Infant mortality due to sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa is high, necessitating a better understanding of the modulating factors of the disease in this region.We assessed the hereditary persistence of foetal haemoglobin and α-thalassemia. We diagnosed 787 subjects, with or without sickle cell trait, by capillary electrophoresis in the Medical Diagnostic Laboratory of the CIRMF (Franceville, Gabon).Heterocellular and pancellular forms of hereditary persistence of foetal haemoglobin occurred at low rates of 10.9 and 2.3%, respectively. The distribution of HbS levels in individuals with sickle cell trait was trimodal, showing a high percentage (52.4%) of heterozygous subjects with α-thalassemia. The distribution of HbA2 levels was bimodal in individuals without sickle cell trait, estimated to be comprised of 12 and 15% of α and β-thalassemic heterozygous subjects, respectively.In sub-Saharan Africa, α-thalassemia is a far more prevalent modulating factor than hereditary persistence of foetal haemoglobin. Our study highlights the need for further investigation of thalassemia, haemoglobinopathies that are neglected in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sickle cell trait

Persistence (discontinuity)

Trait

10.1080/10245332.2017.1292622

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Citations (4)

Early Introduction and Delayed Dissemination of Pandemic Influenza, Gabon

Emerging infectious diseases (2013)

Sonia Etenna Lekana-Douki Augustin Mouinga‐Ondémé Dieudonné Nkoghe Christian Drosten Jan Felix Drexler

Abstract Active surveillance in health care centers in Gabon during 2009–2011 detected 72 clinical cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (pH1N1). We found that pH1N1 virus was introduced in mid-2009 but spread throughout the country in 2010. Thus, Gabon was also affected by pH1N1.

Pandemic

Pandemic influenza

10.3201/eid1904.111925

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Citations (6)

First serological evidence of West Nile virus in human rural populations of Gabon

Virology Journal (2010)

Xavier Pourrut Dieudonné Nkoghe Janusz T. Pawęska Eric M. Leroy

To investigate West Nile virus (WNV) circulation in rural populations in Gabon, we undertook a large serological survey focusing on human rural populations, using two different ELISA assays. A sample was considered positive when it reacted in both tests. A total of 2320 villagers from 115 villages were interviewed and sampled. Surprisingly, the WNV-specific IgG prevalence was high overall (27.2%) and varied according to the ecosystem: 23.7% in forested regions, 21.8% in savanna, and 64.9% in the lakes region. The WNV-specific IgG prevalence rate was 30% in males and 24.6% in females, and increased with age. Although serological cross-reactions between flaviviruses are likely and may be frequent, these findings strongly suggest that WNV is widespread in Gabon. The difference in WNV prevalence among ecosystems suggests preferential circulation in the lakes region. The linear increase with age suggests continuous exposure of Gabonese populations to WNV. Further investigations are needed to determine the WNV cycle and transmission patterns in Gabon.

West Nile virus

Flavivirus

10.1186/1743-422x-7-132

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Citations (19)

[Malaria: from diagnosis to curative treatment].

PubMed (2000)

Pierre Delanaye Dieudonné Nkoghe J Demonty

Malaria is a parasitic disease, with variable severity, provoked by the Plasmodium. It is present in tropical zones. The diagnosis is evoked by a fever occurring in a subject coming from a zone at risk, and is confirmed by microbiology. Considering the high prevalence of resistance to chloroquine, the treatment rests on quinine (or its derivatives) associated (or not) with an antibiotic. The severe forms of malaria, due to Plasmodium falciparum, are responsible for a high mortality rate. It requires urgent hospital management is required. Criteria defining this form deserve to be perfectly known.

Quinine

Parasitic Disease

Plasmodium (life cycle)

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Lésions cérébrales démyélinisantes découvertes chez un patient immunocompétent VIH-1+ Demyelinating cerebral lesions in an immunocompetent HIV-1 patient

Dieudonné Nkoghe Michel Moutschen J Demonty

We report the case of a 32-year-old immunocompetent HIV patient, presenting with acute demyelinating leukoencephalopathy. The patient displayed clinical and radiological features similar to multiple sclerosis. Histology revealed inflammation with necrosis, demyelination and destruction of axons. Serum tests were negative for various infectious agents as well as specific cultures and PCR. Corticotherapy and many antibiotic treatments failed. Resorption of the lesions occurred after partial excision and highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). No recurrence was noted. This demyelinating cerebral disease was considered as the primary manifestation of HIV infection. HIV implication in the genesis of the process and its perpetuating this condition was suspected, but the mechanism is unclear. Dysimmune consequences related to the early course of HIV infection could be prevented by antiretroviral treatment. This study was the first description of tritherapy effectiveness on HIV related multiple sclerosis (MS)-like illness. © 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.

Demyelinating disease

Antiretroviral treatment

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