Publications by authors named "Patrice Makouloutou-Nzassi"
Article Synopsis
- This study investigates the prevalence of protozoan parasites infecting rodents and domestic chickens in Franceville, Gabon, highlighting the risk of zoonotic diseases to humans.
- A total of 285 animal samples were analyzed, revealing an overall prevalence of 55.8% for oocysts, significantly higher in rodents (72.4%) compared to chickens (25%).
- The findings emphasize the need for further research to identify the specific species involved and assess their potential public health implications in the region.
Article Synopsis
- - The study analyzed malaria epidemiology in Gabon from 1980 to 2023 using five databases to track prevalence, drug resistance, and insecticide resistance markers.
- - Gabon faces a significant public health challenge with high malaria rates, showing persistent resistance to chloroquine (CQ) and emerging resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), while artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) remain effective.
- - Recent findings indicate a high frequency of insecticide resistance markers, with alternatives like organophosphates and carbamates suggested for vector control.
Long-term observations of wildlife are key to understanding the ecological foundations of disease emergence. They provide unique opportunities to detect pathogens with zoonotic potential that could threaten human health but also pose a threat for the animals. [Image: see text]
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTermites are one of the most common pests that damage wood and other cellulosic materials Although Africa has more varieties of termite species than any other continent, few entomological studies have been conducted in Gabon. Identifying termites poses significant difficulties for entomologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and confirm the significance of MALDI-TOF MS in identifying fresh termites collected in equatorial Africa.
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- The study aimed to assess how often asymptomatic infections of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. occur in children in southeastern Gabon.
- A total of 452 blood samples were collected from school-aged children, revealing that 57.5% were positive for Anaplasma spp. and/or Ehrlichia spp. via microscopy, while a higher sensitivity of 86.9% was noted with PCR testing for Anaplasma spp.
- The findings indicate a significant prevalence of Anaplasma spp. infections, suggesting a need for further research on various species, their impact on health, and how they spread.
Control and treatment programs (CDTI) have been set up nationally in all endemic countries to overcome the impact of onchocerciasis on the affected populations. However, Gabon must still succeed in setting up real onchocerciasis control programs. Here, various database articles have been used to provide the scientific community with a summary document showing the mapping of this disease in Gabon.
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- A study was conducted from August to December 2019 to identify gastrointestinal parasites in wild animals in Gabon and evaluate the potential risk to humans from consuming these animals.
- Researchers analyzed the feces and intestines of 113 wild animals and found 15 types of gastrointestinal parasites, with a high prevalence of 85.84%.
- Some identified parasites are known to be potentially harmful to humans, indicating that eating game, especially organ meat, could pose health risks.
Article Synopsis
- Emerging zoonotic viruses in Africa are transmitted from small mammals like rodents and shrews to humans, with concerns about unrecognized diseases in Central Africa.
- Researchers in Gabon identified new orthonairoviruses in 24.6% of small mammals, specifically two novel viruses: Lamusara virus (LMSV) and Lamgora virus.
- The study indicates that LMSV could potentially pose health risks to humans due to its ability to suppress critical immune responses in human cells.
Article Synopsis
- - Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by trypanosome parasites, poses a serious health threat in sub-Saharan Africa but remains a neglected tropical disease, affecting numerous individuals, particularly in Gabon.
- - A study in Gabon revealed that 19.34% of domestic animals tested were infected with trypanosomes, with varying rates among dogs (23.21%), goats (16.10%), and sheep (21.00%).
- - Molecular analysis identified at least six species of trypanosomes in domestic animals, suggesting these animals may serve as significant reservoirs for the parasites linked to HAT, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
Objectives: Good-quality and sufficient DNA is essential for diagnostics and vaccine development. We aimed to compare six DNA extraction techniques applied to Loa loa microfilariae in order to evaluate the purity and integrity of extracts in terms of quality and quantity.
Methods: The microfilariae were purified via a Percoll gradient procedure with blood from hyper-microfilaremic individuals (> 30,000 microfilaria [mf]/ml).
Objectives: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a human pathogenic arenavirus, is distributed worldwide. However, no human cases have been reported in Africa. This study aimed to investigate the current situation and potential risks of LCMV infection in Gabon, Central Africa.
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