ABSTRACT
Cystic Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection with a worldwide distribution. Even in endemic areas, including Morocco, cardiac involvement by hydatidosis is very rare but remains serious due to its life-threatening complications. We report a rare case involving a 21-year-old Moroccan man, residing in a rural area, with no previous medical history, who presented to the emergency department with pain in the right hypochondrium. CT-scan and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a cystic mass in the interventricular septum, with the radiological description suggesting the potential presence of hydatidosis. Additionally, two hepatic cystic lesions were concomitantly identified. The imaging-based diagnosis of the hydatid cysts was supported by positive hydatid serology using both techniques: ELISA and Western blot. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgery for resection of the cardiac cyst. Parasitological examination of the surgical samples confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.

ABSTRACT
The pandemic coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 in the world has caused a large infected population suffering from COVID‐19. To curb the spreading of the virus, WHO urgently demanded an extension of screening and testing; thus, a rapid and simple diagnostic method is needed which is non-invasive. Use of self-collected saliva can minimize healthcare worker exposure and expand testing capabilities for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The main aim of this study was to document the ability of patients to self-collect sufficient saliva specimens for SARS-CoV-2 in the quantitative detection by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in asymptomatic patients by themselves under observation by a healthcare provider. The researcher recorded whether the patients were confident and the suitability of the specimen for laboratory testing that would inform clinical decision making. Seventy-one patients aged from 13 years and above were included between December 2020 and July, 2021. Saliva samples and Nasopharyngeal samples were taken from each patient. Quantitative PCR was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the nasopharyngeal samples and qualitative Reverse Transcriptase Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was used to detect the presence of the virus in saliva samples. Results of saliva vs. nasopharyngeal samples testing using the two different methods were compared. Statistical analyses were performed. Out of the 350 samples tested, 314 samples were found to be Covid 19 positive. Result of the test was validated by the RT-PCR test. This showed that only 314 samples were tested both by saliva rapid test and PCR test while the rest 36 samples were not tested using RT-PCR method but were tested using saliva test. Thus, the salivary test based on pure oral saliva samples easily obtained by noninvasive techniques using RT-LAMP has the same agreement with the nasopharyngeal technique using RT-PCR one in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.

ABSTRACT
Background: Frequent hand washing with soap and antiseptics is vital to prevent the spread of infectious agents, but can also result in chronic skin dermatitis. This could change the skin's normal flora, leading to infectious pathogens colonization. Thus, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which may be less irritating to the skin, and improve hygiene. Objective: The study aimed to produce alcohol-based hand sanitizers following WHO guidelines, and quantify the effects of temperature on their potency and concentrations after exposure to different environmental conditions. Method: The WHO guidelines for the production of hand sanitizer formulation were carefully followed; Ethanol (96%) was diluted to 70%, Carbomer and valina with banana flavor were used as thickening and fragrance agent receptivity. Twenty (20) products (250 mL each) selected at random were grouped into four categories – 10 bottles were subjected to Room Temperature (at 25-28°C); 5 samples with lids (unexposed) and 5 without lids (exposed), respectively while the other 10 samples were stored in the car (at 28 - 38°C); 5 samples with lids (unexposed), and 5 samples without lids (exposed), respectively. The alcohol concentration was quantified respectively with the aid of the alcohol meter daily, up to a period of 30 days (one month), and was properly recorded. Results There were significant statistical differences in the exposed hand sanitizer preparations compared to the standard at p-value ≤ 0.05. Reduction of ethanol concentration was observed from 70 - 53% of the exposed preparation. Also, for the ones exposed and unexposed in the car, the ethanol concentration dropped from 70 - 68% of the well-corked product while there was an alcohol content reduction from 70 - 41% of the exposed product in the car. Conclusion: Temperature conditions directly affect the concentration, potency, and efficacy of hand sanitizer preparations.

ABSTRACT
Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Human contamination occurs mainly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. The diagnosis of human scabies in case of co-morbidity with another chronic skin disease could be a real challenge. Here, we report an unusual and rare case of co-morbidity of crusted scabies with systemic lupus erythematosus in resource-limited setting treated successfully with a combination of medical treatments with lifestyle and dietary measures. This case also showed the diagnostic and management challenges in a setting where the health system presents some weaknesses.

ABSTRACT
Fungal surgical site infections (SSIs) trend to increase in the recent decades. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of fungal SSIs, and the time of occurrence of fungal SSIs at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital (SSUHC) in Burkina Faso. This study was carried out in two departments of the SSUHC. Samples of postoperative purulent secretions were collected from June to December 2019. Purulent secretions swabs at the surgical site were aseptically collected using sterile cotton swabs. Standard mycology, CHROMagar, agglutination latex test and immunological test were used to identify the different Candida species. A total of 39 postoperative patients were included in the study. The median age was 27 years and the majority of patients were women (74.4%). The probability of isolating fungal agents from the surgical site was 2.6% three days after surgery. This probability was 14.4% and 49.5% at one week and 12 days after the surgical intervention, respectively. A total of 8 (20.51%) fungal species, all belonging to the genus Candida were identified in the study. These species were Candida albicans (3), Nakaseomyces glabrata (2), Candida tropicalis (2) and Pichia kudriavzevii (1). This study showed that Candida spp. could be the cause of the occurrence of SSIs at the SSUHC in Burkina Faso. So, physician must integrate the fungal causes in the management of SSIs.

ABSTRACT
Strongyloidiasis is a soil-borne disease caused by nematodes of the genus Strongyloides. The species most relevant to human health is S. stercoralis. The infection can persist for life if left untreated and occurs in various clinical forms, from asymptomatic to death. It mainly affects tropical and subtropical regions, with an estimated 370 million people affected worldwide, including Mexico. The life cycle of this parasite is complex, with free-living and parasitic stages. Infective filariform larvae penetrate intact skin, reach the lungs and are swallowed, developing in the intestine. Diagnosis is challenging and is based on the detection of larvae in biological samples, as well as serological and molecular tests. The main treatment is ivermectin, effective against adult forms, but multiple rounds may be necessary due to the autoinfectious cycle. Immunocompromised people are more susceptible to severe and disseminated infections. The lack of awareness and resources in endemic areas makes timely diagnosis and treatment difficult. Strongyloidiasis is a neglected disease, receiving less attention and funding for research and treatment development. To address it, efforts are required in education, improvement of the health infrastructure, research and prevention strategies.

ABSTRACT
Background: Malaria is common in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia, where it results in millions of mortalities per year. Resistance to currently available antimalarials further compounds the problem. Drug combination has been demonstrated to be effective in overcoming resistance to antimalarials. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the combination of Artemether/Lumefantrine (AL) and Doxycycline (DX) against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice. Methods: Thirty Adult Swiss albino mice were inoculated with the chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive P. berghei NK65 strain. The curative test involved oral administration of any of DX, AL, AL/DX, or Chloroquine (CQ) to mice with established infections, while the suppressive test was performed by treating mice shortly after parasite inoculation. Parasitemia levels were monitored using thin smears stained with Giemsa solution. Mean Survival Time (MST) was determined for each group. Results: In the curative test, DX, AL, and AL/DX exhibited parasitemia inhibitions of 81.4%, 94.5%, and 93.2%, respectively, while CQ achieved 93.5% inhibition. MST was significantly extended by DX, AL, and AL/DX treatments compared to negative control (NC). In the suppressive test, parasitemia inhibitions were 79.9%, 96.1%, 95.5%, and 94.9% for DX, AL, AL/DX, and CQ, respectively. The administration of DX, AL, and AL/DX also significantly prolonged MST compared to NC. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the drug combination, particularly AL/DX, exhibits significant antimalarial effects in both curative and suppressive tests. The combination treatments led to substantial reductions in parasitemia levels and extended mean survival time, indicating their potential as effective antimalarial strategies. These findings highlight the promising role of drug combinations in addressing malaria infections and suggest avenues for further investigation and development of combination therapies.