Search

In the rapidly changing atmosphere of the global economy, productivity has become a very important concept for long-term economic growth, development, regional and global competitiveness, raising social living standards and increasing the level of welfare for countries. In the 21st century, when scientific knowledge, technology, innovation, R&D and entrepreneurship manifest themselves in every stage of the production process, human capital has come to the fore as an important and determining factor that increases productivity. In the current study, the effect of human capital, one of the most important outputs of education, on country productivity was analyzed for 24 developing countries, including Turkey, which are in the upper middle income group. In the application part, a panel data set was created for the 24 countries included in the study with the series obtained from the database of PWT10.0 for the period of 1980-2019. The Human Capital Index was used to reveal the human capital status of the countries included in the analysis and the Total Factor Productivity Index was used to reveal the productivity status. The Granger Panel Causality Test was employed to determine whether there is a short-term relationship and the Westerlund Panel Cointegration Test was employed to determine whether there is a long-term relationship between the two variables. As a result of a bilateral causality relationship was found between human capital and productivity in the short-term and a cointegration relationship in the long-term. The study is important and different from other studies in that it focuses on the concepts of human capital and productivity, which have a very limited place in the education literature, although they are directly related to education, and it is grounded on an interdisciplinary approach (bringing together education, sociology and econometrics).

Many studies have been conducted in Africa on the use of psychoactive substances among high school students. However, few studies have examined the psychological mechanisms underlying this consumption. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), the present study explored the moderating role of the frustration of basic psychological needs on the relation between problematic school functioning (i.e. academic, emotional, and behavioral difficulties) and the consumption of alcohol and cannabis. The sample consisted of 367 Gabonese students (54% girls; M[subscript age] = 18.25). The results showed two direct links: behavioral difficulties positively predicted alcohol use, while emotional difficulties positively predicted cannabis use. Two moderating effects related to behavioral difficulties were also observed: (1) youths with these difficulties are more likely to drink alcohol when they perceive that their need for autonomy is frustrated, and (2) they are more likely to use cannabis when their need for relatedness is frustrated. The results of this study are discussed within SDT framework. The study's implications and limitations are also addressed.

This paper examines three interrelated factors outside of formal provision of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in sub-Saharan Africa that have undermined TVET systems. The first is the process, pace, and levels of industrialisation, which has had a direct effect on TVET provision: low numbers of well-paying jobs requiring technical expertise. This has an indirect effect, which is the second crucial factor: lack of economic development and change in labour markets. There are very few jobs that would be considered 'middle class' or 'mid-level' in wealthy countries. Most people are in survivalist work. An international consensus since the 2000s on palliative approaches to development which address the effects but not the causes of the lack of economic development in Africa has resulted in mass poor quality provision of education--the third factor. Education systems are rapidly expanding and achievement levels rising, in the context of very little possibility of labour market rewards for most people, and substantial labour market rewards confined mainly to graduates. This reinforces deeply embedded cultural preferences for general education, which originate in the type of education systems established by colonial powers, as well as the relationships between educational credentials and elite jobs.

U.S. public schools are continually becoming more diverse, and the need for teachers to develop culturally sensitive learners who exhibit responsible personal and social behavior is now as important as ever. As children often enjoy socializing and learning through physical activity, the physical education classroom is an opportune location to introduce concepts from new and different cultures. This article identifies six traditional games from diverse cultures from around the world and describes simple, effective modifications for their use in a traditional physical education classroom.

The growing population of young people in the world today makes them an indispensable factor in international, regional, national and local development today. The UN World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) and the African Union's African Youth Charter all attest to the concern development stakeholders pay to youth development. This paper analysis youth policy within 9 member states of the Central African Sub region, showcasing the vital, yet significant role that polities are creating in fostering an enabling environment for youth participation. It explores the tenets of youth policy within this sub region by depicting how the participation of youths in societal activities and decision making instances should be an asset and a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth and social development. It also expresses abysmal concern about the magnitude of youth unemployment and underemployment throughout in Africa and its profound implications for the future of our societies, particularly those residing in the Central African sub region. The study is descriptive and applies a qualitative approach based on expert interviews and desk research. It employs the explanatory case study approach, and the combined anthropological research techniques through the use of key informant interview, written records and non-participant observations. The authors also conducted research in major databases like google scholar, PUB Med with the search phrase being youth policies, participation and youth governance. The 2016 Youth Development Index Report indicates that all 9 Central African countries have a low index, and 4 of the 9 countries are ranked in the bottom 10 of the classification. The findings also reveal that conflicts, underdevelopment and lack of political willingness are customarily accountable for the lagging of this Sub region in youth policy matters. The paper also proposes indicators to monitor and evaluate Youth Policies in the Central African Sub region, using the model proposed by Tanya BASARAB, develop initiatives to promote youth participation, and encourage networking among youth organizations and institutions with the Central African Sub region.

Minecraft has become well established in the world of education. Around the world, the game is being used in a variety of educational settings for virtual project work and as a virtual world for collaboration and social interaction. Minecraft is an activity players want to talk about. It is a game they want to learn more about. In order to do these things, the player has a strong motivation to communicate and interact with the multitude of resources at their disposal. It was the desire of English language learners to learn more about the game that first attracted the author to Minecraft as a potential educational tool. The author describes his experiences using Minecraft in Turkey and Gabon, as well as with the Electronic Village Online (EVO) Minecraft MOOC. He shares his reflections on what Minecraft can teach us about learning.

This study investigates the impact of higher education on economic growth and is based on a sample of 18 African economies over the time period 1980-2015. The research makes use of a Panel Vector Autoregression (PVAR) framework to account for potential dynamic and endogenous relationship in modelling of the tertiary education-growth nexus. The findings show that higher education significantly increases the economic growth of the sample of African countries understudy with a lagged time. The economic effect of higher education is observed to be relatively smaller as those reported for the case of developed countries and also in comparison with primary and secondary education. Interestingly, this research also confirms the presence of a reverse causation as the economy's income is also a determinant of tertiary education, although with a lagged time. Domestic and foreign direct investment, education attainment as well as openness level are also observed to be other determinants of tertiary education enrollment. Finally, there is evidence that tertiary education encourages private and foreign direct investment thus indirectly affecting growth rates.

Purpose: There is very little research of Black male mathematics teachers from African countries teaching in the USA, specifically, their preparation and teaching experiences. The purpose of this study is to shed light on three Black male mathematics teachers from two African countries teacher preparation and teaching experiences in three African countries and the USA teachers. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a qualitative narrative research design to examine the teacher preparation and teaching experiences of Black African male mathematics teachers. Findings: The results of this study reveal that the Black African male mathematics teachers participated in traditional and alternative teacher preparation programs that were unique to the African countries. The results also revealed that these teachers saw their teacher preparation program in the USA as preparing them to teach in this context. The results also revealed that all three of the teachers' experienced success teaching struggling learners and English language learners mathematics in African countries and the USA. Research limitations/implications: This study is limited to a small participant pool of three Black African mathematics teachers that cannot be generalized to other Black male teachers. There needs to be more research of Black male mathematics teachers, in general, and those from other countries, specifically. There also needs to be more research of Black male teachers' teaching practices that are successful with Black students as well as English language learners. Practical implications: Based on the study findings, policy-makers and stakeholders interested in recruiting and retaining Black male teachers and specifically, in mathematics needs to expand conceptualization and definitions to include those from other countries. Originality/value: This results of this study add a valuable contribution to the research of Black male teachers, in general, and mathematics, in particular. It expands conceptualizations of who constitutes a Black male teachers in the USA.

This is a critical reflection on the results of a study that the French International Center for Pedagogical Studies (CIEP) piloted in 2008-2009 in five sub-Saharan African countries which were implementing curriculum reforms adopting the "competency-based approach". The article refers to a seminar on this process and the ideas expressed by various participants. Then, based on the cases, and focusing on issues that arose during the implementation, it considers more general questions about how to ensure that curricular reforms succeed.

The professionalism of teachers is based on three levels of expertise: mastering academic knowledge, mastering the teaching of this knowledge and mastering the role played by teachers in schools. For each of these levels, each student during the teacher training courses has his own understanding. This understanding influences their perception of the job of teacher and thus their attitude towards their training. Efficiency of this training could be evaluated through the evolution of this understanding. The experimental part of this study will involve looking at this evolution with students from the ENSET in Libreville at the beginning of the training course, the end of the first cycle and the end of the second cycle. Data collected shows that training does not really produce the desired results for a university vocational teacher training course for technology education.

At a ministerial meeting held in Paris in 1996, the Ministers of Education from countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) invited this organization "to evaluate the implications of various visions of the school of the future." The work, undertaken over more than four years by the OECD's Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI), primarily sought to answer the following questions: "How will schools appear in the future? What tendencies have the greatest influence on education and what could they lead to in the coming years? What aspects should politicians follow up to make the desirable evolution more likely?" Several scenarios were thus gradually evolved, discussed, enriched and redirected at seminars, conferences or meetings of experts. This article aims to provide a summary of the various scenarios worked out by OECD. The article then offers a number of explanations resulting from the work done on the scenarios in very different contexts. The article finally reports on the results recorded at three political dialogue inter-training seminars which, in 2003, were attended by more than forty high-level managers from the Ministries of Education of twelve French-speaking African countries. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)

Gabonese students who speak French as a second language and are educated through French, learn English using textbooks designed for students in France. Article discusses pedagogical issues, goals that Gabonese students have in learning English, and the linguistic and sociolinguistic context in which learning of English takes place. Materials used for teaching French are incompatible with learners' needs from linguistic, cognitive, and semantic points of view. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the usage of French in Gabon. As in other nations of francophone Africa, French is the language of upward social mobility in Gabon, and it offers access to the international community. However, one factor peculiar to Gabon is the virtual absence of a Gabonese national language, which promotes a greater dependency upon a mastery of the French language. (SL)

Abstract: Gabon is one of 11 high-forest, low-deforestation (HFLD) countries in the world. It has the highest proportion of preserved forests in the Congo Basin and is the first country to create large forest carbon offset credits in the market. However, about 60% of forests in Gabon is allocated to logging concessions, causing concerns for forest degradation and the sustainability of carbon credits. Here, we use a combination of air- and space-borne remote sensing data and the-state-of-the-art gradient boosted regression trees to estimate forest structure and aboveground biomass carbon density (ACD) of trees at 100 m resolution for the year circa 2020. Mapping spatial variations of ACD across floristically diverse landscapes, we estimate average density and total living carbon storage of trees at the national and sub-national levels. The estimated ACD of trees in forestlands within the country was 142.12 ± 7.3 Mg C ha−1 with the highest values found in central Gabon (150.08 ± 5.8 Mg C ha−1) and on highlands (161.18 ± 6.7 Mg C ha−1). On average, in every region, ACD of forests found within logging concessions (149.89 ± 6.1 Mg C ha−1) was higher than unmanaged forests of unprotected areas (122.81 ± 4.4 Mg C ha−1), indicating the combined effects of logging in carbon-rich forests and increased productivity due to management. The country’s total estimated biomass carbon for trees (above and belowground) stored within the forests was 4.14 ± 0.3 Pg C with 68% found within logging concessions and 14% within protected areas. The map provides high precision and comprehensive assessment of carbon stocks of trees in Gabon’s forests, significantly improving the country’s prospects to implement climate mitigation policies and to participate in carbon markets.

Purpose: The consequent use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) preceding a treatment decision has improved the global management of malaria. A combination RDT, including an inflammation marker to potentially guide antibiotic prescription, could improve the management of acute febrile illness (AFI). Methods: We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study in Gabon evaluating the STANDARD Malaria/CRP DUO (S-DUO) RDT. Participants aged 2 to 17 years with fever at presentation and/or a history of fever < 7 days were enrolled. Expert microscopy, SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan test for malaria detection, and NycoCard CRP device for CRP were used as comparators. AFI cases were classified on a spectrum encompassing bacterial vs. non-bacterial infection. Results: 415 participants with AFI were enrolled. S-DUO RDT sensitivity and specificity for malaria detection vs. microscopy were 99·1% (95·2–100%) and 72·7% (64·3–80·1%); and for CRP detection (20 mg/L and above) 86·9% (80–92%) and 87% (79·2–92·7%), respectively. The difference in CRP levels between bacterial infection (mean = 41·2 mg/L) and other causes of fever, measured from our study population using the Nycocard device, was statistically significant (p < 0·01); CRP precision-recall AUC to distinguish bacterial infection class vs. non-bacterial classifications was 0·79. Conclusion: S-DUO RDT is suitable for malaria detection in moderate-to-high malaria transmission settings such as in Lambaréné; however, a CRP band detection limit > 40 mg/L is more adequate for indication of antibiotic prescription for AFI cases in Gabon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gabon depends heavily on food imports to safeguard its food security; yet household food consumption patterns remain underexplored. This study investigates the structure of food demand in the Estuaire region, incorporating demographic determinants such as the age of the household head, household size, youth proportion, and residential distance from shopping centers. Using primary data collected from a randomized survey of 410 households, the analysis employs the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model to estimate expenditure and price elasticities. The results indicate that expenditure elasticities are universally positive, with luxury items, including meat, eggs, and fish, exhibiting greater sensitivity compared to staple foods such as poultry, oil, rice, cassava, and bananas, which display inelastic demand. Price elasticities for meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and rice are negative, adhering to the law of demand. Demographic factors, including education, age, and residential location, significantly influence the consumption of meat, cassava, bananas, and oil. Household size, employment type, and youth composition also emerge as critical determinants of increased demand for poultry, fish, and rice. These findings offer policy-relevant insights to strengthen food security and address socioeconomic disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare service utilization has been reported in several countries. In Gabon, data on the preparedness for future pandemic are lacking. The aim of the present study was to assess the trends of hospital attendance, malaria and self-medication prevalences as well as ITN use before and during Covid-19 first epidemic waves in a paediatric wards of a sentinel site for malaria surveillance, in Libreville, Gabon. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and hospital-based survey which was conducted at the Regional Hospital of Melen Estuaire (RHME). Census of files of patients below 18 years of age attending for fever management with a result of malaria biological diagnosis from January 2018 to December 2022 was conducted. Comparison of the prevalence of microscopic malaria, ITN use, self-medication and the fever duration prior the screening before and after year 2020 was performed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Overall, 14428 febrile participants were screened for malaria. A 15% increase in the number of febrile patients was observed between 2019 and 2020 while this rate was above 100% in 2021 and 2022. The frequency of self-medication significantly doubled in 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (p < 0.01). Previous self-medication was more common during the COVID-19 period compared to the COVID-19 one (aOR = 2.15 [1.91–2.42]) (p < 0.01). Among the 7259 (51.2%) patients screened after 3 days of fever onset, self-anti-malarial treatment was reported for 17.5% of them in 2019 and for more than 30% of them from 2020: 33.3% in 2020, 35.0% in 2021 and 32.3% in 2022 (p < 0.01). The median of fever duration was significantly higher in the group of participants with a previous self-medication (p < 0.01). Positive blood smears frequency was higher in the COVID-19 period (35.6%; n = 3876/10868) compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (23.6%) (OR = 1.79[1.59–2.02], (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Malaria prevalence and care-seeking behaviours for fever management in children significantly changed during the COVID-19 epidemic phase and subsequent years in the main malaria sentinel surveillance site of Gabon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023, the African Region experienced yellow fever (YF) outbreaks in 3 countries (of which 2 experienced varied levels of transmission intensity), cases with epidemic potential in 3 countries, and [...]

This chapter examines the enigma of Sub-regional economic integration in the Communaute Economique et Monetaire de l'Afrique Central (CEMAC) zone. The sub-regional integration idea was born out of the need for a united Africa during the immediate independence period, to be achieved through a gradual, but steady process. Although instituted in 1994, CEMAC was a re-make of the Economic and Customs Union of Central Africa (UDEAC) created in 1964. CEMAC was established, to promote sub-regional integration among central African states that shared a common legal tender, the CFA franc, through the promotion of trade, a genuine common market and greater solidarity. Albeit recording some inroads, CEMAC lagged behind its objectives, due to tardiness and overall poor implementation of policies, limited technical capacity, divergent attitudes of member states towards integration and absence of sanctions against states that disrespect community norms. The chapter sustains that such diverse political, economic, and socio-cultural impediments could only be halted through a joint approach, for remedial renewal by all stakeholders for a truly integrated economic CEMAC sub-region. This investigation shall be based on secondary and primary data, interpreted qualitatively and presented thematically. Keywords: Enigma, Economic integration, CEMAC, Sub-regionalism, Africa., Introduction Regional and sub-regional integration in Africa emerged during the immediate postcolonial period, in an effort to construct viable geographic, economic and politically cohesive entities on the continent. (1) This [...]

Abstract Antibody glycosylation patterns can affect antibody functionality and thereby contribute to protection against invading pathogens. During pregnancy, maternal antibodies can be transferred through the placenta and contribute to modulating both the mother’s and her child’s immune responses. Although several studies of IgG glycosylation during pregnancy have been carried out, very few cohorts studied were from sub-Saharan Africa, where exposure to microorganisms and parasites is high. In Lambaréné, Gabon, 106 pregnant women in their third trimester were enrolled into this study. At enrolment, urine, stool, and blood samples were collected from the mothers to assess Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and other parasite infections. During delivery, cord blood samples were collected. The children were followed, and blood samples were collected at 9 and 12 months of age. IgG Fc glycosylation was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, determining fucosylation, galactosylation, sialylation, bisection, and sialylation per galactose (SA/gal). Among the 106 pregnant women, 33 (31%) were infected by at least one parasite. The antibody glycosylation patterns in maternal and cord blood showed distinct profiles when compared to that of infants at 9 and 12 months. IgG galactosylation was higher in maternal/cord blood, while fucosylated IgG was higher in children up to 1 year of age. Maternal parasitic infection was associated with lower IgG2 and IgG3/IgG4 galactosylation in cord blood and lower IgG3/IgG4 galactosylation in children. When maternal IgG galactosylation and, consequently, cord blood were categorized as high, children at 9 and 12 months of age showed higher IgG galactosylation compared to children of mothers with low IgG galactosylation. As IgG Fc galactosylation can have functional consequences, it might provide valuable information for developing effective preventive and treatment strategies for vulnerable populations.

Abstract Malaria is a significant public health challenge in Gabon, with high prevalence rates in rural and semi-urban areas. This study investigated Plasmodium infection prevalence among outpatients at a medical laboratory in Franceville, Gabon, in 2020. Data from 500 patients were analyzed, revealing an overall infection rate of 33.2% and the presence of four Plasmodium species: P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, and possibly P. vivax for the first time in Gabon. Co-infections were common, with P. falciparum and P. ovale spp. being the most prevalent at 23.5%. Asymptomatic infections accounted for 81.3% of cases, while symptomatic infections were 18.7%. P. falciparum was associated with symptomatic cases, while non-falciparum species were linked to asymptomatic infections. The findings suggest Franceville has perennial malaria transmission, highlighting the role of Plasmodium species diversity in disease severity and clinical presentation, including the first report of P. vivax infection in the Gabonese population.

Background: Malaria remains the deadliest parasitic disease and continues to cause more than half a million deaths across the world each year, mainly victims are sub-Saharan children. Malaria is a common reason for paediatric hospitalisation. Objective: The objective was to characterise malaria and describe the evolution after treatment in the paediatric department of the University Hospital Centre Amissa Bongo de Franceville. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from 1 February 2023 to 15 May 2023. A clinical and biological diagnosis was made in febrile children aged from 6 months to 15 years. Results: A total of 306 patients were included. The mean age was 50.4 ± 44.3 months, 94.3% had consulted within ≥48 h and self-medication was practiced by 83.3%. The prevalence of malaria was 17.3%. Fever ˃39°8C (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.32–5.48]; P < 0.01), chills (aOR = 2.14; 95% CI = [1.13–4.11]; P < 0.01) and nausea–vomiting (aOR = 2.03; 95% CI = [1.06–3.83]; P = 0.03) were the factors associated with the occurrence of malaria. The majority of children were treated for simple malaria with artemisinin-based combination therapy. A total of 16/53 was seen in post-therapeutic consultation. Of them, 2 patients had a positive thick drop. Conclusion: Non-compliance with preventive measures and the misuse of antimalarials further complicate the clinical picture, requiring parenteral management for the most part.

The aim of this study, which is one of the few studies undertaken in this region in Gabon, was to determine the radioactivity levels in various lakes and rivers in the Mounana region by measuring the activity concentrations of alpha- and beta-emitter radionuclides. For this purpose, gross alpha (α)-beta (β) counting was carried out using a Canberra Tenelec Gas flow counter detector. From the samples collected, about 18% and 36% contained higher grossα-activity and higher grossβ-activity compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limits of 0.5 Bq l−1and 1 Bq l−1, respectively. It was also observed that 18% of the samples collected contained both gross α-and β-activities higher than the WHO guideline limits. The gross α-activity concentrations measured ranged between 0.026 ± 0.003 Bq l−1 and 1.602 ± 0.012 Bq l−1 while the gross β-activity concentrations measured ranged between 0.15 ± 0.01 Bq l−1 and 3.00 ± 0.04 Bq l−1. Given that these waters are used by the population living in Mounana for the domestic purposes, a few may be exposed to the low levels of internal radiation but below the permissible levels of 1 mSv per annum.

Background and Aim: Rodents are carriers or reservoirs of various bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and ectoparasites. Given the proximity of various rodent species and humans, there is a potential for the transmission of pathogens. Data on ecto- and endo-parasite prevalence in rodent populations in Gabon are limited. To fill this gap, we conducted a study in Libreville to investigate the occurrence of ecto- and endo-parasites in rodents. Materials and Methods: We captured and euthanized 68 rodents belonging to the genus Praomys and examined their ecto- and endo-parasite fauna, dissected their gastrointestinal tract for helminths, and prepared blood smears to examine blood-borne pathogens. Results: Our analyses identified three pathogen taxa: helminths (Protospirura spp., Trichuris spp., and Taenia spp.), protozoa (Babesia spp.), bacteria (Anaplasma spp.), and arthropods (Laelaps and Haemaphysalis). Overall, 91.2% of the rodents were infected with at least one pathogen and ectoparasite, with helminth and ectoparasite occurrence rate of 63.2% and ectoparasite occurrence at 44.1%. Protozoan infections (Babesia spp.) were found in 10.3% of the rodents, whereas bacteria (Anaplasma spp.) had an occurrence rate of 39.7%. Conclusion: Native rodents in Libreville harbor various infectious agents, ecto- and endo-parasites. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with Praomys rodents for the transmission of various diseases to human population in Gabon and emphasize the need for investigation of rodents for their role as disease carriers.

Abstract Background Insecticides are a crucial component of vector control. However, resistance constitute a threat on their efficacy and the gains obtained over the years through malaria vector control. In Gabon, little data on phenotypic insecticide resistance in Anopheles vectors are published, compromising the rational implementation of resistance management strategies. We assessed the susceptibility to pyrethroids, carbamates and organophosphates of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) and discuss the mechanisms involved in the pyrethroid resistance-phenotype. Methods A. gambiae s.l. larvae were collected from breeding sites in Lambaréné. Emerging adults were used in WHO tube assays at an insecticide concentration that defines resistance (diagnostic concentration). Subsequently, deltamethrin and permethrin were used at 5x and 10x diagnostic concentrations and after preexposure with the cytochrome p450 (and glutathione S-transferase) inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO). A subset of mosquitoes was typed by molecular methods and screened using Taqman assays for mutations conferring target site resistance at the Voltage-gated sodium channel 1014 (Vgsc-1014) locus and the acetylcholinesterase (Ace-1) gene. Results All mosquitoes were A. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and resistant to permethrin, deltamethrin and alphacypermethrin (mortality less than 98%). However, mosquitoes were susceptible to malathion but resistant to bendiocarb. The level of resistance was high for permethrin and at least moderate for deltamethrin. Pre-exposure to PBO significantly increased the mortality of resistant mosquitoes (P

Malaria is a significant public health challenge in Gabon, with high prevalence rates in rural and semi-urban areas. This study investigated Plasmodium infection prevalence among outpatients at a medical laboratory in Franceville, Gabon, in 2020. Data from 500 patients were analyzed, revealing an overall infection rate of 33.2% and the presence of four Plasmodium species: P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, and possibly P. vivax for the first time in Gabon. Co-infections were common, with P. falciparum and P. ovale spp. being the most prevalent at 23.5%. Asymptomatic infections accounted for 81.3% of cases, while symptomatic infections were 18.7%. P. falciparum was associated with symptomatic cases, while non-falciparum species were linked to asymptomatic infections. The findings suggest Franceville has perennial malaria transmission, highlighting the role of Plasmodium species diversity in disease severity and clinical presentation, including the first report of P. vivax infection in the Gabonese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibody glycosylation patterns can affect antibody functionality and thereby contribute to protection against invading pathogens. During pregnancy, maternal antibodies can be transferred through the placenta and contribute to modulating both the mother's and her child's immune responses. Although several studies of IgG glycosylation during pregnancy have been carried out, very few cohorts studied were from sub-Saharan Africa, where exposure to microorganisms and parasites is high. In Lambaréné, Gabon, 106 pregnant women in their third trimester were enrolled into this study. At enrolment, urine, stool, and blood samples were collected from the mothers to assess Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and other parasite infections. During delivery, cord blood samples were collected. The children were followed, and blood samples were collected at 9 and 12 months of age. IgG Fc glycosylation was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, determining fucosylation, galactosylation, sialylation, bisection, and sialylation per galactose (SA/gal). Among the 106 pregnant women, 33 (31%) were infected by at least one parasite. The antibody glycosylation patterns in maternal and cord blood showed distinct profiles when compared to that of infants at 9 and 12 months. IgG galactosylation was higher in maternal/cord blood, while fucosylated IgG was higher in children up to 1 year of age. Maternal parasitic infection was associated with lower IgG2 and IgG3/IgG4 galactosylation in cord blood and lower IgG3/IgG4 galactosylation in children. When maternal IgG galactosylation and, consequently, cord blood were categorized as high, children at 9 and 12 months of age showed higher IgG galactosylation compared to children of mothers with low IgG galactosylation. As IgG Fc galactosylation can have functional consequences, it might provide valuable information for developing effective preventive and treatment strategies for vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplasma spp. is an emerging human zoonosis, usually transmitted by tick bites. Human-to-human transmission is rare, and transplacental transmission is even less common. No cases of transplacental transmission have been previously reported. We report the cases of patients who were followed up for febrile syndrome diagnosed with maternal-fetal infection and treated with antibiotic therapy and hemodynamic correction. Investigation of the etiology revealed Anaplasma spp. in a neonatal infection. These cases prove that transplacental transmission of Anaplasma spp. is possible and that surveillance is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]