Prevalence of antibodies to human women of childbearing age in Makkah

To determine the seroprevalence rate of immunoglobulin G [IgG] and immunoglobulin M [IgM] to parvovirus B19 in pregnant Saudi women in Makkah. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], a total of 1200 serum samples were tested for antibodies to parvovirus B19 known to cause a variety of clinical syndromes in women and newborn infants. Parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies detected in 46.6% and IgM antibodies were found in 2.25% of different age groups. The previous exposure to parvovirus B19 was determined, and 560 [46.6%] of 1200 pregnant Saudi women tested at their first antenatal visit were seropositive for specific IgG. The rate of maternal infection in susceptible pregnancies was 2.25%. These results were in accordance with previous studies performed in other countries

Efficacy of air sampler sartorious MD8 and settle plate method for quantitative estimation of air microorganisms

The main aim of the study was to identify pathogenic strains floating in the environment of Makkah city during Hajj 1424-H and to compare the efficacy of air filter device Sartorious MD8 to the traditional method called exposing settle plate method for the quantitative estimation of microorganisms. Air samples for identification of bacteria and fungi were taken from three different environments; outdoor, indoor, and microbiology department. Seven outdoor locations were selected; Muna, Arafat, Jamarat, slaughter areas, tunnels, grounds and toilet surrounding. For the in-door environment, the following clinical units of Hera General Hospital were selected; intensive care unit, nursery, emergency room, operation room, medical ward, and surgical ward, microbiology environment three places were selected microbiology departments of Hera General Hospital, Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, and Umm Al-Qura University. Mean bacterial and fungal colony count was calculated in each area by both methods. The four major potential human pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus fumigatus were isolated. Mean bacterial and fungal colony count was significantly found higher in air filter method. The air pier [MD8] was found more effective for monitoring the viable bacteria and fungi in hospital environment outdoor environment as compared to the exposing settle plate method

Seropositivity of chlamydia trachomatis among saudi pregnant women in Makkah

To determine the seroprevalence rates of immunoglobulin G [IgG] and immunoglobulin M [IgM] to Chlamydia trachomatis in Saudi pregnant women. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], a total of 1600 serum samples were tested for antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis known to cause a variety of clinical syndromes in women and newborn infants. Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies were detected in 8.7% and IgM antibodies were found in 1.5% of different age groups Pregnant Saudi women have low prevalence rate of Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies and lower prevalence for Chlamydia trachomatis IgM

Rotavirus infection in infants and young children in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

To determine the prevalence of rotavirus in infants and young children in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A population-based prevalence study was done in randomly selected infants and young children suffering from acute diarrhoea. Faecal specimens were collected from 479 patients. A latex agglutination test was used for rotavirus detection. All positive and 10 negative samples for rotavirus by latex agglutination were also tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Rotavirus was detected in 48 [10%] patients using latex agglutination test. ELISA detected 46/48 positive samples. Ten samples that tested negative with latex test were also negative with ELISA. Infection with rotavirus was more frequent among infants and children < 2 years old, with a maximum incidence among children 0-12 months. Rotavirus infection was 3.1% in Saudi nationals, compared to 6.9% in other nationalities. In this study the prevalence rate of 10% was low compared to other studies done in different regions of Saudi Arabia. This low rate could be due to the geographical location of Makkah with very hot and dry summer, and mild winter and almost no rain throughout the year

study of group a streptococcal bacteria isolation from children less than 12 years with acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis and healthy primary school children

Aim: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of Group A Streptococcal [GAS] bacteria in the throat specimens of children with tonsillitis and pharyngitis compared to healthy children of the same age group. Methodology: The study was a prospective one. Throat swabs were obtained from 73 children aged 1 - 12 years diagnosed with acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis [sore throat and pyrexia > 38.5°C] visiting a pediatric outpatient clinic between December,1999 and April, 2000. In the some period throat swabs were obtained from 465 healthy primary school children aged 6 - 12 years. GAS from patients was tested for sentivity to penicillin, erythromycin, and cefaclor. In children with tonsillitis and pharyngitis GAS was found in 29 out of 73 [40%]. In healthy school children GAS was found in 15 out of 465 [3%]. In the patients group GAS was sensitive to penicillin in 14[48%], erythromycin in 27[93%], and cefaclor in 28[96%]. Although the prevalence of GAS among healthy children was similar to international studies, the GAS infection was high among children with acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Sensitivity to penicillin was less than 50% and more than, 90% for erythromycin and cefaclor. We recommend routine throat swab for children with acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis and the proper treatment of GAS positive patients to prevent further complications

TORCH agents in pregnant Saudi women

To determine the seroprevalence rates of IgG to common TORCH agents in pregnant Saudi women using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subjects and A total of 926 samples of sera were tested for antibodies to TORCH agents known to cause serious congenital infections: Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, cytomegalovirus [CMV], herpes simplex viruses [HSV-1 and HSV-2], varicella zoster virus [VZV] and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV-1 and HIV-2]. Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 35.6%, CMV total IgG antibodies were found in 92.1%, rubella IgG antibodies in 93.3%, HSV-1 IgG antibodies in 90.9%, HSV-2 IgG in 27.1%, and VZV IgG antibodies in 74.4%. A 0% seroprevalence rate for HIV-1 and -2 was found. Pregnant Saudi women commonly have IgG antibodies to rubella, CMV, HSV-1 and -2, VZV, and T. gondii. Serological evidence of HIV infection was not observed