[Coexistence of mass hysteria, konzo and HTLV-1 virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo].

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Pindi located 115 kilometers from Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo to characterize a local school epidemic involving paralysis of the lower extremities, identify risk factors, and establish differential diagnosis with konzo and spastic paralysis related to human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Data was obtained using a qualitative approach based on records, interviews, focus group technique, and neurological examination. Blood tests using the ELISA and western blot tests were performed to detect HTLV-1 and HIV 1 and 2.

Community survey of diarrhoea in children under 5 years in Kinshasa, Zaire.

This community based survey was undertaken to assess the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of diarrhoea in children < 5 years of age in an urban zone, at Kinshasa, Zaire. 155 community cases selected by cluster sampling, 155 age-matched controls, and 18 children with diarrhoea seen at a health centre (HC) were examined. The diarrhoea prevalence rate was 6.