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Diabetes and hypertension were the most common comorbidities among COVID-19 deaths, at 20.45% and 17.42% respectively in Mali. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and biological aspects of COVID-19 and diabetes in Mali from 2020 to 2023. The present study constitutes a comparative cross-sectional analytical study that included 50 patients. Data were collected at home, in the form of individual interviews with patients. Findings indicate before the pandemic, 34% of patients were obese and 54% had uncontrolled diabetes. Arterial hypertension was the only macro-angiopathic complication found in patients, with an increase in frequency during the pandemic whereas respiratory distress was observed in 25% of patients during COVID-19 infection. This means that COVID-19 is as much a risk factor associated with diabetes as diabetes is a factor affecting patients' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Data show suitable coverage of >90% in contrast with lower rates initially reported • Inaccessibility and lack of awareness were the main reasons for missing MDA • Health workers suggested an increase to their incentives and motivations • This study raises questions about the effectiveness of the current strategy • These results raise concerns about the reliability of programmatic data In 2004, Mali implemented mass drug administration (MDA) aimed at controlling schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths. Despite several rounds of MDA, the health district of Bankass reported low coverage (64.8%) for praziquantel and albendazole in 2017, meaning that this district was still facing challenges in accomplishing the targeted 75% coverage. This study aimed to explore the barriers and gaps that hindered MDA implementation in Bankass. A cross-sectional study was performed. Questionnaires were administrated to all school-aged children in randomly selected villages. Technical directors of community health centers and community drug distributors in the selected villages were included in the interviews. A total of 2128 children and 52 health workers were interviewed. Coverage rates were 93.51% (1990/2128) for praziquantel and 95.25% (2027/2128) for albendazole. Among the untreated children, 31.63% (31/98) reported being unaware of the campaign and 26.53% (26/98) were unable to reach the distribution points. Most of the health workers suggested increasing incentives. The data showed satisfactory coverage >90%, in contrast with lower rates initially reported by the district health information system. These results raise concerns about the reliability of programmatic data and highlight the importance of population-based surveys for the evaluation of control interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug resistant tuberculosis presents a major public health challenge. Case presentation: We present here the first two patients diagnosed with extensively drug resistant tuberculosis in Bamako, Mali. Genotypic findings suggest possible nosocomial transmission from the first patient to the second one, resulting in superinfection of the second patient. After being diagnosed with extensively drug resistant tuberculosis in August 2016, the patients only started receiving appropriate treatment 10 months later. Conclusion: The identification of these patients highlights the need for improved diagnostic and treatment algorithms for better surveillance and management of drug resistance in Mali. In the interest of these as well as future patients suffering from resistant tuberculosis, all steps recommended for programmatic management of drug resistant tuberculosis must be urgently prioritized in order to strengthen the multidrug resistant tuberculosis program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In 2010, mass vaccination with a then-new meningococcal A polysaccharide–tetanus toxoid protein conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT, or MenAfriVac) was undertaken in 1- to 29-year-olds in Bamako, Mali. Whether vaccination with PsA-TT effectively boosts tetanus immunity in a population with heterogeneous baseline tetanus immunity is not known. We assessed the impact of PsA-TT on tetanus toxoid (TT) immunity by quantifying ageand sex-specific immunity prior to and 2 years after introduction. Methods. Using a household-based, age-stratified design, we randomly selected participants for a prevaccination serological survey in 2010 and a postvaccination survey in 2012. TT immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were quantified and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) pre- and postvaccination among all age groups targeted for vaccination were compared. The probability of TT IgG levels ≥0.1 IU/mL (indicating short-term protection) and ≥1.0 IU/mL (indicating long-term protection) by age and sex was determined using logistic regression models. Results. Analysis of 793 prevaccination and 800 postvaccination sera indicated that while GMCs were low pre– PsA-TT, significantly higher GMCs in all age–sex strata were observed 2 years after PsA-TT introduction. The percentage with short-term immunity increased from 57.1% to 88.4% (31.3-point increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26.6–36.0;, P < .0001) and with long-term immunity increased from 20.0% to 58.5% (38.5-point increase; 95% CI, 33.7–43.3; P < .0001) pre- and postvaccination. Conclusions. Significantly higher TT immunity was observed among vaccine-targeted age groups up to 2 years after Mali’s PsA-TT mass vaccination campaign. Our results, combined with evidence from clinical trials, strongly suggest that conjugate vaccines containing TT such as PsA-TT should be considered bivalent vaccines because of their ability to boost tetanus immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In 2010, Africa’s first preventive meningococcal mass vaccination campaign was launched using a newly developed Neisseria meningitidis group A (NmA) polysaccharide–tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine, PsA-TT (MenAfriVac), designed specifically for the meningitis belt. Given PsA-TT’s recent introduction, the duration of protection against meningococcal group A is unknown. Methods. We conducted a household-based, age-stratified seroprevalence survey in Bamako,Mali, in 2012, 2 years after the vaccination campaign targeted all 1- to 29-year-olds. Randomly selected participants who had been eligible for PsA-TT provided a blood sample and responded to a questionnaire. Sera were analyzed to assess NmA-specific serum bactericidal antibody titers using rabbit complement (rSBA) and NmA-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The proportion of participants putatively protected and the age group- and sex-specific rSBA geometric mean titers (GMTs) and IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were determined. Results. Two years postvaccination, nearly all of the 800 participants (99.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 98.3%– 99.7%) maintained NmA-specific rSBAtiters ≥8, the accepted threshold for protection; 98.6% (95% CI, 97.8%–99.4%) had titers ≥128, and 89.5% (95% CI, 87.4%–91.6%) had titers ≥1024. The rSBA GMTs were significantly higher in females than in males aged <18 years at vaccination (P < .0001). NmA-specific IgG levels ≥2 μg/mL were found in 88.5% (95% CI, 86.3%–90.7%) of participants. Conclusions. Two years after PsA-TT introduction, a very high proportion of the population targeted for vaccination maintains high antibody titers against NmA. Assessing the duration of protection provided by PsA-TT is a priority for implementing evidence-based vaccination strategies. Representative, population-based seroprevalence studies complement clinical trials and provide this key evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Government of Mali and the President's Malaria Initiative conducted a long-lasting, insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution campaign in April 2011 in the Sikasso region of Mali, with the aim of universal coverage, defined as one insecticide-treated net for every two persons. This study examines how households in post- and pre-campaign regions value and care for nets. Methods The study was conducted in October 2012 in Sikasso and Kayes in the southeast and western regions of Mali, respectively. The regions were purposively selected to allow for comparison between areas that had already had a mass distribution campaign (Sikasso) and areas that had not yet had a mass distribution campaign (Kayes). Study sites and households were randomly selected. Sleeping space questionnaires and structured interviews with household heads were conducted to obtain information on net use, perceived value of free nets in relation to other malaria prevention activities, and net care and repair practices. Results The study included 40 households, split evenly across the two regions. Forty interviews were conducted with household heads and 151 sleeping spaces were inventoried using the sleeping space questionnaire. Nets obtained through the free distribution were reported to be highly valued in comparison to other malaria prevention strategies. Overall, net ownership and use were higher among households in areas that had already experienced a mass distribution. While participants reported using and valuing these nets, care and repair practices varied. Conclusion National net use is high in Mali, and comparatively higher in the region covered by the universal distribution campaign than in the region not yet covered. While the Government of Mali and implementing partners have made strides to ensure high net coverage, some gaps remain related to communication messaging of correct and consistent net use throughout the year, and on improving net care and repair behaviour. By focusing on these areas as well as improved access to nets, coverage and use rates should continue to increase, contributing to improvements in malaria control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatitis of the folds (intertrigo) is a frequent reason for attending consultations, particularly in Africa, where the hot and humid climate constitute an aggravating factor. It is a complex pathology with multiple and intricate etiologies. The aim of this study was to describe epidemiological and etiological aspects of dermatitis of the folds in black-skinned subjects in Bamako (Mali). We conducted a transversal descriptive survey of cases of localized dermatitis of the folds of the skin in dermatology clinics in Bamako. In total, 141 cases of intertrigo were identified: 96 female subjects (68%) and 45 male subjects. The average age of patients was 30 ± 18 years (2-80 years). The majority of patients were seen between March and June; 52% of patients had already received treatment before the consultation. The lesions affected skin folds of the groin area and/or area between the buttocks in 95 patients (57.4%), and folds of the armpits and area under the breasts were affected in 46 cases (42.6%). Eczema, erythrasma, and fungal disease were the most frequently observed pathologies. Of interest to this study is the topographical approach that a dermatologist must adopt when diagnosing certain forms of dermatitis. In populations with specific cultural practices, apart from a thorough knowledge of these specific factors, treatment of these conditions requires certain harmful attitudes and behaviors to be abandoned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pruritus is a symptom frequently encountered in dermatology consultations. For practitioners working in a tropical environment, particularly in Africa, the diagnosis of pruritus remains a constant problem. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemioclinical aspects and the etiologies of pruritus encountered at the dermatological hospital in Bamako. We conducted a prospective survey on a cohort of patients attending the Department of Dermatology at the Centre National d'Appui (CNAM-Ex Institut Marchoux) in the Fight against Disease over a 1-year period (June 1, 2009-May 31, 2010). Consequently, the study included every patient, whatever their age and gender, that agreed to take part in the survey and whose main reason for attending for a consultation was 'pruritus.' The clinical and biological data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info software, version 6.04 fr. A total of 232 patients (163 women, 69 men) attended because of pruritus out of 1761 overall patients (i.e., a prevalence of 13.17%). The mean age of the patients was 33 ± 19 years. Dermatological causes represented 95% of the etiologies. This work allowed us to observe the systemic causes of pruritus in the dermatological environment in Mali and greater likelihood of black women to attend because of pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mali, a poor sub-Saharan country, maternity referral systems were implemented to combat the still-high rates of maternal mortality. This qualitative study was aimed at understanding the relationships between the qualification of staff in community health centres, the organization of services, and the management of pregnant women in the maternity referral system in Kayes, a rural region of Mali. Physicians who managed CHCs actively or passively modified work organization, the level of technology, their obstetric skills, and staffing. They also created a competitive environment and developed relationships of trust with patients and with the district health centre. These findings are helpful in orienting decision-making for better personnel management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since 2001, a referral system has been operating in Kayes (Mali) to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths. Normal deliveries are managed in community health centers (CHC). Complicated cases are referred to a district health center (DHC) or the regional hospital (RH). Women with obstetric emergencies can directly access the DHC and the RH. Objective: To assess, in women presenting with an obstetric complication: 1) the effects of the point of entry into the referral system on joint mother-newborn survival; and 2) the effects of the configuration of healthcare team at the CHCs on joint mother-newborn survival. Method: Cross-sectional study of 7,214 women users of the referral system in the region of Kayes in 2006-2009. Bivariate probit equations were fitted to estimate joint mother-newborn survival. The marginal effects of the point of entry into the referral system and of the configuration of the healthcare team at the CHCs were evaluated with a probit bivariate regression. Results: Entering the referral system at the RH was associated with the best joint mother-newborn survival; the most qualified the CHCs team was, the best was mother-newborn survival. Distance traveled interacts with the point of entry and the configuration of the CHCs team. For women coming from far (over 50 km), going directly to the RH increased the probability of joint mother-newborn survival by 11.90% (p < 0.001) as compared with entry at the CHC. Entry at the CHC while coming from a distance of less than 5 km increased the likelihood of joint survival by 8.50% (p < 0.001). Among women who go first to a CHC, physician presence increased joint mother-newborn survival, compared with having no physician and fewer than three professionals. The size of the healthcare team at the CHC is significantly associated with mother-newborn survival only when distance traveled is 5 km or less. Conclusion: Mother-newborn survival in the Kayes maternal referral system is influenced by combined effects of the point of care, the skill configuration of CHC personnel and distance traveled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfertilizing, consisting of applying small amounts of mineral fertilizer to the planting hole or pocket, was tested in Mali. Yields of sorghum increased by 34% and 52% compared with the control after applying 0.3 g of fertilizer per pocket for the years 2000 and 2001 respectively. For pearl millet, the corresponding yield increase was 48% and 67% for 2001 and 2003 respectively. Higher yield increases were observed when 6 g of fertilizer was applied per pocket than when 0.3 g of fertilizer was applied. The value–cost ratio varied from 3.4 to 11.9 in the 0.3 g treatment, and from 0.43 to 1.17 in the 6 g treatment. Application of 0.3 g of fertilizer appeals to farmers because of the good return on investment, low financial risk, low cash outlay and low workload required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MDR-TB was associated with younger age in Mali. • HIV was not a risk factor for MDR-TB. • MDR-TB did alter the patient's physical condition compared to susceptible TB. • Tobacco consumption did not increase the risk of developing MDR-TB. MDR-TB is a major threat to global TB control. In 2015, 580,000 were treated for MDR-TB worldwide. The worldwide roll-out of GeneXpert MTB/RIF® has improved diagnosis of MDR-TB; however, in many countries laboratories are unable to assess drug resistance and clinical predictors of MDR-TB could help target suspected patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical factors associated with MDR-TB in Bamako, Mali. We performed a cross-sectional study of 214 patients with presumed MDR-TB admitted to University of Bamako Teaching Hospital, Point-G between 2007 and 2016. We calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios for MDR-TB disease diagnosis using SPSS. We found that age ≤40 years (OR = 2.56. 95% CI: 1.44–4.55), two courses of prior TB treatment (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.44–7.30), TB treatment failure (OR = 3.82, 95% CI 1.82–7.79), sputum microscopy with 3+ bacilli load (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.13–3.48) and a history of contact with a TB patient (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.11–5.50) were significantly associated with confirmation of MDR-TB disease. HIV was not a risk factor for MDR-TB (aOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.34–1.94). We identified several risk factors that could be used to identify MDR-TB suspects and prioritize them for laboratory confirmation. Prospective studies are needed to understand factors associated with TB incidence and clinical outcomes of TB treatment and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphedema (LE) is one the most disfiguring chronic manifestations of lymphatic filariasis. Its management relies primarily on limb hygiene and local care. A previous study in Ghana demonstrating a beneficial effect of doxycycline on LE led to the current multicenter trial on the efficacy of doxycycline in filarial LE. A randomized placebo-controlled trial was initiated in two rural health districts in Mali. Patients with LE stages 1-3 were randomized to receive either doxycycline (200 mg/day) or placebo over a 6-week monitored treatment period and were then followed every 6 months for 2 years. Both groups received materials for limb hygiene that was carried out daily for the entire 2-year study. The primary endpoint was lack of progression in LE stage at 24 months. One hundred patients were enrolled in each study arm. The baseline sociodemographic characteristics of each group were largely similar. There was no significant difference at month 24 after treatment initiation in the number of subjects showing progression in LE stage between the two treatment arms (P = 0.5921). Importantly, however, the number of attacks of acute adenolymphangitis (ADLA) was reduced in both arms, but there was no significant difference between the two groups at any follow-up time point (all P >0.23). Doxycycline was well tolerated in those receiving the drug. When added to daily self-administered limb hygiene, a 6-week course of doxycycline (200 mg) was not superior to placebo in increasing the improvement associated with hygiene alone in LE volume, stage, or frequency of ADLA attacks over a 24-month period.

Objectives: Carriers of Neisseria meningitidis are a key source of transmission. In the African meningitis belt, where risk of meningococcal disease is highest, a greater understanding of meningococcal carriage dynamics is needed., Methods: We randomly selected an age-stratified sample of 400 residents from 116 households in Bamako, Mali, and collected pharyngeal swabs in May 2010. A month later, we enrolled all 202 residents of 20 of these households (6 with known carriers) and collected swabs monthly for 6 months prior to MenAfriVac vaccine introduction and returned 10 months later to collect swabs monthly for 3 months. We used standard bacteriological methods to identify N. meningitidis carriers and fit hidden Markov models to assess acquisition and clearance overall and by sex and age., Results: During the cross-sectional study 5.0% of individuals (20/400) were carriers. During the longitudinal study, 73 carriage events were identified from 1422 swabs analyzed, and 16.3% of individuals (33/202) were identified as carriers at least once. The majority of isolates were non-groupable; no serogroup A carriers were identified., Conclusions: Our results suggest that the duration of carriage with any N. meningitidis averages 2.9 months and that males and children acquire and lose carriage more frequently in an urban setting in Mali. Our study informed the design of a larger study implemented in seven countries of the African meningitis belt., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is associated with high rates of rheumatic heart disease in developing countries. We sought to identify guidelines for empiric treatment of pharyngitis in low-resource settings. To inform the design of GAS vaccines, we determined the emm types associated with pharyngitis among African schoolchildren., Methods: Surveillance for pharyngitis was conducted among children 5-16 years of age attending schools in Bamako, Mali. Students were encouraged to visit a study clinician when they had a sore throat. Enrollees underwent evaluation and throat swab for isolation of GAS. Strains were emm typed by standard methods., Results: GAS was isolated from 449 (25.5%) of the 1,759 sore throat episodes. Painful cervical adenopathy was identified in 403 children (89.8%) with GAS infection and was absent in 369 uninfected children (28.2%). Emm type was determined in 396 (88.2%) of the 449 culture-positive children; 70 types were represented and 14 types accounted for 49% of isolates. Based on the proportion of the 449 isolates bearing emm types included in the 30-valent vaccine (31.0%) plus nonvaccine types previously shown to react to vaccine-induced bactericidal antibodies (44.1%), the vaccine could protect against almost 75% of GAS infections among Bamako schoolchildren., Conclusions: Two promising strategies could reduce rheumatic heart disease in low-resource settings. Administering antibiotics to children with sore throat and tender cervical adenopathy could treat most GAS-positive children while reducing use of unnecessary antibiotics for uninfected children. Broad coverage against M types associated with pharyngitis in Bamako schoolchildren might be achieved with the 30-valent GAS vaccine under development.

In Mali, there were 4508 new cases of tuberculosis in 2003, and 5222 in 2006. Tuberculosis (TB) is thus an important public health problem, decreasing the physical, financial and social capital of individuals, their families and society. Because responses to TB have not yet applied a sufficiently integrated approach that can improve patients' access to quality care, this FORESA project advocates a patient-centered approach. Before any intervention, FORESA thus sought to analyse the situation of TB in Mali and responses to it. The study aims to analyse the discourse about and popular representations of TB (its forms, its signs), the situations in which people are exposed to it or transmit it, and popular practices related to its prevention and the experience of having it. This qualitative, descriptive and analytical study includes a literature review, in-depth interviews with opinion leaders, community health workers and TB patients, focus groups, and the observations of practices. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed. Subjects provided informed consent to participation. This study showed that: * the terms for TB in local languages (Bambara, Dogon and Fulfuldé) include white cough, big cough, and long cough; * These communities differentiate between 2 main forms of cough (simple and wet); * TB is perceived as a transmissible disease, a disease of contact with a contaminated body or objects; * TB is seen as a serious, contagious, hereditary, shameful disease that may result from the transgression of social norms; * The prevention of TB consists of avoiding people who have the disease or transmitting factors; * Therapeutic remedies, in order, are self-medication, the use of traditional healers, and finally visits to health centres; * The population wants more information about TB and be involved in the fight against it. This study shows the many points of convergence about TB nosology, etiology and therapy between the Mopti population and other groups in Mali (including the Mande, Senoufo and Soso), between the population of Mali and some ethnic groups in Burkina Faso (such as the Dioula, Bobo, Tiéfo Vigué), and between the population of Mali and, Burkina Faso and others in Africa (Gambia, Nigeria, South Africa, etc.). There is also a difference between popular knowledge about TB and biomedical knowledge. The population does not know that TB is transmitted mainly, even exclusively, by nasal droplets or that patients are no longer contagious after two weeks of treatment. The widespread dissemination of this information may have a positive effect, reducing stigmatization and improving access to treatment. Mali must strengthen the skills of all participants in the fight against tuberculosis, to strengthen their framework and to monitor and evaluate their activities.