immunological aspects of acute CNS complications of the exanthematous viral diseases

A total of 21 patients with post-measles and 26 patients with post-varicella CNS complications was studied. In both groups, males were predominant than females. The CNS manifestations included a disturbed level of consciousness, coma, seizures, motor deficits, ataxia and myoclonus. The sequelae were more frequent in post-measles cases and ranged from behavioral abnormalities to motor deficits. CSF examination showed that most of the cases demonstrated increase in the protein content [45-1OO mg] and pleocytosis. Myelin protein was detected in 8 samples and 6 samples of post-measles and varicella CSF out of 12 samples tested in each group, respectively. Specific virus IgG antibody was detected significantly in 8 paired CSF samples of post-varicella group and only one sample of post-measles out of 12 paired samples tested in each group. CT scan examination revealed that the most common finding was the brain edema [13 in measles and 21 in varicella group]

situation of nosocomial infection from patients with congo/crimean hemorrhagic fever in Makkah

From 20 May 1990 to 12 December 1992, 28 patients with Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever were admitted in King Faisal Hospital, Makkah. All the patients were evaluated clinically and laboratory and finally diagnosed by the using antibody titer. 15 hospital staff [in close contact with the patients were screened for the clinical manifestations laboratory results and the antibody titer to Congo- Crimean hemorrhagic fever. The results revealed that the secondary case of the disease in Makkah was unusual and the air borne route does not play any role in the transmission of the disease

Newly outbreak of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever in Makkah

Out of 67 cases admitted with provisional diagnosis as a Congo/Crimean hemorrhagic fever, 28 cases [41.7%] proved to be infected by the disease as evidenced by the rising antibody titer. The most constant and striking clinical features included fever and subcutaneous bleeding which have been reported in all cases. Other less common clinical features included headache, sore throat and joint pain [71.4%]. G.I.T. bleeding has occurred in 14.2% of cases and indicated bad prognosis. Thrombocytopenia, prolonged prothrombin time and raised cardiac enzymes were found in all patients. Most of the patients developed leucopenia [92.8%] and raised liver enzymes. The rising antibody titer was essential for the diagnosis indicating disease activity

Prevalence of hepatitis E among patients with acute hepatitis

This study included 361 patients who were admitted with clinical manifestations and laboratory results of acute virus hepatitis. It was carried out in King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, the only center for infectious disease there. The results revealed that the hepatitis A is the most common cause of acute hepatitis [74.5%], and the male were affected more than females [56.5%, 43.5%]. Both acute hepatitis and hepatitis E have high prevalence rate below the age of 12 years. Hepatitis E virus plays a minor role [11.3%] as a cause of acute hepatitis in Makkah and most of the cases were coming from low standard area where poor sanitary disposal of excreta. So, improvement in water supplies, sewage disposal and hygiene should be effective in lowering HEV incidence

Clinical evaluation and late sequelae of tetanus in adult and children

This study included 27 adult patients with tetanus admitted in King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, and 13 children with tetanus [2 of them with tetanus neonatorum] admitted in Maternity and Obstetric Hospital. In both age groups males were affected more than females. Trismus and abdominal pain were the most common presentation but severity of the disease was more common among children and the mortality rate was higher in children group [23.07% in children, 7.4% in adults]. Loss of libido in adult and mental retardation in the children were the commonest late sequelae and no significant changes were observed in the EEG after one year