Médecine et santé tropicales
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The incidence of tuberculosis is high in Africa. It is treated with medications that can trigger neuropathic pain and thus negatively affect patients' quality of life and treatment compliance. The aim of this study was to investigate neuropathic pain due to antituberculosis drugs in patients without HIV infection. ⋯ Neuropathic pain occurs independently of age, sex or the specific antituberculosis regimen, as long as it includes isoniazid. Stopping or modifying the treatment regimen is not necessary. In our context, in view of the difficulties in identifying slow acetylators, the routine addition of vitamin B6 to all treatment protocols should be discussed.
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Group A meningococci are primarily responsible for the epidemic meningococcal diseases in the countries of the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa. In 1995-1996 major epidemics (>200 000 cases) impeded effective management and ultimately resulted in many improvements. ⋯ In 2010, preventive vaccination campaigns using the meningococcal conjugate vaccine MenAfriVac(®) began. Their use in all countries of the meningitis belt could eliminate serogroup A outbreaks in the region.