retroviruses first jumped from primates to humans. Ivory Coast is nowadays a country of over 29 million people, being 2% (580,000) persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, one-quarter remains undiagnosed. Heterosexual transmission is by far the most frequent mechanism of HIV acquisition and women exhibit higher rates of infection than men. Despite preventive measures, HIV infection in children throughout breastfeeding remains significant. The proportion of PLWH carrying HIV-1 is rising whereas conversely HIV-2 carriers are steadily declining. A nationwide survey conducted on earlier 2024 showed that a total of 188,880 PLWH were on follow-up. HIV-1 infection was found in 163,947, HIV-2 in 5,114, and coinfection in 3,182. HIV type was not reported for 7,500. Antiretroviral therapy with tenofovir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir is by far the most frequently prescribed regimen in Ivory Coast (n = 168,543). Viral suppression is recognized in 94.3% of treated PLWH, despite one-third acknowledging unwanted treatment interruptions after failure of stock supplies. Given shared transmission routes with HIV, coinfection with other human retroviruses such as Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) and/or hepatitis viruses B, C, and delta are frequent in Ivory Coast. Coinfections remain largely undiagnosed and poorly managed. In summary, the HIV pandemic caused by both HIV-1 and HIV-2 is a major public health challenge in Ivory Coast, where strategies for expanding diagnosis, sustain antiretroviral treatment, and manage coinfections warrant further efforts.

Impact of Fruit Order on Cucurbits Yield Components: A Case of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl

Lagenaria siceraria is a trendy plant in Ivory Coast for its seeds. However, production of this plant remains relatively low. One of the underlying reasons for poor yields is poor control of crop techniques. This study is part of the improvement of L. siceraria production. It was conducted on the experimental farm of Nangui Abrogoua University in Abidjan. The study focused on the effect of fruit order on agronomic parameters related to fruits and seeds. To this end, a series of experiments was conducted. Fruits formed on the same plant were classified into three groups: J0 for the first generation, J8 for the second and J15 for the third generation. The results obtained indicate that for all agronomic parameters, the weight of the fruit (PoFr), the volume of the fruit (VoFr), the volume of the seed lodge (VLGr), the number of seeds per fruit (NoGr), the weight of 100 seeds (P100), the highest values are obtained for fruits of the first generation of fruit (J0). Thus, the fruits that appear first have a better agronomic quality. Farmers should use seeds from first-generation fruits for planting.

Palynological and Paleoenvironmental Characterization of the Campano-Maastrichtian Age Deposits of Adiake in the South-East of the Ivory Coast

Palynological and Paleoenvironmental Characterization of the Campano-Maastrichtian Age Deposits of Adiake in the South-East of the Ivory Coast

Effect of Organic Fertilization Based on Cattle Dung in Village Cultivation of Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in Immature Phase in Northern Ivory Coast

This study aimed to determine the dose of organic fertilizer adapted to the agroecological conditions of the Ferkéssédougou zone during the immature or vegetative phase with a view to improving agricultural productivity in rainfed sugar cane cultivation. The trial was conducted using a Fisher block experimental design with three (3) repetitions and six (6) treatments including the control treatment. The observations mainly focused on growth parameters. Health monitoring was also carried out to detect the presence of diseases. Regarding growth parameters, no statically significant effect of fertilizers was observed between treatments. However, the fertilizers used had a positive impact in terms of gain compared to the control. Thus, three (3) groups of fertilizers stood out. Group 1 was composed of mineral manure at the normal dose (350 kg/ha of NPK), organic manure at the normal dose (20t/ha), double dose of compost (40 t/ha) and the organo-mineral mixture, namely the normal dose of compost (20t/ha) + half dose of mineral fertilizer (175 kg/ha of NPK). These treatments promoted good emergence, good elongation of the plants with large diameters and a large number of internodes. Group 2, composed only of half a dose of compost (10 t/ha), allowed us to have a large number of stems. For group 3, corresponding to the control treatment, no growth parameter was correlated. No symptoms of major illnesses were observed during the observations. The M1400/86 variety used is resistant to termite attack.

Evaluation of the Toxicity of Glyphosate and its Impact on the Tolerance of Ancistrotermes guineensis to Chlorpyrifos-ethyl and the Methanolic Extract of Tithonia diversifolia

The massive use of glyphosate as a means of weed control is increasingly observed in cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast. Added to this is the ineffectiveness of the treatments. These observations led us to evaluate the level of resistance of A. guineensis to Chlorpyrifos-ethyl and T. diversifolia extract after exposure to glyphosate. The toxicity of glyphosate on A. guineensis workers was evaluated by direct toxicity. For the evaluation of the impact of glyphosate on the tolerance of A. guineensis workers, 50 workers taken at random from 75 workers previously exposed to glyphosate for 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours at concentrations 1.9, 2.14 and 3.56 g/l, were used for the bioassays with Chlorpyrifos-ethyl (22.4 mg/l) and T. diversifolia extract (10 mg/l). The study revealed no toxicity of glyphosate on A. guineensis workers. On the other hand, it showed that the exposure of workers of A.guineensis to glyphosate could modify their sensitivity to Chlorpyrifos-ethyl. This modification begins 4 hours after contact with glyphosate and at the lowest concentration. Tolerance of A. guineensis workers to Chlorpyrifos-ethyl is linked to the duration of exposure to glyphosate. After 24 hours of Chlorpyrifos-ethyl treatment, the mortality of unexposed workers and those exposed (4 and 24 hours) to glyphosate (1.9g/l) was respectively 60.00±3.65, 23.00± 1.9 and 15.00±1.15. Unlike Chlorpyrifos-ethyl, the study revealed no impact of glyphosate on the sensitivity of A. guineensis workers to the T. diversifolia extract. After 24 bioassays with T. diversifolia, the mortality of unexposed workers and those exposed (4 and 24 hours) to glyphosate (1.9g/l) was respectively 30.40±1.67, 30.40±1 .69 and 29.20±2.28. Given the cases of resistance observed with chemical products, the fight against termites must be done with natural plant extracts.

Knowledge State of Two Endemic Varieties of Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata with Yellow Flesh ("Kounougbé" and "Kangba") Cultivated in the Gbêkê Region and the Level of Chemical Weeding Use

Background: Yam is the main staple food in Ivory Coast and plays a crucial role in food security. However, indigenous yellow-fleshed varieties of the Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata species, such as "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" are gradually being abandoned in favor of modern varieties. Study Design: A study was conducted in the departments of Bouaké, Béoumi, Sakassou, and Botro, in the Gbêkê region, to assess the knowledge of these varieties, the preference for their tubers, and the use of chemical weeding. Results: The chi-square (χ²) test of independence showed that variables gender, age group, ethnic group and educational level influence significantly (P < 0.05) the knowledge level of "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" varieties. This knowledge level is relatively high in the different departments. The study revealed that uneducated people have better knowledge (83.97%) of these varieties. It also indicated that people aged at least 55 years old have a very good knowledge of these varieties. Moreover, the survey revealed that the natives are more familiar with "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" varieties with a rate of 92.68%. Concerning the characteristics preference for said varieties tubers and chemical weeding use, they impact meaningfully (P < 0.05) the age group variable. People at least 55 years old have the highest preference and use of chemical weeding levels with respective rates of 98.61% and 41.46%. Conclusion: This study constitutes a source of basic data which would contribute to the revaluation of endemic varieties of yellow-fleshed yam.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN ABIDJAN (IVORY COAST)

ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of life, and to investigate associated factors in breast cancer patients living in Ivory Coast. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study that took place from August 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022 in the Medical Oncology Department of the Treichville University Hospital. Seventy-six breast cancer patients participated in the study. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 EORTC questionnaires. ResultsThe mean score for overall quality of life was 69.3 ± 21.9. Among the functional scales, emotional functioning, social functioning, sexual functioning, and sexual pleasure were the most affected, with 21.1 respectively; 23.7; 78.9, and 86.8% of patients who had a bad score. Nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, and hair loss are the symptoms that most affected the QoL of our patients with respectively 19.7; 21.1, and 52, % of patients who had a bad score. Financial difficulties also negatively affected the QoL of our patients (55.3% had a poor score). The factors significantly associated with QoL deterioration were the metastatic stage, the presence of anemia, and the triple-negative immunohistochemical subtype. ConclusionThe overall quality of life of our patients was good. The psychosocial factors that were most affected in our patients were emotional functioning, social functioning, sexual functioning, and financial difficulties. The physical factors that most negatively affected the QoL of our patients were nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite and hair loss, presence of anemia, metastatic stage, and triple negative immunohistochemical type.

Accuracy of Xpert and alternative sampling methods to diagnose childhood pulmonary tuberculosis, a prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to estimate sensitivity and specificity of childhood pulmonary tuberculosis (CPTB) diagnostic tests, including Xpert and alternative samples such as nasopharyngeal aspirate and stool. We used latent class analysis to overcome the lack of gold standard. MethodsWe included 1165 children suspected of having CPTB in a prospective cohort study conducted in Ivory Coast, Madagascar, and Cameroon. We used Bayesian latent class analysis to evaluate the performance of multiple diagnostic tests for CPTB: smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF carried out on different types of samples (sputum after 10 years of age, gastric aspirate before 10 of age, nasopharyngeal aspirate, stool), tuberculin skin test (TST), and chest X-ray. ResultsMedian age was 3.5 years (95% credible interval [1.3–8.2]). Smear microscopy was highly specific in all types of samples but lacked sensitivity (sputum 31% (95% credible interval [18–46]), gastric aspirate 36% [27–45], nasopharyngeal aspirate 24% [17–32], stool 24% [17–32]). Culture sensitivity was slightly higher in gastric (75% [65–83]) than nasopharyngeal aspirate (64% [54–72]). Xpert sensitivity was similar in gastric (69% [59–78]) and nasopharyngeal aspirate (66% [57–74]) but lower in sputum (58% [43–74]) and stools (53% [44–62]). Xpert was highly specific in all respiratory samples (sputum 96% [96–100], gastric aspirate 100% [99–100], nasopharyngeal aspirate 100% [99–100]). ConclusionsXpert performed on nasopharyngeal aspirate shows similar accuracy than culture. It was also similar to that in gastric aspirate. It highlights it’s an interesting CPTB diagnostic combination.

ECOLOGICAL NICHES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR REFORESTATION OF PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS, KHAYA SENEGALENSIS AND ISOBERLINIA DOKA IN THE CLASSIFIED FORESTS OF NORTHERN COTE DIVOIRE

Deforestation in Cote dIvoire, particularly in the Pale and Pouniakele classified forests, threatens biodiversity and essential ecosystem services. This study explores the potential of Pterocarpus erinaceus, Khaya senegalensis, and Isoberliniadoka to restore degraded ecosystems through reforestation projects, using maximum entropy modeling. The objective is to analyze the ecological niches of these species in order to optimize reforestation strategies. The results show that Pterocarpus erinaceus has a high tolerance to climate variations, with an average AUC of 0.878, and a concentrated distribution in the central and northern savannahs. The main factors influencing its presence are the standard deviation of temperatures (47%) and humidity (15.4%). Khaya senegalensis, on the other hand, is well adapted to open environments with low vegetation cover and high climate variability. Its mean AUC of 0.893 indicates a robust prediction, with areas of presence in the central-eastern part of the country. Major contributions include temperature standard deviation (21.4%) and NDVI (18.5%). Finally, Isoberliniadoka shows greater sensitivity to stable climatic conditions, with a mean AUC of 0.848 and a presence limited to northern regions, where forest cover (32.1%) and mean temperature (39.7%) are the dominant variables. Ecological differences are observed between species, mainly influenced by climate variability and vegetation density. This implies the importance of adapting reforestation programs to the environmental specificities of each species. This study offers practical recommendations to improve the sustainability of reforestation projects in Cote dIvoire, taking into account local ecological challenges.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Power and Secondary Metabolites Contents of the Crude Compounds of Talinum triangulare (Talinaceae)

Talinum triangulare is a food plant recognized for its nutritional properties and therapeutic virtues. This plant is used in particular in Daloa (Central-West Ivory Coast) by naturotherapists, for the treatment of malaria. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions of Talinum triangulare leaves and to determine their content of secondary metabolites. Two methods in vitro were used for this evaluation: reduction of the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and reduction of the ABTS+ cation radical (2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). The results show that the IC50 could not be determined for the 70 % aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts with the DPPH test, while it was respectively 0.9 and 2.3 mg/mL for the fractions dichloromethane and aqueous. Regarding the ABTS+ radical-cation reduction test, the dichloromethane fraction showed a higher percentage of inhibition (41.59 %) compared to the aqueous fraction (40.59 %), while the aqueous fraction was a little more important than the hydro-ethanolic extract at 70 % (38.29 %). Among the four compounds tested, only the aqueous extract presented a relatively low percentage of inhibition (25.51 %). Spectrophotometric analysis revealed the presence of various phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, polyphenols and total tannins, at varying concentrations. These results could support the traditional use of Talinum triangulare in the treatment of malaria.

Evaluation of the performances of two artisanal incubators on the hatching of broiler breeding eggs (Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast)

To improve poultry production in Ivory Coast, a study was carried out in the commune of Yamoussoukro with 481 eggs from two breeds of meat breeders (Rouge Flesh and Kuroilers) which were collected during their reproduction. These eggs were distributed between three incubators, two of which were artisanal (Incubator 1 and Incubator 2) and one was industrially manufactured (Incubator 3), after determining their characteristics (weight, length and diameter). Incubation parameters were measured twice a day (at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and brooding parameters such as apparent hatching rate, actual hatching rate, mortality rate embryonic and shell mortality rate were estimated. The results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the average weight of Rufous Flesh eggs (51.54±5.3 g) compared to Kuroiler eggs (50.02±5.54 g). The average temperatures recorded (37.40±0.55 °C for incubator 1; 37.58±0.49 °C for incubator 2 and 37.59±0.53 °C for incubator 3) were significantly identical (p>0.05). As for the hygrometry, that of incubator 3 (59.98±6.02 %) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of incubator 1 (54.58±1.80 %) and from incubator 2 (54.86±3.26 %). The actual hatching rate of incubator 1 (85.76±14.21 %) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of incubator 2 (70.85±14.48 %) and identical (p>0.05) to that of incubator 3 (73.95±16.45 %). Concerning the shell mortality rate, incubator 1 (1.03±2.18 %) recorded a significantly lower rate (p<0.05) than that of incubator 3 (7.43±4.56 %) and significantly identical (p>0.05) to that of incubator 2 (2.52±6.35 %). From this study, the artisanal incubators 1 and 2 meet the criteria for brooding and deserve to be used.

Evolution of the organoleptic characteristics of the kola nut (Cola nitida) depending on the packaging used in Côte d’Ivoire

In Ivory Coast, the conditions of conservation and storage of kola nut promote enormous losses during its marketing. Indeed, the nut is attacked by weevils, diptera and fungi which cause between 30 and 70% of losses during storage. The objective of this study is to propose good practices for post-harvest conservation of kola nut, in order to reduce these enormous losses. Containers made of rattan basket lined with Thaumacoccus daniellii leaves, cardboard with food bag and potato net and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) were used and stored at different temperatures of 26°C and 29°C±1°C. Organoleptic analyses were carried out on kola nuts after 0, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 months of storage. The organoleptic characteristics that deteriorate over time are color, brightness and texture. Of all the combinations, rattan baskets and PVC trays preserve kola nuts best for up to ten months of storage.

Physico-chemical quality and toxicity of wastewater from Katiola commune (North-Central Côte d’Ivoire)

In Africa in general and in Côte d’Ivoire in particular, the management of wastewater in the context of sanitation is devolved to cities and municipalities. Katiola commune is no exception. In fact, this municipality faces problems with wastewater management. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical quality and toxicity of wastewater from this municipality with a view to implementing an appropriate management method. Thus, surveys followed by field visits and wastewater sampling were carried out on six (06) sites. The data from the analyzes were compared to the guide values ​​of the WHO, France and Ivory Coast. The results reveal that populations dispose of wastewater using unconventional practices (90%). This wastewater is considerably mineralized (469 and 663 μS/cm), of domestic origin and easily biodegradable (biodegradability index equal to 2.49) with a normal pH. In terms of toxicology, Katiola wastewater is rich in lead (26.9 to 640 µg/L) and nickel (50 to 779.2 µg/L). As for pesticides, beta-endosulfan and endrin have concentrations lower than the limit value set by the French standard, thus meaning a low impact on humans and their environment.

Study of the nutritional and microbiological quality of dried mangoes produced by two units in Korhogo (Ivory Coast)

Objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and microbiological qualities of dried mangoes produced by two production units, namely Gninnangnon and Ivoire Organics located in the town of Korhogo. Four samples were taken from each unit and everything was mixed to constitute the sample from each unit. Samples were crushed and the flours obtained were used for the analysis of nutritional and microbiological parameters. Results of the nutritional parameters of Gninnangnon and Ivoire Organics obtained are respectively: humidity (19.74 and 19.43%), pH (3.10 and 3.08), total sugars (5.45 and 5.12%), carotenoids (2.80 and 2.90 mg/100g) and compounds phenolics (197.41 and 153.96 mg/100g). Regarding microbiological parameters, the samples did not contain Staphylococci, E. coli and Salmonella. All samples contained GAM and yeasts and molds. In addition, the Ivoire Organics sample contained total and fecal Coliforms unlike that of Gninnangnon. Despite the presence of certain germs, the results suggest that mangoes dried by these companies could be consumed safely.

Factors associated with actinic keratoses in people with albinism in the Albivoire program

Abstract Background People with albinism (PWA) face health inequalities partly due to barriers in accessing health care, consequently delaying the diagnosis of skin precancerous and cancerous lesions. Actinic keratoses (AK), are common precancerous lesions, indicating a high risk of skin cancer. Given the scarcity of research on skin cancer prevention among PWA in Africa, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with AK in PWA followed in the Albivoire program. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted within the ongoing Albivoire program in Ivory Cost. Initiated in Ivory Coast in 2021, Albivoire is the largest comprehensive preventive and care initiative with and for PWA, offering medical consultation campaigns in dermatology, ophthalmology, and psychology. Dermatological records of consenting patients were analyzed. The prevalence (95%CI) of AK was estimated, and the associated factors assessed using logistic model. Results To date, a total of 1978 PWA received care across four regions (Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo and Man). Available data from 475 PWA were analyzed, among whom 247 (52%) were women. The median age was 14 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 7-25). Of these, 181 individuals (38.1%, 95% CI [33.7 - 42.6]) presented with actinic keratoses (AK). The median age of PWA with AK was 22 years (vs 11 years for without AK (p < 0.001). Among PWA with AK, 87.8% were daily exposed to sun (vs 12.2% for those exposed occasionally, p = 0.026). In the multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with AK included age 22 years or older (vs age < 22 years, aOR=4.83, p < 0.001), the presence of ephelides (vs absence; aOR=2.08, p = 0.003) and presence of xerosis (vs absence aOR=4.88, p < 0.001). Conclusions This study highlights the high prevalence of AK in PWA in Ivory Cost, and identifies specific modifiable associated factors which should be targeted in global health strategies to prevent skin cancer among this vulnerable population. Key messages • Prevalence of skin precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) in people with albinism in Ivory Cost is high (38%) and associated with modifiable risk factors. • Tailored public health interventions needed to prevent skin cancers in vulnerable populations, targeting lesions like xerosis, ephelides, and actinic keratoses through skin protection.

Multidisciplinary approach to asylum seekers health assessment: a 5-year experience in Modena, Italy

Abstract Background Asylum seekers’ well-being represents a global health issue. They face significant challenges to their physical and mental health due to their migratory path. In the Modena province (Northern Italy), a multidisciplinary approach has been applied to the care of asylum seekers by Department of Public Health (DPH), with a team of specialists in infectious diseases, dermatology, gynaecology, obstetrics, psychology and preventive medicine. Asylum seekers receive a first visit, including medical and psychological assessment and screening for infectious diseases. Ad hoc pathways are also active for asylum seekers who need secondary-level care. This study aims to investigate the health status of asylum seekers referred to Modena Centre. Methods This cohort study enrolled asylum seekers hosted in Modena between November 2018 and May 2023. During the first visit, personal and anamnestic data were collected aided by cultural mediators, along with clinical assessment. Furthermore, Tuberculin-Skin-Test (TST) and blood tests for HBV-HCV-HIV-Syphilis were performed. Results A total of 646 migrants were included, 94% were males with a median age of 26 years (range: 15-50), the majority from Bangladesh (39%). Females were mostly from Ivory Coast (36%), median age of 30 years (range: 17-45). Most conditions were treated at the primary care level and were related to cutaneous disease (22%), only 11% of subjects required second-level diagnostics. Positive TSTs were 41% (N = 265). Of them, 55.5% (N = 147) also tested positive for QuantiFERON-TB. Screening for infectious diseases revealed positivity rates of 4% for HBsAg, 1% for HCVAb, 0.8% for HIV and 1.4% for TPPA+RPR. Conclusions The multidisciplinary approach is the innovative and strength point of this protocol for asylum seekers’ health ensuring prompt management of pathologies after their arrival. Moreover, data collection is useful for improving intake services and implementing public health programs for vulnerable individuals. Key messages • The innovation of this protocol for asylum seekers’ health lies in its multidisciplinary approach. • Clinical data collection will support health policies’ choices to protect vulnerable individuals.

Latent tubercolosis infection in the migrant population: an Italian surveillance experience

Abstract Background The Special Reception Center (“Centro Accoglienza Straordinario” or CAS in Italian) concept was born in Italy in 2014 to receive the large number of migrants arriving in Italy. There are around 3100 centres are in Italy, of which 200+ in Tuscany. Each Center’s objective is to support migrants’ social integration through Italian language and job orientation courses. On arrival at a facility, migrants undergo diagnostic and lab tests to highlight potentially infectious diseases; among these, tuberculosis is one of the most frequently encountered. Therefore, the objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infections (LTBIs) among migrants hosted in CAS centers. Methods From May-December 2023, Amiata Senese, Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana Senese Public Health Unit staff, according to national and departmental guidelines, implemented a number of health surveillance protocols, with close attention to latent tuberculosis infection. This protocol includes the Mantoux TB skin test at the CAS: in case of positivity, subjects are directed to further exams (chest X-ray, TB-IGRA blood test, infectious disease specialist consultation) in order to implement a therapy. Results From May-December 2023, 259 migrants (241 males and 18 females) received the TB skin tests. Average subject age was 26. Pakistan was the most represented nation of origin with 130 migrants (50%), followed by Bangladesh (9.7%) and Ivory Coast (7.3%). 77 migrants showed a positive TB skin test result (29.7%): of these 56 (i.e. 21.6% of the migrants screened) were also positive to the TB-IGRA blood test and treated for LTBI. Conclusions The high prevalence of LTBIs found in the referenced CAS indicates the need to continue/extend these surveillance protocols. Implementing successfully this procedure requires the involvement of a range of professionals from the socio-health sector within a process necessarily coordinated by the Disease Prevention Department. Key messages • Screening and surveillance of infectious diseases among migrant population represent a major public health issue for European health systems. • Detection and treatment of Latent Tubercolosis Infections require a multiprofessional and integrated approach, coordinated by the Disease Prevention Department.

Long-Term Estimation of Rainfall Acidity in Major African Ecosystems

The paper examines the acidity of precipitation in three major ecosystems in Western and Central Africa, using data from 413 rainfall samples in the dry savanna of Banizoumbou, Niger; 1,056 samples in the wet savanna of Lamto, Ivory Coast; and 578 samples in the equatorial forest of Zoetele, Cameroon. Analyzed at the Toulouse Aerology Laboratory, the findings indicate that rain in Banizoumbou is alkaline (mean pH 6.19), while at Lamto and Zoetele it is acidic (mean pH 5.24 and 5.45, respectively). Despite significant potential acidity, actual acidity (measured by H+ ion concentration) remains low across all sites. The study highlights the importance of a multiphasic process in rainwater neutralization, involving the capture of acidic gases by mineral dust and gas-particle interactions primarily influenced by ammonia (NH3). Notably, the relationship between pH and the ratio of cations to anions varies: in Banizoumbou, they move inversely, whereas in Lamto and Zoetele, they change in the same direction. This suggests that terrestrial dust influences dominate in the dry savanna, while gas-particle conversion processes are more prominent in the wet savanna and equatorial forest.

Four new species of Crinopseudoa (Araneae: Corinnidae) from West Africa

Four new species of Crinopseudoa are described from West Africa. Crinopseudoa kru sp. nov. (male, female) and C. sinoensis sp. nov. (male, female) were collected as part of a new sustainable oil palm project in southern Liberia, C. nimba sp. nov. (male, female) from expeditions to Mount Nimba in Guinea, and C. elisabethae sp. nov. (male) from historic museum material from Ivory Coast. An updated key to species is presented as we increase the number of known species of Crinopseudoa from 11 to 15.