Public health implications of contamination of Franc CFA (XAF) circulating in Buea (Cameroon) with drug resistant pathogens.

Background: Studies in different parts of the world have implicated money as a vehicle for transmission of pathogens. Such information which is necessary to facilitate infection control strategies is lacking in many sub-Saharan countries including Cameroon. This study analyzed the Franc de la Communauté Financiere d'Afrique (Franc CFA), the currency used in Cameroon and other countries in the Central African sub-region, as a potential vehicle for transmission of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, particularly drug-resistant strains, to generate findings which could create awareness on currency contamination and serve as a guide when formulating health policies on currency.

Malaria and helminth co-infection in children living in a malaria endemic setting of mount Cameroon and predictors of anemia.

A study was carried out with 425 children aged 0-14 yr residing in Bolifamba, Cameroon, to investigate the effect of Plasmodium falciparum malaria and intestinal helminth coinfection on anemia and to identify significant predictors of anemia in the community. Blood was collected by finger prick to determine malaria parasitemia and packed cell volume (PCV). The Kato-Katz technique was used to assess the prevalence and egg load of intestinal helminths.

The prevalence of Candida albicans-associated diarrhoea in Buea, South West Cameroon.

A total of 362 stool specimens were collected from 184 and 178 patients presenting at the Buea district Hospital with and without diarrhoea, respectively. The samples were screened and cultured for Candida albicans using standard microbiological procedures. Of the 184 diarrhoeic stool cultures, 35.

Prevalence of falciparum malaria together with acute diarrhoea in children residing in a malaria endemic zone.

To investigate an association between diarrhoea and malaria in children, a study was conducted in Buea on 215 children ranging from 0 - 5 years of age attending the Buea District hospital as out patients. Out of this number 118 (54.9/ ) had acute diarrhoea.

Effects of ABO/Rh blood groups, G-6-P-D enzyme activity and haemoglobin genotypes on malaria parasitaemia and parasite density.

The main objective was to investigate the effects of ABO/Rh blood groups, haemoglobin genotype and G-6-P-D enzyme activity on malaria. The study was carried out in Buea, South West Province, Cameroon. Subjects consulting at health care facilities in Buea were randomly recruited into the study.