Prevalence of hepatitis B in a presumably healthy Lebanese population

Policy makers need data on the prevalence of infection with HBV in order to determine the cost effectiveness of universal immunization against hepatitis B. This study aims at determining the prevalence rate of infection with HBV in a basically healthy group of Lebanese adults. Sera from 2634 presumably healthy Lebanese individuals, mean age 32.1 years, obtained between 1995-1997, were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]. The sample was composed of subjects residing in different areas in Lebanon. Detection of HBsAg was performed utilizing the ELISA technique. The analysis took place in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. Chi-square test was used to examine statistical associations. The prevalence of HBsAg among the samples was 1.6%. Blue-collar employees, smokers and those living in the South of Lebanon were significantly more likely to be infected with hepatitis B virus. The data presented indicates that Lebanon has a low prevalence of HBV infection. Cost-effective studies are needed to justify universal immunization against hepatitis B especially in countries where budgets are tight

Intestinal parasites among presumably healthy individuals in Lebanon.

To determine the prevalence period of intestinal parasites among presumably healthy subjects in Lebanon. One stool specimen from 2634 presumably healthy Lebanese subjects, mean age 32.1 years with a range of 14-71 years, resident of different areas in Lebanon was examined for the presence of parasites. The analysis took place in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon, over 25-months between 1995-1997. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 12.4%. The most common parasites identified were Entamoeba coli [3.8%], Giardia lamblia [3.1%] and Entamoeba histolytica [2.3%]. The data presented shows the need to improve hygienic conditions to contain the problem of intestinal infections with parasites in Lebanon

Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in relation to other cardiovascular risk factors in Lebanon

A study of 2518 Lebanese subjects [1138 males, 1380 females] aged 30 years and over revealed an overall prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance of 13.1% and 6.0% respectively. The prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was similar in both sexes, while impaired glucose tolerance was slightly higher among females; both increased steadily with age. The main risk factor was obesity [55% in males, 67% in females]. Participants with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were more likely to have heart disease, and had slightly higher blood pressure and serum triglycerides

Cerebrovascular disease in Kuwait: a descriptive study

To assess the problem of cerebrovascular disease [CBVD] in Kuwait: [one] data from the annual reports 1972/81 were analysed; [two] 1203 medical records of discharged patients [survived and died] during a 2-year period [1983/84] were studied; and [three] a cross-sectional study of 166 patients was carried out. Over the period 1972 to 1981 the mortality due to CBVD or to hypertensive disease [which is of a similar order] did not show any major change. The mortality among males and among Kuwaitis was higher than among women and non-kuwaitis. A cute but ill-defined CBVD was the most frequent final diagnosis of discharged [survived and died] patients. The seasonal peak of the admission of CBVD cases was from January to March. Significantly more female patients and non-kuwaitis were found in those aged 60 or more years. The clinical manifestations of CBVD in the follow-up patients showed that 50% of patients were fully conscious on admission, 51.2% had hemiplegia, 25.3% had speech deficits. Only 10.2% had a previous attack of CBVD, 36.7% had hypertension and 21.7% had diabetes mellitus