Research Article
Antibiotic Resistance in Enterobacteria Isolated from Animals on Small-scale Family Farming Systems in Yopougon and Bingerville (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2026
Pages:
140-145
Received:
14 October 2026
Accepted:
26 October 2026
Published:
3 November 2026
Abstract: Small-scale household livestock farming (poultry, rabbits, sheep) plays a significant role in the economy and food security of Ivorian households, but the empirical use of antibiotics in these informal farms potentially promotes the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at the Pasteur Institute of Côte d’Ivoire, aimed to characterize the antibiotic resistance profile of enterobacteria isolated from animals raised in family backyards in Yopougon and Bingerville. Sixty-seven rectal and cloacal swabs were collected between November 2024 and January 2025 from sheep, rabbits, and chickens. Standard bacteriological analyses were performed, and a standardized antibiotic susceptibility testing protocol was carried out in accordance with the 2023 recommendations of the Antibiogram Committee of the French Society of Microbiology (CA-SFM/EUCAST, 2024). Twenty-seven strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated, including Escherichia coli (66.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.2%), and Enterobacter cloacae (11.1%). Statistical analysis using R (RStudio) revealed a particularly high resistance rate to colistin (70.4%), followed by tetracycline and chloramphenicol (29.6% each) and nalidixic acid (22.2%). Cephalosporinase production was detected in two strains (7.4). These results reflect significant antibiotic pressure in household farming systems, particularly regarding colistin, which is used as a last resort in the treatment of severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. These findings highlight the need for regulation of veterinary antibiotic use.
Abstract: Small-scale household livestock farming (poultry, rabbits, sheep) plays a significant role in the economy and food security of Ivorian households, but the empirical use of antibiotics in these informal farms potentially promotes the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at the Pasteur Institut...
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Research Article
Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Physical Performance and Atherogenic Risk Parameters in Division 1 Handball Players from Porto-Novo (Republic of Benin)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2026
Pages:
146-154
Received:
1 October 2026
Accepted:
15 October 2026
Published:
6 November 2026
Abstract: Introduction. Regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan fasting requires healthy believers to refrain completely from food and fluid intake from dawn until sunset. Whilst its effects on physical performance have been studied in various contexts, there is a paucity of research simultaneously examining its impact on both performance and cardiovascular risk markers in sub-Saharan African athletes, particularly in team sports such as handball. Objective. This prospective controlled study aimed to determine the effects of Ramadan fasting on maximal aerobic speed (MAS), anthropometric parameters, and biochemical markers associated with atherogenic risk in Division 1 handball players from Porto-Novo, Benin. Methods. Twenty handball players (mean age 24.5 ± 4.4 years) strictly observing Ramadan fasting were assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 13) who continued training, and a control group (CG, n = 7) who did not train during the fasting period. Anthropometric measurements (body mass index, abdominal circumference, sum of skinfolds), serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides), and maximal aerobic speed (VAMEVAL test) were assessed three days prior to the onset and on the 28th day of Ramadan. Results. Body mass index (−4.1%), abdominal circumference (−3.6%), and sum of skinfolds (−16.8%) decreased significantly in the EG (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol (+21.4%) and LDL-cholesterol (+120%) increased significantly in the EG (p < 0.05), whilst HDL-cholesterol (−16.6%) and triglycerides (−54.5%) decreased (p < 0.05). The atherogenic index of plasma increased by 50% in the EG. MAS remained stable in the EG (12.5 ± 1.8 vs. 12.5 ± 1.5 km·h-1, p > 0.05) but decreased by 7.4% in the CG (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Ramadan fasting reduced adiposity indices in all fasting individuals but did not impair maximal aerobic performance in handball players who maintained training. Nevertheless, the deterioration in the atherogenic lipid profile raises concerns regarding dietary quality during Ramadan and highlights the need for nutritional support for athletes observing the fast.
Abstract: Introduction. Regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan fasting requires healthy believers to refrain completely from food and fluid intake from dawn until sunset. Whilst its effects on physical performance have been studied in various contexts, there is a paucity of research simultaneously examining its impact on both performance and c...
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Research Article
House Dust Mites Associated with Indoor Habitats of Allergic Individuals in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Kouadjane Gnagoran Agnes Emilie*
,
Yapo-Crezoit Chiaye Claire,
Boahene Samuel,
Sika Ake Sosthene Henoc,
Soro Yaya
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2026
Pages:
155-163
Received:
22 October 2026
Accepted:
31 October 2026
Published:
13 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20261406.13
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Abstract: House dust mites are the main source of aeroallergens worldwide. Exposure to mite allergens has been widely associated with sensitization and the development of allergic diseases. This study aimed to assess the diversity, abundance and distribution of house dust mites (HDM), as well as to analyse their relationships with microclimatic parameters in indoor environments. A total of 255 dust samples were collected from 60 domestic habitats by vacuuming sofas and bedding during December and July 2023. Indoor temperature and relative humidity were also measured. Mites were counted and identified using an optical microscope. The rate of mite presence in the indoor habitats of allergic individuals was high at 93.3%. The main family of mites was Pyroglyphidae (44.6%). Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent species (24.9%), followed by Dermatophagoides farinae (19.7%). The family of Echimyopodidae was represented by Blomia tropicalis (14.3%) and the Glycyphagidae family by Glycyphagus domesticus (8.1%). Temperatures were higher in December, whereas relative humidity was higher in July (p <0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between the number of mites and the physicochemical parameters (r july= 0.780; r december= 0.529; p < 0.001). These results indicate that the species of Dermatophagoides spp, Blomia tropicalis, and Glycyphagus domesticus are the most dominant mites in our region, and the increase in temperature and relative humidity were positively associated with increased mite abundance. Therefore, knowledge of the local mite fauna would improve the means of studying the link between allergen exposure and sensitisation and would provide a framework for future ecological and allergenic studies, including the development of additional mite extracts for diagnostic testing.
Abstract: House dust mites are the main source of aeroallergens worldwide. Exposure to mite allergens has been widely associated with sensitization and the development of allergic diseases. This study aimed to assess the diversity, abundance and distribution of house dust mites (HDM), as well as to analyse their relationships with microclimatic parameters in...
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