The genetic heterogeneity among Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from 501 patients in Ethiopia, Tunisia, and the Netherlands was compared by analysis of DNA polymorphism driven by insertion element IS6110. The percentage of isolates displaying two or more identical patterns differed greatly in the three countries: It was highest among Tunisian isolates and lowest in Dutch isolates. In contrast to isolates from Dutch subjects infected with M. tuberculosis, the majority of strains from Ethiopia and Tunisia were from a few families of genetically highly related strains. Furthermore, little overlap was observed among isolates from the three countries, indicating strict isolation of the bacterial reservoirs in the countries. A few strains from the Netherlands matched strains from Ethiopia and Tunisia. Those strains were invariably isolated from refugees, immigrants, or persons who visited Ethiopia or Tunisia.

The implementation of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay may dramatically improve the rapid diagnosis of lymph node TB.

In terms of this study, we characterized the mutations involved in resistance to isoniazid. katG S315T was by far the most frequent mutation, followed by C-15T. The frequency of these mutations was concordant with those reported in literature including those in intermediate tuberculosis endemic countries.

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IntroductionIn Tunisia, the use of cannabis has become an important phenomenon in the society that not well attested by epidemiological studies.ObjectivesThe purpose of this work is to study the socio-demographic criteria of student of the faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir and risk factors encouraging them to consume cannabis and to estimate the extent of the phenomenon of dependence occurring among students.MethodsA questionnaire composed of 45 questions was sent to students of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir via the internet. The data was collected and analyzed using the software’ Google forms’ and ‘statistical package for social Science’ (SPSS)ResultsThe prevalence of cannabis use among students of the faculty of Pharmacy was worrying, increasing to 21.4 %, for moments of pleasure and relaxation of the stressful life (p=0 et p=0.008). The frequency of cannabis use had a significant impact on the desire to stop cannabis use (p=0.012). Of the 55 consumers, only 5 tried to stop or reduce cannabis use. About 88% of participants indicated that cannabis was responsible for psychological dependence. Polydrug use (tobacco, alcohol, other drugs) had a significant influence on this use (p=0).ConclusionsThe scourge of cannabis use has invaded not only universities, but also high schools and colleges. At the end of this work, we propose debates to find the necessary means to protect cannabis users cannabis and treat dependents.

IntroductionEthanol is widely consumed by the world’s population, especially young people as part of their university life. In Tunisia, surveys and studies about consumption of ethanol among students are rare or even exceptional.ObjectivesTo evaluate the extent of the consumption of ethanol among pharmacy students in Monastir University, from the first year to residency, and to define the factors associated to this consumption.MethodsThis study was used to collected information about the participants using a questionnaire that covers the different parameters of the consumption of ethanol during student life and the factors influencing this consumption.Results154 participants aged 23.61 years +/- 2.63 among them 37.7% were men and 62.3% women. The prevalence of ethanol consumption was 44.8 %. The main reason for dirking was to party (79.2%). The consumption of ethanol was significantly associated with sex (p=0), place of residence (p=0.047), frequency of hang-outs (p=0), sex life (p=0) and students perception of the alcohol-health relationship (p=0). Various health problems were related to the frequency of consumption of ethanol, such as memory problems (p=0.002), violence and injuries (p=0.014).ConclusionsThe findings of this study underline the need to develop specific studies and general population surveys in order to better assess the situation in Tunisia and to put in place appropriate prevention strategies, such as information and awareness campaigns, aimed at reducing or at least rationing the consumption of ethanol.Conflict of interestNo significant relationships.

IntroductionPsychotropic medications are widely used in Tunisia. Studies about frequency of substance use are rareObjectivesThe purpose of this work is to determine frequency of use of psychotropic medication among pharmacy students in Monastir University during their university years and during the last year and to assess the factors associated to this consumptionMethodsA retrospective study was used to collect the information about 145 participants using a questionnaire asking about the consumption of psychotropic medications and the factors associated to substance useResults145 subjects aged 22.71 years +/- 2.04 among them 25% was men and 75 % women. Psychotropic medication use was 20 % during university years and 17.24 % during the last year. 45 % of the users had their medications without a prescription from a doctor. 17 % of the users of psychotropic medication weren’t informed about the effects of the drugs. A higher consumption of psychotropic drugs was observed among older individuals (p=0.009; F=6.928), redoubling individuals (p=0.003), with conflictive relationships with family (p=0.001), using others psychotropic substances, feeling often nervous (p=0.003; F=9.318) and with personal history of mental illness (p=0.002).ConclusionsOur finding underlines the need of larger more comprehensive surveys to determine the efficiency of the prevention strategies and to minimize the consumption of psychotropic drugs or to control it.Keyworddependence Risk factors drugs students