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Risk factors for human-to-human transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are largely unknown. After MERS-CoV infections occurred in an extended family in Saudi Arabia in 2014, relatives were tested by using real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) and serologic methods. Among 79 relatives, 19 (24%) were MERS-CoV positive; 11 were hospitalized, and 2 died. Eleven (58%) tested positive by rRT-PCR; 8 (42%) tested negative by rRT-PCR but positive by serology. Compared with MERS-CoV-negative adult relatives, MERS-CoV-positive adult relatives were older and more likely to be male and to have chronic medical conditions. Risk factors for household transmission included sleeping in an index patient's room and touching respiratory secretions from an index patient. Casual contact and simple proximity were not associated with transmission. Serology was more sensitive than standard rRT-PCR for identifying infected relatives, highlighting the value of including serology in future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The crude frequency of colorectal cancer (CRC) is second to breast cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). To assess the future burden of CRC in the country, we designed a model that takes into consideration the recent lifestyle pattern and the growth and aging of the population. Methods: We compared CRC statistics for KSA (using data from the National Cancer Registry) with that from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) databases of the United States of America (USA). We used the Joinpoint regression program to identify changes in secular trends, while the GLOBOCAN 2002 software was used to project future incidence and mortality. Results: Between 1994 and 2003, age-standardized rates (ASRs) for CRC in KSA almost doubled, as compared to a nonsignificant decline in USA. Between 2001 and 2003, while the annual percent change (APC) of CRC incidence in the USA showed a nonsignificant decrease in females, APC in Saudi females showed a nonsignificant rise of six percent. On the other hand, the rising incidence among Saudi males, during the years 1999 to 2003, was significant, with an APC of 20.5%. The projection model suggested that the incidence of CRC in KSA could increase fourfold in both genders by the year 2030. Conclusions: In KSA, the present and expected increase in CRC rates is alarming. Pragmatic recommendations to face that challenge are discussed. The present work could serve as a model to study other prevalent types of cancer, particularly in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Amblyopia and other refractive errors and to identify the factors associated with these disorders. Methods: The study was carried out in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in 1999, on children enrolled in governmental kindergartens during the academic year 1419-1420H. Children were screened for Amblyopia, any child who failed to pass the screening examination, was referred to the ophthalmolgist for complete examination. A 95% confidence interval was used to describe the prevalence of eye disorders. Results: The number of children referred to the ophthalmologists was 102. Out of this figure, 70% of children kept their appointment. Seventy-two children had decreased visual acuity of 20/30 or worse. The final diagnoses were as follows: Amblyopia in 8 cases, which, give a prevalence rate of 1.3% (95% confidence intervals: 0.4-2.3); refractive errors in 50 cases (69%); strabismus in 4 cases (6%), duane syndrome in 2 cases (3%); and 8 children (11%) were completely normal. The positive predictive value of visual screening examination was 89%. We found no significant correlation between Amblyopia and the risk factors mentioned in the literature. Conclusions: Vision screening is very important and recommended to be carried out as part of periodic health examination for pre school children. It is cost effective, highly sensitive, acceptable and easy to be administered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Despite the low cancer incidence in Saudi Arabia, the country must be ready to face the challenge of a foreseeable increase in cancer burden mainly attributed to the growth and aging of the population. We designed this study to estimate the future cancer burden and to highlight the demands on prospective healthcare resources., Methods: Cancer statistics in Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2004 were examined. The Joinpoint regression program was used to identify changes in secular trends, while the GLOBOCAN 2002 software projected future burden. Considering current trends and the growth and aging of the population, we projected the future burden., Results: In 2004, the age-standardized rate (ASR) for incidence for all cancer sites, excluding basal and squamous skin cancer, was 57.2 per 100000 (55.8 and 59.1 per in males and females, respectively). ASR trends showed a statistically significant increase in the annual percent change (APC) for both males and females, which was greatest from 2003 to 2004 (4.93% and 2.64%, respectively). By the year 2020 and 2030, there would be an approximately 6- and 10-fold rise among males as compared with the burden in 2004. The corresponding numbers for females would be 5- and 8-fold, respectively. The highest cancer burden would be expected for middle-aged and elderly Saudis., Conclusions: In countries currently experiencing low cancer rates, the future cancer burden could increase considerably and place enormous demands on healthcare resources. The present study may provide an impetus to examine the future all or site-specific cancer burden, particularly in developing countries.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Amblyopia and other refractive errors and to identify the factors associated with these disorders., Methods: The study was carried out in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in 1999, on children enrolled in governmental kindergartens during the academic year 1419-1420H. Children were screened for Amblyopia, any child who failed to pass the screening examination, was referred to the ophthalmologist for complete examination. A 95% confidence interval was used to describe the prevalence of eye disorders., Results: The number of children referred to the ophthalmologists was 102. Out of this figure, 70% of children kept their appointment. Seventy-two children had decreased visual acuity of 20/30 or worse. The final diagnoses were as follows: Amblyopia in 8 cases, which, give a prevalence rate of 1.3% (95% confidence intervals: 0.4-2.3); refractive errors in 50 cases (69%); strabismus in 4 cases (6%), duane syndrome in 2 cases (3%); and 8 children (11%) were completely normal. The positive predictive value of visual screening examination was 89%. We found no significant correlation between Amblyopia and the risk factors mentioned in the literature., Conclusion: Vision screening is very important and recommended to be carried out as part of periodic health examination for pre school children. It is cost effective, highly sensitive, acceptable and easy to be administered.