INTRODUCTION:Limited data are available on the prevalence rates of hepatitis B and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among women survivors of sexual violence (WSSV) in South Kivu province, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where armed conflicts persist. Here, we aimed to assess the prevalence of these two infections in this vulnerable local population. METHODS:A total of 1002 WSSV, aged from 18 to 70 years old were enrolled from May 2018 to May 2020 at three healthcare facilities (Panzi, Mulamba and Bulenga hospitals), which are called "The One-Stop Centre Care Model" for the management of sexual violence in South Kivu. Blood samples were collected and tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens and antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) methods. Subsequently, viral load quantification for HBV and HIV were performed using the GeneXpert. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with HIV-positive and HBV-positive status. RESULTS:For HBV, overall prevalence was 8.9% (95% CI; 7.2-10.8%), 32.1% (95% CI; 29.3-35.0%), and 14.5% (95% CI; 12.3-16.8%) for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibodies, respectively. Among the 89 HBsAg-positive patients, 17 (19.1%) were HBeAg-positive. The median age of individuals with a positive HBsAg test was higher than those with a negative test (median: 40 years (IQR 30-52) compared to 36 years (IQR 24-48)). Risk factors for HBV infection were age (≥35 years) (AOR = 1.83 [1.02-3.32]; p = 0.041), having no schooling (AOR = 4.14 [1.35-12.62]; p = 0.012) or only primary school-level (AOR = 4.88 [1.61-14.75]; p = 0.005), and multiple aggressors (AOR = 1.76 [1.09-2.84], p = 0.019). The prevalence of HIV was 4.3% [95% CI: 3.1-5.7%]. HIV/HBV co-infection occurred only in 5 individuals (0.5%). The HBV viral load was detectable (> 1 log10 UI/mL) in 61.8% of HBsAg-positive subjects and 64.8% HIV-positive subjects had a high viral load (≥ 3 log10 copies/mL). CONCLUSION:This study revealed a high prevalence of HBV and HIV infections among WSSV in South Kivu. The results generated highlight the urgent need for systematic screening of HBV and HIV by integrating fourth-generation ELISA tests in HIV and HBV control programs.

Background African swine fever virus (ASFV) and Porcine parvovirus (PPV) are highly contagious viral pathogens that can cause devastating diseases in the pig industry. The absence of studies on the coinfection of ASFV and PPV in North Kivu raises concerns, especially given the uncontrolled movement of pigs and pig products between North and South Kivu in neighbouring countries where both diseases have been reported in domestic and wild pigs. A multifaceted approach was carried out to identify putative pathogens and risk factors associated with the transmission and spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and PPV coinfections at pig farms in North Kivu province. Materials and methods A structured questionnaire was administered to collect risk factors associated with ASFV and PPV transmission dynamics, alongside 117 blood samples collected from domestic pigs and tested for the presence of ASFV and PPV using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The resulting PCR amplification products were sequenced using the standard Sanger sequencing method. Results and Discussion The results of Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that free-ranging system of pigs (OR = 3.64 95% CI: 1.076–12.92) is a major risk factor positively associated with ASFV and PPV3 infections (OR = 4.82, 95% CI: 1.06–20.86) at pig farms in North Kivu Province, eastern DRC. Free-ranging systems, where pigs roam outdoors, may increase the risk of exposure to infected vectors, wildlife reservoirs, or contaminated environments, thereby facilitating the spread of ASFV and PPV3. From thirteen PCR-positive pigs for ASFV (23.5%), four were co-infected with PPV. Phylogenetic analysis of ASFV p72 and p54 protein genes revealed that ASFV field isolates belong to genotype X whilst PPV clustered with porcine reproductive virus (PPV type 3). Owing to the transboundary nature of ASFV and PPV3 infections, viruses can easily spread across borders. This highlights the need for enhanced surveillance, early detection, and rapid response mechanisms to prevent and control the spread of these diseases regionally and internationally.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly contagious and fatal hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs, which poses a major threat to the swine industry worldwide. Studies have shown that indigenous African pigs tolerate ASFV infection better than European pigs. The porcine v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RelA) encoding a p65 kD protein, a major subunit of the NF-kB transcription factor, plays important roles in controlling both innate and adaptive immunity during infection with ASFV. In the present study, RelA genes from ASFV-surviving and symptomatic pigs were sequenced and found to contain polymorphisms revealing two discrete RelA amino acid sequences. One was found in the surviving pigs, and the other in symptomatic pigs. In total, 16 nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) resulting in codon changes were identified using bioinformatics software (SIFT and Polyphen v2) and web-based tools (MutPre and PredictSNP). Seven nsSNPs (P374-S, T448-S, P462-R, V464-P, Q478-H, L495-E, and P499-Q) were predicted to alter RelA protein function and stability, while 5 of these (P374-S, T448-S, P462-R, L495-E, and Q499-P) were predicted as disease-related SNPs.Additionally, the inflammatory cytokine levels of IFN-α, IL-10, and TNF-α at both the protein and the mRNA transcript levels were measured using ELISA and Real-Time PCR, respectively. The resulting data was used in correlation analysis to assess the association between cytokine levels and the RelA gene expression. Higher levels of IFN-α and detectable levels of IL-10 protein and RelA mRNA were observed in surviving pigs compared to healthy (non-infected). A positive correlation of IFN-α cytokine levels with RelA mRNA expression was also obtained. In conclusion, 7 polymorphic events in the coding region of the RelA gene may contribute to the tolerance of ASFV in pigs.

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a genetically predetermined intraocular malignant tumor, common in childhood, initiated by a mutation in the retnoblastoma gene (RB1), located on the long arm of chromosome13 (13q14). The lack of information on the genetics of RB in Bukavu motivated this study, with the aim of presenting the spectrum of mutations. Materials and methods This is an analytical cross-sectional study of 10 individuals, including 5 RB carrier children and 5 parents. Their deoxyrubonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted and 11 exons within the RB1 gene were amplified by Polymerase chain reaction, sequenced and analyzed by various bioinformatics tools. Result All the children had unilateral RB, diagnosed mostly at an age ≥2 years, male gender predominated, history of RB was absent in all subjects. A total of 11 of the 27 most frequently mutated exons that make up RB1 had been analyzed. The types of deleterious mutations found in exons 8 and 20 alone, in the 5 children and one parent, were of the following types: missense (26.6% vs. 16.7%), deletion (11.1% vs. 50%) and insertion (66.7% vs. 33.3%), generally associated with a frameshift and a splice site change. Disruption of protein synthesis was observed in all the children and in only one parent. Conclusion The deleterious genetic mutations identified by the study were known. The study suggested additional studies, integrating environmental factors that are currently believed to be involved in the occurrence of RB.

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a genetically predetermined intraocular malignant tumor, common in childhood, initiated by a mutation in the retnoblastoma gene (RB1), located on the long arm of chromosome13 (13q14). The lack of information on the genetics of RB in Bukavu motivated this study, with the aim of presenting the spectrum of mutations. Materials and methods This is an analytical cross-sectional study of 10 individuals, including 5 RB carrier children and 5 parents. Their deoxyrubonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted and 11 exons within the RB1 gene were amplified by Polymerase chain reaction, sequenced and analyzed by various bioinformatics tools. Result All the children had unilateral RB, diagnosed mostly at an age ≥2 years, male gender predominated, history of RB was absent in all subjects. A total of 11 of the 27 most frequently mutated exons that make up RB1 had been analyzed. The types of deleterious mutations found in exons 8 and 20 alone, in the 5 children and one parent, were of the following types: missense (26.6% vs. 16.7%), deletion (11.1% vs. 50%) and insertion (66.7% vs. 33.3%), generally associated with a frameshift and a splice site change. Disruption of protein synthesis was observed in all the children and in only one parent. Conclusion The deleterious genetic mutations identified by the study were known. The study suggested additional studies, integrating environmental factors that are currently believed to be involved in the occurrence of RB.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with clinical manifestation cases that are almost similar to those of common respiratory viral infections. This study determined the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and other acute respiratory viruses among patients with flu-like symptoms in Bukavu city, Democratic Republic of Congo. We screened 1352 individuals with flu-like illnesses seeking treatment in 10 health facilities. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were collected to detect SARS-CoV-2 using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and 10 common respiratory viruses were detected by multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. Overall, 13.9% (188/1352) of patients were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2. Influenza A 5.6% (56/1352) and Influenza B 0.9% (12/1352) were the most common respiratory viruses detected. Overall, more than two cases of the other acute respiratory viruses were detected. Frequently observed symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity were shivering (47.8%; OR = 1.8; CI: 0.88-1.35), cough (89.6%; OR = 6.5, CI: 2.16-28.2), and myalgia and dizziness (59.7%; OR = 2.7; CI: 1.36-5.85). Moreover, coinfection was observed in 12 (11.5%) specimens. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A were the most cooccurring infections, accounting for 33.3% of all positive cases. This study demonstrates cases of COVID-19 infections cooccurring with other acute respiratory infections in Bukavu city during the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19. Therefore, testing for respiratory viruses should be performed in all patients with flu-like symptoms for effective surveillance of the transmission patterns in the COVID-19 affected areas for optimal treatment and effective disease management.

Objectives: We used whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 to identify variants circulating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and obtain molecular information useful for diagnosis, improving treat-ment, and general pandemic control strategies. Methods: A total of 74 SARS-CoV-2 isolates were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore platforms. Generated reads were processed to obtain consensus genome sequences. Sequences with more than 80% genome coverage were used for variant calling, phylogenetic analysis, and classification using Pangolin lineage annotation nomenclature. Results: Phylogenetic analysis based on Pangolin classification clustered South Kivu sequences into seven lineages (A.23.1, B.1.1.6, B.1.214, B.1.617.2, B.1.351, C.16, and P.1). The Delta (B.1.617.2) variant was the most dominant and responsible for outbreaks during the third wave. Based on the Wuhan reference genome, 289 distinct mutations were detected, including 141 missenses, 123 synonymous, and 25 inser- tions/deletions when our isolates were mapped to the Wuhan reference strain. Most of these point mutations were located within the coding sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 genome that includes spike, ORF1ab, ORF3, and nucleocapsid protein genes. The most common mutation was D614G (1841A > G) observed in 61 sequences, followed by L4715L (14143 C > T) found in 60 sequences. Conclusion: Our findings highlight multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into South Kivu through different sources and subsequent circulation of variants in the province. These results emphasize the im- portance of timely monitoring of genetic variation and its effect on disease severity. This work set a foundation for the use of genomic surveillance as a tool for future global pandemic management and control. )

Background: In DR Congo, South Kivu is among the cities most affected by COVID-19 with its dense population and common mass movement. This study aimed to investigate the population behavior and practices during the spread period of Corona in South Kivu, East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Subjects dan Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken in South Kivu province and included 800 hundred individuals. The survey questionnaire was designed and comprised information on independent variables including socio-demographic and socioeconomic parameters, travel history of individuals, and person's history of COVID-19 comorbidity factors. These data were used to explain the dependent variable which was the population behavior and practices which was linked to the COVID-19 positivity or negativity. A rapid test of the COVID-19 antigen for people suspected of having cough and fever followed by RT-PCR tests was conducted. Statistical analyses were performed under R, version 3.5.1. Results: Results indicate three categories of people depending on their behavior and practices during the COVID-19. These include the negative group, those who contracted the disease and knew their serological status, and those who did not know their serological status. The behavior of these categories varied with age, education level, income, and their geographical location. Variable behaviors have been adopted, including lack of action, prayer, self-medication, lifestyle change, and change in feeding. Efforts to control the spread of the disease entailed two most commonly used barriers: wearing a mask (95%) and frequent hand washing (94%). In the COVID-19 infected category, type 1 individuals developed the most characteristic symptoms of COVID-19, mainly cough, asthenia, fever, and headache. Types 2 and 3 individuals were less likely to engage in any of the behaviors associated with COVID-19 because they have fewer comorbidities and have developed fewer of the symptoms characteristic of COVID-19. Conclusion: Education level and socioeconomic conditions are among the factors to be considered in pandemic control strategies. Keywords: Typology, SARS, comorbidity, population believe. Correspondence: Ayagirwe Rodrigue Basengere. Bioscience unit, Université Evangélique en Afrique. Bukavu, PO Box 3323, Democratic Republic of Congo. Email: rayagirwe@gmail.com. Mobile: +243979318796.

African swine fever (ASF) is a notifiable contagious disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), leading to a serious socio-economic impact, constraining pig industry, and affecting food security worldwide. This study aimed to detect and characterize ASFV strains from suspected infected domestic pigs in two South-Kivu province districts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A total of 155 pig samples were screened for viral DNA and sequencing at multiple loci. An infection rate of 5.2% (8/155) was recorded from a total of 155 blood samples with the highest ASFV infection rate of 8% for Uvira (6/75) and mostly in female pigs 5 (7.6%).Most ASF associated clinical signs were redness on the skin and snout at 49% (95% CI: 21 -34), followed by the unwillingness of pigs to stand at 29 % (95%, CI: 19 -35). Phylogenetic analysis of partial B646L (p72) and the full-length E183 (p54) gene sequences revealed the circulation of genotypes IX and X, which clustered with previously reported viruses in the same region, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Intragenotypic resolution of the CVR region clustered the viruses into two subgroups: the genotype X strain subgroup (10 repeats, AAAABNAABA) and the genotype IX strain subgroup (11 repeats, AAAAAAAAAAF). This finding provides additional evidence that genetically similar ASFV strains may be circulating within South Kivu province and highlights the need for improved coordination to prevent the spread of the disease in non-infected areas.

Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) is one of the major pathogens responsible for reproductive failure in sows. However, the information on its frequency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is largely unknown. Thus, the present study was carried out to detect and genetically characterize some of known Parvovirus namely porcine parvovirus 1, 2, 3, 4, porcine bocavirus (PBoV) 1, and porcine bocavirus-like virus (PBolikeV) in 80 randomly selected archive pig farm samples during an African swine fever (ASF) survey in South Kivu, eastern DRC by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The majority of animals analyzed (82.5%) were local breeds, and most of them (87.5%) were adults (above one year old). The majority of the animals (65%) were from the free range farms. The PCR result indicated that only PPV3 was detected in 14/80 pigs. Seven swine herds (8.7%) were co-infected with PPV3 and ASFV. Morever, a significantly high PPV3 infection rate was observed in the spleen (66.7%, P<0.0001) compared to the others type of samples. Further, the phylogenetic analysis of partial PPV3 sequences revealed one clade of PPV3 clustered with PPV3 isolates reported in a previous study in Cameroun, China, Slovakia, Germany, and China. This study is the first to report the detection of PPV in DRC. Further studies are needed to assess the levels of PPV3 viremia and the impact in co-infections with other endemic pig viruses, including ASFV.

Background African swine fever (ASF) is an infectious viral disease of domestic pigs that presents as a hemorrhagic fever, and for which no effective vaccine is available. The disease has a serious negative social and economic impact on pig keepers. There is limited information on the potential risk factors responsible for the spread of ASF in South Kivu. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the potential risk factors associated with ASF infection in suspected ASF virus (ASFV)-infected pigs. Methods We sampled whole blood from 391 pigs. Additionally, 300 pig farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Viral DNA was detected by using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. Results The majority of pigs sampled, 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.4-82.6), were of local breeds. Over half, 60.4% (95% CI, 55.5-65.2), were female, and most of them, 90.5% (95% CI, 87.6-93.4), were adult pigs (> 1 year old). Viral DNA was detected in 72 of the 391 sampled pigs, indicating an overall infection rate of 18.4% (95% CI, 14.5-22.4). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed several risk factors positively associated with ASFV infection: feeding with swill in pen (odds ratio [OR], 3.8; 95% CI, 2.12-6.77); mixed ages of pigs in the same pen (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.99-5.57); introduction of new animals to the farm (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.91-15.28). The risk factors that were negatively (protective) correlated with ASFV positivity were the presence of male animals and the use of an in-pen breeding system. Conclusion Local pig farmers should be encouraged to adopt proper husbandry and feeding practices in order to increase the number of ASF-free farms.

AIM:This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of calf fetal wastage and its economic implications at ELAKAT slaughterhouse, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to fill the research gap in relationship with this thematic. The study investigations took place from May to September 2018.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional survey was carried at the slaughterhouse. For each visit, the number of cattle slaughtered, the number of pregnant cows slaughtered, and gestational ages (stage of pregnancy of the dam, and estimated by crown-rump length) of the fetuses were recorded.RESULTS:Out of the 1035 cattle slaughtered during the study period, 970 were females. A total of 255 fetuses were recovered, representing a fetal recovery rate of 26.28%. The study established that one fetus was lost out of 4.5 cows slaughtered, and most of fetuses recovered (58.1%) were in the first trimester of gestation while 29.1% and 12.8% were, respectively, in the second and third trimester. Their age varied from 1.2 to 8.6 months, with body length ranging from 14 cm to 92 cm while their weight varied from 1.0 kg to 23.0 kg. The economic loss associated with the total cattle fetal wastages was estimated at Congo Democratic Francs (CDF) 29,906,400 ($15,787.5) with a monthly average of CDF 5,981,280 ($3,157.5).CONCLUSION:These results attested that slaughtering pregnant cows constitute a strong constraint on cattle industry development in DR Congo. Urgent measures, such as adequate enforcement of legislations on routine veterinary examinations at slaughterhouses as well as livestock owner's sensitization, are required to avoid selling pregnant cows during calving season.

Objectifs : Ce travail visait a evaluer la productivite des substrats disponibles localement ainsi que la composition chimique des asticots eleves sur ces substrats afin de proposer aux eleveurs du milieu les sources alternatives des proteines, peu concurrentielles avec l’homme. Methodologie et resultats : L’experience etait menee dans un hangar en bâche ouvert, de 11 m de long, 5 m de large et 2 m de hauteur au CRSN/Lwiro. Elle a porte sur 9 substrats dont 3 d’origine vegetale et 6 d’origine animale pour produire les asticots. Apres la capture manuelle des mouches sur differents substrats, l’identification a ete faite sur base leurs caracteres morphologiques au laboratoire d’entomologie du CRSN/Lwiro. Pour les parametres de production, 40 asticots par traitement ont ete preleves afin de determiner la taille moyenne des asticots. Quant a la composition chimique, les echantillons d’asticots ont ete seches a l'etuve a 70°C puis broyes et directement analyses pour determiner les teneurs en glucide, proteines brutes et en matieres grasses. Les resultats obtenus revelent la presence de trois familles de mouches : Calliphoridae, Muscidae et Sarcophagidae qui sont impliquees dans la ponte sur differents sous-produits utilises comme substrats. Il a ete aussi observe que les substrats d’origine animale sont les plus productifs en asticots par rapport a ceux d’origine vegetale y compris les crottes de chevres dont la production etait nulle (0,00756˂0,05). Quant a la composition chimique des larves, elle depend en majeur partie des substrats alimentaires sur lesquels elles sont produites, mais egalement de leur stade de developpement. Ainsi, les larves du 4e cycle de production sont plus riches en proteine, glucide et lipide que celles du 1re, 2e et 3e cycle. Conclusion et application des resultats : Enfin, les asticots de ces trois familles de mouches peuvent donc constituer les sources locales des proteines surtout a leur 4e cycle et ainsi reduire le cout exorbitant lie a la nutrition animale afin de combattre la concurrence alimentaire entre l’homme et les animaux. La valorisation des dechets produisant les asticots constitue aussi un moyen d’assainir les milieux et de lutter contre la pollution atmospherique.Mots cles : Asticots, substrats, productivite, composition chimique, RD Congo

African swine fever (ASF) is the most important disease constraining smallholder pig production in the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing high mortality in domestic pigs with severe impacts on the livelihoods of local populations. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of ASF and circulating virus genotypes in asymptomatic pigs raised on smallholder farms in the South Kivu province to understand the transmission dynamics of ASF and ultimately improving disease control. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 5 districts where 267 pig blood were screened for both antibody and viral genome using indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respectively. Additionally, amplicons from PCR positive samples were sequenced by Sanger method for genetic analysis of ASF virus (ASFV) based on the C-terminal region of the B646L gene that encodes the major capsid protein p72 and the gene E183L encoding the p54 protein. The overall seroprevalence obtained based on antibody to p30 protein was 37 % and was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in adult (>1 year) animals (44.7 %) than in younger (<1 year) ones (33.5 %). Moreover, the seropositivity varied significantly (P < 0.05) according to the pig husbandry system practiced within the districts investigated with Uvira (55 %) and Mwenga (42.2 %) having the highest ASFV antibodies, while the lowest (10.5 %) were in Kalehe. Free-range pigs exhibited a higher level of seropositivity to ASFV antibody (68.9 %) than pigs kept in the pigsty housing system (21.6 %). However, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed when sex of the animal and breed were factored. PCR detection of ASFV amplified a specific band of expected size (257 bp) in 61 out of 267 blood samples, confirming the presence of the viral DNA in 22.8 % of asymptomatic domestic pigs. Statistical analysis revealed that ASFV infection in domestic pigs varied significantly (p < 0.001) according to geographical location and breed, with the highest infection rate found in Walungu district (33.7 %) while the lowest was registered in Kalehe (15.8 %). Local pigs (27.2 %) were more infected than crosses (9.2 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of the p72 and p54 genes revealed that all the ASFV detected belonged to genotype IX, which has previously been reported in other parts of DR Congo, and was clustered together with isolates from Kenya, Uganda and Republic of Congo. This study avails the first evidence of the presence of ASF virus in domestic pigs in the absence of outbreaks in South Kivu province, eastern DR Congo, indicating a need to raise awareness among pig farmers and veterinary authorities on the application of biosecurity measures and good husbandry practices to control the disease.

Objectif : Cette étude a été menée envue de caractériser le système de production et de reproduction de la poule locale dans trois zones agro-écologiques du Sud-Kivu d’Avril jusqu’en Décembre, 2017. Méthodologie et résultats: Une enquête transversale a été menée à l’aide d’une interview auprès de 360 éleveurs répartis dans 3 zones agro-écologiques dont la haute, moyenne et basse altitude. Les principaux résultats trouvés indiquent que ces élevages sont gérés par les hommes, ayant un objectif tourné vers le marché (90,28%), comptent 24,38 poules qui sont élevés en divagation (94,17%) sans logement spécifique (81,11%). Les poules reçoivent une supplémentation alimentaire (65,28%) et un complément vitaminique (25,83%). La pseudopeste aviaire est la maladie la plus fréquente (89,72%), suite à l’absence de la vaccination (96,67%), les éleveurs recourent à la pharmacopée traditionnelle (77,5%). Chaque poule donne 13 œufs par cycle de ponte pour 2,96 cycles par an. 70,37% des œufs pondus sont incubés pour un taux d’éclosion de 84,50% et un taux de sevrage de 57,25%, intervenant à 2,52 mois après éclosion. Les épidémies et la prédation sont les principales contraintes auxquelles font face les éleveurs de la poule locale en plus du manque d’appuis par les services étatiques. Conclusion et application des résultats: Quoique cet élevage soit une activité secondaire et selon les techniques de production traditionnelle avec des faibles performances, il reste primordiale dans l’économie des familles rurales et mérite une attention particulière visant son amélioration. Une stabulation ainsi qu’une alimentation équilibrée permettraient d’accroitre la production et réduire les risques de perte des poules.Mots clés : Elevage, zones-agro écologiques, Contraintes, poule locale, Sud-Kivu.

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, highly infectious and fatal arboviral disease affecting both wild and domestic pigs causing a very high mortality rate that goes up to 100%. Up to date no vaccines are available to protect the animals against the disease. No study has been conducted to assess the presence of ASFV in imported slaughtered pigs in Bukavu city and very limited literature is available on ASF in the entire country of Democratic Republic of Congo. A cross sectional study was carried out in Muhanzi municipal abattoir of Bukavu city, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate the presence of antibodies against African swine fever virus (ASFV) and the viral genome in imported pigs for slaughtering. The commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent and the conventional polymerase chain reaction assays were used to screen both ASFV antibodies and viral genome respectively. In total 284 pigs were tested out of which 87.3% (248/284) were female adult of more than 1 year old. The majority of them (75.4% (214/284) were imported from Rwanda of which about 62.7% (178/284) of them presented clinical sign such as redness in the skin. Most of them (90.8%) were exotic breed. Out of 284 animals tested, ASFV antibodies were detected in 69 giving an overall seroprevalence of 24.2% from which pigs originated from Idjwi territory were more ASF seropositive (64.2%) compared to the one imported from Rwanda (11.2%). The seropositivity was found to be significantly associated with the breed (OR= 7.4, p<0.05), origin of animals (OR = 14.2, p<0.05) as well as all the observed clinical signs (p<0.05) except nasal discharges and abnormal liver (p>0.05). Additionally, 38 animals out of 284 tested (13.3%) were ASFV PCR positive with high infectivity rate (35.7%) when pigs slaughtered originated from Idjwi territory of the DRC were found to be more infected than the one imported from Rwanda (OR= 8.5, p<0.05). The ASFV PCR positivity was found to be significantly associated with age where young animals (<12 months old) were found to be more infected (OR= 3.6, p<0.05). Similarly, the local breeds were found to be significantly more infected when compared with exotic breed (OR-7.6; p<0.0001). Deliberate policy has to be implemented in order to prevent spread of the disease to pig farms within the region and for saving the pig industry from ASF devastation.

Background: Chikungunya is an emerging mosquito-borne viral illness of major public health concern and is becoming a common infection in many geographical areas of Tanzania. This study was carried out to determine the incidence of malaria and chikungunya infections among febrile patients seeking medical care in Karagwe district, Tanzania.Methods: Febrile patients were enrolled into the study at Nyakahanga district designated hospital and Kayanga heath centre in May and June 2015. Questionnaires were administered to collect clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of patients. All participants were tested for malaria using malarial rapid diagnostic test and those tested positive by mRDT were confirmed by microscopy. Both outpatients tested malaria positive and negative were further screened for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies for chikungunya using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: A total of 400 febrile patients were enrolled in the study. Out of 400 febrile outpatients tested for malaria, 116 (28.75%) tested positive with mRDT. Microscopy confirmed presence malaria parasites in 112 (96.55%) of the malaria RDT-positive. The overall seroprevalence of chikungunya infection was 24.25% (97/400). Out of those chikungunya seropositive subjects, 89 (91.75%) had no malaria. Co-infection rate of chikungunya and malaria was found to be 7.14% (8/112).Conclusions: Our findings confirmed the existence of chikungunya and malaria co-infection among febrile patients seeking health care in Karagwe district. Chikungunya should be considered in the differential diagnosis of malaria for appropriate case management and in order to monitor the public health burden and to inform possible preventative and control measures.

Introduction: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is an emerging mosquito-borne disease that has been associated with frequent epidemics in the world. However, there is a dearth of information on its magnitude and associated risk factors in Tanzania. Objective: A study was conducted to determine seroprevalence of CHIKV among febrile patients seeking medical care at health facilities in Karagwe, Sengerema, Kilombero and Kyela districts. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered and 728 serum samples were collected between May and June, 2015 and tested for the presence of CHIKV-IgM and IgG-specific antibodies using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results and discussion: The common clinical characteristics exhibited by outpatients were fever, headache and joint pains (100%, 70%, and 68.3% respectively). Out of 728 outpatients screened for CHIKV, 105 (14%) tested CHIKV IgG positive whilst 11 (1.5%) tested CHIKV IgM positive. Chikungunya seropositivity was significantly higher than previously reported in Tanzania. The most affected age group was 20–29 years. Our results indicate that CHIKV infection is prevalent and contributes to the burden of febrile illnesses in Tanzania. The seroprevalence varies between districts, reflecting variation in mosquito vector transmission dynamics in different parts of the country. Abbreviations: CHIKV: Chikungunya virus; EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IgG: Immunoglobulin G; IgM: Immunoglobulin M; NIMR: National Institute for Medical Research; RU: Relative Units; SACIDS: Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance; USA: United States of America

Objective: We aimed at determining the prevalence and characterizing the CaPV, determining the CaPV-PPRV coinfection prevalence and providing data about phylogenetic relationship between the fusion protein of PPRV and P32 gene of CaPV. Materials and methods: A total of 150 samples including animals swabs, tissues and blood were collected from unvaccinated goats in a PPR and/or Capripox outbreaks in South Kivu, Eastern of Democratic Republic of the Congo. Conventional PCR and reverse transcriptase (RT-PCR) were used respectively to amplify P32, RP030, GPCR genes of Capripox virus and Fusion (F) protein of PPRV. Positive samples were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Results: Out of 150 tested animals, 64.7% (n=97/150) were PPRV positive, 52.7% (n=79/150) were Capripox positive and 38.7% (n=58/150) were positive for both PPRV and CaPV. The pairwise comparison of P32 gene of CaPV and F gene of PPRV showed 99.75% of identity percentage among goatpox virus sequences, 96.95% among PPRV sequences and 47.91% between CaPV and PPRV sequences. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated high prevalence of CaP V-PPRV mixed infection in South Kivu. Lumpy skin virus disease (LSVD) is a lineage circulating which has a genetic relationship between its P32 gene and the F gene of PPRV giving the challenge to differentiate the two diseases at the clinical farm level.