Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among migrant workers in Qatar.

Limited data exist on viral hepatitis among migrant populations. This study investigated the prevalence of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and lifetime hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Qatar's migrant craft and manual workers (CMWs), constituting 60% of the country's population. Sera collected during a nationwide COVID-19 population-based cross-sectional survey on CMWs between July 26 and September 9, 2020, underwent testing for HBsAg and HCV antibodies. Reactive samples underwent confirmatory testing, and logistic regression analyses were employed to explore associations with HBV and HCV infections. Among 2528 specimens tested for HBV infection, 15 were reactive, with 8 subsequently confirmed positive. Three samples lacked sufficient sera for confirmatory testing but were included in the analysis through multiple imputations. Prevalence of current HBV infection was 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.7%). Educational attainment and occupation were significantly associated with current HBV infection. For HCV infection, out of 2607 specimens tested, 46 were reactive, and 23 were subsequently confirmed positive. Prevalence of lifetime HCV infection was 0.8% (95% CI 0.5-1.2%). Egyptians exhibited the highest prevalence at 6.5% (95% CI 3.1-13.1%), followed by Pakistanis at 3.1% (95% CI 1.1-8.0%). Nationality, geographic location, and occupation were significantly associated with lifetime HCV infection. HBV infection is relatively low among CMWs, while HCV infection falls within the intermediate range, both compared to global and regional levels.

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus among live-related kidney transplant recipients: Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation experience.

This cross-sectional study conducted at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) among live-related kidney transplant recipients and their short-term prognosis and included renal transplant recipients (nondiabetic before transplant) of either gender, aged 18-60 years with transplant duration two to six months. Patients with two reading of fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL were labeled as diabetic. A total of 191 patients (154 males and 37 females) with the age between 18 to 60 years (31.5 ± 9.33 years) were included and 30 patients (15.8%) including 23 males and seven females had PTDM. Age of the patients between 26 and 35 years, previous hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection/antiviral therapy, and Tacrolimus as maintenance immunosuppression were found to be more frequent among those with PTDM. After six months of follow-up, the serum creatinine of patients with PTDM was significantly higher than that of those without PTDM (1.15 ± 0.28 vs. 1.01 ± 0.16, P ≤0.0121); however at one year follow up, there was no significant difference between the serum creatinine of both groups (1.28 ± 0.38 vs. 1.37 ± 0.59, P = 0.332). PTDM is an important metabolic derangement affecting a number of kidney transplant recipients. Its risk factors are previous HCV infection, tacrolimus as immunosuppression and young age. It can have an adverse effect on graft function and survival. Therefore, long-term follow-up is warranted to optimize the graft function and patient survival.

Central retinal artery occlusion secondary to dengue fever.

Dengue fever is endemic in the tropics and subtropics and has become a worldwide health threat in recent years. Dengue-related ocular complications are increasingly being reported from countries in South-East Asia. The authors report the first documented case of a patient with dengue fever who developed central retinal artery occlusion in addition to many other eye complications such as severe ptosis and complete internal and external ophthalmoplegia during her convalescent phase. The disease was confirmed by specific serological tests. Despite treatment, severe visual impairment occurred in this case.