Publications by authors named "S Tchatchouang"

Background: To meet the WHO target of eradicating yaws by 2030, highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools are needed. A multiplex Treponema pallidum-Haemophilus ducreyi loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TPHD-LAMP) test holds promise as a near-patient diagnostic tool for yaws and H ducreyi. We conducted a prospective evaluation in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and the Republic of the Congo to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the TPHD-LAMP test, as well as to assess its acceptability, feasibility, and cost.

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Article Synopsis
  • Integrated approaches to mapping skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) may optimize resource allocation, but extensive data covering multiple endemic countries was previously lacking.
  • Between March 2021 and March 2023, integrated case searches were conducted in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana, screening over 61,000 individuals for various skin conditions including yaws and other NTDs.
  • The findings revealed that 18.6% of those screened had skin lesions, with the majority being children; yaws was confirmed in a varying proportion of cases across the three countries, while scabies and fungal infections were the most commonly diagnosed conditions.
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  • The epidemiology and ecology of Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) infections are not well understood, especially regarding disease burden, host range, and transmission methods.
  • A review of 155 articles from various countries showed MU's presence in humans, animals, plants, and environmental samples, with prevalence rates varying widely.
  • Significant gaps exist in understanding the viability of MU in non-human reservoirs, prompting a need for further research on its transmission routes and host interactions.
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Article Synopsis
  • - Yaws, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue, is a major health issue in tropical West Africa and the South Pacific, particularly impacting children in areas lacking hygiene and sanitation.
  • - A study in Ghana, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire found diverse beliefs about yaws transmission among locals, with many attributing it to germs or contaminated water, while some linked it to witchcraft, and a low percentage recognized person-to-person contact as a method of transmission.
  • - Most participants preferred seeking care from hospitals or healthcare professionals if diagnosed with yaws, but there was a significant reliance on traditional healers in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting the necessity for increased community education and awareness
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Dialysis is a replacement therapy for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Patients on dialysis are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV), which has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. There is a wide range of prevalence of HCV in dialysis populations around the world.

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