Cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered animals in Ha’il, Northwestern Saudi Arabia

Meat inspection records of two slaughterhouses were used to determine the prevalence Echinococcus granulosus infection among slaughtered animals in Ha’il province, North-western Saudi Arabia. Records showed that from January to December 2015, 149514 animals were examined (126642 sheep, 4347 cattle and 18525 camels). The prevalence of E. granulosus was 7.89% (95% CI ＝ 7.74-8.04), 2.76% (95% CI ＝ 2.30-3.30) and 0.51% (95% CI ＝ 0.41-0.62) in sheep, cattle and camels respectively. Hydatid cyst was found strictly in liver and lung. A total of 440 hydatid cysts from sheep were assessed for their fertility and viability: thus, 66.59% were fertile, 12.5% were sterile and 20.90% were purulent or calcified. Among the fertile cysts the protoscoleces were viable in 59.38% of them. In conclusion, the prevalence of slaughtered animal cystic echinococcosis in North-western Saudi Arabia is lower compared to those reported in other regions of the country. Nevertheless, control of stray dog population, deworming of dogs and proper disposal of infected viscera remain crucial to curtail the problem

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in northwestern Saudi Arabia: identification of sand fly fauna and parasites

Abstract Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sand fly. This disease is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia where Leishmania major and L. tropica are the etiological agents. In the region of Hail, northwestern of Saudi Arabia, the incidence is about 183 cases/year. However, the epidemiology of the disease in this area is not well understood. Thus, an epidemiological survey was conducted in 2015–2016 to identify the circulating parasite and the sand fly fauna in the region of Hail. Skin lesion scrapings were collected from suspected patients with CL. Methods The diagnosis was made by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smear and PCR. The parasite was identified by PCR and sequencing of the single copy putative translation initiation factor alpha subunit gene. Sand fly specimens were collected and identified morphologically. Total DNA was extracted from the abdomen of female specimens and Leishmania DNA was detected by PCR. Results Among the 57 examined patients, 37 were positive for CL. The identification of the parasite has revealed the single species Leishmania major. The 384 sand flies were collected belonged to two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia), six sub-genera and six species. Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. kazeruni and Sergentomyia clydei were the dominant species. Leishmania DNA was detected in two females of Ph. papatasi two of Ph. kazeruni and one specimen of Sergentomyia clydei. Conclusions Leishmania major is confirmed to be the etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The molecular detection of Leishmania DNA in Ph. papatasi and Ph. kazeruni supports the potential role of these two species in the transmission of Leishmania. Further epidemiological studies are needed to prove their role and to evaluate the burden of CL in the study region

Prevalence of Obesity in Hail Region, KSA: In a Comprehensive Survey

Background. Obesity contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. We, therefore, aimed to provide epidemiological data on the prevalence of obesity in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology. Data were collected during cross-sectional survey which included 5000 Saudi selected from 30 primary health care centers (PHCs) in Hail Region. Results. The overall prevalence of obesity in Hail was 63.6%. Moreover, the prevalence of males was 56.2% and the prevalence of females was 71%. Conclusion. Obesity is prevalent in the Hail Region which necessitates urgent interventions including health education

STUDIU PRIVITOR LA FACTORII DE RISC POTENȚIALI PENTRU SUSCEPTIBILITATEA DE INSUFICIENȚĂ RENALĂ CRONICĂ, ÎN REGIUNEA HAIL, REGATUL ARABIEI SAUDITE

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health alarm that is rising for the most part of the world as the result of increasing incidences of diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to provide data about risk factors for CKD in Hail region, KSA to plan for a comprehensive survey in the area.METHODS: A survey was performed, employing household visits, covered 300 individuals, selected from two areas in Hail region to fulfill the planned sample for this pilot setting. A questionnaire was used to obtained information about CKD risk factors. Results: High percentages of risk factors were indicated in a family history (FH) of DM representing 72%, followed by family history of hypertension, recurrent urinary tract infection, DM, family history of renal disease, hypertension, and analgesic abuse, constituting 65%, 59%, 26%,26%, 25%, and 22%, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows increased risk factors for CKD in Hail area. There is an urgent need for more detailed measurement for these risk factors through a comprehensive survey to evaluate individuals with risk factors, to enable earlier detection, and risk factor reduction through rising of awareness. CONTEXT: Insuficiența renală cronică (IRC) constituie  o alarmă de sănătate la nivel mondial, care este în creștere, în cea mai mare parte a lumii, ca rezultat al incidenţei crescute a cazurilor de diabet zaharat, hipertensiune arterială și alte boli cardiovasculare. Prin urmare, scopul acestui studiu pilot a fost de a furniza date cu privire la factorii de risc pentru IRC din regiunea Hail, Regatul Arabiei Saudite, pentru  planificarea unui studiu cuprinzător în zona.METODE: Studiul a fost efectuat folosind vizitele în gospodării, acoperind 300 de persoane selectate din două zone din regiunea Hail, pentru a completa eşantionul planificat pentru această testare pilot. A fost utilizat un chestionar pentru obținerea de informații cu privire la factorii de risc ai IRC.REZULTATE: Un procent ridicat de factori de risc au fost identificaţi într-un istoric familial (IF) de DZ, reprezentând 72%, urmat de antecedente familiale de hipertensiune arterială, infecții recurente ale tractului urinar, DZ, antecedente familiale de boli renale, hipertensiune arterială, și abuz de analgezice, constituind 65 %,  59%,  26%, 2 6%,  25%, și respectiv 22%.CONCLUZIE: Acest studiu identifică factorii de risc crescut pentru IRC în zona Hail. Este o nevoie urgentă de măsurare mai detaliată a acestor factori de risc printr-un studiu cuprinzător pentru a evalua persoanele cu factori de risc, pentru a permite depistarea din timp, și reducerea factorilor de risc, prin creșterea gradului de conștientizare. Cuvinte cheie: boala cronică de rinichi, hipertensiune arterială, diabet zaharat, Hail