Pan African Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Multilocus sequence type analysis of coagulase-negative staphylococci from the neonatal intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in Ghana.","authors":"Innocent Afeke, Joseph Adu-Amankwaah, Ibrahim Jamfaru, Abdul-Wahab Mawuko Hamid, Verner Ndudiri Orish, Bright Agbodzi, Kokou Hefoume Amegan-Aho, Lennox Mac Ankrah, Hintermann Kobina Mbroh, Graceful Lord Mensah, Anthony Samuel Ablordey","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.59.45565","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.59.45565","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have emerged as significant pathogens in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), especially as a leading cause of neonatal sepsis. In low-income countries, efforts to prevent sepsis-related mortality are hampered by a lack of comprehensive molecular data on bacterial isolates responsible for these infections. This study aims to address this gap by generating whole-genome sequencing data, identifying novel multilocus sequence (MLS) types, and investigating antibiotic resistance genes in Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus from the NICU of Ho Teaching Hospital in Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>a total of 123 CoNS isolates were tested for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 13 antibiotics using VITEK2, and 16 isolates (7 S. epidermidis and 9 S. haemolyticus) were selected for further genomic analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Draft genome sequences were assembled using MEGAHIT and annotated with Prokka. MLS types were identified using the Center for Genomic Epidemiology´s MLST tool, and antibiotic resistance genes were detected via the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) and BlastArg-annot Nt tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>draft genome sequences were established for 7 S. epidermidis and 9 S. haemolyticus isolates and deposited in public databases. Five novel MLST types were discovered: ST89, ST90, and ST91 for S. haemolyticus, and ST993 and ST994 for S. epidermidis. These novel strains exhibited multidrug resistance, with multiple antimicrobial resistance genes identified in their genomes. Three of the newly identified MLST types were isolated from the blood of neonates, while two others were found on the nasal mucosa of clinical staff and a baby cot.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>our findings highlight the presence of multidrug-resistant and novel CoNS MLST types in the NICU, suggesting an urgent need for a nationwide database on CoNS MLST types circulating in Ghana. Such data would be critical for developing informed public health policies and strategies to manage neonatal sepsis in the Region.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"59"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433014/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of environmental surveillance for the detection of poliovirus implementation in the metropolitan districts of South Africa, 2020-2023.","authors":"Daudi Manyanga, Elizabeth Maseti, Kingsley Mokoena, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, Simangele Mthetwa, Sibongile Mokoena, Ester Khosa-Lesola, Sarah Wanyoike","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.58.45463","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.58.45463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>South Africa began using environmental surveillance (ES) in July 2019 to supplement acute flaccid paralysis surveillance. A study is evaluating sites in eight metropolitan health districts for performance improvement and expansion of ES within and across neighbouring countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>we conducted a descriptive analysis of secondary ES to detect poliovirus supplemented with qualitative field visits and focused group discussions at 16 ES sites in the eight metropolitan districts of South Africa. The study covered data from January 2020 to December 2023, and tests were conducted to examine the relationship between practices and laboratory results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>in 2021, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) Laboratory received 567 ES samples for poliovirus detection, with 97.9% arriving within 72 hours of collection. Monthly sampling increased from 102 (18%) in 2020 to 184 (32.5%) in 2021, showing a 14.5% change with a p-value of 0.0085. There was no statistically significant difference in enterovirus isolation rates between sites trained virtually and in person in the long term, with a 16.5% difference and a p-value of 0.0977. Some ES sites showed high enterovirus isolation rates despite not having specific peak hours, suggesting operational variability in densely populated cities and other areas.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>the ES assessment in South Africa has made progress in identifying enteroviruses at all sites. However, irregularities in monthly sampling and peak hours for sample collection need attention. The study suggests using a similar training approach in areas with accessibility challenges and updating guidelines with special consideration for major cities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"58"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433012/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ovarian hyperstimulation revealing a functional gonadotroph adenoma: a case report.","authors":"Amel Rahal, Toufik Bennafaa, Hanane Kherrab, Nassima Djennane, Malha Azzouz","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.57.47982","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.57.47982","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report the case of a functional gonadotropic adenoma (FGA) in a 32-year-old woman, initially revealed by ovarian hyperstimulation. Hormonal investigations strongly suggested an FGA; pelvic ultrasound revealed macrofollicular ovarian enlargement. Despite a clear clinical picture, diagnosis was delayed until the appearance of cranial tumor syndrome with ophthalmological impairment and pituitary dysfunction. The ophthalmological emergency necessitated urgent surgery, allowing both decompression of the optic pathways and a reduction in hyperestrogenism. Despite their rarity, it is essential to recognize FGA to avoid potentially fatal complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"57"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433010/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ewing family tumors of soft tissue: a case report.","authors":"Anass Haloui, Nassira Karich, Nada Akouh, Nadir Miry, Rim Ouajdi, Siham Nasri, Larbi Benradi, Mohamed Belahcen, Amal Bennani","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.55.39626","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.55.39626","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Ewing family tumors (EFT) of soft tissue represent a spectrum of neoplasms of uncertain histogenesis, arising in soft tissue without bone involvement. They include Extraskeletal Ewing Sarcoma and Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor. These tumors are morphologically indistinguishable from Ewing sarcoma of the skeletal system. Known to be translocation-associated neoplasms, they share a common non-random translocation leading to the fusion of the EWSR1 gene on the 22q12 region, with one of the many members of the ETS family of transcription factors. Occurring mainly in adolescents and young men under the age of 30, EFT´s may arise virtually anywhere, but are most common in deep soft tissues of the extremities. The purpose of this work is to report a rare case of an EFT arising in the upper arm of a 14-year-old boy, who presented with a painful right arm mass evolving for 6 months, while highlighting the main histological, immunohistochemical and molecular features of this rare condition, along with an original flow chart of a relevant diagnostic approach for differential diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"55"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of two methods for detecting anti-A and anti-B hemolysins in blood donors: a prospective study in Abidjan.","authors":"Amah Patricia Victorine Goran-Kouacou, Akou Sara Adélaïde Bognini, Yida Jocelyne Séri, Angbonon Tychique Elysée Attoukoula, Aka Ange Aurel Ghislain Krou, Yannick Armand Kouassi, Séry Romuald Dassé","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.56.48075","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.56.48075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>anti-A and anti-B hemolysins are IgG antibodies capable of causing intravascular hemolysis during non-ABO-identical transfusions, particularly with plasma-rich components. Their identification in blood donors is crucial for transfusion safety. This study aimed to compare the performance of indirect agglutination and functional hemolysis assays in detecting these antibodies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>we conducted a prospective comparative study involving 300 voluntary blood donors recruited at Cocody University Hospital between January and March 2025. Each sample was tested using two parallel methods: (1) an indirect agglutination assay performed after thermal inactivation of IgM antibodies; and (2) a functional hemolysis test employing guinea pig complement. Hemolysin titers were considered significant if ≥32 for agglutination or ≥8 for hemolysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with a positive hemolysis test result.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>agglutination detected 54 positive cases (18.0%), and hemolysis identified 30 cases (10.0%). Significant titers were found in 7.4% (agglutination) versus 60.0% (hemolysis) of positive cases. Approximately 70% of positive donors were blood group O with either method. Overall concordance between methods was 92% (κ = 0.67). The agglutination method had 100% sensitivity and 91.1% specificity. A history of pregnancy was the only factor significantly associated with a positive hemolysis test (adjusted odds ratio = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.08-7.14; p = 0.033).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>the functional hemolysis test more specifically identifies antibodies with potential transfusion risk. In resource-limited settings, targeted screening based on ABO group, antibody titers, and donor immunological history (especially pregnancy) could improve transfusion safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433007/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence and persistence of humoral immunity in response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and mild infection in Morocco: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Nouhaila Najimi, Chaimae Kadi, Zainab Gaouzi, Nadia Dakka, Rabii Ameziane El Hassani, Fouad Seghrouchni, Youssef Bakri","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.53.46802","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.53.46802","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>assessing the seroprevalence and persistence of humoral immunity through population-based serological surveys is crucial for predicting reinfection risk and optimizing vaccination strategies. In Morocco, a mass vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 has been launched to achieve herd immunity and reduce virus transmission. This study evaluated the humoral immune response to the BBIBP-CorV and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines in healthy donors with varying doses and infection histories.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>IgG levels were measured via Vircell COVID-19 ELISA, and NAb levels were assessed via the GenScript Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test (sVNT). The study included individuals with different vaccination doses and prior infection histories.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>the third vaccine dose produced the highest IgG titers, while nonvaccinated individuals and those receiving two doses had lower levels. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection led to increased antibody levels, suggesting that hybrid immunity offers prolonged protection. The highest NAb titers were observed in individuals receiving three doses, with 96% of previously noninfected individuals being positive for NAb. Risk factor analysis indicated that prior infection (OR = 8.64, 95% CI: 2.52-29.6, p < 0.001) and three doses (OR = 22.1, 95% CI: 2.74-178, p < 0.001) increased immunity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>hybrid immunity, involving prior infection and full vaccination, offers enhanced and longer-lasting protection. These results support the need for targeted vaccination strategies to optimize immunity and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, especially in high-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"53"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433016/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Semen quality of male partners of infertile couples attending a private specialist infertility hospital in Kumasi, Ghana: a retrospective descriptive analysis.","authors":"John Jude Annan, Mike Addison, Anthony Enimil, Collins Abaitey, Robert Aryee, Augustine Twumasi, Fati Ibrahim","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.54.41953","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.54.41953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>since the establishment of the fertility center in 2014, no review has been conducted on the pattern of semen abnormalities. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the range of semen abnormalities in our patient population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>this was an ethically approved retrospective descriptive study that retrieved and analyzed the semen analysis results of male partners of infertile couples, over a six-year period since the establishment of the fertility center. All data were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and transported to R-statistical software version 3.4.2 for statistical analysis. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) was calculated for age, semen pH, volume, concentration, and motility. Categorical variables were represented by frequency (N) and percentages (%). The Chi-square test was used to determine age groups and calendar year´s association with seminal fluid characteristics. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>there were 1,224 eligible semen results with a mean age of 39.6 (SD 8.1) and a range of 21-78 years. More than half (56.7%) were very young (less than 40 years). Age group 30-39 had the highest number of clients, 622 (50.8%). The rate of abnormal semen quality was 36%. The most common semen abnormalities were oligospermia 30.5%, teratozoospermia 28.8%, asthenozoospermia 27.3%, hyperviscous semen 18.5%, and hypospermia 20.1%. The mean (SD) of semen volume and sperm concentration differed significantly between the age groups, with a p-value of 0.0000341 for semen volume and a p-value of 0.01 for sperm concentration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>the most common semen abnormalities were oligospermia, teratozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, hyperviscous semen, and hypospermia, with the rate of abnormal semen quality being 36%. More younger men are seeking fertility treatment with their partners.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"54"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433011/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mothers' intentions to discuss menstruation-related topics with their daughters using the theory of planned behavior.","authors":"Alemi Kebede Olika, Gurmesa Tura Debelew, Zewdie Birhanu Koricha, Muluemebet Abera Wordofa","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.52.46662","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.52.46662","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>there is a scarcity of research on mothers' intentions to engage in communication about menstruation-related topics with their daughters in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study, which was based on the theory of planned behavior, was to investigate the characteristics that are linked to mothers' intentions to discuss menstruation-related topics with their daughters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>between July 5-25, 2022, 390 mothers of adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 were selected as a sample and participated in the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>a regression analysis revealed a strong association between mothers' intentions to discuss menstruation with their daughters and all three theory of planned behavior (TPB) components-attitudes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was the factor that was significantly linked to greater intentions to discuss menstruation, followed by the attitude that mothers have about menstrual communication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>these findings support the assumptions of the TPB as applied to mother-daughter menstrual health communication. These findings suggest that building self-efficacy and helping mothers feel responsible for educating their daughters about menstruation would be most important in attempting to increase mothers´ intentions to engage in mother-daughter communication on a wide variety of topics. Therefore, funding for parent-targeted programming should be allocated to increase parents' intentions to engage in mother-daughter communication. This programming should focus on helping mothers develop self-efficacy and a sense of responsibility for educating their daughters about multiple sexual and reproductive topics, including menstruation.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"52"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical predictors and antibiotics sensitivity of bacterial pathogens of pharyngotonsillitis among children aged 1-17 years in a Tertiary Hospital, Abakaliki, Southeast, Nigeria.","authors":"Sunday Ogo Nweke, Maria-Lauretta Orji, Chijioke Ogodo Ogeh, Theresa Nwamaka Nnaji, Thecla Chinonyelum Ezeonu, Michael Akinwale Efunshile","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.51.36632","DOIUrl":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.51.36632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>clinical presentations that possibly predict bacterial pharyngotonsillitis are invaluable in early institution of care, so as to reduce morbidity from the disease. This is augmented by knowledge of antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the commonly isolated pathogens in the locality. The study was aimed at determining the relationship between clinical presentations and laboratory diagnosis of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis and to determine the antibiotics susceptibility pattern of the isolates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over period of seven (7) months from 3^rd November, 2020, to 28^th May, 2021. The participants were consecutively recruited. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographics of the participants. Throat swabs were taken from participants and sent to Medical Microbiology Research Laboratory of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to determine frequencies and percentages. Univariate analysis was used to find any association between dependent variable and independent variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>of the 150 participants that were recruited, 58.7% were males, giving a male-to-female ratio of 1.4: 1. The median age of participants was 5.0 years with an interquartile range of 3-8 years. Bacterial isolates were noted in 54 (36%). There was an overlap between the clinical features seen in participants with positive bacteria culture and those seen in negative (sterile) culture. The positive predictive values using clinical features to predict pharyngotonsillitis of bacterial origin were low. Most of the isolated organisms were more susceptible to cephalosporins (ceftriaxone and cefuroxime) than the penicillin (penicillin V and amoxicillin clavulanate).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>an overlap observed between the clinical presentations of the participants with positive throat culture and those without in this study makes clinical features unreliable in predicting pharyngotonsillitis of bacterial origin. Hence routine throat swab for bacteriology culture should be done for all children presenting with features suggestive of pharyngotonsillitis before commencement of antibiotics. However, where such services are not readily available, the use of cephalosporins empirically is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"51"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433009/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ovarian relapse in a child with B-ALL: a case report.","authors":"Meriem Cheikhna, Chaimae El Mahdaoui, Nisrine Bennani Guebessi, Asmaa Zeggwagh, Nisrine Khoubila, Mouna Lamchahab, Meryem Qachouh, Mohamed Rachid, Abdellah Madani, Siham Cherkaoui","doi":"10.11604/pamj.2025.51.50.45756","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2025.51.50.45756","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This case presents an 8-year-old girl diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), who relapsed after 3 years of treatment and 1 year of complete remission, with an unusual extramedullary relapse in the ovary. Ovarian relapse of B-ALL is extremely rare in children, making this case noteworthy in scientific literature. The patient had an initial diagnosis of B-ALL with a deletion of chromosome 12, a genetic alteration previously associated with the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene, which is typically linked to a favorable prognosis but also carries a 20% risk of late relapse. The relapse was initially asymptomatic and went undetected until clinical symptoms of pelvic pain appeared. Imaging with pelvic ultrasound confirmed the ovarian involvement. The relapse was treated with standard chemotherapy protocols for B-ALL, resulting in a partial response. This case underscores the importance of considering extramedullary relapse in the differential diagnosis for pediatric ALL patients who present with atypical symptoms after remission. It also suggests that routine pelvic ultrasound could be a useful tool for early detection of ovarian and other extramedullary relapses, which are often associated with bone marrow relapse. The main take-away from this case is the necessity for vigilant follow-up, including targeted imaging, in ALL patient's post-remission to ensure early identification of extramedullary relapses, which can otherwise be easily overlooked. The presence of chromosome 12 deletion and its association with late relapse highlights the need for ongoing surveillance even in patients with initial favorable genetic abnormalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48190,"journal":{"name":"Pan African Medical Journal","volume":"51 ","pages":"50"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12374740/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144974581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}