Northern Regions Of Cameroon Research Articles

Epidemiology Survey of Antibiotics Use in Hospitals and Veterinarian Practices in Northern Regions of Cameroon

Antibiotics are used in veterinary practice as growth promoter to improve animal production and to control animal diseases. Routine antimicrobials consumption led to resistant-strains selection an spread within animals, their environment, farmers and animal products consumer. As for animals, antibiotics are widely recommended for bacterial infections in human medicine. By the same process, antibiotic-resistance emergence in human is current event. This is why in our study the aim was to assess antibiotic use frequencies in human and veterinary practices without previous antibiogram or species identification. We focused on cocci gram prositif infections in Cameroon northern regions. Our results revealed high rate of ceftriaxone (24%), amoxicillin (29%) and cloxacillin (14%) prescription by health practitionner for cocci gram positif and Staphylococci infections. In livestock Penicillin-streptomycin (42%) and oxytetracyclin (38%) are the most use for mastitis, penicillin-diclofenac mix and penicillin-streptomycin were frequently indicated for dermatosis. Antibiotics are widely prescribed in northern regions either in human or in veterinary medicine and may lead to antibiotic-resistance.

Epidemiology Survey of Antibiotics Use in Hospitals and Veterinarian Practices in Northern Regions of Cameroon

Antibiotics are used in veterinary practice as growth promoter to improve animal production and to control animal diseases. Routine antimicrobials consumption led to resistant-strains selection an spread within animals, their environment, farmers and animal products consumer. As for animals, antibiotics are widely recommended for bacterial infections in human medicine. By the same process, antibiotic-resistance emergence in human is current event. This is why in our study the aim was to assess antibiotic use frequencies in human and veterinary practices without previous antibiogram or species identification. We focused on cocci gram prositif infections in Cameroon northern regions. Our results revealed high rate of ceftriaxone (24%), amoxicillin (29%) and cloxacillin (14%) prescription by health practitionner for cocci gram positif and Staphylococci infections. In livestock Penicillin-streptomycin (42%) and oxytetracyclin (38%) are the most use for mastitis, penicillin-diclofenac mix and penicillin-streptomycin were frequently indicated for dermatosis. Antibiotics are widely prescribed in northern regions either in human or in veterinary medicine and may lead to antibiotic-resistance.

CCR2 Genetic Polymorphism And Its Potential Effect On HIV Acquisition In A Population Of Children Living In The Northern Region Of Cameroon.

Background and objectivesThe association of chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) polymorphism with HIV transmission or disease progression remains highly controversial. The role of CCR2-64I allele in HIV infection may differ from one population to another because of their genetic background. The objectives of this study were to characterize the CCR2 genetic polymorphism and to determine its potential effect in HIV acquisition in children living in the Northern Region of Cameroon.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in five health facilities in the Northern region of Cameroon. DNA was extracted from the Buffy coat of each participant using the QIAamp®DNA mini kit. The DNA extract was then subjected to polymorphic analyses. CCR2 genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The Chi-Squared test was used for the assessment of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.ResultsA total of 134 children under 15 years comprised of 38 HIV-exposed infected (28.36%) and 96 HIV-exposed un-infected (71.64%) participants were recruited. Prevalences of 44.78% wild type homozygous, 48.52% heterozygous and 6.7% mutant homozygous alleles were found in the overall population. An allelic frequency of 29.69% for the mutant allele CCR2-64I was found in HIV-exposed un-infected individuals as compared to 34.21% in HIV-infected children (p=0.47).ConclusionThe CCR2-64I allele is relatively common in the Northern Region of Cameroon, with a similar distribution among HIV-exposed un-infected and infected children. As this allele alone does not seem to confer protection against HIV-1 infection, further studies using genotype-combination of CCR2 polymorphism and other single nucleotide polymorphisms would be of great relevance in both HIV prevention and novel therapeutic strategies.

Design, feasibility, performance assessment and optimization of the technical and financial viability of potential renewable energy and energy efficiency projects

Until recently, renewable energy technologies (RETs) have been confronted with a huge up-front cost due to technologies in development. However, massive and global deployment of renewable energy systems has led to significant cost reductions and performance improvements and the hope is to see increasing uptake of RETs by African countries. Cameroon a central African country is heavily reliant on hydropower, which contributes an estimated 60% to the country’s total installed 1,400MW capacity in 2015. In addition, there is constants power failure due to the non-reliability of the electric grid and load shedding to meet increasing demand and or to relieve stress on the primary energy source when demand for electricity is greater than the primary power source can supply. However, climate change poses additional huge risk (large reservoirs and dams drying up) and to meet the increasing demand, Cameroon is being forced to seek alternative power sources. In January 2014, Cameroon welcomed its first 72MW solar photovoltaic plant as well as the construction of a 500MW solar photovoltaic park in Q3 of 2015 in the northern region of Cameroon. It is common practice that energy efficiency and energy conservation lead to environmental sustainability. “Energy security starts with energy efficiency and the most sustainable energy option or system is energy conservation”. While it is common practice that energy efficiency and energy conservation lead to environmental sustainability, the building envelope also plays a key role in energy usage, energy conservation and thermal comfort for the building occupants. The rate of infiltration/leakage rate detect the rate of energy usage and cost of using energy. Having a tide and well-constructed building envelope is a key factor and helps reduce/reconcile buildings gas and electricity consumption. RETScreen Expert is the most current version of the RETScreen software and was released to the public on September 19, 2016. The software allows for the comprehensive identification, assessment and optimization of technical and financial viability of potential renewable energy and energy efficiency projects; as well as the measurement and verification of the actual performance of facilities and the identification of energy savings/production opportunities [1-3]. This paper will demonstrate how the software can be use in the design, feasibility, performance assessment and optimization of technical and financial viability of potential renewable energy and energy efficiency projects related to photovoltaic, solar thermal, building envelope and the replacement of non/less-efficient electrical equipment with more efficient and cost effective lamps like LEDs and the installation of smart power bars with automatic shut off function for TV screens, to take care of phantom power in large scale hotels. This approach will further reduce electricity usage and help diversified the sources of energy for a country like Cameroon, which is often subjected to constant power failure and load shedding to either relieve the stress on a primary energy source when demand for electricity is greater than the primary power source can supply or to meet power supply during the critical seasons.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the cyp2C8 and nat2 genes and treatment outcomes in patients suffering from uncomplicated malaria in Garoua, Northern Region of Cameroon

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the cyp2C8 and nat2 genes and treatment outcomes in patients suffering from uncomplicated malaria in Garoua, Northern Region of Cameroon

Assessment of Demand and Supply of Biotechnology of Reproduction for Cattle Breeding in the Northern Regions of Cameroon

The present study was conducted in pre-selected cattle farms on genetic improvement programs through artificial insemination (AI) in the northern regions of Cameroon. The main objective was to assess the demand and supply of biotechnology for cattle breeding. It was carried out on the basis of a survey of 54 breeders and six (06) service providers of reproductive biotechnologies. It consisted of interviews with each operating manager and service provider, while collecting information on the basis of a questionnaire. From this study, it appears that farmers opted for the improvement of dairy genes (79.6%) and chose AI (50%) as a tool to achieve this goal rather than natural mating (48.1%). The low success rate and the prohibitive cost of this technique were the main constraints discouraging farmers from adopting it. The subvention and the zoo-sanitary follow-up were the accompanying measures desired by the breeders. As for the supply, AI on induced estrus was the only technique offered and only one provider (veterinary doctor) has been trained in a specialized institution. The main constraints identified by reproductive biotechnology service providers were semen conservation (100%), breeders’ neglect (100%) and unavailability of semen (50%). Four support measures were desired by the service providers, namely a training center in biotechnology of reproduction (100%), grants (83.3%), establishment of a quality control laboratory for semen (50%) and the creation of a semen collection center (33.3%).

Case Definitions of Clinical Malaria in Children from Three Health Districts in the North Region of Cameroon.

Malaria endemicity in Cameroon greatly varies according to ecological environment. In such conditions, parasitaemia, which is associated with fever, may not always suffice to define an episode of clinical malaria. The evaluation of malaria control intervention strategies mostly consists of identifying cases of clinical malaria and is crucial to promote better diagnosis for accurate measurement of the impact of the intervention. We sought out to define and quantify clinical malaria cases in children from three health districts in the Northern region of Cameroon. A cohort study of 6,195 children aged between 6 and 120 months was carried out during the raining season (July to October) between 2013 and 2014. Differential diagnosis of clinical malaria was performed using the parasite density and axillary temperature. At recruitment, patients with malaria-related symptoms (fever [axillary temperature ≥ 37.5°C], chills, severe malaise, headache, or vomiting) and a malaria positive blood smear were classified under clinical malaria group. The malaria attributable fraction was calculated using logistic regression models. Plasmodium falciparum was responsible for over 91% of infections. Children from Pitoa health district had the highest number of asymptomatic infections (45.60%) compared to those from Garoua and Mayo Oulo. The most suitable cut-off for the association between parasite densities and fever was found among children less than 24 months. Overall, parasite densities that ranged above 3,200 parasites per μl of blood could be used to define the malaria attributable fever cases. In groups of children aged between 24 and 59 months and 60 and 94 months, the optimum cut-off parasite density was 6,400 parasites per μl of blood, while children aged between 95 and 120 months had a cut-off of 800 parasites per μl of blood. In the same ecoepidemiological zone, clinical malaria case definitions are influenced by age and location (health district) and this could be considered when evaluating malaria intervention strategies in endemic areas.

Hazard assessment of Staphylococcus with positive coagulase in meat produced and distributed in the Northern regions of Cameroon.

Aim:Staphylococcus with positive coagulase (SPC) is a major problem for beef consumers in the northern part of Cameroon. For this purpose, the SPC concentrations in beef produced and supplied in the northern regions were determined, as well as the resistance profile of these bacteria to antibiotics.Materials and Methods:A total of 125 samples were obtained by the wet and dry swabbing method in traditional slaughterhouses and butcheries to evaluate the SPC concentration in meat, and then, 102 SPC isolations were collected to determine the antibiotic resistance profile.Results:The distribution of concentration of the SPC indicated no significant differences of bacterial evidence in almost all the slaughterhouses except the one in Manwi (with 2.66 log CFU/cm²) and the density in SPC is higher than that one in Guider (1.99 log CFU/cm²). The assessment of density in SPC among the selected slaughterhouse highlighted a superiority of the SPC concentrations in the Ngaoundere butcheries (3.83 log CFU/cm²) in comparison with those of other towns. At the level of the slaughterhouses, a higher proportion of resistance to Penicillin G was recorded than Gentamicin. Some butcheries recorded that all SPC reacted to Kanamycin, whereas they were more resistant to Penicillin G.Conclusion:These results reveal that the SPC found in meat poses a threat to meat consumers in the northern part of Cameroon.

Water Requirements for Corn Yields in the Northern Regions of Cameroon Using AquaCrop Model

Water Requirements for Corn Yields in the Northern Regions of Cameroon Using AquaCrop Model

Deep neck infection and descending mediastinitis as lethal complications of dentoalveolar infection: two rare case reports

BackgroundWe report two cases of innocuous dentoalveolar infections which rapidly progressed to deep neck abscesses complicated by descending mediastinitis in a resource-constrained rural mission hospital in the Cameroon.Case presentationThe clinical presentations of a 35-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman both of Fulani origin in the Northern region of Cameroon were similar with submandibular fluctuant and tender swelling and differential warmth to palpation. The patients had tachycardia, high grade pyrexia, and normal blood pressure. Further physical and neurological examinations were unremarkable. An ultrasound scan of the neck swellings showed submandibular turbid collections. Plain chest radiographs confirmed empyema thoraces. Our patients had serial drainage of the neck abscesses as well as closed thoracostomy tube drainage which were connected to pleurovac and suctioning machines, with significant amount of pus drainage. Both patients were admitted to our intensive care unit for close monitoring. The first patient continued to make satisfactory clinical progress and was discharged by the fourth week of admission. The patient who had human immunodeficiency viral infection died on the fifth postoperative day.ConclusionsThe possibility of lethal complications and the associated morbidity and mortality portray this clinical entity as an important public health concern. Clinicians taking care of patients with dentoalveolar and oropharyngeal infections need to be sensitized to these potentially fatal complications. Alternatively, strategies to improve oral health and reduce the incidence of dental caries, the main cause of dental abscess, would maximize use of resources; especially in resources-constrained centers like ours in Banso Baptist Hospital.

Typology of cattle farms in the northern regions of Cameroon

The aim of this study was to establish the typology of cattle farms in the northern regions of Cameroon in order to reveal structural and functional characteristics that could be selected for an artificial insemination program. A survey was carried out among 54 breeders. The results showed that the farmers were predominantly of the Fulani ethnic group (81.5%) with men prevailing (92.6%). Their levels of education were primary (31.5%), secondary (18.5%), and higher (25.9%). They were involved in full-time agricultural production activity (42.6%), cattle breeding and agropastoralism. Civil servants represented more than a third of the sample. The genetic structure of the herds was dominated by local breeds: 53.7% Gudali zebus, 44.4% Djafoun and 5.6% Akou. In addition, 44.4% of them bred crossbreeds and 16.7% Holsteins. A multiple correspondence analysis was performed to determine the typology of the farms studied. Based on the structural (herd size, forage area, dairy productivity per cow per day, and related infrastructure) and functional (feeding, herd management, technological choice) characteristics of the farms, three types were identified. Type I breeders (37%) practiced the extensive system, and type II breeders (18.5%) the semi-intensive system. They were present in the Adamawa region and preferred natural mating (56%) and artificial insemination (100%), respectively, as a reproductive means. Type III breeders (44.5%) practiced the semi-extensive system. They were only present in the North and Far North regions and preferred (98%) natural mating as a reproductive means. Type II farmers were located in Vina Division (Adamawa) and they offered the best potentialities with the practice of artificial insemination. They may be considered as pilot for the revival of the dairy sector in this part of Cameroon.

Knowledge and Behavior of Women on Cervical Cancer in the Northern Region of Cameroon

Background: Cervical cancer is a major cause of women death worldwide. The reduction of the mortality and morbidity of this pathology depends on the early detection based on powerful suitable screening methods, that will lead to optimal treatment strategies. However in some rural region of developing countries, it is very difficult to get access to standard screening methods, alternative screening methods, cheaper and easy to handle are then useful. Objective: The aim of this work was to test the sensitivity and specificity of VIA (Visual inspection with acetic acid) and VILI (Visual inspection with lugol iodine) as a diagnostic test of cervical cancer compared to the Pap Smear, evaluating the feasibility in health formation in the North Cameroon region, of implementing epidemiological surveillance of cervical cancer based on early diagnosis using the VIA-VILI association Method: 309 women age 20 to 62 years were recruited in this study, 307 were included in the statistical analyzes. Each woman was screened for cervical cancer by a conventional Smear and visual inspection with acetic acid 5% and the lugol solution. Results: We found in our study a prevalence of precancerous lesions of cervix at 12.70%. The risks factors of cervical cancer identified are age, matrimonial status, age of first sexual intercourse and parity. The association of VIA and VILI showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value respectively about 93.58%; 97.01%; 82.01%, 99.04%. Conclusion: Compared to PAP Smear, VIA or VILI could be used as an alternative screening methods for cervical cancer in developing countries, where it is difficult to access to more accurate test such as colposcopy and biopsy.

Mineral profile and the effect of processing of some leafy vegetables indigenous to Cameroon

Leafy vegetables form part of the diet of most people of tropical Africa. The contribution of these leafy vegetables to their mineral needs has not been well elaborated. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different processing methods on the mineral composition and anti-nutritional components of some tropical leafy vegetables. Twenty-one species of different vegetables locally grown and consumed in the northern region of Cameroon were collected and analyzed for their iron, copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium content. The levels of anti-nutrients like phytates, oxalates, tannins and saponins that are likely to affect the bioavailability of these minerals were also determined. The effects of processing methods on the mineral composition and anti-nutritional components of these leafy vegetables were also determined. Amongst these species, Moringa oleifera, Hibiscus canabinum, Solanum nigrum, Cucurbita maxima and Vernonia calvoana that are used for soup, and found in relative abundance in the region were subjected to two cooking methods (boiling plus squeeze-washing and a combination of boiling in alkaline salt (kanwa) plus squeeze-washing). The levels of iron, zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium varied in the different vegetables. In all vegetables studied, magnesium was the most abundant mineral. The iron levels ranged from 14.99±2.00mg/100g dry weight (DW) in M. oleifera to 167.42 ± 18.63mg/100g DW in H. sabdariffa. Boiling and squeezewashing led to significant losses of minerals with sodium being the most affected. On the contrary, higher values of iron, calcium and sodium were found in samples that were boiled in alkaline salt and squeeze-washed. The levels of antinutrients were also reduced as a consequence of processing. Percentage losses during boiling with or without alkaline salt were between 25.4 and 55.5% for phytates, 11.1 and 80% for oxalates, 16.4 and 68.5% for saponins and 25 and 26.44% for tannins. Boiling, therefore, with or without alkaline salt is an effective means of reducing the levels of these antinutrients in vegetables to tolerable levels. Key words: Leafy-vegetables, Processing methods, Mineral, Antinutrients, Saponins, Tannins, Oxalates, Kanwa

Knowledge and behavior of women on cervical cancer in the northern region of Cameroon

Knowledge and behavior of women on cervical cancer in the northern region of Cameroon

Importation and outbreak of wild polioviruses from 2000 to 2014 and interruption of transmission in Cameroon

BackgroundEfficient implementation of the global eradication strategies consisting of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance and mass immunization campaigns led to interruption of indigenous wild poliovirus transmission in Cameroon in 1999. ObjectivesThis study describes type 1 and type 3 wild poliovirus (WPV) importation, incidence, geographic distribution and control since the original interruption of transmission in Cameroon. Study designStool samples from AFP patients under the age of 15 years in Cameroon were collected nationwide and subjected to virus isolation on RD and L20B cell cultures. Resulting virus isolates were typed by intratypic differentiation (ITD) and analysis of the VP1 coding sequence of the viral genome. Surveillance data originating from Cameroon between 2000 and 2014 were considered for retrospective descriptive analyses. ResultsFrom 2003 to 2009, multiple WPV importation events from neighboring countries affected mainly in the northern regions of Cameroon but did not led to sustained local transmission. Throughout this period, 16 WPV1 and 5 WPV3 were detected and identified as members of multiple clusters within type-specific West Africa B genotypes (WEAF-B). In 2013–2014, a polio outbreak associated to a highly evolved (“orphan”) WPV1 affected four southern regions of Cameroon. ConclusionsThe appearance of highly evolved lineage of type 1 WPV suggests potential surveillance gap and underscore the need to maintain comprehensive polio immunization activities and sensitive surveillance systems in place as long as any country in the world remains endemic for WPV.

Effect of Statroltea on Lipid Metabolism in Rats Fed on High-Fat Diet

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of a phenolic- rich herbal tea beverage produced in northern regions of Cameroon from the leaves of Stathmostelma sp. (Statroltea). The effect of Statroltea (5 mg/Kg/day) on lipid metabolism was assayed in male rats fed on either standard or high-fat diet for 60 days. Rats of both diet fed Statroltea presented significant (P < 0.05) reduced body weight than their controls with a rate of reduction varying from 5 to 15%. The consumption of Statroltea for 60 days significantly lowered abdominal fat index, blood total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and hepatic lipids (P < 0.05). Fecal lipids were found to be more excreted in all Statroltea fed rats. This is the first report on the effect of Stathmostelma sp. leaves on lipid metabolism and the study demonstrates that Statroltea, an herbal tea from Stathmostelma sp. leaves has a potential as anti-obesity functional food beverage.

The Channel of Demand in the Fight against Food Insecurity in the Northern Regions of Cameroon: A Retrospective Analysis

The income elasticity of food expenditures versus income elasticity of calories intake controversy marked all theliteratures of the 1980 and 1990 decennaries at the subject of fight against foods insecurity.Food insecurity phenomena are recurrent in northern Cameroon.Public policies for ameliorating the level of nutrition of undernourished and vulnerable households consisted todistribution cereals. Without any theoretical and empirical basis, all redistribution policies are budgetary costlyand can generate unwished or negative effects and be with limited impact.The aim of this study is to situate the Cameroonian specificities in the income elasticity controversy and topropose the optimal canal of transmission of policies effects. The utilization of raw data of ECAM96 in aretrospective study place income elasticity of food expenditures at the interval [0.21, 1.54] and income elasticityof calories intake in [0.39, 0.59] for households.The income elasticity of food expenditures channel is optimal. The increase of real income however have to beoriented on food prices for exclusive consumption of target households for to channel policy effects and to avoidnegative effects on social sectors (health, education).