Publications by authors named "Bouchra El Mansouri"

Article Synopsis
  • The review focuses on toxoplasmosis rates in Panama and Colombia, analyzing data on seroprevalence and risk factors.
  • Studies showed seroprevalence in Ciudad de Panamá ranged from 22% to 44%, with higher rates linked to poverty and closeness to water.
  • Heat maps and mathematical models were created to pinpoint areas that need targeted healthcare campaigns for congenital toxoplasmosis and infections.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The purpose of the review was to develop and assess educational materials aimed at reducing disease burdens from infections in Panama, Colombia, and the USA.
  • Recent findings indicate that educational programs in these countries have not yet been evaluated for their effectiveness, despite being implemented for various demographics like high school students and pregnant women.
  • The summary highlights that these educational materials have shown short-term benefits in disseminating information, with future goals focusing on conducting long-term studies, updating materials based on new research, and increasing access to these resources for broader public health impact.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose Of Review: Review building of programs to eliminate infections.

Recent Findings: Morbidity and mortality from toxoplasmosis led to programs in USA, Panama, and Colombia to facilitate understanding, treatment, prevention, and regional resources, incorporating student work.

Summary: Studies foundational for building recent, regional approaches/programs are reviewed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The review discusses international efforts to create a global public health initiative for toxoplasmosis, aiming to enhance maternal and child health by preventing and treating the disease.
  • Recent findings indicate that some countries are making progress in eliminating toxoplasmosis but face significant challenges.
  • Key issues include the high costs and inaccessibility of diagnostic tests and treatment, especially for marginalized communities, as well as delays in essential medical procedures and insurance processes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Point-of-care (POC) testing for infection has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and management of toxoplasmosis, especially in high-risk populations in areas with significant environmental contamination and poor health infrastructure precluding appropriate follow-up and preventing access to medical care. Toxoplasmosis is a significant public health challenge in Morocco, with a relatively heavy burden of infection and, to this point, minimal investment nationally to address this infection. Herein, we analyse the performance of a novel, low-cost rapid test using fingerstick-derived whole blood from 632 women (82 of whom were pregnant) from slums, educational centres, and from nomad groups across different geographical regions (i.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Globally, congenital toxoplasmosis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and outbreaks of infection with T. gondii represent a significant, emerging public health burden, especially in the developing world. This parasite is a threat to public health.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: The aim of our study was to assess a standardized supervisory grid as a new supervision tool being used in the laboratories of leishmaniasis.

Methods: We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the ongoing performances of seven provincial laboratories, in four provinces in Morocco, over a period of two years, between 2006 and 2014. This study detailed the situation in provincial laboratories before and after the implementation of the supervisory grid.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: After alleged stop of transmission of schistosomiasis and further down the line in post elimination settings, sensitive tools are required to monitor infection status to prevent potential re-emergence. In Rahala, where transmission cycle of Schistosoma haematobium is interrupted since 2004 but where 30% of snails are still infected by S. bovis, potential human S.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A new emerging focus of human cutaneous leishmaniasis (HCL) caused by Leishmania tropica was identified within the province of Settat. This study was performed in order to analyze the reasons of the extension of CL in this area, and to describe the clinico-epidemiological characteristic of this emerging focus during 2007-2012. A total of 553 suspected cases of CL were diagnosed in laboratory of Settat, controlled and confirmed in reference national laboratory of leishmaniasis in Rabat.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The Moroccan Health Ministry initiated a campaign to eliminate schistosomiasis in 1994, successfully interrupting disease transmission nationally by 2005-2009, with only a few remaining cases.
  • A new systematic study was conducted to assess disease transmission in areas that previously had high rates of schistosomiasis by analyzing serum samples from 2,382 children born after the last local cases.
  • The study found no specific antibodies against Schistosoma haematobium in any of the serum samples, indicating either a very low transmission rate or complete interruption of the disease in these areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF