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Aleyiydi MS, Alshiban NM, Alajmi AM, Alosaimi NF, Alotaibi M, Nassar MS, Alhumaid NK, Almangour TA, Memish ZA, Binjomah AZ, Algarni SM, Al-Jedai A, Almutairi AS, Shibl A, Tawfik EA. Epidemiology of Viral Infectious Diseases Reported in Saudi Arabia. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:1893-1905. [PMID: 38967741 PMCID: PMC11266316 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-01014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Efficient epidemiological monitoring of virus diseases is crucial in evaluating general public health, the prevalence of specific diseases, the pattern of spread, and implementing preventative and control strategies into action. METHODS This study analyzed data obtained from the Field Epidemiology Program (FETP) which is part of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Saudi Arabia, which contained reported cases of infectious diseases over four years, from January 2018 to December 2021, to investigate and highlight the significant trend and incidence rate for each viral infectious disease. RESULTS Of the reported viral infectious diseases, hepatitis B and C, dengue fever (DF), influenza, chickenpox, and measles were the highest reported viral cases over four years. For the aforementioned diseases, males were often more susceptible to viral infections than females. Except for DF, this viral infection was more common in Saudi citizens. Viral illnesses like hand, foot, and mouth disease were less prevalent, while neurological viral disorders such as acute flaccid paralysis were rarely detected. There was an overall reduction in viral cases recorded during 2020-2021, which may be attributed to the implementation of preventive measures during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic or an underreporting of cases during the lockdown of that time. CONCLUSION The prevalence of these common viral infections in the Saudi population suggests that understanding the mechanisms influencing changes in these viruses, methods of transmission, and the burden of these diseases is a priority for health policy. This understanding is necessary to develop effective intervention and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munirah S Aleyiydi
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), 11442, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noura M Alshiban
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), 11442, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej M Alajmi
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), 11442, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada F Alosaimi
- Wellness and Preventive Medicine Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), 11442, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Alotaibi
- Healthy Aging Research Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), 11442, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed S Nassar
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), 11442, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada K Alhumaid
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), 11442, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A Almangour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziad A Memish
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, 11533, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Research & Innovation Center, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Hubert Department School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Abdulwahab Z Binjomah
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, 11533, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Mycobacteriology Unit, Riyadh Regional Laboratory, Ministry of Health, 12746, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed Al-Jedai
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, 11533, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Therapeutic Affairs, Ministry of Health, 12631, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Atef Shibl
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, 11533, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), 11442, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Alshiban NM, Aleyiydi MS, Nassar MS, Alhumaid NK, Almangour TA, Tawfik YM, Damiati LA, Almutairi AS, Tawfik EA. Epidemiologic and clinical updates on viral infections in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102126. [PMID: 38966679 PMCID: PMC11223122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, the world has witnessed devastating pandemics affecting the global healthcare infrastructure and disrupting society and the economy worldwide. Among all pathogens, viruses play a critical role that is associated with outbreaks due to their wide range of species, involvement of animal hosts, easily transmitted to humans, and increased rates of infectivity. Viral disease outbreaks threaten public health globally due to the challenges associated with controlling and eradicating them. Implementing effective viral disease control programs starts with ongoing surveillance data collection and analyses to detect infectious disease trends and patterns, which is critical for maintaining public health. Viral disease control strategies include improved hygiene and sanitation facilities, eliminating arthropod vectors, vaccinations, and quarantine. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Public Health Authority (also known as Weqayah) in Saudi Arabia are responsible for public health surveillance to control and prevent infectious diseases. The notifiable viral diseases based on the Saudi MOH include hepatitis diseases, viral hemorrhagic fevers, respiratory viral diseases, exanthematous viral diseases, neurological viral diseases, and conjunctivitis. Monitoring trends and detecting changes in these viral diseases is essential to provide proper interventions, evaluate the established prevention programs, and develop better prevention strategies. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the epidemiological updates of the recently reported viral infections in Saudi Arabia and to provide insights into the recent clinical treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura M. Alshiban
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munirah S. Aleyiydi
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed S. Nassar
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada K. Alhumaid
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A. Almangour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya M.K. Tawfik
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila A. Damiati
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Essam A. Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
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Alsughayyir J, Almalki Y, Alburayk I, Alalshaik M, Aljoni I, Kandel M, Alfhili MA, Alabdullateef AA. Prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections in Saudi Arabia blood donors: A nationwide, cross-sectional study. Saudi Med J 2022; 43:1363-1372. [PMID: 36517064 PMCID: PMC9994514 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2022.43.12.20220634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish a nationwide epidemiological profile of transfusion-transmittable infection (TTI) markers among seemingly healthy blood donors to update policies required to ensure blood safety. METHODS A nationwide, cross-sectional study was designed to examine donor demographics and TTI prevalence during 2020 using data provided by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS Collectively, a total of 375,218 whole blood units were donated, of which 32,758 (8.7%) were excluded due to TTI-related risk. The exclusion was based on a positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) or seroreactivity to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-I/II), syphilis, or malaria. Notably, the central (37.6%) and southern (33%) regions were the epicenters of TTI-reactive blood donors. Hepatitis B virus markers accounted for 85.7% and were the overall most prevalent of TTI-positive donations, followed by HCV at 5.9% and syphilis at 5.6%. In particular, anti-HBc and HBsAg were most prevalent in the south, while HBV NAT was highest in the center. CONCLUSION Hepatitis B virus, HCV, and syphilis carry the greatest risk of TTI in Saudi Arabia. Including HBsAg screening is a necessary precautious measure to maintain blood safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawaher Alsughayyir
- From the Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research (Alfhili), Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (Alsughayyir, Alalshaik,), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; from the Division of Hematology (Almalki), King Khalid University Hospital; from the Blood Transfusion Services Operation Centre (Aljoni, Kandel, Alabdullateef Ministry of Health, Riyadh; and from the Maternity and Children Hospital (Alburayk), Ministry of Health, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Yasser Almalki
- From the Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research (Alfhili), Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (Alsughayyir, Alalshaik,), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; from the Division of Hematology (Almalki), King Khalid University Hospital; from the Blood Transfusion Services Operation Centre (Aljoni, Kandel, Alabdullateef Ministry of Health, Riyadh; and from the Maternity and Children Hospital (Alburayk), Ministry of Health, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Imtinan Alburayk
- From the Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research (Alfhili), Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (Alsughayyir, Alalshaik,), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; from the Division of Hematology (Almalki), King Khalid University Hospital; from the Blood Transfusion Services Operation Centre (Aljoni, Kandel, Alabdullateef Ministry of Health, Riyadh; and from the Maternity and Children Hospital (Alburayk), Ministry of Health, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohrah Alalshaik
- From the Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research (Alfhili), Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (Alsughayyir, Alalshaik,), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; from the Division of Hematology (Almalki), King Khalid University Hospital; from the Blood Transfusion Services Operation Centre (Aljoni, Kandel, Alabdullateef Ministry of Health, Riyadh; and from the Maternity and Children Hospital (Alburayk), Ministry of Health, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ibrahim Aljoni
- From the Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research (Alfhili), Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (Alsughayyir, Alalshaik,), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; from the Division of Hematology (Almalki), King Khalid University Hospital; from the Blood Transfusion Services Operation Centre (Aljoni, Kandel, Alabdullateef Ministry of Health, Riyadh; and from the Maternity and Children Hospital (Alburayk), Ministry of Health, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mona Kandel
- From the Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research (Alfhili), Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (Alsughayyir, Alalshaik,), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; from the Division of Hematology (Almalki), King Khalid University Hospital; from the Blood Transfusion Services Operation Centre (Aljoni, Kandel, Alabdullateef Ministry of Health, Riyadh; and from the Maternity and Children Hospital (Alburayk), Ministry of Health, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammad A. Alfhili
- From the Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research (Alfhili), Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (Alsughayyir, Alalshaik,), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; from the Division of Hematology (Almalki), King Khalid University Hospital; from the Blood Transfusion Services Operation Centre (Aljoni, Kandel, Alabdullateef Ministry of Health, Riyadh; and from the Maternity and Children Hospital (Alburayk), Ministry of Health, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdulmajeed A. Alabdullateef
- From the Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research (Alfhili), Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and from the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (Alsughayyir, Alalshaik,), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; from the Division of Hematology (Almalki), King Khalid University Hospital; from the Blood Transfusion Services Operation Centre (Aljoni, Kandel, Alabdullateef Ministry of Health, Riyadh; and from the Maternity and Children Hospital (Alburayk), Ministry of Health, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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