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Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are severe and challenging oncological complications, with a consequent high morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised. We reviewed the profile and susceptibility of bacteria associated with infections in children under 13 years of age receiving chemotherapy. Methods: Prospective cohort study of pediatric oncology patients was conducted between January 2015 and October 2017 at the Royal Hospital in Oman. Patient demographics, clinical data, laboratory parameters, microbial etiology and susceptibility, and outcomes were retrieved and analyzed. Results: A total of 74 episodes of positive bacterial blood cultures were detected in 38 oncology patients (positive blood culture rate of 51%). Fifty-seven percent were positive for gram-negative organisms with Klebsiella (21%) being the most common gram-negative organism cultured, and the most common gram-positive organism was Staphylococcus (coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONs) and S. Aureus) (30%). The majority of patients had gastrointestinal complaints (74%), and almost half (51%) had prolonged periods of neutropenia (> 7 days). One third of gram-negative organisms were resistant to four or more antibiotics with a major resistance of 31% to piperacillin-tazobactam. Of the gram-positive organisms, 38% were resistant to at least four antibiotics and 30% were pan-resistant (except for vancomycin). Conclusion: The gram-negative organisms were dominant in BSIs with Klebsiella being the most common culprit. Bacteremia was prevalent, however, high resistance to first-line antibiotics was documented amongst gram-negative isolates, demanding strategies to ensure our patients' safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article describes the situation analysis of endemic and emerging zoonoses, and includes prevention and control of zoonoses in Oman. It also suggests possible recommendations toward elimination and risk reduction of emerging zoonoses. Methods: Epidemiologic information has been drawn from official to assess the situation. There has been significant progress in reducing the risk of brucellosis, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Rabies, West Nile fever, Q fever, and cystic hydatid disease have been confined to wildlife or livestock. Results: There is an increasing threat of emerging and re-emerging zoonoses in Oman due to globalization of travel and trade, development activities, and impact of climate change and vector bionomics. Prevention, control, and subsequent elimination of zoonoses on a sustainable basis shall not be possible without intersectoral collaboration between the human and animal health sectors. There are challenges for establishing such strong collaboration and coordination mechanisms in Oman. Institutional and cultural barriers, data and resource sharing, and national capability for rapid and effective investigation of zoonotic infections and emerging zoonoses in humans and animal reservoirs are among others. Conclusions: In the light of achievements made on the prevention and control of zoonoses in Oman during the past decades, priority zoonoses should be identified for elimination, and continuous efforts should be made to further strengthen a holistic multidisciplinary and multisectorial approach for controlling zoonoses at source. Pivotal interventions would include urgent adoption of "One Health" strategic approach as well as establishment of a robust, integrated surveillance system with a strong laboratory investigation capacity to eliminate priority zoonoses and minimize the risk of entry, establishment, and spread of emerging zoonoses in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in pregnant women in the Gulf States. Methods: A total of 1710 pregnant women aged 15–45 years were enrolled in June–July 2000 in nine centres across Oman, Qatar and Unite Arab Emirates. The percentage of HBsAg-positive and HBeAg-positive individuals was determined. Results: Serology results were available for 1694 women. A total of 7.1% of the women in Oman, 1% in Qatar and 1.5% in UAE were HBsAg-positive. Three (0.5%) women in Oman were HBeAg-positive. Risk factors identified for being HBsAg-positive were younger age, being a national (i.e. not an expatriate) and residing outside the city. Conclusions: Results from this study have shown that hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence in pregnant women is of intermediate endemicity in Oman and of low endemicity in Qatar and UAE. Thus, universal vaccination of all female adolescents before potential pregnancy is recommended in Oman in order to prevent perinatal infection, as well as to minimize horizontal transmission of the HBV in the community. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]