Characterization of Plasmodium Falciparum Resistance Genes to Common Antimalarial Drugs in Semi-urban Areas of Burkina Faso

INTRODUCTION

Malaria still remains the most frequent parasitic disease on the world with, in 2022, 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths worldwide. Malaria control is compromised by the spread of the parasite's resistance to available antimalarials. The objective of our study is to characterize the Plasmodium falciparum resistance genes to common antimalarial drugs in semi-urban areas of Burkina Faso.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective cross-sectional study whose collection took place from June to October 2021 and from June to October 2022 in five health facilities in Burkina Faso. The molecular analysis based on PCR-RFLP took place from January to June 2023 at Centre National de Recherche et de Formation (CNRFP) to determine resistance genes such as Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhps, and Pfdhfr.

RESULTS

A total of 150 samples were analyzed giving a prevalence of 46.67, 1.33, 0.67, 20, 82, and 4.67%, for Pfcrt 76 T, Pfmdr1 86Y, Pfdhps 437G, Pfdhfr 51I, Pfdhfr 59R, and Pfdhfr 108N mutations, respectively. There are no mutations observed Pfdhps 540E and Pfdhfr 164L positions. However, mutation on Pfdhfr 59R position was the most common. In addition, triple mutation (Pfdhps 437G + Pfdhfr 59R + Pfdhfr 108N) was found with a low frequency which is 0.67%.

CONCLUSION

Surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum resistance markers to antimalarial drugs, remains one of the priorities in the context of the control or malaria elimination.

Nutritional quality of the traditionally cooked Zamnè, a wild legume and a delicacy in Burkina Faso: assessment of the process effectiveness and the properties of cooking alkalis

Zamnè is a wild legume and a famine food that attracts interest for its health benefits and has become a delicacy in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to determine the nutritional quality of the traditionally cooked Zamnè, appreciate the effectiveness of the traditional cooking process, and compare the properties of the traditionally used cooking alkalis (i.e., potash or plant ash leachate and sodium bicarbonate). Yet, as shown, the traditional cooking of Zamnè is a very aggressive process that results in high disintegration of cell walls and membranes and leaching of most water-soluble constituents and nutrients (i.e., free amino acids, soluble nitrogen, sugars, soluble dietary fibers, and soluble phenolics). In addition, the extensive boiling and the cooking alkalis induced the sequestration of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, significantly impairing their bioaccessibility. Despite the difference in the modus operandi of the cooking alkalis, there was no significant difference in the cooking outcomes. The traditionally cooked Zamnè presented high dietary protein (4.8 g), lipid (3.3 g), fiber (6.7-7.7 g), and metabolizable energy (63-65 kcal) contents (per 100 g fresh weight). Most antinutritional factors (i.e., non-protein nitrogen, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors) were eliminated. The proteins were relatively well preserved despite the aggressive alkaline processing. They demonstrated an appreciable digestibility (75%) and predicted PER (1.5) and a fairly balanced essential amino acid composition - which should completely meet the requirements for adults. The lipid content and composition were also well preserved and contained predominantly linoleic (C18:2n-6), oleic (C18:1c9), stearic (C18:0), and palmitic (C16:0) acids (33, 34, 10, and 15% total fatty acids, respectively). Overall, though extensive alkaline cooking seems a straightforward option to overcome the hard-to-cook problem of Zamnè, processing alternatives might be useful to reduce nutrient losses, improve the digestibility of the final product, and capture its full nutritional value.

Entomotherapy as an alternative treatment for diseases due to Gram-negative bacteria in Burkina Faso

Insects are known for their harmful effects. However, they also benefit humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. Its beneficial uses include entomophagy and entomotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of insect extracts against Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activities of thirteen crude extracts of medicinal insects were tested against twelve Gram-negative bacteria by diffusion on agar. Imipenem was used as an antibiotic for positive control. The thirteen extracts acted differently against certain Gram-negative bacteria. The largest inhibition diameter was for extracts of Cirina butyrospermi and Mylabris variabilis against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853 and Salmonella enteritidis ATCC13076, respectively. The diameters of inhibition obtained using imipenem against these same bacterial strains were 13.0 ± 0.0 mm and 22 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The lowest inhibition diameter (7.5 ± 0.0 mm) was obtained using Anopheles gambiae extract against Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC14028. Imipenem was active on all strains tested. The highest values of the index multi-resistance to insect's extracts were reported for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027 and Serratia odorifera 652411. Overall, the results of this study confirmed the antibacterial activities of insects used by traditional health practitioners to treat different pathologies. Entomotherapy could be an alternative treatment for certain infectious pathologies caused by gram-negative bacteria.

Non-Sensory Perception and Sensory Appeal of Zamnè, PseudoZamnè, Traditionally Cooked Senegalia erythrocalyx Seeds, and Tempeh According to Burkinabe Consumers

The lack of adequate knowledge of the culinary and sensory properties of most indigenous and wild foods hampers their promotion in human diets and the market. In the present study, 80 Burkinabe volunteers evaluated the sensory appeal and attributes of three selected Senegalia seed species (Zamnè, pseudoZamnè or Kumatiya, and S. erythrocalyx) and their food formulae (traditionally cooked, harvested as green and fresh legumes, and fermented as tempeh) using the nine-point hedonic scale and check-all-that-apply questionnaire. They found that the traditionally cooked Zamnè, pseudoZamnè or Kumatiya, and derived tempeh had good sensory appeal (scoring between 5 and 7) and subtle alkaline and nutty tastes. However, an appreciable number (32%) of the participants were unaccustomed to tempeh and gave very low scores (2.5-3.4) for all the tempeh products. In contrast, the traditionally cooked seeds of Senegalia erythrocalyx and the green and fresh Zamnè evoked bitter and sour off-tastes, respectively, and were not much appreciated (scoring 4). The present study provides unprecedented insight into consumers' non-sensory perceptions and the culinary and sensory properties of Senegalia seed foods, which will be essential for their valorization, branding, and marketing.

Sahel terrorist crisis and development priorities: case of financial allocations for the control of non-communicable diseases in Burkina Faso

In Africa, nearly 46% of all mortality will be attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 2030. While the cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of action against NCDs, global funding for the prevention and control of NCDs is minimal. The objective of this was to explore the Ministry of Health budget allocations for NCDs from 2010 to 2020 as well as the effect of the terrorism crisis on these allocations. The methodology was based on the budget tracking tool developed by the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement. Twenty-nine budget lines related to the prevention and/or control of NCDs have been identified. About 29.9 million USD were allocated to the fight against NCDs with an absorption rate of more than 98%.There is an upward trend of allocated budget characterized by an exponential increase from the development of the national integrated strategic plan for the fight against NCDs (2016-2020). In 2017, an increase of 184% compared to 2016 was observed. However, the efforts were challenged by the emergence of the terrorist threat which triggered in January 2016, leading to a drastic reduction in allocations for NCDs in favor likely of defense and security priorities as well as addressing the needs of internally displaced persons. A trend analysis suggests that the NCDs budget significantly decrease as the country global terrorist index increase. Further analysis is needed to better understand the implication on NCD incidence, and identify advocacy opportunities for mitigating the negative impact of the terrorist treat on NCDs and other development issues.

Plasmodium falciparum Genetic Diversity and Resistance Genotype Profile in Infected Placental Samples Collected After Delivery in Ouagadougou

Purpose

Intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is widely used for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women in Africa. Known resistance cases of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy need to be follow up to support IPTp implementation in Burkina Faso. However, data on the development and spread of resistance to this molecule are lacking. This study aimed to investigating the genetic diversity of P. falciparum and the mutation prevalence in the dhfr and dhps genes infected from postpartum infected placentas.

Patients and Methods

This was a prospective and cross-sectional study conducted between April 2019 and March 2020 in four health districts of Ouagadougou capital city. From the placentas collected after delivery, P. falciparum detection and mps1 and msp2 polymorphism analysis were performed by nested PCR. The resistance profile was checked after analyzing the mutation point on dhfr and dhps genes.

Results

PCR-positive samples were estimated at 96% for msp1 and 98% for msp2. The polymorphism analysis showed that the RO33 and 3D7 allelic families were the most widespread with 62.5% and 91.83%, respectively. Multiple infections by msp1 and msp2 were frequent with 12.50% and 92.92%, respectively. The prevalence of individual dhfr mutation point, 51I, 108A, and 59R, was 1.96, 15.68, and 7.84, respectively, and the dhps mutation point, 437G, was 3.92. There is no detected mutation at the point 164L and 540E. The triple (51I+108A+59R) in dhfr and quadruple (51I+108A+59R+ 437G) mutation were not found.

Conclusion

The results showed that Plasmodium falciparum has a high genetic diversity of msp1 and msp2. This suggests that dhfr and dhps mutant genotypes are potential early warning factors in the increase in the sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance.

Capacity needs assessment and challenges for multisectoral implementation of nutrition in Burkina Faso: A guide for the formulation of a capacity development plan

INTRODUCTION

Achieving nutritional goals depends on individual, organisational and environmental capacities. The aim of this study was to analyse and identify capacity gaps among the coordination platforms and networks, and the key technical institutions related to nutrition in Burkina Faso for a capacity development plan formulation.

METHODS

Using the new Nutrition Capacity Framework developed by the United Nations Network, information were collected using the Nutrition Stakeholder Mapping and Analysis tool, and the Checklist for Capacity Areas. Capacity needs were analysed in terms of Human resource and infrastructure, functional, organisational, coordination and partnership, and financial and resource mobilisation.

RESULTS

Limited human resource capacity in nutrition was highlighted in most cases by the structures, and the nutrition coordination structure and more than 4/5 of the technical structures are faced with the unavailability of working materials, tools and basic Internet connection. Only 10 among the 30 structures have a unit or service for exchange on nutrition, and only three of them have integrated nutrition actions. Shortfalls were noted in terms of functional, facilitation, communication and advocacy skills, as well as a weak diversification of resource mobilisation strategies.

CONCLUSION

The use of the analytical framework helped to identify the gaps and to propose paths for capacity development. Efforts need to be strengthened, intensified, coordinated, monitored, evaluated and funded.

Emergence of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase (NDM) Genes Detected from Clinical Strains of Escherichia coli Isolated in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The emergence and spread of carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacilli such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through the production of carbapenemases is a global phenomenon. It threatens patient care and leads to therapeutic impasses. This study aims to genotypically determine the prevalence of the most frequent carbapenemase genes among multidrug-resistant E. coli strains isolated from patients at a biomedical analysis laboratory. A total of fifty-three unduplicated E. coli strains isolated from patient samples with a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for carbapenem resistance genes. This study allowed us to identify fifteen strains carrying resistance genes among the fifty-three E. coli strains. All fifteen strains produced the metallo-β-lactamase enzymes; this represents a rate of 28.30% of study strains. Among these strains, ten carried the NDM resistance gene, NDM and VIM genes were detected in three strains and VIM was identified in two strains of E. coli. However, carbapenemases A (KPC and IMI), D (OXA-48), and IMP were not detected in the strains studied. Thus, NDM and VIM are the main carbapenemases detected in the strains in our study.

An overview of governance of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in West African countries

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 50% of total premature mortality in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, responses to the fight against NCDs are yet to be efficient in most of these countries. There is little published data on how this response is structured from a governance perspective in the context of global health systems. This study explored from existing research, the state of the governance in the fight against NCDs in the ECOWAS region. It consists of a review of articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2020 on ECOWAS countries. Of three hundred thirty-three (333) articles initially identified, eight (8) publications were included in these studies. There is a serious lack of information on the governance of NCDs in French-speaking countries such as Burkina Faso where no article has been identified. Of the 8 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, none has addressed the coherence of policies and programs. Seven (7) publications provided information on the component national NCDs policies, strategies and action plans, four (4) studies on the component of actors, interventions and the multisectoral coordination mechanism, five (5) on the issue of budget allocations and financing of NCD prevention and control interventions. Political commitment and government leadership has been discussed in three (3) publications. While some studies have provided information on the components of governance, it is important to remember that most of the studies were literature reviews and not empirical studies, which does not allow a better understanding of the situation of governance in each country. Designing an empirical study to answer some questions related to the governance of NCDs in the selected countries is necessary.

Socio-cultural influences on children's feeding habits and feeding frequencies in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: a retrospective survey

BACKGROUND

From 6 months of age, children need, in addition to breast milk, a complementary food whose nutritional composition meets their needs. However, low consumption of child-specific foods in favor of adult foods has been documented. Thus, the lack of adaptation of children to family feeding conditions has been the source of frequent malnutrition in some low-income countries. In Burkina Faso, little data is available on family-type food consumption by children. The objective was to describe the socio-cultural influences on feeding habits and food consumption frequencies of infants aged 6-23 months in Ouagadougou.

METHODS

The study was conducted from March to June 2022 using a structured questionnaire. A reminder of the previous 24 h' meals was used to assess 618 children's food consumption. Mother-child pairs were selected using the simple random sampling method, and data collection was done by the interview method. Sphinx V5, IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 and XLSTAT 2016 software were used to process data.

RESULTS

Influences between the consumption of certain foods and the mother's social status were observed. The most consumed foods are simple porridges (67.48%), Tô/rice (65.70%), cookies and cakes (62.94%), juices and sweetened drinks (62.94%). Cowpeas (17.31%), improved porridge (13.92%) and eggs (6.63%) are the least consumed. The most meals frequency was three meals daily (33.98%), and children with the minimum daily meal frequency were 86.41%. Principal component analysis showed that the mother's social status influenced the consumption of imported infant flours, fish soups, fruits, juices and sweetened drinks, cookies and cakes, simple porridge, and tô/rice. Concerning the consumption of local infant porridges, 55.72% of the children who consumed them appreciated positively. However, for 57.75% of the parents, the lack of information limits the consumption rate of this type of flour.

CONCLUSION

High consumption of family-type meals was observed and was influenced by parental social status. In addition, the rate of acceptable meal frequencies was generally high.

Ethnopharmacological Value and Biological Activities via Antioxidant and Anti-Protein Denaturation Activity of Morinda lucida Benth and Momordica charantia L. Leaves Extracts from Benin

Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae), the wild variety of bitter melon, and Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) were commonly used as a popular folk medicine in Benin. This study aimed to appreciate the ethnopharmacological knowledge and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of M. charantia and M. lucida leaves extracts. Semi-structured surveys supported by individual interviews were conducted with herbalists and traditional healers in southern Benin. The antioxidant activities were evaluated by a micro-dilution technique using ABTS and FRAP methods. These activities were supported by cyclic voltammetry analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the albumin denaturation method. The volatile compounds were analysed by GC-MS analysis. All the respondents involved in this study have good knowledge of the two plants. We identify 21 diseases grouped into five categories of condition. The two plants' extracts possess variable antioxidant capacity. Indeed, all the active extracts of M. charantia presented an IC₅₀ < 0.078 mg/mL, while the extracts of M. lucida had an IC₅₀ up to 0.21 ± 0.02 mg/mL. For anti-inflammatory activity, a dose-response activity (p < 0.001) was observed in the protein denaturation inhibition rate of the extracts. It should be noted that the highest inhibition rate (98.34 ± 0.12) of the albumin denaturation was observed with M. lucida dichloromethane extract. A total of 59 volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis in the extracts of the two plants. The M. charantia ethyl acetate extract shows the presence of 30 different compounds with a relative abundance of 98.83%, while that of M. lucida shows 24 compounds with a relative abundance of 98.30%. These plants are potential candidates to discover new compounds with therapeutic properties that could be used to solve public health problems.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Antibiotic Resistance of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria in West Africa Between 2010 and 2020

OBJECTIVE

In the past, studies on antimicrobial resistance were carried out on pathogens in the clinical areas. However, since then, this phenomenon has become a general case both in the environment and in the food sector. This systematic review aimed to review the various scientific publications on the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics in foods in West Africa.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was carried out through an electronic database including PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and African Journals Online (AJOL). Articles published from fifteen countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) between 2010 and 2020 on antibiotic resistance of foodborne pathogens were included in the study. The titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles and then the full texts of the selected articles were reviewed.

RESULTS

Out of the 565 articles found in our initial research, 149 publications (26.55%) were considered suitable for inclusion in this review. Globally, 2018, 2019, and 2020 had more included papers (n = 21 to 25) than the other years. Of the 149 publications analyzed, four types of food commodities were identified as products of high consumption based on the number of publications in the field such as poultry (39/149), read-to-eat food (22/149), meat, and animal products (20/149). Most studies have shown that E. coli has the highest prevalence followed by Salmonella and Staphylococcus. Only 33 (22.14%) of the 149 publications were based on further molecular characterization of the isolates. Publications analyzed showed that the most prevalent detected genes were tet(A), tet(B), tet(C), tet(K) blaTEM, catA1, catA2, cmlA, blaCTXM and qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, parC, and qepA4.

CONCLUSION

From these results, antibiotic use in the food areas must be strongly regulated, especially in developing countries, particularly in Africa. This highlights the need to implement suitable and appropriate control strategies to reduce complications and prevent the dissemination of resistant bacteria isolates in foods. One health antimicrobial resistance surveillance system in the region must be a great concern.

Research of Antibiotic Residues and Bacterial Strain's Antibiotic Resistance Profile in the Liquid Effluents Evacuated in Nature by Two CHUs and a Mixed WWTP of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background

In Burkina Faso, suspicions have been raised that hospital liquid effluents are a source of microbiological contaminants in surface waters of urban and peri-urban areas. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic residues and the antibiotic resistance phenotype of potential pathogenic bacteria in the hospital liquid effluents discharged into nature by the CHUs Bogodogo, Yalgado Ouédraogo and the WWTS of Kossodo.

Methods

Fifteen samples of liquid effluents discharged into nature were collected. Antibiotic residues were identified by HPLC. A wavelength of 254 nm for the UV detector was set. Antibiotic testing was realized according to CASFM 2019 recommendations.

Results

Three molecules including Amoxicillin, Chloramphenicol and Ceftriaxone were detected in 13 samples. The strains characterized were 06 E. coli, 09 Pseudomonas spp, 05 Staphylococcus aureus and 04 Salmonella spp. Thus, none of the strains was resistant to Imipenem, but they were resistant to Amoxiclav with rates of 83.33% (E. coli), 88.88% (Pseudomonas spp) and 100% (Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp).

Conclusion

Ouagadougou hospital liquid effluents discharged into nature are contaminated with antibiotic residues and potential pathogenic bacteria.

Assessment of heterocyclic aromatic amines contents in flamed and braised chicken in Burkina Faso

The nutritional status of meat is tarnished by its association with the induced cooking contaminants. The aim of this study was to assess the heterocyclic aromatic amines profile and contents in processed chicken in Burkina Faso. Eight polar and apolar heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) including 2-mino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinolone (IQ), 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4, 3-b]indole (Trp-P1), 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P2), 2-mino-9H-pyrido-[2,3-b]indole (AαC), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4, 5- ]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b] indole (MeAαC), 2-amino-3,4,8-rimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx) and 2-amino-3,8-imethylimidazo[4,5-]quinoxaline (MeIQx) were screened by high performance liquid chromatography from 29 samples of flamed chicken and 66 samples of braised chicken collected in Ouagadougou city. Apolar HAAs and polar HAAs were respectively 12 and 3 times more abundant in flamed chickens (32.66±10 and 3.48±10.39 ng/g, respectively) than in braised chickens (2.70±9.67 and 0.92 ng/g, respectively). The maximum levels of AαC were in the same proportions in flamed (12.01 ng/g) and braised chickens (14.13 ng/g). Flamed chicken had the highest Trp-P1 content (530.31 ng/g). The 4,8-DiMeIQx was not detected in braised chicken. The AαCs were more abundant in flamed than in braised chicken. The profile and the contents of the HAAs in processed chicken are related to cooking methods. Because of the high variability observed on the obtained concentrations, investigations on the contents of precursors in raw chicken, the effect of marinating ingredients on the formation of HAAs are needed.

Mung Bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) from Burkina Faso Used as Antidiabetic, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agent

Chronic non-communicable diseases are becoming more and more recurrent and require the addition of functional foods in our eating habits. Legumes due to their composition in biomolecules could meet this need. Much used in Chinese medicine, the mung bean arouses interest in Burkina Faso. The objective of this study is to perform phytochemical profiling and to evaluate certain biological properties of the mung bean in its natural or germinated state. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out by precipitation and differential staining tests. The antimicrobial activity was tested on in vitro growth by the agar medium diffusion method. DPPH and FRAP methods were used to assess antioxidant activity. The antidiabetic activity of hydroethanolic extracts was evaluated on rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin, with metformin as a reference molecule. Phytochemistry has revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and derivatives in the mung bean, whether in its natural state (MBN) or in its germinated state (MBG). Only the MBG exhibits antimicrobial activity on 70% of the strains used. It appears that the MBG has a reducing power of the DPPH radical with an IC₅₀ of 28 mg/mL compared to the same extract of the MBN, which had an IC₅₀ of 32.5 mg/mL with a difference (p < 0.05) between the extracts. MBN extracts at a dose of 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg.bw) showed a reduction (p < 0.0001) in glycaemia and kept the body weight of the animals constant throughout the treatment. In addition, the MBN regulated the level of total cholesterol, tryglicerides of LDL, ASAT, ALAT, urea and creatine. These results show that the mung bean grown in Burkina Faso is a health food, which, integrated into dietary habits, could contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases.

Bio-production of lactic and lactobionic acids using whey from the production of cow's milk Wagashi cheese in Benin

Traditional cheese is the main milk derivative in Bénin. This traditional process is not efficient and generate a lot of whey which has no real use until now. It is just disposed without being environmentally treated. Its use as a source for lactobionic and lactic acids production by Pseudomonas taetrolens and Lactobacillus casei is studied in this work, being also a proposal that can greatly boost economically the dairy sector in the country and reduce the end-of-cycle impact of the residue. To our knowledge, no data is available in the metabolization of Bénin's traditional cheese whey and its potential transformation into commercially valuable products such as lactobionic and lactic acids. With bulk filtration, non-controlled pH batch fermentations and without nutrients supplementation, 66 and 22% of lactose in the traditional cheese whey have been converted into lactobionic acid and lactic acid using Pseudomonas taetrolens and Lactobacillus casei, respectively. Those are important results that encourage to enhance the bioprocesses used in a cost-effective way in order to scale up an industrial production.

(GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli bacteria isolates from hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common bacterial species implicated in various types of infections including septicemia, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, meningitis and others pathologies. These involve several bacterial clones with multidrug resistance making them difficult to treat. The aims of this study was to perform molecular typing of E. coli strains using universal primer (GTG)₅. In this study, 53 E. coli strains were collected from inpatients and outpatients. The test of antimicrobial sensibility was realized using CA-SFM /EUCAST method and strains were identified by conventional microbiological tests. The carbapenemase-producing strains were demonstrated by phenotypic method. Bacterial DNA was extracted by boiling method. (GTG)₅-PCR was used for strain subtyping. The DendroUPGMA software was used for grouping of strains from the genetic fingerprints obtained by (GTG)₅-PCR.

RESULTS

Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that all strains were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Its strains showed resistance to at least three different families of antibiotics. Of this MDR strains, only one was a metallo-β-lactamase producer. The dendrogram obtained using genetic fingerprinting allowed the E. coli strains to be grouped into 22 clusters (G1 to G22).

CONCLUSION

The (GTG) 5-PCR assay enabled rapid molecular typing of E. coli strains. The strains of E. coli typed in this study would belong to different clones.

Total gossypol and oxidation levels of refined cottonseeds oils and crude peanut oils produced in Burkina Faso

Edible oils produced and consumed in Burkina Faso often do not meet established standards. The objective of this study was to evaluate the total gossypol level of refined cottonseeds oils and the oxidation state of crude peanut oils and refined cottonseeds oils in Burkina Faso to determine the impact on consumer health. A total of 61 samples including crude peanut oils and refined cottonseeds oils were collected in Ouagadougou, Bobo Dioulasso and surrounding areas. Total Gossypol and p-Anisidine value were determined by spectrophotometry. Peroxide value, acid value, soap residual value and mineral oils were determined by chemical methods. Total oxidation (Totox) value was determined by mathematical prediction. Overall, Gossypol total average of cottonseeds oils analyzed in this study was 0.032%. The p-Anisidine value average was 1.80 for refined cottonseeds oils and 11.65 for crude peanut oils. The Totox averages were respectively 19.37 and 28.36 for refined cottonseeds and crude peanut oils. The average peroxide values for refined cottonseeds oils and peanut crude oils were 8.52 and 8.33 mEq O2/Kg, respectively (p<0.05). The average acid values were 0.27 and 1.95 mg KOH/g for refined cottonseeds oils and crude peanut oils, respectively (p<0.05). None of the oils showed any mineral oil trace. The average residual soap values were respectively 1.47 and 8.32 ppm for peanut oils and cottonseeds oils (p<0.05). The majority values determined conformed to the Codex Alimentarius standard despite some cases of non-compliance. It is essential to improve the processes of oils production and conservation in order to have quality oils to guarantee the health of the consumer.

Assessment of the contamination of Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) by pesticides: Case of market gardeners in Ouagadougou

Background and Aim: The use of pesticides in vegetable production can cause public health problems because these agrochemicals can leave residues in foodstuffs and disrupt the appropriate functioning of the organism. The aim of this study was to assess the level of contamination of lettuce and tomato by pesticide residues. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from February 12 to May 3, 2021, in concerned five market gardening sites in the city of Ouagadougou. A survey was conducted among 58 market gardeners selected at random from the sites of Boulmiougou, Tanghin No. 1 and 2, Bissigin, and the National School of Public Health. Simultaneously, 25 lettuce samples and 25 tomato samples were collected in a randomized manner for the examination and determination of pesticide residues using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method. Results: The market gardening population was predominantly represented by women who had a low level of education. The cultivated species were a mixture of exotic cultures and traditional cultures. These crops were treated with various pesticides, the most common of which belonged to the organochlorine family. The tomato was the crop most contaminated by pesticide residues. However, no active ingredient from the synthetic pyrethroid family was found on lettuce or tomato. Conclusion: Raising the awareness of market gardeners on good practices in the use of pesticides and on alternative methods to synthetic phytosanitary products is of paramount importance for the health of consumers.

Associations between dental problems and underweight status among rural women in Burkina Faso: results from the first WHO Stepwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) survey

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationships between dental problems and underweight status among rural women in Burkina Faso by using nationally representative data.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional secondary study of primary data obtained by the 2013 WHO Stepwise Approach to Surveillance survey conducted in Burkina Faso. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed using Student's t test, ANOVA, the χ2 test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression.

SETTING

All thirteen Burkinabè regions were categorised using quartiles of urbanisation rates.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants were 1730 rural women aged 25-64 years.

RESULTS

The prevalence of underweight was 16·0 %, and 24·1 % of participants experienced dental problems during the 12-month period. The women with dental problems were more frequently underweight (19·9 % and 14·7 %; P < 0·05) and had a lower mean BMI (21·1 ± 3·2 and 21·6 ± 3·7 kg/m2, P < 0·01) than those without dental problems. More risk factors for underweight were observed in less urbanised regions among elderly individuals (> 49 years old) and smokeless tobacco users. Age > 49 years, professions with inconsistent income, a lack of education, smokeless tobacco use and low BMI were factors that were significantly associated with dental problems, while residency in a low-urbanisation area was a protective factor.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of underweight in rural Burkinabè women is among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, and women with dental problems are more frequently affected than those without dental problems. Public health measures for the prevention of these disorders should specifically target women aged over 49 years and smokeless tobacco users.

Biscuits: a systematic review and meta-analysis of improving the nutritional quality and health benefits

Biscuits are ready-to-eat foods that are traditionally prepared mainly with wheat flour, fat, and sugar. Recently, biscuits’ technologies have been rapidly developed to improve their nutritional properties. This study aimed to determine the strategies of improving the nutritional quality of biscuits and the potential health benefits associated with them. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including articles on biscuits improved by technological processes and raw materials variation. Studies were searched from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published between 1997 and 2020, in English and French. The meta-analysis was performed using RStudio software, version 4.0.4 to classify the biscuits. One hundred and seven eligible articles were identified. Rice, pea, potato, sorghum, buckwheat, and flaxseed flours were respectively the most found substitutes to wheat flour. But the meta-analysis shown that the copra and foxtail millet biscuit fortified with amaranth, the wheat biscuits fortified with okra, and rice biscuits fortified with soybeans had a high protein content. These biscuits therefore have a potential to be used as complementary foods. The substitution of sugar and fat by several substitutes lead to a decrease in carbohydrates, fat, and energy value. It has also brought about an increase in other nutrients such as dietary fiber, proteins/amino acids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. Among the sugar and fat substitutes, stevia and inulin were respectively the most used. Regarding the use of biscuits in clinical trials, they were mainly used for addressing micronutrient deficiency and for weight loss.

Effect of three types of oils and their level of incorporation on sensory quality of sorghum cookies

Lipid (oil and fat) is one of the basic and important components used in the production of cookies. It plays several roles in their composition and a judicious choice of this ingredient makes it possible to have cheap, delicious and very nutritious cookies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of refined cottonseeds oil (RCO), refined palm oil (RPO) and red (or crude) palm oil (CPO) on sorghum (Sorghum bicolour var. Gampela) cookies. Oils were incorporated at levels of 16%, 20% and 24%. Cookies quality were evaluated based on quantitative sensory profile, sensory acceptability, preference classification and paired-comparison test. The results of sensory profile tests showed that the sensory descriptors ranged from very low to medium intensity (1.33 to 3.83 on a scale of 5). Both acceptability and classification tests showed that cookies produced with 20% of refined oil (RCO and RPO) and those with 16% of CPO were the most preferred and RCO and RPO with 20% of the oil were appreciated as control cookies produced with 20% of margarine. The colour, texture and fat impression had most influenced the consumers’ preferences. RCO, RPO and CPO exhibit the potential to be used as substitutes to margarine to produce sorghum cookies.

Concentrations and Health Risk Assessment of Metallic Trace Elements in Ready-to-Eat Braised and Flamed Chickens in Burkina Faso

Braised and flamed chickens known as "poulet bicyclette" are famous and popular street food in Burkina Faso. Although they are important sources of a wide range of essential trace elements for humans, they can also contain toxic metals. The aim of the study was to assess the concentrations and health risk of metallic trace elements (Ag, Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb) in ready-to-eat braised and flamed chickens in Burkina Faso. The concentrations and health risk assessment were estimated by atomic absorption spectrometry and hazard quotient method, respectively. The concentrations of Cu (3.12 mg kg^-1), Fe (20.17 mg kg^-1), and Ni (0.22 mg kg^-1) were about 2 times higher in flamed chickens than in braised ones. Cd (0.45 mg kg^-1) and Cr (2.50 mg kg^-1) were 2 to 5 times more concentrated in braised chickens than flamed chickens. Pb was found in 72.72% of braised chicken and 62.06% of flamed chicken samples, above the maximum limit set by the JECFA. The daily intakes of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn contributed for less than 2% to the recommended daily intakes set by the Institute of Medicine of USA for both males and females, whereas Cr contributed for more than 20% from braised chicken. The estimated monthly intakes of Cd represented about 1.92-4.06% of the provisional tolerable monthly intake of Cd set by FAO/WHO. A non-cancer risk estimated as hazard index has been recorded at the maximum level of consumption for female consumer group for flamed chicken (HI = 2.14). The estimated cancer index risk in this study is below the reference value (10^-4) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).

Technological and microbiological characteristics of indigenous food produced in Gabon

The purpose of this study was to provide contextual information on indigenous food's technologies and safety from Gabon. The strategic focus being to promote local food with enhanced nutritional value and improved safety. An investigation and monitoring were carried out to elucidate their process flow diagrams and to identify safety failures. Samples were taken for microbiological analysis using conventional culture-based techniques. Detection and identification of Salmonella in samples were confirmed using PCR based method by targeting invasion plasmid antigen B (IpaB) gene. The investigation shows that women play a protagonist role in the technical know-how of Gabonese indigenous foods in a context that is evolving towards the disappearance of this knowledge. The food production process remains archaic, which makes the environment impact on food safety. Indeed, the proximity of food manufacturing environment to animals, waste, or latrines coupled with the lack of hygiene and manufacturing practices affect the quality of these foods. This is reflected in our study's microbiological results, namely, Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria ranged from 3.53 to 11.96 log CFU/g and indicators of fecal contaminations of up to 8.21 log CFU/g. Salmonella is detected in 18.69% of samples. The presence of these bacteria is a risk for consumer health. Although some of these foods can be considered as a fermented food, the producers should be further educated and encouraged to take preventive measures to ensure the quality of these food products. A much more subtle approach based on microbial ecology of these foods should be explored for better exploitation.

Biochemical and molecular characterization of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria isolated from Borassus aethiopum Mart. sap in Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, the Palmyra Palm Borassus aethiopum Mart. grows wild and gives natural stands in Central-Eastern and Eastern regions. The sap collected traditionally ferments spontaneously and is a rich medium that allows the growth of different microorganisms. This study aimed to identify yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from Borassus aethiopum Mart. fresh and fermented sap in Burkina Faso. A total of ninety strains including thirty LAB and sixty yeasts were isolated in the fresh and fermented sap. The isolates were characterized using standard biochemical method and sequencing of the V1 to V6 region of 16S rDNA of LAB and 28S rDNA of yeasts. The neighbour-joining method was used for the construction of phylogenetic tree with MEGA X software. After biochemical characterization and sequencing of the V1 to V6 region of 16S rDNA, twenty LAB strains (67%) were identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, seven (23%) as Enterococcus sp. and three (10%) as Enterococcus gilvus. Sequencing of the yeast 28S rDNA showed that 63% of the strains were Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 37% Pichia kudriavzevii. Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are commonly isolated from several palm sap or wine of palm trees, but Enterococcus sp. and Pichia kudriavzevii are not commonly detected in palm wine. The LAB species Enterococcus gilvus identified in our study has not yet been isolated previously in palm wine. The yeasts and LAB isolated from Borassus aethiopum sap are the main microorganisms responsible for sap fermentation and could be used for several biotechnological applications.

Municipalities' organisational capacity to support the implementation of the Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan in Burkina Faso

The Government of Burkina Faso committed to the multi-sector approach on nutrition in 2014 and has conducted the development of a Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan 2020–2024. This study aims to understand and analyse the Nutrition organizational capacities at the municipal level to support the scaling up of interventions within the National Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan. A qualitative study was conducted at the end of 2017, based on the framework for nutrition capacity developed by the United Nations Network Secretariat in collaboration with five funding agencies, to assess the organizational capacity dimension. Data collection consisted of focus groups and information collection through workshops with key informants. In total, 22 rural municipalities were targeted and 152 key informants were involved, including mayors, municipal councillors, members of the village development committee, and local technical agents in charge of agriculture, livestock and health. The gaps identified were poor integration of nutrition into local development strategic plans, less evolved coordination on nutrition, weak development of nutrition community approaches and dependence on the state budget matched to a non-existent budget monitoring system. The findings showed an unequal distribution and limited number of technical agents to cover villages within a given municipality, inadequate skills to support services expansions such as water and sanitation, health, agriculture and livestock. In addition, no reference was made to monitoring and evaluation, accountability or sharing information. The main capacity needs on nutrition are the transfer of technical competencies from the regional to the municipal level, the strengthening of technical skills on nutrition, and the setting up of an integrated data collection system involving key players. The identification of needs and opportunities and the newly finalized guide on nutrition integration into local development plans and strategies are useful to drive change for multisectoral implementation.

Food Quality Standards: Quality Issues and Challenges of Food Chain in Burkina Faso

Background: In Burkina Faso, the agricultural sector accounts for 35% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 82% of the active population. The agri-food industries must apply the requirements of the management systems to improve their economic position and ensure sustainable development. The present study aimed to highlight the similarities and particularities of these repositories grouped according to the conformity procedures. Methods: Interviews were conducted with the state technical services and research and development support agencies of Burkina Faso in order to identify and make a comparative study of the available benchmarks. Results: We studied eight standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, NBF 01-027: 2009, NBF 01-028: 2009, ISO 22000, BRC and IFS). These standards help improving competitiveness of the companies as well as developing the trade and food security. In addition to these standards, three private repositories were used for large distribution: Global Good Agriculture Practices, British Retail Consortium, and International Food Standard. These standards are responsible for the operations of agriculture and agribusiness in the face of numerous commercial, regulatory, health, economic, and societal requirements. They are mainly oriented towards the treatment of the main risks: cross-contamination, fatal accident, health damage, environmental pollution, unavailability of the production tool, loss of customer, etc. Conclusion: The conformity assessment of food products on the basis of specific benchmarks makes it possible to highlight the positive aspects of these products.

Effective Factors on Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in the Centre-West Region of Burkina Faso

Background: In Burkina Faso, malnutrition is a public health problem. Despite the significant drop in the prevalence of malnutrition since 2009 according to the Directorate of Nutrition, malnutrition is still a major concern with regard to its consequences. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with acute malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months in the Sabou Health District, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among 343 children aged 6 to 59 months in Sabou Health District, Burkina Faso from August 1st to 30th, 2016. Factors associated with acute malnutrition were dietary factors, family factors, environmental factors, and infectious factors determined using SPSS version 21.0 software. The difference was statistically significant for P-value of less than 0.05. Results: The prevalence of global acute malnutrition in the district was 9.0%, of which 2.6% was severe according to the Brachial Perimeter. Several factors were associated with acute malnutrition in children under 5 years of age in the Sabou health district. Indeed, morbidity was a factor associated with acute malnutrition in children with a P-value of 0.007. The low dietary diversity experienced by food-insecure households was also associated with acute malnutrition in children. Infant and young child feeding practices, i.e., inadequate introduction of complementary foods and low dietary diversity to children were among the factors associated with nutritional status (P = 0.007). Among mothers, 87.5% had heard of malnutrition, 66.5% did not recognize the signs of malnourished in their children, and 92.4% were unaware of the consequences of malnutrition. Conclusion: Based on the results, initiatives and programmes should be established for women, the bearers of life, to enhance their empowerment and educate them with regard to the integral growth of children, the builders of tomorrow.

Cottonseeds and Crude Peanuts Oils Production Technology and the Edible Oils Sale Conditions in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso Markets

Background: This study evaluated production technologies of the refined cottonseed oils and crude peanut oils and investigated the edible oils' sales condition in markets of Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso, Africa. Methods: The study was carried out by administering a questionnaire to 316 edible oil sellers in markets, 25 cottonseed oil producers, and 18 crude peanut oil producers. The production technologies and sale conditions such as brands, origins, storage, and packaging were evaluated on the basis of observations and surveys. The edible oils' sale conditions, production conditions of the peanut and cottonseed oils, as well as the means used for production of the aforesaid oils were investigated. Results: The results showed that the crude peanut oils were produced in two ways by only women (100%) using rudimentary means. However, cottonseed oils' production was of three types and mostly dominated by men (96%). The sodium hydroxide (100%), phosphoric acid (36.4%), citric acid (63.6%), filters (100%), and tonsil (80%) were used during refining cottonseed oils. In markets and other places, imported edible oils (94%) were mainly sold and 34.2% of the sellers exposed oils to the sun. Imported edible oils generally came from Ivory Coast, Malaysia, and Indonesia. So, local edible oils were faced with a great competition against the imported oils. These imported oils are from various origins and are mainly consumed with deplorable sale conditions. Conclusion: This study highlighted the production technologies and edible oils' sale conditions. The results of this study can provide the necessary information for the authorities to take measures to ensure the quality of edible oils. 

Exploring Antioxidant and Enzymes (A-Amylase and B-Glucosidase) Inhibitory Activity of Morinda lucida and Momordica charantia Leaves from Benin

BACKGROUND

Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae), the wild variety of bitter melon and Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) were commonly used as a popular folk medicine in Benin. This research focused to measure the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects of M. charantia and M. lucida leaves and their antidiabetic activity.

METHODS

Antioxidant activities were evaluated by micro-dilution technique using DPPH free radical scavenging activity and β-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay. The α-amylase inhibition assay was carried out utilizing the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid procedure, while β-glucosidase inhibition assay was demonstrated using as substrate p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (PNPG). HPLC-DAD analysis was realized using a high-performance liquid chromatography systems with diode-array detector, L-3000.

RESULTS

Chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, daidzein, rutin, naringin, quercetin, naringenin and genistein were identified as polyphenol compounds in the both plants extract. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts showed a good α-amylase inhibitory activity (56.46 ± 1.96% and 58.76 ± 2.74% respectively). M. lucida methanolic extract has shown IC₅₀ of 0.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL, which is the lowest for DPPH scavenging activity. M. lucida dichloromethane extract showed the highest inhibitory capacity of β-glucosidase activity (82.11. ± 2.15%).

CONCLUSION

These results justify some traditional medicinal uses of both plants. The purified fractions could be used in future formulations, possibly incorporated in functional foods to combat certain diseases.

[Effectiveness and cost of management of severe acute malnutrition with complications in Kaya, Burkina Faso]

Introduction

Les conséquences de la malnutrition aiguë sévère s’expriment en termes de santé et de survie de la personne affectée, mais aussi en termes de développement intellectuel de l’individu, sa productivité et globalement l’économie nationale. Sa prise en charge nécessite d’énormes moyens financiers. L’objectif de la présente étude est d’évaluer la performance de la prise en charge versus coût du traitement des enfants malnutris aigus sévères.

Méthodes

C’est une étude rétrospective réalisée de janvier à décembre 2014 auprès de 199 enfants de 0 à 59 mois admis au centre de récupération et d’éducation nutritionnelle de Kaya, Burkina Faso. Le coût de la prise en charge, la durée de séjour, le gain de poids journalier et la vitesse de récupération ont été analysées selon les méthodes de calcul standards. Le test de Mann-Whitney et de Kruskall-Wallis ont été utilisés pour comparer les médianes au seuil de 0,05.

Résultats

Comme présagé, les enfants de 6 à 23 mois étaient les plus affectée (51,8 %) et les infections respiratoires aiguës étaient les pathologies les plus associées (57,9 %). La durée médiane de séjour était de 9,0 (7,0 - 13,0) jours, la vitesse de récupération médiane de 100,0 (65,8 - 143,3) g/j et le gain pondéral médian journalier de 18,1 (11,6 - 27,7) g/kg/j. Le coût moyen de traitement d’un enfant malnutri est estimé à 15715,3 FCFA (25,2 USD).

Conclusion

Le coût de traitement est difficilement supportable par les parents des enfants malnutris d’où la nécessité de l’intervention du gouvernement et ses partenaires au développement.

Nutritional, biochemical and microbiological composition of Borassus aethiopum Mart. sap in Burkina Faso

The palmyra palm Borassus aethiopum Mart. grow wild and gives natural stands in several localities of central-eastern and eastern regions of Burkina Faso. This work aimed to determine the nutritional, biochemical and microbiological composition of fresh palm sap from B. aethiopum Mart. during the first 4 days of tapping. The composition of palm sap was carried out by HPLC and standard methods. The sap collected during the first 4 days were sugary and contained less alcohol. The mean values of the pH, total and reducing sugars content were 4.84 ± 0.5, 11.36 ± 3.97 and 2.93 ± 1.22% w/v respectively. Sucrose, glucose, fructose and Vitamin C values were 6.75% w/v, 4.99 g/L, 7.09 g/L, 8.93% w/v respectively. Galactose and xylose were not detected. Soluble proteins, arabinose, phenols and ethanol were present in low concentration. Calcium, potassium, magnesium and ammonium were present in palm sap with highest potassium content (13.26 g/L). Lactate (2.41 ± 0.86 g/L), succinate (2.49 ± 1.46 g/L), acetate (0.01 ± 0.006 g/L), malate (0.17 ± 0.31 g/L), propionate (0.07 ± 0.04 g/L), citrate (0.19 ± 0.11 g/L), tartrate (0.08 ± 0.09 g/L) and pyruvate (0.05 ± 0.03 g/L) were detected in palm sap. The microbiological analysis of sap gave 1.23 ± 1.01 × 10⁸ cfu/mL for total aerobic flora, 7.27 ± 1.19 × 10⁵ cfu/mL for yeasts, 1.86 ± 1.63 × 10⁷ cfu/mL for lactic acid bacteria and 3.75 ± 0.75 × 10⁵ cfu/mL for acetic acid bacteria. The fresh sap from B. aethiopum presents good nutritional value and its consumption can help to improve dairy food intake of rural population. It can be used for the manufacture of various products like palm wine, syrups, sugars, functional foods, etc.

Assessment of safety and quality of fermented milk of camels, cows, and goats sold and consumed in five localities of Burkina Faso

Background and Aim:

Fermented milk is food produced and consumed all over the world and plays an important role in human nutrition. This work aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical quality and mineral composition of fermented milk consumed in Burkina Faso.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 114 samples of fermented milk from camels, goats, and cows were purchased in the market in five localities in Burkina Faso; Bobo Dioulasso, Djibo, Dori, Gorom-Gorom, and Sebba. Microbiological and physical parameters were monitored using standards methods.

Results:

Microbiological analysis of fermented milks showed high average values of 7.60±1.50×10⁹ colony-forming unit per milliliter (CFU/ml), 5.72±3.60×10⁷ CFU/ml, 5.53±2.00×10⁵ CFU/ml, 1.97±0.18×10³ CFU/ml, 1.98±0.25×10³ CFU/ml, and 0.10±0.09×10³ CFU/ml for total microbial flora, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds, Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms, and thermotolerant coliforms, respectively. None of the samples were contaminated by Salmonella or Shigella. The average values of pH, acidity, dry matter, ash, fats, proteins, and total carbohydrates content of samples were ranged, respectively: 3.830-4.137, 1.888-2.822%, 8.271-13.004%, 0.199-0.476%, 1.210-3.863%, 2.125-3.764%, and 3.080-5.428 % (w/w). Na/K and Ca/Mg ratio ranged from 0.104 to 0.909 and from 3.392 to 16.996, respectively. Total microbial flora, yeasts and molds, total coliforms, fats, calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc were significantly different.

Conclusion:

This research contributed in the evaluation of the hygienic and nutritional qualities of local fermented milk. Results obtained in this study confirm the need to set up the training program on the sanitary condition to traditional maker’s to ensure the good fermented milk with high organoleptic and nutritional qualities.

Safety of ready-to-eat chicken in Burkina Faso: Microbiological quality, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolated from chicken samples of Ouagadougou

In Burkina Faso, flamed/grilled chickens are very popular and well known to consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality, the antibiotic resistance, and the virulence gene from Escherichia coli isolated from these chickens in Ouagadougou. A total of 102 grilled, flamed, and fumed chickens were collected in Ouagadougou and analyzed, using standard microbiological methods. All E. coli isolates were checked with the antimicrobial test and also typed by 16‐plex PCR. The mean of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) and thermo‐tolerant coliforms (TTC) was found respectively between 6.90 ± 0.12 × 10⁷CFU/g to 2.76 ± 0.44 × 10⁸CFU/g and 2.4 ± 0.82 × 10⁷CFU/g to 1.27 ± 0.9 × 10⁸CFU/g. E. coli strains were found to 27.45%. Forty samples (38.24%) were unacceptable based on the AMB load. Fifty‐nine samples (57.85%) were contaminated with TTCs. Low resistance was observed with antibiotics of betalactamin family. Diarrheagenic E. coli strains were detected in 21.43% of all samples. This study showed that flamed/grilled chickens sold in Ouagadougou could pose health risks for the consumers. Need of hygienic practices or system and good manufacturing practices is necessary to improve the hygienic quality of flamed/grilled chickens. Our results highlight the need of control of good hygiene and production practices to contribute to the improvement of the safety of the products and also to avoid antibiotic resistance. Slaughter, scalding, evisceration, plucking, bleeding, washing, rinsing, preserving, grilling, and selling may be the ways of contamination.

Effect of processing methods on the nutritional content of three traditional vegetables leaves: Amaranth, black nightshade and jute mallow

The study assessed changes in nutritional content of some commonly consumed traditional vegetables subjected to postharvest processes. Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.), black nightshade (Solanum scabrum Mill.) and jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) leaves used as vegetables were subjected to blanching, boiling and drying. The proximate composition and β‐carotene content of fresh and processed leaves were determined. Amaranth, black nightshade and jute mallow leaves had 25.21%, 39.74% and 29.18% of protein, respectively. The β‐carotene levels were 16.40, 25.25 and 27.74 mg/100 g for black nightshade amaranth and jute mallow leaves, respectively. The ash content was 10.57% for black nightshade, 12.40% for jute mallow and 16.33% for amaranth. Processing methods caused decreases of β‐carotene and crude lipid content. Boiling for 30 min or more resulted in large loss of β‐carotene. Drying under shade resulted in less loss of β‐carotene than drying in cabinet at 50 and 60°C.

Microbial diversity and biochemical characteristics of Borassus akeassii wine

Palm wine produced traditionally and consumed by many people in the South-West of Burkina Faso is subject to alteration. In this study, we carried out a follow-up of two palm wines' fermentation during the 10 days in which palm wines are classically produced and consumed. We monitored biochemical characteristics of fermenting wines as well as followed the microflora kinetics using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The analysis of the acid content and the bacterial population revealed the correlation between the development of Lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid, and total acidity. Ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis and sequencing results revealed different yeast and bacterial populations for the two palm wines. Although Saccharomyces cerevisiae remained the sole yeast species in one fermentation, it was quickly replaced by Clavispora lusitaniae in the second fermentation, which had never been described until now in palm wine. When considering bacteria, the species Corynebacterium sp., Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei and Leuconostoc sp. were detected in both palm wines. But we also detected Acetobacter pasteurianus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis in the second fermentation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results highlight the evolution of palm wine during the 10 days separating palm tapping and consumption of the fermented wine. The fermentation step is performed within few hours and completed after 24 h. The next days, its acidity increases progressively with the production of lactic and acetic acids by bacteria. The high production of acetic acid is very likely one of the main cause of palm wine degradation during this period. This indicates that the solution to palm wine preservation might be protection against oxygen, as well as the limit of bacterial growth through the use of preservatives.

Origins, production, and utilization of cassava in Burkina Faso, a contribution of a neglected crop to household food security

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a food plant introduced in Africa from America by the Portuguese in 1558. The objective of this study is to establish cassava origins, production, and utilization in Burkina Faso. The investigation was carried out in the regions of Center West, Cascades, Boucle du Mouhoun, Hauts Bassins, South West, and Center East of Burkina Faso. Eighteen cassava processing units and 226 farmers in 57 communities from the selected regions have been involved in the survey. The investigation showed that cassava was introduced to Burkina Faso, former Upper Volta from the costal countries, Gold Coast (now Ghana), by both local traders and the Roman Catholic White missionaries. This happened between the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The main variety introduced was Banfti. Some improved varieties like V5 (94/0270), Banké (V2), 68.61, 30572, KTMA developed by research are now available and used by farmers along with the traditional varieties like manchien, santidougou, tchinda yaar, léo. The cases of intoxication evoked by some farmers are evidence that some of those varieties may have a high level of cyanohydric acid content. Cassava is available all the year throughout the country. But the top of cassava production is reached in July. Most of the small‐scale farmers (98%) grow cassava both for household use and as income generator. About 83.92% of cassava farmers have less than 10 tons as annual production and only 1.72% of them can produce more than 100 tons. The main food products based on cassava found in communities are raw roots, boiled roots, roasted roots, tô, attiéké, tapioca, ragout, beignets, boiled leaves, soup (with leaves), cassava juice, etc. And the main cassava‐processed products in the processing units are attiéké, gari, tapioca, and flour. Cassava contributes greatly to household food security during food shortage period. It sustains families for weeks as food and is also exchanged with other foods or sold to buy food or meet household needs.

CHARACTERIZATION OF DIARRHEAGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM RAW BEEF, MUTTON, AND INTESTINES SOLD IN OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli are zoonotic bacteria commonly present in animal gut. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli isolated from raw meats and intestines in open markets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of 450 samples were collected from beef, mutton, beef intestine and sheep intestine, in respective number 175, 175, 50 and 50. Diarrheagenic E. coli were isolated by using standard microbiological methods and then Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for characterization. Among the pathotypes, enteropathogenic E. coli was identified by serotypage (slide agglutination). A 30% (135/450) were E. coli. 30% (40/135) of E. coli strains provided the virulence genes. 14% of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli, 13% of shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli-enterotoxinogenic Escherichia coli, 1% of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, 2% of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli and 1% of enterotoxinogenic Escherichia coli. 41% (55/135) were enteropathogenic Escherichia coli belong to serotypes: (5%), O119 (3%), O127 (16%), O125 (9%), O126 (18%), O128 (5%), O114 (5%), O124 (5%), O142 (7%). This study show contamination of slaughter animal with diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes in Burkina Faso. Precaution can take of mutation breeding level.

Antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, haemolytic and antioxidant activities of crude extracts from three selected Togolese medicinal plants

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, acute toxicity and haemolytic activities of methanolic extracts of three plants. Phytochemical analysis to determine the phenolic contents was also carried out.

METHODS

The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, NCCLS broth microdilution and Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) assays were used to determine antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiplasmodial activities, respectively. Haemolysis assay was conducted on A(+) human red blood cells and acute toxicity on male Swiss albino mice. Phenolics were quantitatively determined using spectrophotometric methods.

RESULTS

The DPPH assay yielded interesting antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Parinari curatellifolia (P. curatellifolia) and Entada africana (E. africana) (IC(50) were 0.20±0.01 μg/mL and 0.47±0.01 μg/mL, respectively). This activity was highly correlated with phenolic contents of extracts. The antimicrobial tests displayed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values ranging from 0.90 to 1.80 mg/mL for Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) the most susceptible bacterial strain. MIC value was 1.20 mg/mL for susceptible fungal strains including Mucor rouxi (M. rouxi), Fusarium oxyporum (F. oxyporum) and Rhizopus nigricans (R. nigricans). pLDH assay showed moderate antiplasmodial activity of Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) (IC(50) = 24.56±3.45 μg/mL), however this extract was highly haemolytic and toxic in mice (LD(50) = 625±128 mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support in part the use of the selected plants in the treatment of microbial infections. In addition the plant showed interesting antioxidant activity that could be useful in the management of oxidative stress.