Outbreak of cholera in the Southwest region of Cameroon, 2021-22: an epidemiological investigation.

Background: In October 2021, a large outbreak of cholera was declared in Cameroon, disproportionately affecting the Southwest region, one of 10 administrative regions in the country. In this region, the cases were concentrated in three major cities where a humanitarian crisis had concomitantly led to an influx of internally displaced persons. Meanwhile, across the border, Nigeria was facing an unprecedented cholera outbreak.

Exposure to bovine livestock and latent tuberculosis infection in children: Investigating the zoonotic tuberculosis potential in a large urban and peri-urban area of Cameroon.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a neglected zoonotic disease, is endemic in cattle in many Sub-saharan African countries, yet its contribution to tuberculosis (TB) burden is understudied. Rapid urbanisation and increase in demand for animal proteins, including dairy products, increases the risk of spill over. This study compared the latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) risk in children, a proxy-measure for recent TB infection, in children living in high cattle density areas to children from the general population in Cameroon.

Methicillin-Resistant Carriage among Neonate Mothers, Healthcare Workers, and Environmental Samples in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review.

Background: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The MRSA colonization of neonates, attributed to various sources, including mothers, healthcare workers, and environmental surfaces, can lead to severe infection, prolonged hospital stays, and even death, imposing substantial economic burdens. Given the pressing need to mitigate MRSA spread in these vulnerable environments, further examination of the subject is warranted.

Predictors of Urinary Tract Infections in Children and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in the Buea Health District, South West Region, Cameroon.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common pediatric infections and if not promptly diagnosed and treated, it could cause long term complications. Worldwide and in Cameroon, little attention has been paid to this growing problem in the pediatric population. Identification of risk factors will contribute significantly to prevention.

Pathogenic Potential and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of in Milk and Beef from the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon.

is a major foodborne pathogen and commensal of the skin and mucous membranes of animals and humans. Its virulence relies on the production of a variety of toxins resistant to denaturing conditions. Increasing reports of food poisoning and contamination of foods of animal origin elsewhere necessitates the investigation of these foods in Cameroon, to implement safety measures.

Knowledge and practices of health practitioners on treatment of Buruli ulcer in the Mbonge, Ekondo Titi and Muyuka Health Districts, South West Region, Cameroon.

Introduction: After tuberculosis and leprosy, Buruli ulcer (BU) is the third most common mycobacterial infection. Buruli ulcer begins as a localized skin lesion that progresses to extensive ulceration thus leading to functional disability, loss of economic productivity and social stigma. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and practices among health practitioners on the treatment of BU in the Mbonge, Ekondo Titi and Muyuka Health Districts of the South West Region of Cameroon.

Antimicrobial resistance from a one health perspective in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely acknowledged as a global health problem, yet in many parts of the world its magnitude is not well elucidated. A baseline assessment of the AMR prevalence is a priority for implementation of laboratory-based AMR surveillance This review, focused on a One health approach, aimed at describing the current status of AMR in Cameroon.

Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journals Online databases were searched for articles published in English and French in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Molecular epidemiology of noroviruses in children under 5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Norovirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among children in developing countries. Limited data on the prevalence and genetic variability of norovirus are available in Cameroon, where early childhood mortality due to AGE is common. We tested 902 fecal specimens from children younger than 5 years of age hospitalized with AGE between January 2010 and December 2013.

Bacterial and parasitic contaminants of salad vegetables sold in markets in Fako Division, Cameroon and evaluation of hygiene and handling practices of vendors.

Objective: Increase in awareness of the health benefits of vegetables has resulted in an increase in consumption. Many vegetables are consumed raw to retain the natural taste and heat labile nutrients. The safety of raw vegetables is a great concern.

Phenotypic characterization of Salmonella typhimurium isolates from food-animals and abattoir drains in Buea, Cameroon.

Salmonella spp. have been extensively incriminated worldwide as common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, with food-animals serving as important reservoirs. The study was aimed at investigating cattle and pigs slaughtered in Buea as reservoirs of Salmonella Typhimurium and the susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics.

Phenotypic characterization of human pathogenic bacteria in fish from the coastal waters of South West Cameroon: public health implications.

Increasing economic and recreational opportunities, attractive scenery and a perception of a better quality of life are luring people to the coast. Unfortunately, these activities together with the commensurate increase in population in the area inevitably result in pollution of coastal waters with excessive microorganisms and other pollutants. Microbial pollutants not only contaminate the coastal water but also aquatic food sources, thus posing a health risk to consumers.

Bacterial indicators of pollution of the Douala lagoon, Cameroon: public health implications.

Background: Indiscriminate disposal of untreated wastes which are often heavily laden with sewage microorganisms some of which are pathogenic to humans into aquatic environments near cities could serve as potential dangers to human health.

Objective: A prospective study was undertaken to investigate the scope of potential bacterial pathogens and to assess the extent of pollution of the Douala lagoon.

Methods: A total of eighty water samples were collected fortnightly from the lagoon at five stations from March to October 2005 and analysed for heterotrophic bacterial densities, coliform counts, faecal coliform and faecal streptococcal counts.

Helicobacter pylori isolates recovered from gastric biopsies of patients with gastro-duodenal pathologies in Cameroon: current status of antibiogram.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in patients with gastro-duodenal pathologies and the susceptibility patterns of isolates to the currently recommended antibiotic treatment regimen used in Cameroon.

Methods: Consecutive dyspeptic patients referred to Douala General Hospital, Cameroon for endoscopy were recruited in the study. Gastric biopsies were collected from the patients and H.

In-vitro antimicrobial activity of selected honeys on clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori.

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium incriminated in gastroduodenal ulcers, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma imposing a major burden on health care systems worldwide. Honeys have been shown to have in vitro activity against microorganisms and suitable for use in ulcers, infected wounds and burns.

Objective: The study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial potential of honeys (Manuka™, Capillano®, Eco- and Mountain) at different concentrations (10%v/v, 20%v/v, 50%v/v and 75%v/v) against clinical isolates of H.