[Comparative study between Triage Micro Parasite Panel and Immunofluorescent Assay in diagnosis of Cryptosporidium Protozoan in Sohag Governorate]

The zoonotic intracellular protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is highly infectious and as low as 30 sporulated oocysts can cause infection in healthy volunteers. Cryptosporidium oocysts are shed in large numbers in the faeces of infected people or animals. cryptosporidium oocysts are resistant to environmental conditions and are able to resist standard disinfection e.g. chlorination of drinking water. Stool samples of 72 persons [9-64 years old] in rural areas of Sohag Governorate, Egypt, attending the out patients clinic of cancer institute of Sohag Governorate [Ministry of Health] and complaining of diarrhoea [immunocompromized patients], were examined for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified acid-fast staining. Only 25 patients stool samples were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified acid-fast staining is time consuming and need expert individual. The sensitivity and specificity of the test are improved by newer tools, such as immunofluorescent assays and antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays which are now commonly used in diagnostic laboratories. Polymerase-chain-reaction [PCR] - based techniques are available as research tests. In the present study the sensitivity of Direct Fluorescent Antibody [DFA] Test [100%] was found to be higher than that of Triage rapid qualitative enzyme immunoassay [EIA] [96%] and the specificity of both tests reached 100% as all members of the control group gave negative results

Aim of the work: Comparison between Triage Micro Parasite Panel and Immunofluorescence Tests in diagnosis of Cryptosporidium protozoan in Sohag Governorate

Relationship between Enterobius Vermicularis infection and pelvic inflammatory diseases in children at Sohag Governorate, Egypt

A cohort of children presented with pelvic inflammatory diseases [gastro-intestinal and/or genitourinary surgical conditions] and had concomitant infection with E. vermicularis. To find out this relationship, a total of 135 patients suffering from different gastro-intestinal and genitourinary surgical conditions were selected from Departments of Surgery and Gynecology. They were subjected to stool analysis, peri-anal swabs and blood examination mainly for eosinophilia. The results showed that 26 patients out of 135 [19.2%] had. E. vermicularis with high eosinophilia in 30 cases [22.2%]. Identification of E. vermicularis by peri-anal swab test in the cohort was successful [16.30%]. Males were more affected than females with ratio 2.2:1 and age mean 7.13 +/- 1.92. As to residence and housing, rural children with bad housing [73.08% and 88.46% respectively] were more affected than those living in urban areas with healthy housing [26.92% and 11.54% respectively]

Percutaneous collagen induction using dermaroller versus 80% trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of atrophic post acne scars: a comparative study

Background: Percutaneous collagen induction [PCI] promotes removal of damaged collagen and induces more collagen immediately under the epidermis. The chemical reconstruction of skin scars [CROSS] method is a focal application of full-concentration trichloroacetic acid [TCA] to atrophic acne scars. The CROSS method has the advantage of reconstructing acne scars by increasing dermal thickening and collagen production

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of PCI and the 80% TCA CROSS method for the treatment of atrophic post acne scars

Patients and Methods: Thirty four participants were randomly divided into two groups; group 1[19 patients] underwent four sessions [4 weeks apart] PCI, and group 2 [15 patients] underwent five sessions [2 weeks apart] of 80% TCA CROSS. The two groups were compared regarding photo evaluation, patient satisfaction and adverse effects

Results: All patients improved in both groups. However, the mean percentage of improvement was statistically significantly higher in the first group treated by the dermaroller [59.89%] than in the second group treated by TCA CROSS 80% [42.73%] [p = 0.025] but there was no statistical significant difference regarding the patient satisfaction

Conclusions: PCI and 80% TCA CROSS were effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars with superior results were in favor of dermaroller

Screening for urine abnormalities among preschool children in western Saudi Arabia

To estimate the frequency of urinary problems among preschool children. In this cross-sectional study, 1000 preschool asymptomatic children attending the outpatient clinics of the Children's Hospital, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between August 2013 and December 2013 were subjected to dipstick urine analysis. Microscopic examination was performed for the abnormal dipstick samples, and children with hematuria were investigated for kidney function. Dipstick urine analysis revealed abnormal findings in 25.1% of the screened children. The most common dipstick abnormalities were positive nitrite test in 18.1%, hematuria in 16.9%, and positive leukocyte esterase test in 14.3% of the cases. The most common abnormality in microscopic urine examination was crystals in 13% of the cases. Pyuria were evident in 5% of cases and hematuria in 2.5%. The most common bacteria in positive urine culture samples was Escherichia coli in 62.6%.In view of these important findings, dipstick screening should be implemented in preschool children.

Study of the impact of viral load of hepatitis C on patients with concomitant psoriasis vulgaris

Concomitant hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection and psoriasis vulgaris [PV] are not uncommon coexisting diseases, especially in areas with high viral hepatitis endemicity. To date, data about the interaction between both diseases are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to describe the possible interplay between the HCV viral load and psoriatic activity in concomitant Egyptian diseased patients. Between December 2011 and August 2013, all psoriatic patients attending Assiut University Hospital outpatient clinics were tested for HCV serologic assay. Patients with positively coexisting diseases were further reevaluated for psoriasis area severity index [PASI] score assessment, liver function tests, HCV-RNA-polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assays, and sonographic examination of the liver. For comparative purposes, another matched group [n = 26] with psoriasis only [HCV-negative group] was enrolled as a control. During the period of the study, 20 patients with concomitant PV and HCV infection [HCV-positive group; 50% males, mean age of 44.15 +/- 10.66 years] were recruited. The mean PASI score was 44.75 +/- 10.38 and clinical signs of liver dysfunction were observed in 40% [n = 8], 100% had abnormal liver function tests [n = 20], and 75% had sonographic findings of cirrhosis [n = 15]. The PASI score was significantly higher in the HCV-positive psoriatic group compared to the HCV-negative control [p < 0.001]. Significant correlations were detected between the PASI score and the viral loads, and also with alanine aminotransferase [ALT]. When HCV was found concomitantly with PV, a high possibility of severe disease pattern will be expected that entails special precautions in the treatment process

Correlation between the level of vitamin D and Bone mass index in primary osteoporotic patients in Taif, KSA

Osteoporosis [OP] is considered as one of the commonest metabolic bone diseases in orthopedics, characterized by a reduction in bone mass density and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to diminished material properties with an increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to minor trauma fractures. The aim of this cross sectional study was to detect the level of vitamin D in patients suffering from primary osteoporosis and to correlate their levels with bone mass index. This work was performed - at the Orthopedic Outpatient Clinic of King Abdul Aziz specialist Hospital, Taif, [KSA] - on 115 patients [77 females and 38 males] fulfilling WHO revised criteria of 1994 for osteoporosis. The mean age of patients was 67.5 +/- 8.2. A medical history was taken and bony pains, fragility fractures, and loss of height, were elicited, with Inclusion criteria in the form of a T-score

Intestinal parasitic infections among expatriate workers in Al-Madina Al-Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has one of the largest number of expatriate workers. Most of them are from Sri-Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Bangladesh. These countries are considered as endemic areas for intestinal parasites. A total of 2732 stool samples were screened for intestinal parasites. Positive cases were recorded among 407 stool samples (14.9%). The common parasitic infections were encountered among 20-29 age groups (18.5%) while, the lowest infection rate was among individual > 50 years (11.8%). According to the nationality, the highest infections were recorded among Pakistanis (23.2%), followed by Philippines (22.2%), Sudanese workers (18.7%), and the lowest infection rates were recorded among Bangladeshi individuals. The infected persons were farmers, food handlers and shepherds. The detected intestinal parasites were Giardia lamblia (21.9%), Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba coli (17.8%), Trichuris trichiura (16.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (15.8%), hookworm (13%), Hymenolepis nana (8.9%), Strongyloides sterocoralis (3.5%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.2%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.43%). In conclusion, the high prevalence of parasites among expatriates may produce health problem among the Saudi society due to the nature of the expatriates’ work.

Comparative study between the effect of nitazoxanide and paromomycine in treatment of cryptosporidiosis in hospitalized children

Ninety children infected with Cryptosporidium parvum attending Al Azhar University Teaching Hospital [Assuit] were chosen [60 males and 30 females] with age range from 6 months to ten years. The patients were divided into two groups of 45 patients for each [G1 and G2]. All patients suffered from chronic diarrhea for more than fifteen days. Cross-matched 45 children suffering from chronic diarrhea were used as a control group [G3]. Stool samples were collected and examined for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts using Sheather's sugar and Modified Ziehl-Nelseen stain techniques. The first group [G1] received Nitazoxanide [100 mg and 200 mg every 12 hours for 3 days for children aged 6 months to 3 years, and children aged 4 to 10 years respectively], G2 received Parornomycin [25mg/kg/day for 2 weeks]. Third group received placebo. Significant improvement and shortening of the duration of diarrhea occur in G1; of 45 patients received Nitazoxanide 39 cases showed complete clinical and laboratory cure [86.6%], 5 cases showed clinical improvement with reduction in the number of oocysts and 1 case showed no cure. In G2 of 45 cases received Paromomycin 31 cases showed complete cure [68.8%], 8 cases showed clinical improvement with reduction of oocysts number and 6 cases were not cured. Nitazoxanide proved highly effective than Paromomycin in cryptosporidiosis

Amelioratory effects of vitamin E against biochemical toxicity induced by deltamethrin in male rats

Deltamethrin [DLM] is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide known for its wide toxic manifestations. The present experiment pertains to the protective role of vitamin E [vit E] against biochemical toxicity following pesticide exposure during 30 days. Male albino rats were divided into four groups of six each: Group I served as control rats [0 mg [vit E] and 0 mg DLM/kg body weight], Group II received deltamethrin [7.5mg/kg body weight]. Group III received vit E [100 mg/kg body weight]. Group IV received both deltamethrin [7.5mg/kg body weight] plus vit E [100mg/kg body weight]. Exposure of rats to DLM induced significant increase in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]; while acetylcholinesterase [AChE] was inhibited. Significant decrease in catalase [CAT] and glutathione S-transferase [GST] enzyme activities were observed in treated rats. Furthermore, renal markers such as urea and creatinine were increased in deltamethrin treated rats. Additionally, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] and the level of high-density lipoprotein [HDL] were significantly increased and decreased, respectively. Co-administration of vit E restored all the parameters cited above to near-normal values. Our investigation showed that vit E acts as an effective antioxidant for DLM pesticide toxicity in reducing oxidative stress burden

Oxidative stress and c-reactive protein in patients with cerebrovascular accident [ischaemic stroke] the role of ginkgo biloba extract

This study aimed to investigate the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation in ischaemic stroke patients by measuring malondialdehyde [MDA], total antioxidant status [TAS], and highly-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] in the early post-ischaemic period, and to determine the role of Ginkgo biloba therapy in correcting the markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. This study was conducted at Ibn Seena Hospital, Mosul City, Iraq and included 31 cerebrovascular accident [CVA] patients and 30 healthy controls. Ischaemic stroke patients were divided into two groups: group I [n = 15] received conventional therapy; group II [n = 16] received conventional therapy with G. biloba [1500 mg/day] for 30 days. Blood samples were obtained from patients and controls before treatment and assays done of serum levels of MDA, TAS, and hsCRP. For CVA patients, a post-treatment blood sample was taken and the same parameters reassessed. Compared with the controls, patients' serum levels of MDA, and hsCRP were significantly higher [P

Lethal Legionella infection in an immunocompromised child: first reported case in the Middle East

Legionnaires disease continues to be underreported in the Middle East - a reflection of underdiagnosis, both clinically and by laboratory investigations. We draw the attention to this unusual cause of occasionally fatal, yet severe, pneumonia by reporting an immunocompromised infant who succumbed to Legionella pneumophila pneumonia. The urinary test for Legionella antigen was positive, and this was then confirmed by a bronchoalveolar fluid culture. Moreover we have reviewed the incidence, pathophysiology, association with immunodeficiency, diagnostic tools, and treatment in this case report

Role of MRI in evaluation of hip joint involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Evaluate the role of MRI in diagnosing hip arthritis and correlating it with clinical and laboratory assessments in juvenile idiopathic arthritis [JIA]. The study included 30 patients with JIA with mean age of 13.5 +/- 4.5. Disease activity was evaluated by DAS28 score, physician's global assessment [PGA-VAS], patient's global assessment [VASglobal] and the assessment of functional ability by [CHAQ]. Hip joint evaluation was assessed by hip pain on movement and the degree of limitation of motion [score 0-3]. Plain radiography and MRI of the hip joint were performed for all patients. MRI score was done. MRI of hips was abnormal in 12 [40%] of all patients: 2/8 [25%] of oligoarticular group, 4/13 [30.8%] of polyarticular group, 5/7 [71.4%] of systemic onset group and 1/2[50%] of enthesitis related group. Comparing mean values of MR scores of the four clinical subsets showed significant difference [p < 0.001]. Patients with active disease showed higher MR scores [3.7 +/- 1.5] than those with inactive disease [2.1 +/- .9] [p < 0.002]. Presence of effusion and gadolinium enhancement were significantly higher in active hips [p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively]. VAS-PGA and ESR were significantly correlated with MRI score [p < 0.02 and <0.05 respectively]. MRI of the hip plays an important role in the study of patients with JIA as it reveals early joint involvement and evaluates the extent of joint disease. This permits intervention at an appropriate time with suitable treatment. Clinical and laboratory findings are inadequate diagnostic tools for the assessment of hip arthritis when comparing with MRI

Management of obesity and outcomes of hepatitis C treatment

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for nonresponse to chronic hepatitis C [CHC] treatment. We examined whether weight loss during pegylated interferon [IFN] plus Ribavirin therapy is associated with improved response. Rapid virological response, early virological response, end of treatment response, and sustained virological response [SVR] were compared among patients with or without weight loss [>/= 0.5 body mass index [BMI]] during therapy for hepatitis C virus. Among 324, who provided consent, 280 were treatment-naive patients and 200 started pegylated-IFN/Ribavirin therapy and were included in the study. Median pretreatment BMI was 28.8 +/- 5.7 [19.9-48.9] with 42.6% overweight and 31.6% obese [BMI 25-30 and >/= 30, respectively]. Hepatitis C virus genotype 1 was the prevalent genotype among the candidates of this study, affecting 99 cases of 136 [72.7%], whereas genotypes 2/3 affected 37 cases [27.3%]. For genotype 1, weight loss at 1 and 3 months was associated with higher SVR rates [59.5 vs. 36.8% at 1 month and 55.2 vs. 34.1% at 3 months, respectively, P values=0.02 and 0.03, respectively]. Hepatic fibrosis, elevation of high-density lipoprotein, and decline of homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance at 6-months follow-up were proven to be independent predictors for SVR. Weight loss during the first 6 months of IFN therapy was associated with improved SVR in patients with CHC genotype 1 rather than genotypes 2/3. Molecular changes associated with weight loss during CHC and its relation with treatment response need to be prospectively examined

Knowledge and attitudes of population towards HIV/Aids in four states, Sudan

HIV/AIDS is a public health problem in the Sudan. The country is the most severely affected in North Africa and the Middle East with an estimated 500,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. The objectives of the study were to determine knowledge and attitude of the local population in selected states about HIV/ AIDS and to determine the relation between knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS and associated social factors. Design was descriptive, cross-sectional, community- based study conducted in Gezira, Sinnar, River Nile and Northen states. The population was those found in their settings during the visits in April 2009. Both sexes were enrolled and children below the age of 15 years of questionnaire and were analyzed by the computer using SPSS, version 13, soft ware. Knowledge of the population in the selected four states about HIV/AIDS was favorable [73%]. Tolerant attitude towards HIV-infected people was low [40%]. Results showed that males acquired better knowledge than females [76.2% versus 71.8%] but females were more tolerant towards HIV/AIDS than males [42% versus 37.4%]. Results showed that HIV/AIDS Knowledge graduates [92.6%] followed by basic and secondary [76.7%]. Illiterates acquired the least level of knowledge [42.4%]. The study showed that tolerance of population towards PLWHA increased according to the level of education. The university graduated was more tolerant [55.1%] than the basic/secondary [40.5%] and illiterates [21.9%]. It was shown that the single population was more tolerant towards PLWAH, followed by the married, the divorced and the widowed constituting 41.6%, 40.4%, 31.4% and 25% respectively. The study concluded that, level of knowledge was HIV/AIDS of the population in the selected states was good. Level of knowledge among males, the working force and the single population was higher than the females, those without jobs and the married. Level of HIV/AIDS knowledge increased according to the level of education, was higher among university graduates followed by basic / secondary and Illiterates. Attitude of the population in the selected states towards people living with HIV/AIDS "PLWHA" was low, only 40% had more tolerant attitude. Females, the highly educated and the working population were more tolerant towards HIV/AIDS than males, the less educated, and the nonworking population

Evaluation of neurogenic dysphagia in Iraqi patients with acute stroke

To clinically assess neurogenic dysphagia, and to correlate its presence with demographic features, different stroke risk factors, anatomical arterial territorial stroke types, and pathological stroke types. Seventy- two stroke inpatients were studied between July 2007 and February 2008, at the Departments of Medicine and Neurology at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, and Rizgary Teaching Hospital, Erbil, Iraq. All patients were assessed using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability score [MASA], Modified Rankin Scale, and the Stroke Risk Scorecard. All patients were reassessed after one month. There were 40 males and 32 females. Sixty-eight patients had ischemic stroke, and 4 had primary intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH]. According to the MASA score, 55% of anterior circulation stroke [ACS] cases were associated with dysphasia, and 91% of lateral medullary syndrome cases were associated with dysphagia. Fifty-six percent of ACS dysphagic cases improved within the first month. Forty percent of dysphagic patients died in the one month follow up period, and in most, death was caused by aspiration pneumonia. We observed no significant differences regarding demographic features of dysphagia. Dysphagia can be an indicator of the severity of stroke causing higher mortality and morbidity in affected patients. It was not related to the stroke risk factors and the type of stroke. It is essential from a prognostic point of view to assess swallowing and to treat its complications early

Antioxidant status, C-reactive protein and iron status in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of acute pulmonary tuberculosis and the effect of drug therapy on markers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde [MDA] and total antioxidant status [TAS]], C-reactive protein [CRP] and iron body status indices. Forty patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis from the Advisory Clinic for Chest and Respiratory Diseases in Mosul City, Iraq, were included in this study, with fifty healthy age and sex matched subjects as controls. Assessment of serum concentrations of MDA, TAS, CRP, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation percent and ferritin were done for both patients and controls. After two months of therapy with a daily dose of isoniazid 75 mg, rifampicin 150mg, pyraziamide 400 mg, and ethambutol 275 mg, the same parameters were reassessed for the patients. After two months of therapy, there was a significant reduction in the levels of MDA, CRP, and ferritin, with a significant increase in the TAS, serum iron, and transferring saturation percentage with an insignificant effect on the total iron binding capacity in comparison with the patients' pre-therapy values. Active pulmonary tuberculosis is associated with oxidative stress; the increase in the levels of CRP indicated that pulmonary tuberculosis is associated with an inflammatory response. The initial two months therapy led to significant improvement in oxidative stress and suppression of inflammatory responses. Newly diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis often had chronic anaemia of inflammation, but this therapy resulted in a significant correction of such anaemia

study of sexual and reproductive dysfunctions in juvenile onset diabetic men

Diabetes affects an increasingly large number of young men of reproductive age To determine fertility status and to evaluate semen parameters and sexual dysfunction in men having juvenile onset diabetes comparing them to fertile controls. 73 male patients having juvenile onset diabetes mellitus. The study included clinical evaluation, erectile capacity scoring with IIEF-5 score, urine analysis after masturbation, conventional semen analysis and sperm hypoosmotic swelling test of 73 diabetic men and 33 fertile controls. Comparison between diabetic patients and fertile controls in conventional sperm parameters and hypoosmotic sperm swelling percentage [HOS%]. Additionally, assessment of prevalence of infertility, erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction in diabetic patients. There was a significant decrease in percentage of normal sperm morphology among diabetic patients [41.37 +/- 12. 38] than controls [57.27 +/- 8.11] [P < 0.001]. Percentage of progressive sperm motility was significantly lower in diabetic patients [33.42 +/- 13.38] than controls [54.84 +/- 5.92] [P < 0.001]. There was a significant decrease in sperm HOS% among diabetic patients [62.55 +/- 11.69] in comparison to controls [77.36 +/- 8.23] [P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in sperm concentration [in million sperm/ml] between diabetic patients [69.75 +/- 62.11] and controls [74.55 +/- 50.78]. Similar results were obtained on comparing between fertile and infertile diabetics. Prevalence of infertility was 40%, erectile dysfunction [ED] was 75%, premature ejaculation was 31% and partial retrograde ejaculation was 5%. Diabetic patients had significantly lower normal sperm morphology, progressive sperm motility and hypoosmotic sperm swelling percentages. They had higher round cell number. They also had increased prevalence of infertility, erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions

Clinical evaluation of atracurium on mother's hemodynamics and baby's wellbeing after caesarian section

Atracurium besylate is used mainly to produce skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery and to increase pulmonary compliance during assisted or controlled respiration [ventilation] after general anesthesia, also been used to facilitate endotracheal intubation. Fetal [Baby] wellbeing depends on placental blood flow which affected by systemic hypotension or hypertension, uterine blood flow rate which affected by maternal hemodynamic, uterine contraction and drugs that pass the placental blood barrier. Eighty pregnant women with full term pregnancy, normotensive, non diabetic or hypertensive [essential, pregnancy induced hypertension or eclampsia] and without any medical problems within normal placental sit and function undergoing Caesarean Section were included in this study. They had ASA grade I, their age ranged between 22-45 years old, their body weight was between 60-80 kilograms and received general anesthesia, half an hour to one hour after premedications [Primperan 10 mg IV, Randitine 100-150mg and 30 ml of 0.3-m sodium citrate [22], all patients had pre-oxygenation for 5 minutes and anesthesia induction was with intravenous sodium thiopentone [2.5%] 4mg/kg, scoline 1mg/kg, Atracurium 1-1.5mg/kg just after cndotracheal intubation and anesthesia was maintained by inhalational agent isoflurane 0.5%, Apgar score and baby's wellbeing were assessed in all the babies at the end of 1st and 5th minutes respectively. Resuscitation measures were also noted by pediatrician, data expressed as mean, standard deviation. A P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. After analysis of the collected data, there were no clinical significant decrease in maternal hemodynamic or babies wellbeing detected but statistically is highly significant as "t" test and P-value was 0.000, also baby's wellbeing was normal but Apgar Score and umbilical venous pH find a statistically significant-value 0.000. The administration of neuromuscular blocking agents [Atracurium] during Cesarean Section has no immediate or delayed adverse effects on the fetus, does not increases the likelihood of resuscitation the neonate. Indeed, the maternal hemodynamic changes in this study neither affects the placental blood flow and it's blood pressure auto-regulation range nor the babies wellbeing

Knowledge of diabetes risk factors and preventive measures among attendees of a primary care center in eastern Saudi Arabia

Few studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of the population about diabetes mellitus [DM] risk factors and preventative meassures. The objective of this study was to measure this knowledge among attendees of a primary care center in eastern Saudi Arabia. A sample of 300 male and female Saudis aged 18 years and older from the catchment area of the Aqrabya Primary Care Center were randomly selected for this cross-sectional survey. Data were collected through a structured face-to-face interview using a pre-piloted Arabic instrument. Regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of knowledge. The 288 participants interviewed included 100 males and 188 females. The mean [SD] age was 44.7 [12.6] years for males and 33.8 [12.4] years for females. Fewer than 50% of participants knew about DM risk factors and preventive measures. In a regression model that included age, sex and education, education had a statistically significant positive association with knowledge of risk factors [odds ratio 12.5, 95% CI 6.26-25.2, P < .001] and preventive measures [odds ratio 7.6, 95% CI 4.01-14.2, P < .001], and age had a statistically significcant negative association with knowledge of DM risk factors [odds ratio 0.377, 95% CI 0.207-0.685, P = .001] and prevention [odds ratio 0.407, 95% CI 0.231-0.717, P = .001]. The main risk factor stated by participants was obesity [35.8%], while the main preventive measure mentioned was weight reduction [37.9%]. Attendees had poor knowledge of DM risk factors and preventive measures. The level of educattion and age were important predictors of knowledge. Programs for health education of the community about DM risk factors and preventive measures are needed