An epidemiological risk assessment of imported malaria cases and potential local transmission in Qatar.

Preventing local transmission of malaria from imported cases is crucial for achieving and maintaining malaria elimination. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases and assess the distribution of malaria vectors in Qatar. Data from January 2016 to December 2022 on imported malaria, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics, travel-related information, and diagnostic results, were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Epidemiology, transmission dynamics, risk factors, and future directions of rabies in the Arabian Peninsula using one health approach: a review.

Despite global initiatives to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, the Arabian Peninsula faces challenges due to insufficient data. This review addresses the current rabies situation and knowledge gaps in the region and proposes One Health interventions. Employing a mixed-method approach combining scoping and systematic review, the study commenced with a Delphi discussion to identify knowledge gaps and set objectives.

HIV case reporting and HIV treatment outcomes in Qatar.

Aim: The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of available HIV case reporting and treatment data for in Qatar for the period 2015-2020.

Methods: HIV case reporting data were analyzed by sex and mode of transmission. To construct HIV care continuum from the data available, we obtained information on the total number of HIV diagnosed patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2020, number of patients on ART who had an HIV viral load test and the number who were virally suppressed (defined as having the viral load of less than 1,000 copies/mL).

Reply to Hamzavi et al. Comment on "Islam et al. Helminth Parasites among Rodents in the Middle East Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2020, , 2342".

Rodents serve as an important reservoir or carrier of zoonotic pathogens on a global scale [...

Rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar: A possible One-Health framework for the intervention of future epidemic.

The increasing frequency of spillover of zoonotic pathogens from animals to humans in recent years highlights a need to develop a more comprehensive framework to investigate and prevent pathogens of animal origin, including rodents. Despite the presence of several species of rodents, there is a certain knowledge gap regarding rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar. The current review provides an update on rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar, its possible drivers and transmission dynamics, and proposed a One Health framework for intervention.

Global patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence and seroprevalence in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is one of the human coronaviruses that causes severe respiratory infection. Bats are considered to be the natural reservoir, where dromedary camels (DC) are the intermediate hosts of the virus. The current study was undertaken to provide an update on global distribution of the virus in camels, and to investigate the pooled prevalence and camel-associated risk factors of infection.

Pathogenicity and virulence of monkeypox at the human-animal-ecology interface.

Monkeypox (Mpox) was mostly limited to Central and Western Africa, but recently it has been reported globally. The current review presents an update on the virus, including ecology and evolution, possible drivers of transmission, clinical features and management, knowledge gaps, and research priorities to reduce the disease transmission. The origin, reservoir(s) and the sylvatic cycle of the virus in the natural ecosystem are yet to be confirmed.

A new One Health Framework in Qatar for future emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases preparedness and response.

One Health is increasingly recognized as an optimal approach to address the global risk of health threats originating at the human, animal, and ecosystem interface, and their impact. Qatar has successfully practiced One Health approach for investigation and surveillance of zoonotic diseases such as MERS-CoV, and other health threats. However, the current gaps at institution and policy level hinder the sustainment of One Health.

Rabies Virus Populations in Humans and Mice Show Minor Inter-Host Variability within Various Central Nervous System Regions and Peripheral Tissues.

Rabies virus (RABV) has a broad host range and infects multiple cell types throughout the infection cycle. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and minor variant analysis are powerful tools for studying virus populations within specific hosts and tissues, leading to novel insights into the mechanisms of host-switching and key factors for infecting specific cell types. In this study we investigated RABV populations and minor variants in both original (non-passaged) samples and in vitro-passaged isolates of various CNS regions (hippocampus, medulla oblongata and spinal cord) of a fatal human rabies case, and of multiple CNS and non-CNS tissues of experimentally infected mice.

Dengue Epidemiology in Qatar from 2013-2021: A Retrospective Study.

(1) Background: Qatar does not have any indigenous cases of dengue; however, the influx of immigrants from dengue endemic countries, the environment, and climate suitability for Aedes vector mosquitoes suggest a potential risk for local transmission. In this study, we investigated various demographic factors to determine the epidemiological features of dengue in Qatar. (2) Methods: In the present retrospective study, we reviewed dengue notification data received at the national surveillance system, Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, between January 2013, and December 2021, and we analyzed the incidence of the dengue disease burden to identify factors that could contribute to the dissemination of the disease in Qatar.

Identification of Prognostic Metabolomic Biomarkers at the Interface of Mortality and Morbidity in Pre-Existing TB Cases Infected With SARS-CoV-2.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection currently remains one of the biggest global challenges that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) in severe cases. In line with this, prior pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a risk factor for long-term respiratory impairment. Post-TB lung dysfunction often goes unrecognized, despite its relatively high prevalence and its association with reduced quality of life.

Genetic diversity of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in imported and domestic camels in Saudi Arabia.

Camels gained attention since the discovery of MERS-CoV as intermediary hosts for potentially epidemic zoonotic viruses. DcHEV is a novel zoonotic pathogen associated with camel contact. This study aimed to genetically characterize DcHEV in domestic and imported camels in Saudi Arabia.

Diversity of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance profile among commensal rodents in Qatar.

Rodents are sources of many zoonotic pathogens that are of public health concern. This study investigated bacterial pathogens and assessed their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns in commensal rodents in Qatar. A total of 148 rodents were captured between August 2019 and February 2020, and blood, ectoparasites, and visceral samples were collected.

Morphometric Study of , , and in Qatar.

The current study was undertaken to estimate the morphometric pattern of three commensal rodents, i.e., , , and in Qatar.

Rodent-Related Zoonotic Pathogens at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface in Qatar: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Rodents are one of the most diversified terrestrial mammals, and they perform several beneficial activities in nature. These animals are also important as carriers of many pathogens with public health importance. The current systematic review was conducted to formulate a true depiction of rodent-related zoonoses in Qatar.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection profile in Qatar: An 8-year experience.

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012. The objective of the study was to describe the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcome of MERS-CoV in Qatar. A total of 28 cases of MERS-CoV were identified, corresponding to an incidence of 1.

A Comprehensive Review of Viral Characteristics, Transmission, Pathophysiology, Immune Response, and Management of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 as a Basis for Controlling the Pandemic.

COVID-19 emerged from China in December 2019 and during 2020 spread to every continent including Antarctica. The coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been identified as the causative pathogen, and its spread has stretched the capacities of healthcare systems and negatively affected the global economy. This review provides an update on the virus, including the genome, the risks associated with the emergence of variants, mode of transmission, immune response, COVID-19 in children and the elderly, and advances made to contain, prevent and manage the disease.

Rodent Ectoparasites in the Middle East: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Rodents carry many ectoparasites, such as ticks, lice, fleas, and mites, which have potential public health importance. Middle Eastern countries are hotspots for many emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as plague, leishmaniasis, Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Q fever, due to their ecological, socioeconomic, and political diversity. Rodent ectoparasites can act as vectors for many of these pathogens.

Helminth Parasites among Rodents in the Middle East Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Rodents can be a source of zoonotic helminths in the Middle East and also in other parts of the world. The current systematic review aimed to provide baseline data on rodent helminths to recognize the threats of helminth parasites on public health in the Middle East region. Following a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, a total of 65 research studies on rodent cestodes, nematodes, and trematodes, which were conducted in the countries of the Middle East, were analyzed.

First molecular analysis of rabies virus in Qatar and clinical cases imported into Qatar, a case report.

Identifying the origin of the rabies virus (RABV) infection may have significant implications for control measures. Here, we identified the source of a RABV infection of two Nepalese migrants in Qatar by comparing their RABV genomes with RABV genomes isolated from the brains of a RABV infected camel and fox from Qatar.

An outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis among a displaced population in North Sudan: Review of cases.

Background: Human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in many parts of Sudan.

Objective: To document an outbreak of CL among internally displaced people (IDP) in north Sudan.

Methods: A household survey was conducted in the rural region of New Manasir, at El Damer Locality in north Sudan during the year 2013.