Comparison of the structure and composition of bacterial communities from temperate and tropical freshwater ecosystems

We used a partial 16S rRNA sequencing approach to compare the structure and composition of the bacterial communities in three large, deep subalpine lakes in France with those of communities in six shallow tropical reservoirs in Burkina Faso. Despite the very different characteristics of these ecosystems, we found that their bacterial communities share the same composition in regard to the relative proportions of the different phyla, suggesting that freshwater environmental conditions lead to convergence in this composition. In the same way, we found no significant difference in the richness and diversity of the bacterial communities in France and Burkina Faso. We defined core and satellite operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (sequences sharing at least 98% identity) on the basis of their abundance and their geographical distribution. The core OTUs were found either ubiquitously or only in temperate or tropical and subtropical areas, and they contained more than 70% of all the sequences retrieved in this study. In contrast, satellite OTUs were characterized by having a more restricted geographical distribution and by lower abundance. Finally, the bacterial community composition of these freshwater ecosystems in France and Burkina Faso was markedly different, showing that the history of these ecosystems and regional environmental parameters have a greater impact on the relative abundances of the different OTUs in each bacterial community than the local environmental conditions.     

A study of genetic diversity among host-specific populations of the witchweedStriga hermonthica (Scrophulariaceae) in Africa

Striga hermonthica is a root hemiparasite that attacks onlyGramineae, includingSorghum and millet for which it is a principal cause of lowered yield. Enzyme electrophoresis was used to investigate genetic diversity inStriga hermonthica and to determine the level of differentiation between host-specialized populations. Nine genetic loci coding eight enzymes were interpreted and data obtained from three populations: oneSorghum-adapted population from Sudan and two populations from Burkina Faso, oneSorghum-adapted and the other millet-adapted. Levels of polymorphism were similarly high in all three populations (P=0.625, A=2.6–2.8, H=0.293–0.401). Genotypic frequencies at most loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations in each population, consistent with outcrossing as predicted from previous studies of floral biology. Occasional heterozygote deficiencies were probably the result of Wahlund effect. The mean value of F_ST over the three populations was 0.068, indicating a slight to moderate level of genetic differentiation among the populations. The two Burkina Faso populations were more closely related (S=0.940, D=0.006) than either was to the Sudan population, suggesting that geographic separation is more important than host specialization in contributing to population differentiation. TheSorghum-adapted population was slightly closer to the Burkina FasoSorghum-adapted population (S=0.873, D=0.047) than to Burkina Faso millet-adapted population (S=0.851, D=0.074). The absence of substantial genetic divergence between host-specific populations ofStriga could result either from recent evolution of host-specialized strains or from strong selection for physiological specialization in the face of substantial gene flow between the populations.     

Haemoglobin C and S role in acquired immunity against Plasmodium falciparum malaria

A recently proposed mechanism of protection for haemoglobin C (HbC; beta6Glu-->Lys) links an abnormal display of PfEMP1, an antigen involved in malaria pathogenesis, on the surface of HbC infected erythrocytes together with the observation of reduced cytoadhesion of parasitized erythrocytes and impaired rosetting in vitro. We investigated the impact of this hypothesis on the development of acquired immunity against Plasmodium falciparum variant surface antigens (VSA) encoding PfEMP1 in HbC in comparison with HbA and HbS carriers of Burkina Faso. We measured: i) total IgG against a single VSA, A4U, and against a panel of VSA from severe malaria cases in human sera from urban and rural areas of Burkina Faso of different haemoglobin genotypes (CC, AC, AS, SC, SS); ii) total IgG against recombinant proteins of P. falciparum asexual sporozoite, blood stage antigens, and parasite schizont extract; iii) total IgG against tetanus toxoid. Results showed that the reported abnormal cell-surface display of PfEMP1 on HbC infected erythrocytes observed in vitro is not associated to lower anti- PfEMP1 response in vivo. Higher immune response against the VSA panel and malaria antigens were observed in all adaptive genotypes containing at least one allelic variant HbC or HbS in the low transmission urban area whereas no differences were detected in the high transmission rural area. In both contexts the response against tetanus toxoid was not influenced by the beta-globin genotype. These findings suggest that both HbC and HbS affect the early development of naturally acquired immunity against malaria. The enhanced immune reactivity in both HbC and HbS carriers supports the hypothesis that the protection against malaria of these adaptive genotypes might be at least partially mediated by acquired immunity against malaria.     

Plasmodium falciparum: population genetic analysis by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and other molecular markers.

Abderrazak, S. B., Oury, B, Lal, A. A., Bosseno, M.-F., Force-Barge, P., Dujardin, J.-P., Fandeur, T., Molez, J.-F., Kjellberg, F., Ayala, F. J., and Tibayrenc, M. 1999. Plasmodium falciparum: Population genetic analysis by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and other molecular markers. Experimental Parasitology 92, 232-238. The population structure of Plasmodium falciparum, the agent of malignant malaria, is uncertain. We have analyzed multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) polymorphisms at 7-12 gene loci in each of four populations (two populations in Burkina Faso, one in Sudan, one in Congo), plus one "cosmopolitan" sample consisting of parasite cultures from 15 distant localities in four different continents. We have also performed random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis (RAPD) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and characterized gene varia tion at four antigen genes in the Congo population. All genetic assays show abundant genetic variability in all populations analyzed. With the isoenzyme assays, strong linkage disequilibrium is apparent in at least two local populations, the Congo population and one population from Burkina Faso, as well as in the cosmopolitan sample, and less definitely in the other Burkina Faso population. However, no linkage disequilibrium is detected in the Congo population with the molecular assays. We failed to detect any nonrandom association between the different kinds of genetic markers; that is, MLEE with RAPD or RFLP, RAPD with RFLP, and so on. Although isoenzyme data show statistical departures from panmictic expectations, these results suggest that in the areas under survey, P. falciparum populations do not undergo predominant clonal evolution and show no clear-cut subdivisions, un like Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania sp., and other major parasitic species. We discuss the epidemiological and taxonomical significance of these results.     

Circadian rhythm of photosensitivity and the adaptation of reproductive function to the environment in two populations of Arvicanthis niloticus from Mali and Burkina Faso.

Previous studies have shown that there is a circadian rhythm of photosensitivity in different rodent species of the Sahel (Burkina Faso) and that, despite the low amplitude of seasonal variations in daylength, the photoperiod may control reproductive function. The present investigation of Arvicanthis niloticus provides additional support for this hypothesis. Populations of Arvicanthis niloticus from two regions at the same latitude 1000 km apart but with different climates were studied. Oursi, Burkina Faso, has an arid climate (annual rainfall 315 mm) and Kamalé, Mali has a wetter climate (annual rainfall 1114 mm). The circadian rhythm of photosensitivity had the same features in both populations, involving inhibition of testicular activity, but the photosensitive phase began 11 h 30 min after dawn in the population from Burkina Faso and 45 min later in that from Mali. Comparison of these results with the annual variation of daylength showed that the photoperiod inhibits the reproductive activity of A. niloticus from April to December in Burkina Faso and only from mid-May to mid-August in Mali. The population of Arvicanthis niloticus living in an environment with a large and seasonally stable food supply (Mali) thus has a longer reproductive period. This corroborates results from field studies on annual variations of population density.     

APOBEC3G Variants and Protection against HIV-1 Infection in Burkina Faso

Studies on host factors, particularly the APOBEC3G gene, have previously found an association with AIDS progression in some populations and against some HIV-1 strains but not others. Our study had two main objectives: firstly, to screen a population from Burkina Faso for three variants of APOBEC3G previously described, and secondly to analyze the effect of these three variants and their haplotypes on HIV-1 infection with Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRFs) present in Burkina Faso. This case control study involved 708 seropositive and seronegative individuals. Genotyping was done by the TaqMan allelic discrimination method. Minor allele frequencies of rs6001417 (p<0.05), rs8177832 (P<0.05), and rs35228531 (P<0.001) were higher in seronegative subjects. The rs6001417 and rs8177832 SNPs were associated with HIV-1 infection in an additive model (P<0.01). Furthermore the SNP rs35228531 was also associated with HIV-1 infection in a dominant model (P<0.001). Odds ratio analysis of genotypes and alleles of the different APOBEC3G variants showed that there is a strong association between the minor genetic variants, genotype of the three SNPs, and HIV-1 status. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that rs6001417, rs8177832, and rs35228531 are in linkage disequilibrium. The haplotype GGT from the rs6001417, rs8177832 and rs35228531 respectively has a protective effect OR = 0.54 [0.43–0.68] with P<0.001. There was also associations between the haplotypes GGC OR = 1.6 [1.1;-2.3] P<0.05, and CGC OR = 5.21 [2.4–11.3] P<0.001, which increase the risk of infection by HIV-1 from almost two (2) to five (5) fold. This study demonstrates an association of rs6001417, rs8177832, and rs35228531 of APOBEC3G with HIV-1 infection in a population from Burkina Faso.     

Population structure, genetic diversity and host specificity of the parasitic weedStriga hermonthica (Scrophulariaceae) in Sahel

Seed proteins of individual plants from 14 populations ofStriga hermonthica growing on sorghum, millet, maize and wild grasses in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger were studied using gel electrophoresis in order to assess the population structure and genetic diversity of the parasitic weed. The relative intensity of the different bands within a pattern was used to depict the genotypic constitution of each sample. Genotypic frequencies conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations in 13 populations out of 14 for the two loci that were interpreted. Heterozygote deficiencies could be the result of the Wahlund effect. The genetic divergence between populations appears to be low for bothAdh andGot loci. Thus, the physiological specialization for a particular host could be a recent phenomenon. A low host specificity ofS. hermonthica populations could affect the efficiency of introducing new resistant cultivars as a control measure against the parasitic weed.     

Three years of insecticide resistance monitoring in Anopheles gambiae in Burkina Faso: resistance on the rise?

ABSTRACT: Background and methods A longitudinal Anopheles gambiae s.l. insecticide-resistance monitoring programme was established in four sentinel sites in Burkina Faso. For three years, between 2008 and 2010, WHO diagnostic dose assays were used to measure the prevalence of resistance to all the major classes of insecticides at the beginning and end of the malaria transmission season. Species identification and genotyping for target site mutations was also performed and the sporozoite rate in adults determined. RESULTS: At the onset of the study, resistance to DDT and pyrethroids was already prevalent in An. gambiae s.l. from the south-west of the country but mosquitoes from the two sites in central Burkina Faso were largely susceptible. Within three years, DDT and permethrin resistance was established in all four sites. Carbamate and organophosphate resistance remains relatively rare and largely confined to the south-western areas although a small number of bendiocarb survivors were found in all sites by the final round of monitoring. The ace-1R target site resistance allele was present in all localities and its frequency exceeded 20% in 2010 in two of the sites. The frequency of the 1014 F kdr mutation increased throughout the three years and by 2010, the frequency of 1014 F in all sites combined was 0.02 in Anopheles arabiensis, 0.56 in An. gambiae M form and 0.96 in An. gambiae S form. This frequency did not differ significantly between the sites. The 1014 S kdr allele was only found in An. arabiensis but its frequency increased significantly throughout the study (P = 0.0003) and in 2010 the 1014 S allele frequency was 0.08 in An. arabiensis. Maximum sporozoite rates (12%) were observed in Soumousso in 2009 and the difference between sites is significant for each year. CONCLUSION: Pyrethroid and DDT resistance is now established in An. gambiae s.l. throughout Burkina Faso. Results from diagnostic dose assays are highly variable within and between rounds of testing, and hence it is important that resistance monitoring is carried out on more than one occasion before decisions on insecticide procurement for vector control are made. The presence of 1014 S in An. gambiae s.l., in addition to 1014 F, is not unexpected given the recent report of 1014 S in Benin but highlights the importance of monitoring for both mutations throughout the continent. Future research must now focus on the impact that this resistance is having on malaria control in Burkina Faso.     

Identification and distribution of a GABA receptor mutation conferring dieldrin resistance in the malaria vector Anopheles funestus in Africa

Growing problems of pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles funestus have intensified efforts to identify alternative insecticides. Many agrochemicals target the GABA receptors, but cross-resistance from dieldrin resistance may preclude their introduction.Dieldrin resistance was detected in An. funestus populations from West (Burkina Faso) and central (Cameroon) Africa, but populations from East (Uganda) and Southern Africa (Mozambique and Malawi) were fully susceptible to this insecticide. Partial sequencing of the dieldrin target site, the ??-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, identified two amino acid substitutions, A296S and V327I. The A296S mutation has been associated with dieldrin resistance in other species. The V327I mutations was detected in the resistant sample from Burkina Faso and Cameroon and consistently associated with the A296S substitution. The full-length of the An. funestus GABA-receptor gene, amplified by RT-PCR, generated a sequence of 1674 bp encoding 557 amino acid of the protein in An. funestus with 98% similarity to that of Anopheles gambiae. Two diagnostic assays were developed to genotype the A296S mutation (pyrosequencing and PCR-RFLP), and use of these assays revealed high frequency of the resistant allele in Burkina Faso (60%) and Cameroon (82%), moderate level in Benin (16%) while low frequency or absence of the mutation was observed respectively in Uganda (7.5%) or 0% in Malawi and Mozambique.The distribution of the Rdl^R mutation in An. funestus populations in Africa suggests extensive barriers to gene flow between populations from different regions.     

Genes,diet and uric acid nephrolithiasis

Uric acid represent the final product of purine metabolism: one-third of daily uric acid production is excreted by the gastrointestinal tract and two-thirds by the kidney. A high uric acid excretion with urine, a low urine volume due to dehydration and an acidic urinary pH value have been suggested to be the most important risk factor for uric acid nephrolithiasis (UAN). Recently mutation analysis showed that a variant (Ala62Thr) in a specific protein isoform (Talanin) is associated with UAN. We found that this variant is rather common in the Sardinian (32%) and Sicilian populations (23%), that are Mediterranean islands, as well as in the Italian peninsula (27%). On the contrary, in Burkina Faso and in Benin, both sub-Saharan countries, mesoendemic regions for Plasmodium falciparum malaria and other parasite infections, a low incidence of this variant was found (1.1% and 1.2% respectively). In Burkina Faso and in Benin, the low incidence of Ala62Thr variant is associated with low presence of UAN and the major classes of stones reported are calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. These low frequencies for Ala62Thr predisposing to UAN in Burkina Faso and in Benin may represent the result of a selective mechanism where the arid conditions of territory and the characteristic alimentary habits of this part of Africa may represent an obstacle to the expansion of mutated allele.     

Rangewide population genetic structure of the African malaria vector Anopheles funestus

Anopheles funestus is a primary vector of malaria in Africa south of the Sahara. We assessed its rangewide population genetic structure based on samples from 11 countries, using 10 physically mapped microsatellite loci, two per autosome arm and the X (N = 548), and 834 bp of the mitochondrial ND5 gene (N = 470). On the basis of microsatellite allele frequencies, we found three subdivisions: eastern (coastal Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar), western (Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria and western Kenya), and central (Gabon, coastal Angola). A. funestus from the southwest of Uganda had affinities to all three subdivisions. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) corroborated this structure, although mtDNA gene trees showed less resolution. The eastern subdivision had significantly lower diversity, similar to the pattern found in the codistributed malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. This suggests that both species have responded to common geographic and/or climatic constraints. The western division showed signatures of population expansion encompassing Kenya west of the Rift Valley through Burkina Faso and Mali. This pattern also bears similarity to A. gambiae, and may reflect a common response to expanding human populations following the development of agriculture. Due to the presumed recent population expansion, the correlation between genetic and geographic distance was weak. Mitochondrial DNA revealed further cryptic subdivision in A. funestus, not detected in the nuclear genome. Mozambique and Madagascar samples contained two mtDNA lineages, designated clade I and clade II, that were separated by two fixed differences and an average of 2% divergence, which implies that they have evolved independently for approximately 1 million years. Clade I was found in all 11 locations, whereas clade II was sampled only on Madagascar and Mozambique. We suggest that the latter clade may represent mtDNA capture by A. funestus, resulting from historical gene flow either among previously isolated and divergent populations or with a related species.     

The relationships between the burden of adult parasites, host age and the microfilarial density in human onchocerciasis

We investigate the relationship between the microfilarial density in the skin and the burden of adult female Onchocerca volvulus by analysing pre-control nodulectomy data which allow for a direct approach, independent of exposure. The data of 169 patients in Burkina Faso and 182 patients in Liberia represent savannah and forest onchocerciasis in West Africa, respectively. Whereas in Burkina Faso, a saturating relationship between microfilarial density and worm burden suggests the operation of density-dependent processes within human hosts, the Liberian data show a linear relationship implying no density dependence. The differences may derive from differences between both parasite strains, i.e. the savannah or the forest strain of O. volvulus. Consistently for both parasite strains and independent of the worm burden, the microfilarial density increases with host age emphasising the concept of the acquisition of immunological tolerance. In male hosts in Liberia, the microfilarial density increases stronger with the worm burden than in female hosts, whereas such sex-specific differences cannot be found in Burkina Faso. In the methodological part of this investigation, we suggest the beta-distribution to be most appropriate for describing variability in microfilarial densities and we present an approach to consider the uncertainty in the adult parasite burden which cannot be determined precisely in helminth infections. Implications of density dependence are discussed with respect to immunological processes in the human host and with respect to the success of control programs. The relationships described show that regulatory processes between the parasite and the human host are multi-dimensional, operating within a high degree of biological variability.     

新疆维吾尔族四个STR位点遗传多态性分析

研究新疆维吾尔族人群D16S539、D13S317、D7S820和D5S818的STR基因位点的基因及基因型分布,获得4个基因座的群体遗传学数据。采用PCR扩增技术和基因扫描技术进行样本STR遗传结构分析,并与其他种族、人群的等位基因频率进行比较。结果表明4个基因位点在新疆维吾尔族人群中均具有遗传多态性。4个基因座的基因型分布均符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡定律（P＞0.05）,不同人群基因频率分布存在一定的差异,所得到的等位基因频率等数据可为遗传学研究、法医个体畜产品识别及亲子鉴定提供依据。     

Species abundance and insecticide resistance of Anopheles gambiae in selected areas of Ghana and Burkina Faso

The Ghanaian National Malaria Control Programme has prioritized insecticide-treated materials as a key strategy for malaria control. We report on a survey of the distribution of the molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) and insecticide resistance (the kdr mutation), carried out by sampling mosquitoes from 11 locations in Ghana and one additional site in Burkina Faso. The molecular M and S forms of An. gambiae were found to occur in sympatry in southern Ghana. The S form predominated throughout its distribution in the coastal savannah, except at one location in the strand and mangrove zone where rice was cultivated. The M form was the only form collected in northern Ghana and was the predominant form (97.5%) in Burkina Faso. No M/S hybrids were detected. The kdr mutation was observed at very high frequencies (98-100%) within the S form but reached a maximum of only 3.38% in the M form in one population at an irrigation scheme in the Ghanaian coastal savannah zone.     

Hemochromatosis gene variants in three different ethnic populations: effects of admixture for screening programs

Genetic testing for hemochromatosis may have important implications for diagnosis and screening of the disease. However, the relative importance of mutations in the gene for hereditary hemochromatosis, HFE, may vary among populations, when the mutant allele frequencies and their penetrance in a particular genetic and environmental background are taken into account. We present data on the allele and genotype frequencies and population structure of two HFE genetic variants in three different ethnic groups from a highly mixed urban population (S?o Paulo, Brazil). Allele frequencies for both the C282Y and H63D HFE mutations showed significant differences among the studied populations (for the C282Y mutation, Euro-Brazilian 3.7%, admixed 0.7%, Afro-Brazilian 0.5%; and for the H63D mutation, Euro-Brazilian 20.3%, admixed 13.0%, Afro-Brazilian 6.4). The data substantiate a European origin for these mutations. Furthermore, they provide a basis for a more rational strategic planning of population screening programs for the disease.     

Intraspecific variability in natural populations of Glossina palpalis gambiensis from West Africa, revealed by genetic and morphometric analyses

Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank (Diptera: Glossinidae) from West Africa (Senegal and Burkina Faso) were analysed for microsatellite DNA polymorphisms and size of the wings. In the overall sample a strong heterozygote deficiency was found at two polymorphic microsatellite loci. It led to a highly significant value of Fis (within-sample heterozygote deficit) in the western zone of Sideradougou area in Burkina Faso. Genetic differentiation was significant on a macrogeographic scale, i.e. between tsetse coming from Senegal and Burkina Faso. Wing measures also differed between these two countries; flies from Senegal appeared to be smaller. Microsatellite loci further allowed differentiation of populations of G. palpalis gambiensis trapped on the same hydrographic network a few kilometres apart. The results are interpreted as indicating that further investigations will allow the study of genetic variability of tsetse flies in relation to the dynamics of transmission of human and animal trypanosomoses.     

Parasitism of cowpea by Striga gesnerioides: variation in virulence and discovery of a new source of host resistance

In glasshouse experiments in the United Kingdom, Striga gesnerioides-resistant cowpea varieties, Suvita-2 and 58–57, were assessed alongside a susceptible variety for their responses to seventeen samples of S. gesnerioides from four West African countries. The susceptible variety was attacked by all samples, while Suvita-2 was resistant to samples from Burkina Faso and Mali, and 58–57 was resistant only to samples from Burkina Faso.
At least three physiological groups of the parasite can be distinguished: samples from Burkina Faso attacking the smallest range of cowpea varieties; those from Mali being intermediate; those from Niger and Nigeria attacking all the cowpea varieties. A sample from Cameroon behaved slightly differently and may represent a fourth type.
A cowpea line from Botswana, B.301, selected for its field resistance to Alectra vogelii proved resistant to all Striga populations to which it was exposed, including those from Niger and Cameroon.     

北京地区汉族群体D1S1612和D18S535基因座的遗传多态性

采用扩增片段长度多态性（Amp-FLP）分型技术,调查中国北京地区汉族群体D1S1612、D18S535 基因座的遗传多态性,获得等位基因频率分布。结果显示, D1S1612检出9个等位基因,25种基因型, D18S535检出9个等位基因,27种基因型。两个STR基因座的杂和度（H）分别为0.779、0.887;个人识别率（Dp）分别为0.901、0.927;非父排除率（PE）分别为0.564、0.770;多态信息容量（PIC）分别为0.723、0.796,卡方检验表明两个STR 基因座基因型频率分布符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡 (P>0.01 )。D1S1612和D18S535 基因座均属高杂合度、高识别能力的遗传标记,可用于法庭科学亲子鉴定和个人识别。 Abstract: To investigate the genetic polymorphism of D1S1612 and D18S535 in Han population of Beijing. Amp-FLP method was used. 9 alleles, 25 genotypes were observed for D1S1612 locus; and 9 alleles and 27 genotypes for D18S535 locus. All allele frequencies, heterozygosity (H), discrimination power (Dp), exclusion of paternity probability (PE) and polymorphism information content (PIC) were calculated. The allele distributions of the two loci were conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.01). According to the results obtained in this study, it is suggested that both D1S1612 and D18S535 are useful genetic markers for individual identification and paternity testing in forensic science practice as well for genetic study.     

THE CONTRIBUTION OF SUB‐SAHARAN AFRICAN STRAINS TO THE PHYLOGENY OF CYANOBACTERIA: FOCUSING ON THE NOSTOCACEAE (NOSTOCALES,CYANOBACTERIA)1

To date, phylogenies have been based on known gene sequences accessible at GenBank, and the absence of many cyanobacterial lineages from collections and sequence databases has hampered their classification. Investigating new biotopes to isolate more genera and species is one way to enrich strain collections and subsequently enhance gene sequence databases. A polyphasic approach is another way of improving our understanding of the details of cyanobacterial classification. In this work, we have studied phylogenetic relationships in strains isolated from freshwater bodies in Senegal and Burkina Faso to complement existing morphological and genetic databases. By comparing 16S rDNA sequences of African strains to those of other cyanobacteria lineages, we placed them in the cyanobacterial phylogeny and confirmed their genus membership. We then focused on the Nostocaceae family by concatenated analysis of four genes (16S rDNA, hetR, nifH, and rpoC1 genes) to characterize relationships among Anabaena morphospecies, in particular, Anabaena sphaerica var. tenuis G. S. West. Using a polyphasic approach to the Nostocaceae family, we demonstrate that A. sphaerica var. tenuis is more closely related to Cylindrospermospsis/Raphidiopsis than to other planktonic Anabaena/Aphanizomenon. On the basis of phylogeny and morphological data, we propose that these three significantly different clusters should be assigned to three genera.     

Reference Ranges of Cholesterol Sub-Fractions in Random Healthy Adults in Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, the values that serve as clinical chemistry reference ranges are those provided by European manufacturers’ insert sheets based on reference of the Western population. However, studies conducted so far in some African countries reported significant differences in normal laboratory ranges compared with those of the industrialized world. The aim of this study was to determine reference values of cholesterol fractions in apparently normal adults in Burkina Faso that could be used to better assess the risks related to cardiovascular diseases. Study population was 279 healthy subjects aged from 15 to 50 years including 139 men and 140 women recruited at the Regional Center of Blood Transfusion of Ouagadougou, capital city of Burkina Faso (West Africa). Exclusion criteria based on history and clinical examination were used for defining reference individuals. The dual-step precipitation of HDL cholesterol sub-fractions using dextran sulfate was performed according to the procedure described by Hirano. The medians were calculated and reference values were determined at 2.5^th and 97.5^th percentiles. The median and upper ranges for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total HDL cholesterol and HDL2 cholesterol were observed to be higher in women in comparison to men (p <0.05). These reference ranges were similar to those derived from other African countries but lower than those recorded in France and in USA. This underscores the need for such comprehensible establishment of reference values for limited resources countries. Our study provides the first cholesterol sub-fractions (HDL2 and HDL3) reference ranges for interpretation of laboratory results for cardiovascular risk management in Burkina Faso.