Infectious diseases in the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt

Abstract

Infectious diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Epidemiologically, differences in the patterns of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance exist across diverse geographical regions. In this review on infectious diseases in the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt, the epidemiology of tuberculosis, malaria and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections will be addressed. The challenges of the hepatitis C epidemic in Egypt and the epidemiology of this infection across the region will be reviewed. In recent years, we have seen dengue endemicity become established, with major outbreaks in parts of the region. Emerging data also indicate that, across the region, there is an increasing burden of antibiotic resistance, with endemicity in healthcare settings and dissemination into the community. New challenges include the emergence of the Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever virus in Saudi Arabia. The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia serves as a model for the control of infectious disease in mass gatherings. As most of these countries constantly experience a uniquely dynamic population influx in the form of expatriate workers, tourists, or pilgrims, concerted regional and international collaboration to address these public health concerns in a region that lies at the crossroads for the global spread of infectious pathogens is imperative.

Co-circulation of Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses, Al Hudaydah, Yemen, 2012

“…It is well known that travels to and from DENV-endemic areas are common, and imported cases from eastern Africa (Zanzibar) were reported in Yemen as early as the nineteenth century ( 11 , 12 ). Circulation of different DENV serotypes has also been reported in Saudi Arabia: DENV-3 emerged as the predominant serotype after 1997, and DENV-2 and DENV-1 serotypes had been associated with earlier outbreaks ( 13 ). …”

Molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in nosocomial infections in a tertiary-care facility: emergence of new clonal complexes in Saudi Arabia

“…Although studies have shown an increasing trend of phenotypic resistance to various antibiotics in CA-MRSA isolates from Saudi Arabia, no vancomycin resistance has yet been reported [30]. However, there are few data on the distribution of resistance genes [8].…”

Viral hemorrhagic fevers in the Tihamah region of the western Arabian Peninsula

“…It was first isolated in Saudi Arabia and described as a unique viral agent of Arabian Peninsula [6, 34]. Significantly, AHFV shares a high similarity with Kyasanur Forest disease virus, which was isolated in India [35].…”

“…The Hajj rituals require sacrifice of livestock (more than 10–15 million small ruminants annually), and their importation from other countries may contribute to the global spread of those pathogens [6, 11]. …”

“…These diseases are typically endemic in certain geographical regions and sometimes cause major outbreaks [5]. The history of hemorrhagic fever in the Arabian Peninsula refers to the 19th century and the first recorded outbreak of a dengue-like disease, which occurred from 1870 to 1873 [6–8]. After the mid-1990s, the reported outbreaks in the Arabian Peninsula raised the possibility of widespread emergence of VHFs in the region[9].…”