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

Management of urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections [UTIs] are commonly encountered in medical practice and range from asymptomatic bacteruria to acute pyelonephritis. Enterobacteriaceae with E. coli being the most prevalent, are responsible for most commonly acquired uncomplicated UTIs and usually respond promptly to oral antibiotics. In contradistinction, more resistant pathogens cause nosocomially acquired infections which often require parenteral antibiotic therapy. Patients with acute bacterial prostatitis, usually caused by Enterobacteriaceae present with a tender prostate gland and respond promptly to antibiotic therapy. Chronic bacterial prostatitis on the other hand, is a subacute infection characterized by recurrent episodes of bacterial UTI where the patient presents with vague symptoms of pelvic pain and voiding problems. Treatment is protracted and may be frustrating. Nonbacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome produce symptoms similar to those of chronic bacterial prostatitis. Treatment is not well defined due to their uncertain etiologies. Most episodes of catheter associated bacteruria are asymptomatic, where less than 5% will be complicated by bacteremia. The use of systemic antibiotics for treatment or prevention of bacteruria is not recommended, particularly in the geriatric age group, since it helps select for resistant organisms. Prevention thus remains the best option to control it. Few patients without catheters who have asymptomatic bacteruria develop serious complications and therefore routine antimicrobial therapy is not justified with only two exceptions: before urologic surgery and during pregnancy