The epidemiological characterization and geographic distribution of hepatitis D virus infection in Libya.

Introduction: North Africa is known to be endemic for hepatitis D virus. However, data one the prevalence of this virus in Libya are scanty. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis D virus infection in Libya and analyze the demographic factors associated with the infection, and also to assess the variations across the regions and districts.

Molecular detection of Epstein-Barr virus in different types of lymphoma.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the γ herpesvirus subfamily. It is widely spread, potentially oncogenic and has been studied in different human cancers such as gastric carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. EBV replicates in the oral epithelium, and resting B lymphocytes trafficking through the pharynx develop a latent infection in which only EBV genes related to the B cell growth program are expressed: LMP1, -2a/b, BARTs, EBERs and EBNAs.

Spatiotemporal analysis and epidemiological characterization of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Libya within a twenty five year period: 1993-2017.

Background: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an alarming problem in North African countries, but few studies have analyzed the geographical distribution of the epidemic. Libya, the second largest country in Africa and with the longest coast on the Mediterranean basin facing Europe, has experienced major outbreaks of HIV infection. Since then, no studies have followed up on the burden of HIV infections.

Trends and patterns of deaths, injuries and intentional disabilities within the Libyan armed conflict: 2012-2017.

Background: The consequences of armed conflicts impose considerable burdens on the economy and health care services, particularly in countries that are not equipped to deal with them, such as in the Middle-East, and North African countries. Little is known about the burden of mortality and injury resulting from the Libyan armed conflict. This study aimed to determine the trends and patterns of mortality, injury and disabilities directly associated with the Libyan armed conflict and analyze the geographic variation within the country during 2012-2107.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes after caesarean delivery in the African Surgical Outcomes Study: a 7-day prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality is high in Africa, but few large, prospective studies have been done to investigate the risk factors associated with these poor maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods: A 7-day, international, prospective, observational cohort study was done in patients having caesarean delivery in 183 hospitals across 22 countries in Africa. The inclusion criteria were all consecutive patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted to participating centres having elective and non-elective caesarean delivery during the 7-day study cohort period.

The geographic variation and spatiotemporal distribution of hepatitis C virus infection in Libya: 2007-2016.

Background: Hepatitis C Virus infection has been considered an important hidden pandemic in developing countries, particularly in Africa. It varies greatly from one region to another and even within districts of the same region. Macroscopic geospatial analysis has become an important scientific tool for identifying the density and clustering of HCV infection and provides epidemiological information for planning interventions and control strategies.

The Epidemiology of Hepatitis D Virus in North Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection has been considered a serious neglected pandemic, particularly in developing countries. The virus causes a more severe disease than mono infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The epidemiology of HDV is not well documented in North Africa, which is known to be endemic for HBV.

Autosomal-recessive iron deficiency anemia, dystonia and hypermanganesemia caused by new variant mutation of the manganese transporter gene SLC39A14.

This inborn error of manganese metabolism has only recently been identified. A total of 28 affected individuals from ten families are known worldwide. Mutations in SLC39A14, encoding a Mn uptake transporter, have recently been recognized to cause excessive Mn concentrations in the blood which is believed to be neurotoxic and lead to a parkinsonian-like movement disorder caused by accumulation of Mn in the basal ganglia.

Perioperative patient outcomes in the African Surgical Outcomes Study: a 7-day prospective observational cohort study.

Background: There is a need to increase access to surgical treatments in African countries, but perioperative complications represent a major global health-care burden. There are few studies describing surgical outcomes in Africa.

Methods: We did a 7-day, international, prospective, observational cohort study of patients aged 18 years and older undergoing any inpatient surgery in 25 countries in Africa (the African Surgical Outcomes Study).

Spa typing and identification of pvl genes of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a Libyan hospital in Tripoli.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the molecular characteristics of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from clinical sources in Tripoli, Libya.

Methods: A total of 95 MRSA strains collected at the Tripoli medical Centre were investigated by spa typing and identification of the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (pvl) genes.

Results: A total of 26 spa types were characterized and distributed among nine clonal complexes; CC5 (n=32), CC80 (n=18), CC8 (n=17) and CC22 (n=12) were the most prevalent clonal complexes.

Conservative Management of Odontoid Peg Fractures, long term follow up.

Objective: The aim of the study was to look at the long-term effects of conservative management of odontoid peg fractures.

Methods: We reviewed 48 consecutive patients with type II (32) and 16 type III, odontoid peg fractures. The clinical & radiological outcomes were assessed over an average period of follow up of 8 years.

Current problematic and emergence of carbapenemase-producing bacteria: a brief report from a Libyan hospital.

A collection of 94 Gram-negative bacteria isolates, showing different antimicrobial resistance phenotypes including to the carbapenem classes was investigated. Strains were originated form clinical sources from a single hospital in Tripoli, Libya during 2015 and were identified based on cultural and phenotypic characteristics, and fully characterized by the VITEK automated system. Forty-eight percent (48%) of the collection was identified as Acinetobacter baumannii, 50% Klebsiella pneumoniae and 2% Escherichia coli.

Molecular and epidemiological characterization of HIV-1 subtypes among Libyan patients.

Background: The epidemiological and clinical aspects of human immunodeficiency virus subtypes are of great interest worldwide. These subtypes are rarely studied in North African countries. Libya is a large country with the longest coast on the Mediterranean Sea, facing the Southern European countries.

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus and genotype distribution in immigrants crossing to Europe from North and sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: The association between the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and immigration is rarely studied, particularly for the immigrants crossing to the resettlement countries. Most of the published data are confined to those immigrants who were resident in European countries and rarely immigrated before they reach the final destination. Libya is a large country in North Africa with the longest coast of the Mediterranean Sea facing the European Union.

Hepatitis C Virus in North Africa: An Emerging Threat.

Hepatitis C virus is a major public health threat associated with serious clinical consequences worldwide. North Africa is a unique region composed of seven countries that vary considerably in the predisposing factors to microbial diseases both historically and at the present time. The dynamics of HCV in the region are not well documented.

Clinical profile and factors associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS: a retrospective analysis from Tripoli Medical Centre, Libya, 2013.

In Libya, little is known about HIV-related hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality. This was a retrospective analysis of HIV-related hospitalizations at Tripoli Medical Centre in 2013. Of 227 cases analysed, 82.

Benign Orofacial Lesions in Libyan Population: A 17 Years Retrospective Study.

Objectives: To analyze the frequency and type of benign orofacial lesions submitted for diagnosis at Tripoli Medical Centre over 17 years period (1997-2013).

Materials And Methods: Entries for specimens from patients were retrieved and compiled into 9 diagnostic categories and 82 diagnoses.

Results: During the 17 years period, a total of 975 specimens were evaluated, it comprised a male-female ratio of 0.

The microvascular effects of insulin resistance and diabetes on cardiac structure, function, and perfusion: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

Aims: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure. To better understand the mechanism by which this occurs, we investigated cardiac structure, function, and perfusion in patients with and without diabetes.

Methods And Results: Sixty-five patients with no stenosis >30% on invasive coronary angiography were categorized into diabetes (19) and non-diabetes (46) which was further categorized into prediabetes (30) and controls (16) according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines.

Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV & HIV co-infection and risk factors analysis in Tripoli-Libya.

Background: In 1998 Libya experienced a major outbreak of multiple blood borne viral hepatitis and HIV infections. Since then, no studies have been done on the epidemic features and risk factors of HBV, HCV, HIV and co-infection among the general population.

Methods: A prospective study was carried out using a multi-centre clustering method to collect samples from the general population.

Clinical experience with biphasic insulin aspart in people with type 2 diabetes: Results from the Libya cohort of the A1chieve study.

Background: The A1chieve, a multicentric (28 countries), 24-week, non-interventional study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of insulin detemir, biphasic insulin aspart and insulin aspart in people with T2DM (n = 66,726) in routine clinical care across four continents.

Materials And Methods: Data was collected at baseline, at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks. This short communication presents the results for patients enrolled in biphasic insulin aspart sub group from Libya.

Hepatitis C virus in Arab world: a state of concern.

Hepatitis C virus has been considered to be one of the most important devastating causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatic cellular carcinoma. The prevalence of such virus varies greatly over the world. Arab world has a unique geography and consists over nineteen countries who share the same heritage and customs and do speak the same language.