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Objectives: GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV), collectively known as GBV-C, has been reported to be associated with non-A-E hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of infection and genotypic characteristics of GBV-C among Kuwaiti and Jordanian blood donors. Methods: A total of 334 plasma/serum samples from healthy blood donors in Kuwait (n = 130) and Jordan (n = 204) were screened using RT-PCR/nested PCR of the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR). Phylogenetic analysis was conducted by sequencing the 5′-UTR region of the randomly picked clones representative of the two populations. Results: The results obtained showed that the rate of GBV-C infection in healthy Kuwaiti and Jordanian blood donors was 24.6 and 9.8%, respectively. Sequence analysis of the 5′-UTR using 4 and 6 clones from healthy Kuwaiti and Jordanian blood donors, respectively, revealed the prevalence of the European/North American genotype 2 when compared to the 6 reference genotypes in GenBank. Conclusion: GBV-C/HGV was detectable at rates relatively comparable with other regions in the world in Kuwaiti and Jordanian blood donors, although the significance of which remains controversial. More interesting is the dominance of GBV-C genotype 2 among the two populations, which remains to be explained. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of heat waves, hot days, very hot days and extremely hot days in Kuwait during the warm seasons (May–August) from 1958 to 2000 was investigated. First, we examined a circulation pattern that causes these phenomena by analyzing the most significant events. Second, we provided a statistical analysis of their incidence including an analysis of their duration and temporal variability. The investigation of temperature data and synoptic maps shows that extremely high temperatures in the warm season are due to the changes in the regional circulation pattern. Along with typical summer conditions that effect Kuwait and the northern region of the Arabian Gulf, the shift of the Subtropical Jet Stream northward and the build up of the ridge of high pressure in the 500 hPa level play a major role in heat wave events during the summer season in Kuwait. The hot and dry Arabian Peninsula air masses are transferred to the region and the process is intensified by subsidence of air. The most significant heat wave events, as far as both their duration and intensity are concerned occurred in the last decade of the 20th century. During such episodes the daily maximum temperature significantly exceeded the 1961–1990 average for several days and local temperature extremes were observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines temporal variations in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in Kuwait. Growth and decay of vegetation; Dynamics of carbon dioxide levels in urban environments; Comparison of carbon dioxide concentration to Phoenix, Arizona.

The clinical experience with enteric fever (1985-89) at a general hospital in Kuwait is presented. There were 90 cases of typhoid and 10 cases of paratyphoid fever, with a mortality rate of 2%. Typhoid complications of bowel perforation, haemorrhage or septic shock were present in 5% and abortion in 2%. Neurological or psychiatric manifestations were a feature in 15%. Most infections were imported (78%). Despite rapid economic development, enteric fever may still be acquired locally but less frequently with time. This contributed to initial diagnostic uncertainty in 18% of cases, and especially in children. Another changing pattern emerged with the recent finding of five drug-resistant Salmonella typhi isolates, two in 1988 and three in 1989. Efforts are clearly needed to diagnose enteric fever more rapidly and to utilize new antibiotics for drug-resistant cases.