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Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, yet research on dietary quality and its influencing factors among Senegalese adolescent girls is limited. This study aims to assess dietary quality, with a focus on dietary diversity (DD), and identify its determinants in a nationally representative sample of adolescent girls in Senegal. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among 600 girls aged 10–19 years. Food intake was assessed over a seven-day period to evaluate DD. Household food security and sociodemographic data were gathered through face-to-face interviews. Half the sample had adequate DD. As for consumption, 80% had breakfast daily, while the same proportion consumed one snack per day. Fruits and vegetables, meat/poultry/fish, and dairy were consumed daily by less than 25% of the sample. Sweet foods, sweet beverages, and salty and fried food were consumed by less than 10% every day. Not having been sick in the past two weeks (Odds ratio (OR): 1.53, Confidence Interval (CI): 1.05–2.22), taking breakfast daily (OR: 1.89, CI: 1.23–2.93) and micronutrients (OR: 2.75, CI: 1.54–4.92), listening to the radio at least once a week (OR: 1.66, CI: 1.05–2.63), and living in a household with access to an improved source of water (OR: 4.13, CI: 2.28–7.49) were positively associated with adequate DD. Overall, the diet of adolescent girls is of poor quality. Potential determinants of their dietary quality should be considered in future nutrition programs and policies to ensure their optimal growth and development.

PurposeMicrospheres are effective embolic agents, especially for the management of bleeding and oncologic lesions. The first FairEmbo study reported the effectiveness of embolization using suture fragments. The effectiveness and safety of arterial embolization with suture-based microparticles (SBM) were assessed in a swine model.Materials and MethodsIn this ethical-approved animal study, a polar artery in each kidney was embolized in four swine: one side with hand-cut non-absorbable SBM (Flexocrin 2®) and the contralateral side with Embozene® 900 for comparison. Swine were followed for 3 months (M3) to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of SBM. Follow-up protocol included clinical monitoring, computed tomography (CT) control and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), followed by histological analyses. The SBM confection parameters were evaluated by automatic microscopic sizer. RStudio software and Mann–Whitney test (significance at P < 0.05) were used for statistics.ResultsThe average size of SBM was 1002 μm (SD = 258). All targets were effectively embolized by SBM with an angiogram defect estimated at 45.6% (95% CI [35.9–55.2]), compared to 40.5% (95% CI [30.6–55.5]) for Embozene® group (P = 0.342). The average duration of SBM embolization procedure was significantly increased compared to Embozene® embolization (1202 s versus 222 s, P = 0.029). There were no statistical differences in M3 DSA and CT for SBM and Embozene®, with persistence of partial arterial occlusion and atrophic embolized area. No postoperative complications were observed on clinical and CT controls.ConclusionThis experimental study suggests that embolization with SBM is feasible, safe and effective in short- and medium-term follow-up as compared to microspheres.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.)) is an important crop for food security in Senegal; therefore, understanding the genetic diversity of local germplasm is relevant for crop improvement and genetic maintenance in the era of climate change. For this purpose, 15 microsatellite markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity of Senegalese cowpea germplasm, including 671 accessions grown in eight regions and 66 wild relatives and intermediate forms (weedy). For the cultivated, the main expected heterozygosity (mHe) ranged between 0.317 (Fatick) and 0.439 (South). A narrow genetic variation between accessions from the different regions was observed with genetic similarity ranging from 0.861 to 0.965 and genetic differentiation indices (Fst) between 0.018 and 0.100. The accessions from southern Senegal (Kédougou, Sédhiou, and Kolda regions) are more diverse than the others. However, the accessions from the North (Saint-Louis) are genetically different from other regions. The diversity analysis in wild relatives from Senegal, which had never been performed before, revealed that the wild/weedy forms remain more diverse than the cultivated with genetic diversity values (He) of 0.389 and 0.480, respectively. STRUCTURE software divided the Senegalese germplasm into five subpopulations. Three of them (i, ii, and iii) included only cultivated accessions from several regions, one (v) mainly from Saint-Louis, and one (iv) the wild/weedy with some cultivated accessions. Our results support the hypothesis that Vigna unguiculata var. spontanea is the wild progenitor of cowpea. The accessions from the South, the northern recession accessions, and the wild/weedy could serve as sources of new genes for the genetic improvement of cowpea in Senegal.

Background Malaria remains a public health problem in many African countries. In Senegal, the Southern region had the highest malaria incidence and malaria-related deaths. The relationship between vector density and malaria transmission remains poorly understood in some specific areas. The aim of this study was to characterize the current entomological and transmission parameters with special emphasis on the Anopheles gambiae complex in the malaria pre-elimination area of Mlomp south-western Senegal. Methods The study was conducted from July 2020 to February 2021 in Djicomol and Cadjinolle in the commune of Mlomp region of Ziguinchor, Senegal. Sampling was carried out using Human Landing Catches (HLC) and Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC). Ovaries were dissected to determine female parity rate. Infection status, blood meal sources and species molecular identification were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques respectively. Results A total of 6956 mosquitoes of the An. gambiae complex were collected, of which 6739 were by HLC (96.88%) and 217 by PSC (3.12%). The mean human biting rate was 36.98 bites/person/night (b/p/n) indoors and 43.25 b/p/n outdoors. Female biting activity was more frequent during the second half of the night. Mean parity rates were 24.83% indoors and 18.94% outdoors. The human blood index was estimated at 76.09%. Overall, An. gambiae sensu stricto ( s.s. ) was the most common species (75.08%). No female An. gambiae was found to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum in the sub-sample tested, thus no malaria transmission was recorded in Mlomp during the study period. Conclusions The results alert malaria control programme to develop additional strategies for controlling these vectors, which show exophagic behaviours to effectively combat malaria.

Objectives The objective of this work is to describe the trends in antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli strains isolated from various clinical specimens at the main hospital in Dakar over a ten-year period. Methodology This was a retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study over 10 years 2012–2021] of all E. coli isolated at the HPD laboratory. Data were collected from the INLOG laboratory information system. The descriptive analysis of the data obtained was done with the software Excel (version 16.78.3, 23102801) and R (4.3.3). Results Of 23,311 bacterial species isolated, 7,797 E. coli (33.4%) were identified. The median age of patients was 52 (23–69), 1D; 100 years old] with a slight male predominance, sex ratio at 1.1. The resistance rates of E. coli to antibiotics were generally high: 85% with ampicillin, 46% with amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, 27% with cephalosporins of 3rd generation and 43% with pefloxacin. Between 2012 and 2021, a significant increase in E. coli resistance was observed ( p  < 0.005) for most antibiotics, except gentamicin, tobramycin, and cotrimoxazole, which showed a decreasing trend. Resistance rates increased from 28 to 41% for 3rd generation cephalosporins, 38 to 65% for amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and 51 to 56% for quinolones. Multidrug-resistant bacteria accounted for 28.47% ( n  = 2220) with a predominance of extended spectrum beta lactamases ESBL 24.34% ( n  = 1898). Conclusion This study highlights a concerning resistance profile of Escherichia coli to commonly used antibiotics, particularly beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. Over time, a marked increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains has also been observed, along with an alarming rise in carbapenem resistance. These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen antibiotic stewardship policies, implement regular surveillance of resistance profiles, and reinforce infection prevention and control measures.Keywords: Escherichia coli , bacterial resistance, Dakar.

Background Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a global health threat, notably in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this review was to estimate the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare and community settings in West Africa. Methods In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, African Index Medicus, and other databases for studies published from 2010 onward. Data on MDR bacterial prevalence, study characteristics, and infection types were extracted and analyzed via R software. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore differences in prevalence across infection settings and sample types. Results Out of the 5,320 articles identified, 50 studies from 13 West African countries met the inclusion criteria, with the majority from Nigeria (34%) and Ghana (22%). Among the 35,820 bacteria isolated in these studies, gram-negative bacteria (GNB), particularly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp., were the most frequently isolated species, accounting for 63.3% of the bacteria. The overall prevalence of MDR bacteria was 59% (95% CI: 48-69%), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I² = 98%, p  < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a 7% increase in MDR bacteria prevalence from the first five-year period to the last two five-year periods, and a greater prevalence of MDR bacteria in nosocomial infections (65%, 95% CI: 45-81%) than in community-acquired infections (53%, 95% CI: 31-74%). The prevalence of MDR bacteria in mixed infection settings was 58% (95% CI: 44-71%). The MDR prevalence was highest in the urine samples (72%, 95% CI: 57-84%) and superficial skin samples (69%, 95% CI: 29-92%), whereas it was lowest in the nasopharyngeal samples (26%, 95% CI: 21-33%). Conclusion The high prevalence of MDR bacteria in West Africa underscores the need for strengthened infection control measures, improved surveillance, and stricter antibiotic use policies. Enhanced regional collaboration is essential to mitigate the spread of AMR in both healthcare and community settings. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023470363.

Severe bacterial infections are not considered as a leading cause of death in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. The worldwide emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) could change the paradigm, especially in neonates who are at high risk of developing healthcare-associated infections. To evaluate the epidemiology and the burden of ESBL-E bloodstream infections (BSI). A case-case-control study was conducted in patients admitted in a pediatric hospital during two consecutive years. Cases were patients with Enterobacteriaceae BSI and included ESBL-positive (cases 1) and ESBL-negative BSI (cases 2). Controls were patients with no BSI. Multivariate analysis using a stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for ESBL acquisition and for fatal outcomes. A multistate model was used to estimate the excess length of hospital stay (LOS) attributable to ESBL production while accounting for time of infection. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to assess the independent effect of ESBL-positive and negative BSI on LOS. The incidence rate of ESBL-E BSI was of 1.52 cases/1000 patient-days (95% CI: 1.2-5.6 cases per 1000 patient-days). Multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors for ESBL-BSI acquisition were related to underlying comorbidities (sickle cell disease OR = 3.1 (95%CI: 2.3-4.9), malnutrition OR = 2.0 (95%CI: 1.7-2.6)) and invasive procedures (mechanical ventilation OR = 3.5 (95%CI: 2.7-5.3)). Neonates were also identified to be at risk for ESBL-E BSI. Inadequate initial antibiotic therapy was more frequent in ESBL-positive BSI than ESBL-negative BSI (94.2% versus 5.7%, p<0.0001). ESBL-positive BSI was associated with higher case-fatality rate than ESBL-negative BSI (54.8% versus 15.4%, p<0.001). Multistate modelling indicated an excess LOS attributable to ESBL production of 4.3 days. The adjusted end-of-LOS hazard ratio for ESBL-positive BSI was 0.07 (95%CI, 0.04-0.12). Control of ESBL-E spread is an emergency in pediatric populations and could be achieved with simple cost-effective measures such as hand hygiene, proper management of excreta and better stewardship of antibiotic use, especially for empirical therapy.

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of commercial mycorrhizal inoculants and a rhizobial inoculant to improve soybean yield in Kenya. A promiscuous soybean variety was grown in a greenhouse pot study with two representative soils amended with either water-soluble mineral P or rock P to assess product performance. The performance of selected mycorrhizal inoculants combined with a rhizobial inoculant (Legumefix) was then assessed with farmer groups in three agroecological zones using a small-plot, randomized complete block design to assess soybean root colonization by mycorrhiza, nodulation, and plant biomass production in comparison to rhizobial inoculant alone or with water-soluble mineral P. Greenhouse results showed highly significant root colonization by commercial mycorrhizal inoculant alone (p < 0.001) and in interaction with soil type (p < 0.0001) and P source (p < 0.0001). However, no significant effect was shown in plant P uptake, biomass production, or leaf chlorophyll index. In field conditions, the effects of mycorrhizal and rhizobial inoculants in combination or alone were highly context-specific and may induce either a significant increase or decrease in root mycorrhizal colonization and nodule formation. Mycorrhizal and rhizobial inoculants in combination or alone had limited effect on plant P uptake, biomass production, leaf chlorophyll index, and grain yield. Though some mycorrhizal inoculants induced significant root colonization by mycorrhizal inoculants, this did not lead to higher soybean yield, even in soils with limited P content. Our results are further evidence that inoculant type, soil type, and P source are critical factors to evaluate commercial inoculants on a context-specific basis. However, our results highlight the need for the identification of additional targeting criteria, as inoculant type, soil type, and P source alone were not enough to be predictive of the response. Without the identification of predictive criteria for improved targeting, the economic use of such inoculants will remain elusive.

To improve the care and treatment of HIV-exposed children, early infant diagnosis (EID) using dried blood spot (DBS) sampling has been performed in Senegal since 2007, making molecular diagnosis accessible for patients living in decentralized settings. This study aimed to determine the evolution of the HIV transmission rate in children from 2008 to 2015 and to analyze associated factors, particularly the mother's treatment status and/or child's prophylaxis status and the feeding mode. The data were analyzed using EID reports from the reference laboratory. Information related to sociodemographic characteristics, HIV profiles, the mother's treatment status, the child's prophylaxis status, and the feeding mode was included. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. During the study period, a total of 5418 samples (5020 DBS and 398 buffy coat) from 168 primary prevention of HIV mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) intervention sites in Senegal were tested. The samples were collected from 4443 children with a median age of 8 weeks (1-140 weeks) and a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.1 (2309/2095). One-third (35.2%; N = 1564) of the children were tested before 6 weeks of age. Twenty percent (N = 885) underwent molecular diagnostic testing more than once. An increased number of mothers receiving treatment (57.4%; N = 2550) and children receiving prophylaxis (52.1%; N = 2315) for protection against HIV infection during breastfeeding was found over the study period. The transmission rate decreased from 14.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.4-18.3) in 2008 to 4.1% (95% CI: 2.5-7.5) in 2015 (p < 0.001). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that independent predictors of HIV mother-to-child transmission included lack of mother's treatment (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.9-7.7; p˂0.001), lack of child's prophylaxis (aOR = 7.8, 95% CI: 1.7-35.7; p = 0.009), infant age at diagnosis (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.3 for ≤6 weeks versus 12-24 weeks; p = 0.025) and protective effect of breastfeeding on ART against formula feeding (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7; p = 0.005). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of PMTCT interventions in Senegal but indicates also that increased efforts should be continued to reduce the MTCT rate to less than 2%.