Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and has subsequently become a worldwide pandemic. During the pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) were very exposed to COVID-19 infected patients. The aim of this study was to determine seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) among HCWs in three health facilities of Yaounde. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 368 HCWs was conducted from January 18th to February 13th, 2021, in three health facilities located in city of Yaounde. Data of study participants were collected by face-to-face interviews using standard questionnaire. Blood samples were collected in labelled dry tubes and analyzed using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) cassettes (Abbott PanbioTMCOVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device). The data collected was analyzed using Epi info version 7. Any value of p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age was 30.25 (SD±10.43) years old, range from 21 to 72 years old. Overall, the positivity rates of IgM, IgG and IgM+IgG were 6.79% (n=25), 17.93% (n=66) and 1.09% (n=4) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that, the rate of IgM positivity was highest in laboratory personnel (χ2= 7.99, p=0.3) and IgG (χ2= 8.50, p=0.29), IgM+IgG (χ2= 1.92, p=0.26) respectively in pharmacy and clinical personnel. The clinical signs such as fever (˃38°C) or history of fever was statistically significant with IgM (χ2=11.71, p= 0.0006) while, sore throat was statistically significant associated with IgM (χ2= 14.3, p= 0.0008) and IgG (χ2= 6.33, p= 0.04). Conclusion: The results of this study reveal a high seroprevalence of circulation of the virus in hospital milieu in Yaounde suggesting the continuation of the COVID-19 « Track-Test-Treat » system to break the chain of transmission.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection affects more than half people worldwide particularly in African countries such as Cameroon. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection and predictors risk factors among patients undergoing gastro-duodenal fibroscopy at the Centre Medical, la Cathédrale of Yaoundé. Methods: A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study involving 147 patients was conducted from October 2015 to April 2016. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic factors and predictors of H. pylori infection. Gastric biopsies specimens were collected from the antrum and corpus using an Olympus GIF – Q30 fully immersible gastroscope respectively. The biopsies were screened for the presence of H. pylori by targeting the glmM gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 20 with p-value<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age was 47.19 ±16.64 years and female were more represented with 88/147 (59.8%) versus (vs.) 59/147(40.1%) for male. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 50/147 (34.01%; 95% CI: 26.41% - 42.28%). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 22/59 (37.29%) in male vs. 28/88 (31.82%) in female and this prevalence increased with age and peaked among 30-50 years. Bivariate logistic regression analysis identified that, the regional group, particularly the Centre region (OR 2.55, p= 0.007) and West region (OR 2.67, p=0.005), the level of education (OR 1.18, p=0.001), source of income (OR 0.95, p=0.004), and alcohol consumption (OR 1.41, p=0.0001) were predictors risk factors of H. pylori infection. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a relatively high prevalence of H. pylori infection in Yaoundé. Factors such as regional group, level of education, source of income, and alcohol consumption predisposed the subjects to H. pylori infection.

Background: In Cameroon, prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is high and varies from different places in general population and vulnerable persons such as pregnant women. We performed this survey to determine seroprevalence of HBV using HBV-5 Rapid panel test and associated factors amongst pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Garoua. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from February, 15th to April, 15th, 2016 amongst 102 pregnant women attending ANC in city of Garoua. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire by interview. The blood samples were collected and tested by the immuno-chromatographic panel method (OnSite HBV-5 Rapid Panel Test) for the detection of HBV biomarkers. Statistical analyses were performed by EPI InfoTM version 7 software, with P<0.05 considered significant. Results: Overall seroprevalence of HBV (HBsAg) was 10.78% (11/102) and the other HBV biomarkers were 15.68% (16/102), 9.80 (10/102) and 26.47% (27/102) for anti-HBsAb, anti-HBeAb and total anti-HBcAb respectively. According to general information, marital status (P=0.001) was statistically associated with HBsAg seroprevalence. Bivariate analysis logistic regression recorded that, scarification (OR= 30.10; 95% CI 6.55-138.15; P=0.00000) and piercing or tattoo (OR= 11.80; 95% CI 2.77-50.18; P=0.00008) were statistically associated with seroprevalence of HBsAg. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of HBV biomarkers is high amongst pregnant women attending ANC in Garoua. Associated factors such as scarification and piercing or tattoo were associated with HBV infection. The awareness of pregnant women about vaccination in routine against HBV were necessary to prevent the transmission of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT).

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) targets the body's defense system and leads to a decrease in CD4 T-cells in lymphoid tissues associated with intestinal mucosa, leading to an imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract. This study was performed to determine the intestinal parasites infestation among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in peri-urban area in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methods: A retro-prospective, prospective, and descriptive study was carried out from January-March 2017 to the Care Unit of the Nkolondom II Catholic Medical Center in Yaoundé on 96 PLHIV after providing informed consent. On each stool sample collected, intestinal parasites testing was performed by using direct examination with physiological saline and Lugol's iodine, Ritchie's technique (formol/ether, 10%) and by Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 17 software, with all P <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 52.08% (50/96) were infested with various parasites: Cryptosporidium parvum (72.88%), Cyclospora cayetanensis (10.17%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.47%), Entamoeba coli (5.08%), Ascaris lumbricoїdes (1.70%) and Giardia lamblia (1.70%). Parasite’s prevalence was more observed in women (74.00%; 37/50) compared with men (26.00% [13/50]). Depending on immunity, immuno-compromised patients (CD4 count ≤500 cells/mm3) were more infested (82.00%; 41/50) versus (vs) 18.00% (9/50), OR: 1.60 (95%CI: 0.60-4.60). Conclusion: Intestinal parasites infestation is reported to be high among people under ART in Cameroon's Yaoundé locality, with Cryptosporidium parvum being the predominant circulating species in this locality.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remains a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). IPIs caused by helminths and protozoan parasites are common among pregnant women. Data on the national pooled prevalence of IPIs and associated factors during pregnancy is not well documented in Cameroon. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of IPIs and associated factors among pregnant women at the Bafang district hospital (BDH) in the West region of Cameroon. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study from May, 30th to Jun, 24th 2022 among pregnant women aged between 14 to 48 years old (mean age: 27.41 ± 6.67 years old) at BDH in the West region of Cameroon. Stool samples were freshly collected from each pregnant woman in a clean container and examined fresh, then concentrated with 10% formalin-ether to increase the yield of the eggs and larvae. Statistical analyses were performed using Epi Info v. 7 and IBM SPSS version 20 software with any value of p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 156 pregnant women examined, 13.46% (n=21) were infected and among them, 90.48% were mono-infected and 9.52% were double-infected. The species mainly found were Entamoeba histolytica (5.77%) for protozoa and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.28%) for helminths. The prevalence of IPIs was high in pregnant women aged <30 years (66.67%), in those with a secondary education (90.48%) and in single (42.86%). In addition, the prevalence of IPIs was more in the second trimester (42.86%) as compared to the first (28.57%) and the third trimester (28.57%) of pregnancy (p<0.05). No association was found between the prevalence of IPIs and associated factors. Conclusion: The results of this study show a high prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women at the BDH with Entamoeba histolytica and Strongyloides stercoralis as the majority species in circulation.

Background In Cameroon, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) are highly endemic to the pregnant woman. These viruses pose a high risk of vertical transmission and have been reported as the most important causes of maternal mortality. The aim objective of this study was to determine the hepatitis B, C and HIV virus co-infection among pregnant women in the Bafia health district.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from may to july 2018 in 145 pregnant women attending the health district of Bafia. HIV was diagnosed and confirmed using the Determine and Oraquick HIV1/2, HBV by NOVA test (HBV Multi Panel One Step) and HCV by ACCURATE test. Statistical analysis was performed using the Epi info software version 7.2.1.0. Furthermore, statistical association was performed using Odds Ratio (OR) and Fisher Exact test where appropriate, with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The probability was considered statistical significant for all values p<0.05.Results The average age was 25 ± 5.96 years and the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV was 6.90% (10/145), 10.34% (15/145) and 33.79% (49/145), respectively. Those aged 24-32 years had peaks of infection, with 9.84% (6/61) and 45.90% (28/61) of HIV, Odds Ratio (OR): 2.18 [95%CI: 0.58-8.09], p= 0.39 and HCV, OR: 2.54 [95%CI: 1.25-5.15], p= 0.008 respectively. However, the peak of HBV (HBsAg) infection (35.29% [6/17]) was in the age group 33-41 years, p= 0.001 and carriage rate of HBeAg was only observed in those aged 15-23 years (5.97% [4/67], p=0.30). No cases of co-infection were observed between HBsAg carrier rates (p= 0.56), HBeAg (p= 0.65) and HIV. Meanwhile, 10.20% (5/49) of pregnant women were co-infected with HCV/HIV, OR: 2.06 [95%CI: 0.56-7.51], p= 0.26 and this co-infection was observed among those aged 24-32 years (8.20% [5/61], p= 0.02).Conclusion Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in pregnant women remain high in the Bafia health district, reflecting a significant risk of vertical transmission, especially HIV/HCV co-infection. The prevention strategies of these three viruses would primarily target pregnant women aged over 24 years in health care areas with a typology similar to that of Bafia.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common infectious pathogens worldwide particularly in sub Saharan African (SSA). In Cameroon, HBV is highly endemic (HBsAg >8%), suggesting a rigorous transfusion safety policy on the national territory. This study aimed to determine HBs antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence of the HBV in blood donors using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent (ELISA) at the Essos Hospital Centre (EHC) in Yaounde, Cameroon. Methods: From January, 18th to May 31st, 2021, we carried out a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study among 326 volunteer blood donors attending EHC of Yaounde, Cameroon. The socio-demographic data of the participants was described while the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) was determined using qualitative ELISA (Rapid Labs HBsAg) technique in the sera or plasma. The data was analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v. 22. The difference between two proportions was considered significant when the probability of error was less than 0.05 (p<0.05).     Results: The median age of blood donors was 25 years (min-max: 12-52 years), the male were more represented with 96.32% (314/326) and the sex ratio (M/F) was 26.2. Globally, the HBsAg seroprevalence among blood donors was 13.19% (95% CI: 9.7%-17.4%; 43/326). The seroprevalence of HBV (HBsAg) was not statistically associated with sociodemographic characteristics of the study population (p<0.05). Meanwhile, this seroprevalence was high in male (95.35%; n=41), in the blood donors aged between 18 and 26 years old (51.16%; n=22), in single (83.72%; n=36) in blood donors with secondary education (74.42%; n=32). In addition, informal (55.81%; n=24), catholic (100.0%) and family blood donors (100.0%) were more infected. Conclusion: This study revealed a very high HBs antigen seroprevalence in blood donors attending the EHC in Yaounde, Cameroon. However, none of the sociodemographic characteristics was not significantly associated with HBV infection in the study population. Thus, reducing the frequency of post-transfusion hepatitis B remains a permanent challenge in Cameroon.

Background: Loiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) such as Cameroon. In Cameroon, the prevalence of loiasis varies from one geographical area to another. This study aimed to assess the correlation between Loa loa infestation prevalence and eosinophil rate among population of Obout, centre region of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in Obout locality situated in Centre region of Cameroon from June to July 2022. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview questionnaire from participants attending the Christ Roi Medical Centre of Obout (CRMCO). In each participant, a venous blood sample was taken in an EDTA tube after informed consent was obtained. A Full blood count (FBC) and a blood smear were performed on each blood sample. The collected data were recorded in an Excel version 2016 sheet and analysed by statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) v. 24 software. For any value of p˂0.05, the results were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 65 participants were enrolled in this study with a median age of 35 years (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 18-52). The prevalence of Loa loa infestation was 15.38% (95%CI: 7.63%–26.48%) with a high prevalence for males (33.33%) versus (vs.) 2.63% for females (OR= 18.50; 95%IC: 2.17–157.46, p=0.002). Similarly, a high prevalence of Loa loa infestation in participants aged ≥35 years or 27.27% (OR=0.08; 95%IC: 0.01–0.72, p=0.01). Concerning the duration in the locality, the participants with ≥10 years in the locality were more infested with 8.33% for those less than 10 years (p=0.15). Furthermore, the current study shows a positive correlation but weak between eosinophil rate and intensity of Loa loa infestation (r=0.3406; p=0.3). Conclusion: This study reported a high prevalence of Loa loa microfilaria in Obout locality with statistically significant differences for gender and age. However, no association was found between eosinophil and microfilarial load. Despite the low participation rate, Obout locality remains an area of high endemicity for Loa loa microfilaria.