In conclusion, risk communication and community engagement are an essential and challenging aspects of the containment of the COVID-19 outbreak and thus we have to try our best to establish a better system to ensure that risk communication is well in place and utilized effectively to engage the community.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF.

The history of VHFs in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula has been documented since the 19

century, in which many outbreaks have been reported from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Despite presence of regional network of experts and technical organizations, which expedite support and respond during outbreaks, there are some more challenges that need to be addressed immediately. Gaps in funding, exhaustive and inclusive response plans and improved surveillance systems are some areas of concern in the region which can be dealt productively. This review primarily focusses on the hemorrhagic fevers that are caused by three most common viruses namely, the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift valley fever virus, and Dengue fever virus.

In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and response strategies in future.

In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and response strategies in future.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered as “Viral Time Bomb” suggested by the World Health Organization and if it is not treated timely, it will lead towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

The purpose of the present research is to study possible risk factors, frequent genotypes of HCV and its association with different age groups.

Suspected blood samples from HCV patients were collected from different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Out of 1000 HCV suspected samples, 920 samples were found HCV positive detected by Anti-HCV ELISA, CobasR. kit. The quantification of HCV load was determined by HCV quantification kit and LINEAR ARRAY KIT (Roche) was used for genotype determination by Real-Time PCR (ABI). Statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel.

Out of 920 subjects, 77 subjects (8.4%) were false positive and they were not detected by nested PCR. Three PCR positive samples were untypeable. Genotype 3 was predominant in Lahore which was 83.5%, whereas type 1 and 2 were 5.1% and 0.7% respectively. There were also mixed genotypes detected, 1 and 3 were 0.4%, 2 and 3 were 1.41% and 3 and 4 were 0.2% only. Male were more infected of HCV in the age <40 years and females >40years.

The major risk factor for HCV transmission is by use of unsterilized razors/blades. It is necessary to spread awareness among the general population of Pakistan about HCV transmission risk factors. Regular physical examination at least once a year is recommended, so that early detection of HCV could be done.

The major risk factor for HCV transmission is by use of unsterilized razors/blades. It is necessary to spread awareness among the general population of Pakistan about HCV transmission risk factors. Regular physical examination at least once a year is recommended, so that early detection of HCV could be done.

Acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are contagious diseases of the upper airways, but they are self-limiting in nature. Therefore, antimicrobial-use for the majority of the URTIs is considered inappropriate. Unfortunately, globally, antimicrobials are still being prescribed for the treatment of URTIs, especially in children. However, there is insufficient evidence on the causes of this phenomenon in South Africa.

To investigate whether the parents/guardians accompanying children with URTIs expected/influenced physicians and/or nurses to prescribe antibiotics.

This was a prospective descriptive and explorative questionnaire-based study. Participants were guardians who accompanied children aged five years and below, diagnosed with acute URTIs.

Three hundred and six parents/guardians participated in this study. Selleck PF-07104091 Seventy six percent (n=233) of participants received antibiotics for URTIs for their children, and 67% (n=156) of these did not make requests for antimicrobial therapy. On overall, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) chance (with OR of 5.9; 95% CI, 2.4 – 14.2) for receiving antibiotics for URTIs without a request.

Physicians and other healthcare providers need education on rational prescribing of antimicrobials, and to implement evidence-based standard treatment guidelines, to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics in children with self-limiting URTIs.

Physicians and other healthcare providers need education on rational prescribing of antimicrobials, and to implement evidence-based standard treatment guidelines, to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics in children with self-limiting URTIs.

Since the 1990s, the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis worldwide has changed thanks to vaccination. In Tunisia, the main causative pathogens were

and

serotype b (Hib). Only Hib vaccination was available during our study period.

We performed a laboratory case report based-study of suspected bacterial meningitis in Northern Tunisia from January 2014 to June 2017.

CSF samples obtained from children beyond neonatal age with suspicion of meningitis were tested by two real time PCRs, targeting pneumococcus, meningococcus and Hib, and conventional methods.

Using real-time PCR, 63 were positive including ten supplementary cases compared to conventional methods. A general decrease of bacterial meningitis cases was demonstrated comparing to previous data.

was predominant (69.84%) followed by

(28.57%) and Hib (1.59%). The main serotypes were 14, 19F, 6B and 23F for

and serogroup B for

. Most cases occurred during cold season and children under one year were the most affected by bacterial meningitis.