Background:We present the prevalence and determinants of glaucoma among subjects 40 years of age and older in Qatar.Materials and Methods:This community-based survey was held in 2009 at 49 randomly selected clusters. Demographic details and history of glaucoma was collected by the nurses. Ophthalmologists evaluated the optic disc and retina using a digital camera housed in a mobile van. Visual field was tested with an automated perimeter, the intraocular pressure with an applanation tonometer and the angle of the anterior chamber by gonioscopy. A panel of glaucoma experts diagnosed subjects with glaucoma.Results:This survey enrolled 3,149 (97.3%) participants. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of glaucoma in the population aged 40 years and older was 1.73% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.69-1.77). Accordingly, 5,641 individuals in this age group in Qatar would have glaucoma. Chronological age of 60 years and older (Odds ratio [OR] 11.1) and the presence of myopia (OR 1.78) were predictors of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma was diagnosed in 44 (65.7%) individuals with glaucoma. In nine (13.4%) and 15 (20.9%) subjects, angle closure glaucoma and other (post-traumatic, pseudoexfoliation) glaucoma were present. Bilateral blindness (vision <3/60) and severe visual impairment (<6/60) were found in four (6%) and three (4.5%) subjects with glaucoma, respectively. Glaucoma was treated in 36 (54%) subjects.Conclusions:The prevalence of glaucoma among citizens of Qatar aged 40 years and older was 1.71%. Glaucoma was associated with the age of 60 years and older and the presence of myopia.

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Universal and periodic eye screening of patients with diabetes is recommended in Qatar. Health promotion for primary prevention and resource review are needed for early detection and management of sight-threatening DR.

The study was applied on 4772 lactating and non-lactating cows distributed on different districts in Al Sharqia Governorate. Sera were collected from animals during routine diagnosis and control program. The results of screening tests Buffer acidified plate antigen test (BAPAT), Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), Tube agglutination test (TAT), Complement fixation test (CFT) and indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay gave 124 and 176 seroreactive animals by incidence of 4.42% and 8.91% in private farms and individual cases respectively. 37 (29.8%) and 97 (55.1%) isolates of Brucella melitensis biovar 3 were recovered from 124 and 176 seroreactive animals respectively. In seroreactive cows, Brucella melitensis biovar 3 was isolated from 36% and PCR yielded expected products in 40%. In conclusion, more attention should be paid to the role of Brucella melitensis biovar 3 in brucellosis in cattle during the application of national program of brucella control and eradication.

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