Accelerated socio-economic and demographic changes have led to the transformation of eating habits in sub-Saharan African cities including Dakar, Senegal. The result is the proliferation of informal fast-food establishments, such as the ‘dibiteries’ serving braised sheep meat. However, owing to poor hygiene practices, consumption of dibiterie meat poses a public health concern. It was unclear how the dibiterie meat quality and safety were perceived among customers who define their own purchasing social norms. A total of 165 meat consumers were randomly selected and interviewed, from 165 dibiteries sampled by convenience in the Dakar region using a structured questionnaire. Results showed that purchase decisions were guided by trust in the salesperson’s expertise, the taste of the product, perceived risk of meat contamination, tenderness, price, the nutritional value, the smell and the colour and freshness of the meat. The perceived quality and safety of dibiterie meat was expressed by the ‘organoleptic quality’, ‘environment and service’ and ‘price and trust of the product’s safety’ factors. The majority of consumers (61%) were ‘less concerned’ about the safety of dibiterie meat, and the acceptable price range of the product was between $5.08 and $7.62. As this food product is gaining popularity in Dakar and the majority of our participating consumers do not show high levels of concern, we suggest stricter standards.
20 April 2021 in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
Brucellosis is regarded as one of the highest burden zoonotic diseases to persist in many regions globally. While sustained vaccination against B. abortus in an endemic setting can markedly reduce the prevalence of large ruminant and human brucellosis and benefit local livelihoods, the implementation of effective and sustainable control programmes has often failed in the worst affected areas. In a cross‐sectional study of 728 peri‐urban dairy farmers in nine areas of six West and Central African countries, levels of commercialisation and farm characteristics were examined alongside B.abortus seroprevalence estimates to hypothesise the most appropriate model for brucellosis vaccination delivery in each country. Demographic and economic data were collated and used to describe the farming systems currently in place. Furthermore, these data were utilised in a likelihood assessment to generate a quantitative score to hypothesise which of three Private‐Public Partnership (PPP) vaccine delivery models, i.e. Transformative, Transactional or Collaborative, would be most appropriate in each setting. The study sites had substantial differences in their levels of dairy commercialisation and the farming practices employed, the heterogeneity across the study sites was evident in the conclusions of which models would be appropriate for vaccination delivery. While Lomé (Togo) had a strong indication for a Transformative PPP model, Burkina Faso had strong indication for the Collaborative PPP model. Of the remaining study sites the scores were less dominant for any one model with Cameroon and Ivory Coast sites only just scoring highest on the Transformative model and Senegal and Mali sites only just scoring highest on the Collaborative model. Interestingly none of the countries included in the study scored highest on the Transactional model which currently is the most commonplace delivery model in the majority of Sub‐Saharan countries.
Toxoplasmosis is a widely distributed zoonosis caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Infection during pregnancy is a major public health concern due to its potential impact on both maternal health and fetal development. Early detection of maternal infection is critical to prevent adverse outcomes; however, maternal signs are often subtle, non-specific or absent, complicating timely diagnosis. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise existing evidence on early maternal signs, pregnancy and foetal outcomes, frequently assessed risk factors, and diagnostic approaches of toxoplasmosis in expectant mothers in Africa. The review was done in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar was performed to identify studies published between 2000 and 2025. Retrieved records were managed using Zotero (version 8.0.4) for deduplication and screening. Only English-language studies conducted in Africa and reporting relevant maternal or clinical data were included. A total of 28 cross-sectional studies were included. Lymphadenopathy (25.0%) was the most frequently reported maternal early sign, followed by flu-like illness, asymptomatic infection, low-grade or mild fever, and fatigue or malaise (each 10.7%). Congenital anomalies (50.0%) and miscarriage or spontaneous abortion (42.9%) were the most commonly reported foetal and pregnancy outcomes. Frequently reported risk factors were exposure to cat faeces (57.1%) and ingestion of undercooked or raw meat (42.9%). Diagnostic approaches were commonly enzyme-based immunoassays (78.6%), with limited use of RDTs and molecular methods. These findings suggest the need for improved early detection and prevention strategies in high-risk, low-resource African settings. Enhancing routine screening, health education, and access to appropriate diagnostics are considered. Future studies should consider adopting standardised reporting and integrating sensitive, affordable, rapid diagnostic approaches to enhance early detection and reduce the burden of congenital toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, a zoonosis of global importance, seriously affecting foetuses congenitally infected by their mother. Although early detection is important to prevent adverse fetal outcomes, maternal infections are frequently asymptomatic or present with mild, nonspecific signs. The present systematic review sought to synthesize evidence on early signs, risk factors, and diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. The study was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2025. The articles were exported to Zotero, citation management software. Duplicate articles were merged; those not published in English and lacking reference materials were excluded. After secondary screenings, 31 out of 407 articles met the inclusion criteria. Major maternal signs were lymphadenopathy (19.4%) and flu-like symptoms (19.4%), while major foetal effects were congenital anomalies (25.8%) and miscarriage (22.6%). Associated risk factors were contact with cat faeces and contaminated soil, consumption of undercooked or raw meat, raw vegetables, and contaminated water. Diagnosis was mainly by ELISA (65.5%). Therefore, routine screening awareness campaigns and timely diagnosis are recommended to safeguard maternal and fetal health in high-risk regions with limited diagnostic resources.
1 November 2025 in [RASPA] Revue africaine de santé et de productions animales
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of African swine fever and risk factors in Bangui and Bobassa. For this, a survey was carried out among 50 pig breeders and 250 samples were collected and analyzed by PCR test at Institut Pasteur in Bangui. It emerged from the study that breedings were mostly managed by man and used mainly traditional breed. The average number of pigs per breeding was 23 pigs. Sick pigs are isolated in 48% of breedings. Cases of unexplained deaths in breeding are frequent. To get rid to corpses of sick animals, 16% of breeders claim to use them in feeding pigs. Breeders are more familiar with the clinical signs of ASF. Slightly more than half (56%) of the breeders report having ASF cases, and observed characteristic symptoms. Our study revealed an apparent prevalence of 16% (IC = [11.7% -21.1%]) and an actual prevalence of 13.47% (IC = [9.4% -18.3%]). The main risk factors for ASF are presence of older pigs on breedings and especially lack of hygiene. Cette étude avait pour but d’estimer la prévalence de la Peste Porcine Africaine et les facteurs de risque chez les porcs à Bangui et Bobassa. Pour cela, une enquête a été faite auprès de 50 éleveurs de porcs et 250 prélèvements ont été récoltés et analysés par le test de PCR conventionnelle à l’Institut Pasteur de Bangui. Il ressort de l’étude que les élevages sont gérés surtout par des hommes et utilisent principalement les porcs de race locale et des bâtiments traditionnel. L’effectif moyen par élevage est de 23 porcs. Les porcs malades seraient isolés que dans 48% des élevages. Les cas de morts inexpliqués dans les élevages sont fréquents. Pour se débarrasser des cadavres d’animaux malades, 16% des éleveurs affirment les utiliser dans l’alimentation des porcs. Les éleveurs connaissent plutôt bien les signes cliniques de la PPA. Un peu plus de la moitié (56%) des éleveurs déclarent avoir eu des cas de PPA, et observé des symptômes caractéristiques de cette pathologie. Notre étude a révélé une prévalence apparente de 16% (IC = [11,7% - 21,1%]) et une prévalence réelle de 13,47% (IC = [9,4% -18,3%]). Les principaux facteurs de risques de la PPA sont la présence des porcs âgés dans les exploitations et surtout le manque d’hygiène.
Original paper highlighting the role and impact can play in the control of vector-borne diseases, particularly for mosquitoes in Indonesia. In this paper, the author emphasizes the fact that One Health, in addition to animal, human, and environmental...