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Dubois E, Cherif SMA, Abidine MM, Bah MFO, Chenal J, Marshall M, Oumarou W, Grossiord C, Perona P. Nature-based solution enhances resilience to flooding and catalyzes multi-benefits in coastal cities in the Global South. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172282. [PMID: 38614326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Coastal cities are facing a rise in groundwater levels induced by sea level rise, further triggering saturation excess flooding where groundwater levels reach the topographic surface or reduce the storage capacity of the soil, thus stressing the existing infrastructure. Lowering groundwater levels is a priority for sustaining the long-term livelihood of coastal cities. In the absence of studies assessing the possibility of using tree-planting as a measure of alleviating saturation excess flooding in the context of rising groundwater levels, the multi-benefit nature of tree-planting programs as sustainable Nature-based solutions (NBSs) in coastal cities in the Global South is discussed. In environments where groundwater is shallow, trees uptake groundwater or reduce groundwater recharge, thereby contributing to lower groundwater levels and increasing the unsaturated zone thickness, further reducing the risk of saturation excess flooding. Tree-planting programs represent long-term solutions sustained by environmental factors that are complementary to conventional engineering solutions. The multi-benefit nature of such NBSs and the expected positive environmental, economic, and social outcomes make them particularly promising. Wide social acceptance was identified as crucial for the long-term success of any tree-planting program, as the social factor plays a major role in addressing most weaknesses and threats of the solution. In the case of Nouakchott City (Mauritania), where a rise in groundwater levels has led to permanent saturation excess flooding, a tree-planting program has the potential to lower the groundwater levels, thereby reducing flooding during the rainy season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Dubois
- Platform of Hydraulic Constructions, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | | | - Mohamed Mahmoud Abidine
- Biodiversity and Plant Resources Valorization Unit, Faculty of Science and Technology - University of Nouakchott, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | | | - Jerome Chenal
- Excellence in Africa, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Montana Marshall
- Platform of Hydraulic Constructions, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wague Oumarou
- Centre national de la ressource en eau (CNRE) [Mauritanian Water resource Survey], Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Charlotte Grossiord
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Functional Plant Ecology, Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Perona
- Platform of Hydraulic Constructions, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Ould Lemrabott MA, Briolant S, Gomez N, Basco L, Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary A. First report of kdr mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene in the arbovirus vector, Aedes aegypti, from Nouakchott, Mauritania. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:464. [PMID: 38115092 PMCID: PMC10731742 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2014, dengue epidemics have occurred almost annually in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, coinciding with the recent establishment of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue, in the city. Anopheles arabiensis, the primary vector of malaria, is also abundant not only in Nouakchott but also in most areas of the country. Resistance to insecticides has been studied in An. arabiensis but not in Ae. aegypti in Mauritania. The objective of the present study was to establish the baseline data on the frequencies of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene in Ae. aegypti collected in Nouakchott to improve vector control. METHODS Resting Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected in 2017 and 2018 in Teyarett and Dar Naim districts in Nouakchott using a battery-powered aspirator. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were performed to detect the presence of five kdr mutations known to be associated with pyrethroid resistance: L982W, S989P, I1011M/G, V1016G/I, and F1534C. RESULTS A total of 100 female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were identified among collected resting culicid fauna, of which 60% (60/100) were unfed, 12% (12/100) freshly blood-fed, and 28% (28/100) gravid. Among the mutations investigated in this study, 989P, 1016G, and 1534C were found to be widespread, with the frequencies of 0.43, 0.44, and 0.55, respectively. Mutations were not found in codons 982 and 1011. No other mutations were detected within the fragments analyzed in this study. Genotype distribution did not deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The most frequent co-occurring point mutation patterns among Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were the heterozygous individuals 989SP/1016VG/1534FC detected in 45.1% of mosquitoes. In addition, homozygous mutant 1534CC co-occurred simultaneously with homozygous wild type 989SS and 1016VV in 30.5% of mosquito specimens. Inversely, homozygous wild-type 1534FF co-occurred simultaneously with homozygous mutant 989PP and 1016GG in 19.5% of the mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the presence of three point mutations in the vgsc gene of Ae. aegypti in Mauritania. The findings of the present study are alarming because they predict a high level of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides which are commonly used in vector control in the country. Therefore, further studies are urgently needed, in particular phenotypic characterization of insecticide resistance using the standardized test.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sébastien Briolant
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
- Unité de Parasitologie Entomologie, Département de Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France.
| | - Nicolas Gomez
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Unité de Parasitologie Entomologie, Département de Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France
| | - Leonardo Basco
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Ali Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary
- Université de Nouakchott, UR-GEMI, Nouveau Campus Universitaire, BP 5026, Nouakchott, Mauritania.
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
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Abdoullah B, Durand GA, Basco LK, El Bara A, Bollahi MA, Bosio L, Geulen M, Briolant S, Boukhary AOMS. Seroprevalence of Alphaviruses ( Togaviridae) among Urban Population in Nouakchott, Mauritania, West Africa. Viruses 2023; 15:1588. [PMID: 37515274 PMCID: PMC10385508 DOI: 10.3390/v15071588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of alphaviruses, such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV), has never been reported in Mauritania. We assessed the seroprevalence of CHIKV among Nouakchott residents. A cross-sectional study involving 1300 non-febrile patients consulting at the Nouakchott hospital center was conducted between January and June 2021. The presence of anti-CHIKV IgG and neutralizing antibodies against CHIKV, O'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV), and Semliki Forest virus (SFV) was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a serum neutralization test, respectively, and the associated risk factors were investigated. Of the 1300 study participants, serological evidence of previous exposure to CHIKV was observed in 37 individuals (2.8%). Sex, age, reported use of repellants, and bed net ownership and usage were not associated with CHIKV seropositivity. Our results showed the co-circulation of two other alphaviruses, ONNV and SFV, in Nouakchott in 30 (2.3%) individuals. This is the first study that documents the co-circulation of CHIKV, ONNV, and SFV in Mauritania, albeit at low prevalence. Surveillance and routine testing for alphaviruses and other arboviruses in symptomatic patients should be implemented in health facilities to assess the health burden associated with these viruses. Efforts should also be made to strengthen the vector control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedia Abdoullah
- Unité de Recherche Génomes et Milieux (GEMI), Université de Nouakchott, Nouveau Campus Universitaire, Nouakchott BP 5026, Mauritania
| | - Guillaume André Durand
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), 13005 Marseille, France
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Leonardo K Basco
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Ahmed El Bara
- Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Nouakchott BP 695, Mauritania
| | | | - Laurent Bosio
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), 13005 Marseille, France
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Manon Geulen
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), 13005 Marseille, France
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Briolant
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Unité de Parasitologie Entomologie, Département de Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Ali Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary
- Unité de Recherche Génomes et Milieux (GEMI), Université de Nouakchott, Nouveau Campus Universitaire, Nouakchott BP 5026, Mauritania
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El Moustapha I, Ouldabdallahi Moukah M, Ould Ahmedou Salem MS, Brahim K, Briolant S, Basco L, Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary A. Malaria prevalence in Mauritania: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J 2023; 22:146. [PMID: 37131226 PMCID: PMC10152621 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04569-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding malaria epidemiology is a critical step toward efficient malaria control and elimination. The objective of this meta-analysis was to derive robust estimates of malaria prevalence and Plasmodium species from studies conducted in Mauritania and published since 2000. METHODS The present review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in various electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. To obtain pooled prevalence of malaria, meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Methodological quality of eligible prevalence studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Inconsistency and heterogeneity between studies were quantified by the I2 index and Cochran's Q test. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots and Egger's regression tests. RESULTS A total of 16 studies with a good individual methodological quality were included and analysed in this study. The overall random effects pooled prevalence of malaria infection (symptomatic and asymptomatic) across all included studies was 14.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 6.64, 25.80, I2 = 99.8%, P < 0.0001) by microscopy, 25.6% (95% CI: 8.74, 47.62, I2 = 99.6%, P < 0.0001) by PCR and 24.3% (95% CI: 12.05 to 39.14, I2 = 99.7%, P < 0.0001) by rapid diagnostic test. Using microscopy, the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 1.0% (95% CI: 0.00, 3.48) against 21.46% (95% CI: 11.03, 34.21) in symptomatic malaria. The overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax was 51.14% and 37.55%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed significant variation (P = 0.039) in the prevalence of malaria between asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. CONCLUSION Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax are widespread in Mauritania. Results of this meta-analysis implies that distinct intervention measures including accurate parasite-based diagnosis and appropriate treatment of confirmed malaria cases are critical for a successful malaria control and elimination programme in Mauritania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inejih El Moustapha
- Université de Nouakchott, UR-GEMI, nouveau campus universitaire, BP 5026, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | | | | | - Khyarhoum Brahim
- Université de Nouakchott, UR-GEMI, nouveau campus universitaire, BP 5026, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Sébastien Briolant
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Unité de Parasitologie Entomologie, Département de Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France
| | - Leonardo Basco
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Unité de Parasitologie Entomologie, Département de Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France
| | - Ali Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary
- Université de Nouakchott, UR-GEMI, nouveau campus universitaire, BP 5026, Nouakchott, Mauritania.
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
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