ABSTRACT
Introduction: Candidemia is a bloodstream fungal infection caused by Candida species, whether albicans or non-albicans. The aim of this article is to determine the epidemiological profile and spectrum of candidiasis. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted over a period of 3 years and 5 months, from February 2021 to July 2024, using computerized data from the parasitology-mycology laboratory of CHU Med VI. The study included 80 positive fungal blood cultures for Candida, submitted for mycological analysis, from hospitalized patients who underwent fungal blood culture. Results: Among the 80 fungal blood cultures recorded for candidemia, C. tropicalis was the most frequently isolated species in 35% of cases, followed by Candida parapsilosis (30%), Candida albicans (17.5%), Candida glabrata (10%), Candida krusei (5%), and Candida famata (2.5%). (Figure 1). The proportion of C. albicans versus non-albicans Candida was 17.5% vs 82.5%. Conclusion: Non-albicans Candida species are increasingly frequent, with the emergence of new species. Their varying susceptibility to antifungal agents makes species identification essential for patient management.

ABSTRACT
Dengue fever is a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, including Bangladesh, where it poses a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to its high incidence and potential complications. To assess the association between dengue severity and liver function in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This observational study included 130 dengue patients admitted between July and December 2023. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, dengue severity classification, and liver function tests (ALT, AST) were recorded. Statistical analyses, including chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, were performed to evaluate the association between dengue severity and hepatitis, with significance set at p < 0.05. The majority of patients were aged 21–30 years (40.0%) and 10–20 years (22.3%). Fever was present in all cases, with abdominal pain (46.2%), vomiting (47.7%), and diarrhea (44.6%) being common. Dengue with warning signs was the most frequent diagnosis (69.2%), followed by severe dengue (16.9%) and dengue without warning signs (13.8%). Elevated SGOT and SGPT levels were observed in 67.7% and 56.2% of patients, respectively. A significant association was found between dengue severity and elevated liver enzymes (p < 0.001). Dengue severity is strongly associated with elevated liver enzymes, suggesting a link between dengue infection and hepatitis. These findings highlight the importance of routine liver function monitoring in dengue patients for early detection and management of hepatic complications.

ABSTRACT
Cattle rearing, one of the main activities of the people of the North Cameroon Region, is limited by cryptosporidiosis, gastrointestinal disease of calves. A study was carried out in 458 calves from the North Cameroon Region during the period August 2022 to January 2023 to determine its prevalence, distribution, and risk factors. A total of 217/458 faecal samples were positive, giving an overall prevalence of 44.56%. This prevalence was significantly higher in the rainy season (59.18%) (p<0.001), and on diarrheic animals (51.44%) (p<0.001). The prevalence of infection is significantly higher in calves aged < 3 (69.28%) (p<0.001), on calves of semi-intensive (55.15%) and intensive (31.25%) farms (p<0.001). The prevalence varied significantly between 35.51% in Mayo-Rey and 53.84% in Mayo-Louti (p<0.05), and between 37.68% in calves from NEC= [3; 5] and 64.28% in those from BCN= [0; 1] (p<0.01). According to risk of infection, calves aged <3 months and 3-6 months were respectively 11.69 and 3.19 at risk to be infected (OR=11.694; p<0.001; OR=3.193; p<0.001 respectively). At the same time, the risk of infection is higher on diarrheic calves (OR=4.43; p<0.001), in the rainy season (OR=4.298; p<0.001), on calves of BCN= [0; 1] (OR=2.76; p<0.05), in the intensive system (OR=0.499; p<0.05). Cryptosporidiosis is present and very distributed among calves of this region. The disease could be a major animal and human health problem considering his impact and the zoonotic oocyst capacity of transmission.

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now recognized as one of the most serious global threats to human health in the 21st century. This study is set out to investigate the resistance pattern of Enterobacterales from clinical isolates in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Three hundred and twenty isolates of Enterobacterales were isolated from different clinical samples and identified using the Analytical Profile Index 20E. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and the antibiotics tested include Augmentin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, Penicillin G, Amikacin, Meropenem, Cotrimoxazole and Gentamicin. Classification into multi drug resistance (MDR), Extensive drug resistance (XDR) and Pan drug resistance (PDR) was done using the international expert proposal for interim standard definitions for acquired resistance. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences v23. Escherichia coli 165 (51.6%) was the most often isolated bacterium, followed in that other by Klebsiella pneumoniae 93 (29.1%). The highest level of resistance was observed in Co-trimoxazole 278 (86.9%), while the least was observed in Meropenem 49 (15.3%). Amikacin 92 (28.7%), Augmentin 178 (55.6%), Ceftriaxone 164 (51.4%), Ceftazidime 187 (58.4%), Gentamicin 192 (60.0%), Cefepime 113 (35.3%), Ciprofloxacin 120 (43.8%), and Penicillin G 278 (86.9%). Multi drug, Extensive drug and Pan drug resistance accounts for 80.3%, 11.9% and 4.0% respectively. The prevalence of the quinolone resistance gene was found to be 5.3%. This study addressed some key knowledge gaps as pertains to antibiotic sensitivity and resistance patterns in our region, making a significant contribution towards filling the global resistance map.

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The Southern United States remains disproportionately burdened by HIV, with persistently high diagnosis rates, elevated community viral loads, and severe disparities in clinical trial participation among minority populations. This comparative study analyzes case studies from five Southern metropolitan statistical areas alongside literature on structural inequities and clinical research exclusion. Findings reveal that despite community strengths—such as faith-based institutions and dedicated local healthcare providers—systemic barriers, including outdated federal funding formulas, policy inertia, and persistent medical mistrust, undermine HIV care and research equity in the region. Elevated community viral load levels in segregated and rural Southern communities correlate with healthcare inaccessibility, poverty concentration, and stigma. Additionally, Southern minority populations are grossly underrepresented in HIV clinical trials, with participation rates falling far below their epidemiological burden. This exclusion jeopardizes both the scientific validity of research outcomes and equitable access to emerging biomedical interventions. The study recommends realigning federal resource allocation, expanding decentralized care and research infrastructures, integrating culturally competent recruitment strategies, and leveraging community-based participatory research models. Without regionally tailored interventions that address the structural and sociocultural realities of the South, national efforts to end the HIV epidemic will continue to falter.

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Background: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium infection that is a risk factor for Peptic Ulcer Disease, and affected individuals remain asymptomatic until they present with complications. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among patients with Peptic Ulcer Disease undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional analytical Hospital-based study where a quantitative approach was used. A total of 149 patients with a Peptic Ulcer Disease with the age of ≥ of 18years were recruited at Benjamin Mkapa Tertiary and Teaching Hospital between February and April 2020. Demographic and clinical characteristics were captured by using a standard questionnaire. The patients’ association characteristics were tested by using the X2 with the corresponding p-value and risk factors measured by logistic regression, a p-value of<0.05 considered significant for the study at a 95%CI. Helicobacter pylori infection was detected using a monoclonal antigen test. Results: The overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the study was 49.66 %. H. pylori infection was associated with age ≥60years (AOR=5.46, 95%CI (1.77-16.86) p-value=0.0032), Use of unsafe drinking water (AOR=2.51, 95%CI (1.11-6.22) p-value 0.0255). NSAID user (AOR=3.16, 95%CI (1.10-9.11) p-value 0.0330). Relatives with PUD (AOR=2.46, 95%CI (1.08-5.62) p-value 0.0323). Conclusion: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was found to be relatively high in this study. Helicobacter pylori infection was significantly associated with an increase in age, low level of education, unsafe water, Relatives with PUD, and the use of NSAIDS.

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Background & Objective: Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is closely linked to poverty and environmental factors. Populations who are highly exposed to the fresh water of Cayo Lake on a daily basis are likely to sustain the transmission of the disease. It is therefore necessary to investigate their frequencies in order to combat the perpetuation of schistosomiasis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in August 2024 around Lac Cayo, among the inhabitants of Sandza and Tchianda in the urban community of TChiamba Nzassi in Pointe Noire. Schistosoma haematobium was systematically tested in urine samples. Results: This study revealed a 13.6% prevalence of bilharziasis among the 110 individuals tested. The frequency of Schistosomiasis in SANDZA was 05(11.10%) positive out of 45 screened, and 10(15.40%) positive out of 65 screened in Tchianda. Conclusion: Populations living along the shores of Lac Cayo are exposed to and maintain Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium.