West Cameroon Research Articles

Ethnobotanical survey on plants used in the treatment of infectious diseases in the Bamboutos division (Cameroon)

The objective of this work is to carry out an ethnopharmacological survey of the medicinal flora of the Bamboutos department in the West Cameroon region. More precisely, plants were collected in 16 groups of the Bamboutos department. These collected plants were identified at the National Herbarium of Cameroon. The survey methodologies used were: field evolution, comparative study and interview of traditional practitioners, herbalists and other elderly people using a questionnaire. The interview was conducted with 26 traditional healers. At the end of this survey, 167 plants in 58 families were identified. Asteraceae 30%, Acanthaceae 16% and Solanaceae 14% were the most represented. Of the 167 plants collected, 69 came from the Mbouda Sub-Division, 46 from Batcham, 29 from Babadjou and 23 from Galim. Specifically in the following villages: Bamesingué 16, Babeté 8, Bamesso 8, Bamendjida 18, Bamenkobo 12, Bafunda 7, Bamendjio 18, Batcham 17, Bamoughong 4, Bagang 7, Bagam 5, Bati 9, Bamenyam 9, Balatchi 9, Bamendjin 8, Babadjou 12. The pathologies encountered were general pathologies (19%), gynaecological-obstetrical pathologies (16%), otorhinolaryngological pathologies (13%) and nervous system pathologies (12%). Fungal and parasitic pathologies 10%. Concerning the mode of preparation, decoction 45%, infusion 25% were the most solicited and the leaves 45%, the roots 11%, the whole plant 11%, were the most used parts in the preparations. This work will enable us to envisage the development of Improved Traditional Medicines (ITM) in the short term.

Injury Patterns and Treatment Outcome of Road Traffic Crash Victims at the Emergency Department of the Regional Hospital Limbe, Cameroon

Background: Traumatic injuries constitute a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide with a global burden that is on the rise. The aim of this study is to analyse preliminary data of the Limbe trauma registry, to describe the injury patterns and determine the outcome of care of the injured who were treated in the emergency department of the regional hospital Limbe in Cameroon. Methodology: This was a descriptive secondary analysis of prospective data collected on injury at Limbe Regional Hospital in two years, between October 2008 and October 2010. All cases of injury presenting to the emergency department of Limbe Regional Hospital were included in a prospective trauma registry. Data was collected with a pre-tested data entry form and included the age, sex, mechanism of injury, delay before arrival to hospital, body part injured, description of lesions and outcome at the emergency. Descriptive analyses were done using STATA 14. Comparisons between groups were evaluated using Chi-squared test or Kruskal-Wallis and p-values Results: A total of 2400 cases of injury were recorded during the study period with more males (68%) than females. The ages ranged from 0 to 90 years with a peak between 20 to 39 years. Road traffic crash was the most common cause of injury representing 60.81% of the population (n = 1434); other causes were burns, falls, domestic injuries, assaults, and labour accidents. The accidents mostly involved motor cycle alone (42.03%). Concerning the outcome of care at the emergency department, 88.73% (n = 1260) were discharged. Conclusion: The burden of road traffic injuries in south west Cameroon is high. Motorcycles are mostly involved alone or with pedestrians and/or cars.

Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Some Market Garden Crops in Santa, North West Cameroon

The increased use of pesticides in crop production, especially in Santa, has left consumers with great fear and uncertainty regarding the fate of residues after consumption in the human body. This study was aimed at performing a multi-residue analysis of crop samples to detect and quantify pesticide residues present, and thus determine their level of contamination. Twelve (12) crop samples (4 samples each of Solanum tuberosum (Irish potato), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), Capsicum annum (sweet pepper) and Apium graveolens (celery)), were randomly collected from four villages in Santa. The samples were analyzed using the QuEChERS Buffered AOAC 2007.01 method. The results showed the presence of pesticide residues in 58.3% of the samples. Cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos insecticides were detected, though cypermethrin was found in traces. After quantification, the concentration of chlorpyrifos was determined to be far above the CODEX Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in 28.6% of the samples. Samples with this high concentration of chlorpyrifos were: tomato from Pinyin and Baligham (2.0 and 1.8 μg/g respectively), whereas the Codex MRLs for tomato is 1.0 μg/g. This study raised concerns on the contamination of some garden crops by pesticide residues and calls for the assessment of the health situation of consumers and the analysis of pesticide residues in drinking water resources in this area.

Geology, Palaeodeposition and the Involvement of Rhyolite Melts in the Petrogenesis of the Tabenken Coal Seam in the North West Region of Cameroon

The discovery of patches of a coal deposit and other associated sedimentary and volcanic rocks in Tabenken North West Cameroon has raised the question of the geology and palaeoenvironment of that area. This Region, which is predominantly characterized by a granitoid basement of Precambrian age is in most parts overlain by Cenozoic basalts, hawaite, mugearite, trachyte and rhyolites. Volcanic outpours modified the geomorphology of the area into a series of hills and valleys. We investigated the geological setting in view of reconstituting the palaeodepositional environment of the Tabenken Coal Seam. Field studies show that the coal occurs in form of inclusions within sandstones, high grade coal bed, massive beds exposed by landslides and in alkali rhyolites. The results of Ultimate analyses of the coal indicate bituminous coal with 58% Carbon, sulfur content as low as 0.12% and ash content of 17%. The occurrence of a well stratified dark volcanic ash bed in the area is interpreted to be an interactive product of the explosive volcanic activity and weathering. Field examination of the area suggests that it was a micro-continental sedimentary palaeo-basin which was later infilled with Cenozoic volcanic outpours which probably modified the chemistry of the coal to meta-anthracites. The actual ages of the coal as well as the associated sedimentary units have not been established, meanwhile, the volcanism started some 31 ma ago.

Recovery of Organic Waste with Other Biological Components for the Production of Organic Fertilizer: Improved Biochar

The study was carried out in Baham district in the West Cameroon region, as part of the recovery of organic waste with other biological components for the manufacture of an organic fertilizer (improved biochar). Through observations and a survey questionnairy submitted to 100 farmers, it appears that the majority use synthetic chemical fertilizers. Farmers using chemical fertilizers find them dangerous to their health. In addition, 58.57% of these farmers said they felt unwell after spreading these fertilizers. However, 64.28% of these farmers do not acquire PPE for reasons of financial means on the one hand and ignorance on the other hand. 54.28% of respondents using only chemical fertilizers noted declining agricultural production. The surveys also reveal that biochar (of plant origin) as a solution proposed by CIPCRE is used by a minority of farmers (21%) in the said locality on the one hand and on the other hand has limits in terms of intake nutrients for crops; this was confirmed by analyzes of the physico-chemical parameters.

Nutritional Status and Eating Habits of Children in Orphanages in Bamenda (North West Cameroon)

Regular growth assessment of children helps maintain adequate dietary intake and physical growth. However, very little or no information is available on the nutritional status of children in orphanages in Cameroon making control of deficiency diseases in children very difficult in these institutions. The main aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status and eating habits of children in some orphanages in Bamenda (North West Cameroon). The height and weight of 205 children (97 boys and 108 girls) ages 1-18 years were measured and their BMI (Body Mass Index) was calculated. A structured questionnaire was used for eating habits and dietary data collection. A usual intake of nutrients was collected and some food samples from the orphanages were collected for three days and analyzed in the laboratory to determine children’s usual intakes of nutrients. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The results revealed that 15.7% of girls and 18.6% of boys were underweight, 3.7% of girls and 4.1% of boys were stunted and 16.5% of boys and 23.1% of girls were overweight/obese. The most eaten foods were cereals and the least were dairy products. Vegetables, fruits and milk consumption rates were low. The average intake of energy, protein and total fats was inadequate for orphanage children aged 14 to 18 years. The average intake of vitamin A, calcium and iron was inadequate in all orphanages compared to the RDA (Recommended Dietary Intake) values. Efforts should be directed towards educating the orphanage caregivers on meal planning and preparation to increase micronutrient intake in the orphanages’ diets and improve the health of the children. Food or financial aid should also be granted to these institutional care homes to enable them to improve on the overall nutritional content of foods.

Rural Livelihoods and Forest Incomes in the Etinde Community Forest of South West Cameroon

Rural Livelihoods and Forest Incomes in the Etinde Community Forest of South West Cameroon

Genetic diversity of the Cameroon Western Highlands’ Djallonke sheep assessed by Mitochondrial d-loop

Indigenous livestock resources are strategic in the socio-economic of rural agricultural systems to ensure food and nutritional security in resource-poor countries. In Cameroon, small ruminant farming significantly contributes to food security and income generation. Given its great ecological variety, Cameroon hosts a large genetic diversity of sheep, but the knowledge on these is scanty. In order to contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of Cameroon's Ovine genetic resources for their better use and conservation, an analysis of the Djallonke sheep genetic diversity based on the D loop of the ovine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was performed on the highlands of West Cameroon Djallonke breed. To achieve this, analyses of 16 sequences of a 989bp fragment of the mtDNA D-loop region from the population were conducted in conjunction with previously published sequences from African, European, Japanese and Chinese ovine genotypes. Fourteen haplotypes were observed with a high mean haplotype diversity of 1.0000±0.027, nucleotide diversity (π) of order of 0.11082±0.062. The average nucleotide difference between sequences taken two by two was 62.945. Population specific FST indices showed a negative and significant result for the whole data set. The phylogenetic tree indicates that the mitochondrial lineages of these sheep breeds originated from a common source, the Haplogroup B. This confirms the hypothesis that the domestication of African sheep was carried out in successive waves from Asia. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge of Cameroon sheep breeds and the plan conservation programs on Djallonke sheep.

Molecular detection and genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis circulating in women of Western Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

Background: In Cameroon, C. trachomatis screening is not routinely practiced, and its epidemiology is still unexplored. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection, its risk factors and the genotypes circulating in the West Cameroon region.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst patients in five district hospitals in the West region of Cameroon. Endocervical samples were collected from women visiting the hospitals forantenatal, prenuptial and contraception consultations and at least 18 years old, sexually active, and non-menstruating. The molecular detection of C. trachomatis was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing of the ompA gene.Results: The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was determined to be 11.47%. Having sex for the first time between the ages of 15 and 17 (OR=1.683, 95% CI: 1.1-2.5), non-usage of condom (OR=1.622, 95% CI: 1.2-2.1), being single (OR=1.263, 95% CI: 1.0-1.5) and age range 18-30 years (OR=1.426, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8) were risk factors for C. trachomatis infection. Three genotypes of C. trachomatis circulated in West Cameroon viz. D (49%), E (29.4%) and G (21.6%).Conclusions: This study revealed that, three genotypes; D (dominant), E and G were identified circulating in the population of the study area. This information may be important for controlling the dissemination of C. trachomatis infection in West Cameroon as well as strategizing the therapeutic approach.

Comparative Approach of the Antibiotics Susceptibility of some Bacterial Strains Concurrently Isolated from Raw Milk and Cattle Feed (Water and Fodder) from some Farms in the West Region of Cameroon (Central Africa)

Introduction: Foodborne resistant bacteria have become a challenge to food security. Milk and milk products are easy vectors of transmission of foodborne pathogens, these being the main sources of human infection by antimicrobial resistant pathogens. The present study aimed at making a comparative approach of the antibiotic sensitivity/resistance of 3 bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Brucella spp.) isolated from milk, drinking water and green fodder consumed by cows in the West Cameroon region (Central Africa).
 Methodology: A total of 48 raw milk samples, 48 water samples and 48 green fodder samples were collected during the year 2020 and subjected to culture and identification of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Brucella spp. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the antibiotic disc diffusion method.
 Results: Escherichia coli isolates showed high resistance (56-100%) to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone in all three samples. Salmonella spp. isolates showed resistance to ampicillin only (62, 67 and 67%). Brucella spp. strains isolated from raw milk and drinking water showed high sensitivity (78-100%) to azithromycin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gentamicin, rifampicin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, streptomycin and tetracycline. Antibiotic sensitivity/resistance to Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. strains largely did not differ between samples (P>0.05). No difference in sensitivity/resistance (P>0.05) of Brucella spp. strains isolated from milk and water was observed with respect to the 10 antibiotics tested.
 Conclusions: The emergence of resistance to various antibiotics commonly used in medical and veterinary practices has important implications for public health. It seems necessary to strengthen of the regulations covering the sale and prescription of antibiotics.

Exploring Factors Associated with Patients Who Prefer Clinician-Sampling to HPV Self-Sampling: A Study Conducted in a Low-Resource Setting.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling (Self-HPV) is a promising strategy to improve cervical cancer screening coverage in low-income countries. However, issues associated with women who prefer conventional HPV clinical-sampling over HPV self-sampling may affect screening participation. To address this issue, our study assessed factors associated with women’s preferences related to Self-HPV. This study was embedded in a large clinical trial recruiting women aged 30–49 years in a primary HPV-based study termed “3T-Approach” (for Test-Triage-Treatment), launched in 2018 at Dschang District Hospital, West Cameroon. Participants were invited to perform a Self-HPV. After the sampling and before receiving the results, participants completed a questionnaire about cervical cancer screening and their preferences and perceptions around Self-HPV. The median age of the 2201 participants was 40.6 (IQR 35–45) years. Most (1693 (76.9%)) preferred HPV self-sampling or had no preference for either method, and 508 (23.1%) preferred clinician-sampling. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of reporting a clinician-sampling preference were tertiary educational level (29.4% CI: 25.6–33.6 vs. 14.4% CI: 12.8–16.1) and being an employee with higher grade professional or managerial occupations (5.5% CI: 3.8–7.9 vs. 2.7% CI: 2.0–3.5). The main reported reason for women preferring clinician-sampling was a lack of “self-expertise”. Most women (>99%) would agree to repeat HPV self-sampling and would recommend it to their relatives. HPV self-sampling in the cultural context of central Africa was well accepted by participants, but some participants would prefer to undergo clinician sampling. Health systems should support well-educated women to increase self-confidence in using HPV self-sampling.

The Environmental and Socio Economic Signatures of Landcover and Landuse Dynamics in the Ndu Tea Estate, North West Cameroon

Land is a fundamental factor of production and thus the source of all forms of material wealth. For a sustainable utilization of the land resources, it is essential to know its natural characteristics, extent, location and limitations of various land uses as improper land use is the cause of different forms of environmental degradation. This paper sets out to quantitatively analyze the spatio- temporal dynamics of landcover and landuse patterns in Ndu Sub-Division with emphasis on land for tea cultivation in a bid to provide useful information to stakeholders on the environmental and socio economic signatures. The methodology consisted of three phases; the first phase handled data acquisition, vectorization and satellite image processing. This was followed by field work, aimed at verification of ground truth, collection of GPS waypoints, GPS tracks and attribute data. The third phase consisted of post field activities, comprising of restitution and validation of data, map production and analysis. The findings show that between 1988 to 2018, Ndu Sub Division experienced a drop in farmlands and savanna vegetation by 1.9% (from 60882.7 to 58616.6ha) while forests, built-up areas, tea parcels and small holder schemes witnessed an increased by 1.1% (18109.7 to 18500.9ha), 39.7% (13184.4 to 3051.5ha), 5.2% (619.85 to 688.27ha) and 100% (0 to 73.2ha) respectively. Such dynamics have been accompanied by both positive and negative imprints. On the positive side, the Ndu Tea Estate is a catalyst in rural livelihood transformation and development. The participation of the local populations in the activities of the estate has led to income improvement and poverty alleviation. However, land tenure disputes, labour abuse characterized by low wages, poor living conditions for unskilled workers and job insecurity are glaring. On the environmental side, bush fires, environmental pollution through chemical spraying, fertilizers and deforestation are common.

The Quasi-paranoid Empathy of Healthcare Staff in a Generalized Covid-phobic Context in West Cameroon's Hospital Institutions

The present study raises the problem of empathy of caregivers vis-à-vis patients in a covid/post-covid context. It is based on the observation that health workers are increasingly in-vaded by excessive fear and persistence of COVID-19 contamination. This induces avoidance, a certain suspicion, persecution and indifference/coldness towards patients, and plunges them into a strong insidious emotional deficiency. These attitudes, which are significantly close to paranoid and phobic access, seem to gradually dominate therapeutic interactions within hospitals. Freudian and Rogerian psychoanalysis advocates empathetic/benevolent listening, positive consideration and unconditional acceptance of the patient as ethical and deontological indispensable principles for any therapeutic evolution. Thus, it is predicted that within hospitals, the current non empathetic attitudes of care towards patients have their origin in a generalized covid-phobic atmosphere that develops a quasi-dominant paranoia in caregivers. Using a subscale of caregiver's Covid-phobic quasi-paranoia, and the one of caregiver's empathy in a covid/post-covid context, the data were collected from 126 participants including 55 nursing assistants, 61 state-certified nurses and 10 doctors, chosen at random from the staff of three (03) health facilities in the city of Bafoussam, MIFI department, West Cameroon region, including one (01) public district medical center (CMA) and two (02) private hospitals (clinics). After analysis, the results obtained sufficiently demonstrate that within the health institutions of West Cameroon, the higher the professional level of the caregiver, the more the severity of his quasi-paranoid covid-phobic accesses is significant, and the less he expresses an authentic empathy towards the patients who arrive at the hospital. This implies that in this period of health crisis, caregivers must reinvest in a real function of providers of affectivity and relay of empathy at the bedside of the patient both in hospital and outpatient. Thus, a real sys-tematical vaccination operation may insure their total immunity and better reduce their qua-si-paranoid empathy in this generalized Covid-phobic context.

REDD+ policy implementation and institutional interplay: Evidence from three pilot projects in Cameroon

There is evidence that institutions related to climate change and natural resource influence each other's performance, and that local settings also affect policy outcomes. We examine how policy implementation processes and institutional interactions shape the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programme in Cameroon. While institutional and governance features of REDD+ have been extensively studied, research on REDD+ implementation has primarily focused on resource tenure, benefit-sharing and participation. Less attention has been given to how implementation typology determines the highly influential factors for REDD+ outcomes, and how preexisting forest institutions affect REDD+. We apply a policy implementation framework and a theory for institutional interaction to examine how REDD+ implementation typologies, and interactions with forestry regulations influence the outcomes of three REDD+ pilot projects in South and West Cameroon. Drawing from four focus group discussions with project beneficiaries and thirteen interviews with local stakeholders and land-users, we find that REDD+ projects epitomise political implementation in the South and experimental implementation in the West. We also indicate how project outcomes have been affected by rules regarding community forests, reforestation and timber processing. Our findings suggest that cultural understanding and local knowledge as well policy designers' ability to satisfy community preferences is important for projects'outcomes in the South, while resource availability and social capital are pivotal in the West. Incentives to promote local timber processing, rethink and expedite the decentralisation of forest governance would improve REDD+ project implementation in Cameroon.

Physico-chemical and bacteriological characterisation of surface water in Bamenda (North West Cameroon)

The Mezam River and its tributaries constitute a prominent water source for domestic use and vegetable irrigation in Bamenda Town (North West Cameroon). The river flows through the city and is thus vulnerable to impairment by substances from point and non-point sources. This current research aims to assess the degree of pollution of the Mezam River water to ascertain its suitability for various uses. A total of 24 water samples were collected from six segments of the Mezam River basin in the dry and rainy seasons during the years 2015 and 2016 in view of physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses. In situ measurement of physical parameters was taken in the field. The data were analysed by multivariate statistical techniques (principal component analysis and factor analysis). The results revealed that the river water is slightly acidic (pH = 5.45–6.47) and ion concentration is low (41.67–237.00 µS/cm). The water type is Ca-SO4 and Ca-Mg-(Cl + NO3) in the dry season and Ca-Mg-SO4 in the rainy season. High NO3− values (50 mg/l) are recorded at Nkimefueh. The Mezam River water is heavily polluted with indicator bacteria (0–500 CFU/100 ml) whose concentrations steadily increase from the reference point (YB) through sampling points in the city centre, suggesting the influence of human-induced activities. The population is urged to adopt a responsible behaviour towards waste disposal and refrain from disposing waste in water courses in order to safeguard the aquatic environment and also protect the health of the population.

Taro Leaf Blight: Disease Assessment, Farmers’ Knowledge and Management Potential of Goatweed Extract in South West Cameroon

Leaf blight disease severely constrains the production of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) in Cameroon. Studies were conducted in seven localities in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon to assess the incidence and severity of the disease in taro farms using non-destructive sampling, and to document farmers’ knowledge about it using a structured questionnaire. The fungicidal effect of the aqueous leaf extract of goatweed (Ageratum conyzoides L.) at 0 and 100% concentrations and the chemical fungicide Mancozan was tested in-vitro. Results revealed widespread distribution of the disease in the Region. The incidence (77.996.5%) and severity (51.9 – 85.6%) varied significantly (P≤0.05) across the localities. The infection rate was classified as high in four localities and very high in three. The farmers were able to identify the disease and understood its effects on taro production but they were not aware of any pesticidal plants for its management. The aqueous leaf extract (100%) of goatweed and Mancozan significantly (P≤0.05) inhibited the mycelia growth of the fungus compared to the untreated control (0%). The plant extract had the potential to control the disease although it gave moderate inhibition of the fungus (38.4% at 9 days after exposure) which was not as effective as Mancozan (100% inhibition). Goatweed could be exploited for use as a source of natural fungicide for management of the pathogen. This study provides baseline information for future studies on the disease and recognises it as a major challenge to the sustainable production of taro.

Quinolines and Macrolides Resistance-Associated Mutations in Chlamydia trachomatis in Women Endocervical Samples in the West Region of Cameroon


 
 
 
 Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a public health problem worldwide. Although antibiotic resistance of this strict intracellular bacterium is rare, it is important to monitor the appearance of resistance genes to available efficient antibiotics. This study aimed to screen for mutations in some of these genes in C. trachomatis clinical isolates, which may be associated to resistance to quinolone and macrolide antibiotics. Thirty-five endocervical samples were collected from women aged between 18 and 49 in five district hospitals in the Western Region of Cameroon. The mutations in quinolones (parC and gyrA) and macrolides (L4, L22 and 23S rRNA) resistance domains were detected by PCR followed by sequencing on positive samples to C. trachomatis. The overall mutation rate for the studied genes was 60% in the studied samples. Seven (20%) and twelve (34%) samples presented mutations in the parC and gyrA gene respectively. Mutations in L4 (11.42%) and L22 (60%) were detected in ours samples, while no mutation was found in 23S rRNA gene. Seven clinical samples (20%) presented mutations to both macrolide and quinolone resistance genes. This study revealed a relatively high rate of mutations in the resistance genes to macrolides and quinolones in C. trachomatis in the West Cameroon. This rate of mutation calls for the competent authorities for better surveillance of C. trachomatis infection in West Cameroon to avoid a sudden increase in resistance to antibiotics in the years to come.
 
 
 
 

Hydrogeological potential estimation of Ngoua watershed, West Cameroon, using petrography, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and geophysical data

Hydrogeological potential estimation of Ngoua watershed, West Cameroon, using petrography, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and geophysical data

Haptoglobin Gene Polymorphism among Sickle Cell Patients in West Cameroon: Hematological and Clinical Implications.

Haptoglobin is a protein involved in protecting the body from the harmful effects of free hemoglobin. The haptoglobin gene exhibits a polymorphism, and the different genotypes do not have the same capacity to combat the free hemoglobin effects. The present study aimed at determining the polymorphic distribution of haptoglobin in sickle cell patients (SCPs) from West Cameroon and their impact on the hematological parameters, as well as clinical manifestations of the disease severity. Haptoglobin genotype of 102 SCPs (SS) and 115 healthy individuals (60 AA and 55 AS) was determined by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, and the complete blood count was determined using the AutoAnalyser. Results showed that the genotype Hp2-2 was significantly (p < 0.05) represented in SS patients (54%) than in controls AA and AS (27% and 29%, respectively), while Hp2-1 was mostly found (p < 0.05) in AS (42%) and AA (38%), against 15% in SS. The allelic distribution in SS patients was Hp2: 0.613, Hp1S: 0.304, and Hp1F: 0.084. In AA and AS controls, the proportions of the Hp1 and Hp2 alleles were similar (around 0.5 each), with 0.282 for Hp1S and 0.218 for Hp1F in AS and 0.283 for Hp1S and 0.258 for Hp1F in AA. The distribution of the haptoglobin genotypes did not reveal any significant difference across hematological parameters and clinical manifestations of disease severity in SCP and controls. SCP with Hp1S-1F genotype presented the highest level of hemoglobin. Although Hp2-2 was more frequent in SS patients, it appeared not to be related to the hematological parameters and to the disease's severity. Further investigations are necessary to explore the impact of Hp polymorphism such as antioxidant, lipid profile, and functionality of some tissues in SCP in Cameroon.

Hydro-geochemistry of groundwater and surface water in Dschang town (West Cameroon): Alkali and alkaline-earth elements ascertain lithological and anthropogenic constraints

This study focuses on the sources of alkali and alkaline-earth elements based on the geochemistry of groundwater and surface water in Dschang concerning environmental and anthropogenic constraints. A comprehensive set of 50 samples from groundwater and surface water were analyzed by ICP-MS and processed by spatial interpolation in a GIS environment. The results highlight a geochemical anomaly at the center of the densely inhabited area subject to a profusion of open dumps discharges. This anomaly with the highest spatial contents of Be (Cs, Rb, Mg) suggests an anthropogenic source that demarcates with the lowest alkali and alkaline-earth elements on the peripheral area of Dschang. Other findings include lithological constraints with volcanic rocks being the main source compared to granitoid. The study points out good correlations between Be, Cs, Rb and Mg spatial distributions and physico-chemical parameters of waters (K, EC, TDS), and inversely with the lowest pH. pH is established as the most functioning physico-chemical constraint of alkali and alkaline-earth mobility in Dschang. The pH lowest values within the geochemical anomaly also highlight the impact of human activities on water acidity, which later enhance elements mobility and enrichment. Despite low elements contents relative to WHO standards, our findings point out an example of anthropogenic impact on water geochemistry linked to solid waste pollution; it also demonstrates significant anthropogenic changes of environmental physico-chemical parameters of prime importance in the mobility and distribution of elements in the study area. Similar assessments should be extended in major towns in Cameroon.