Helicobacter pylori infection represents a widespread chronic condition with varying prevalence influenced by race, ethnicity, and geography. The severity of H. pylori-associated diseases is determined by an array of ...Helicobacter pylori infection represents a widespread chronic condition with varying prevalence influenced by race, ethnicity, and geography. The severity of H. pylori-associated diseases is determined by an array of virulence factors. Although extensive studies have been conducted globally, data on the distribution of Helicobacter pylori virulence genes in Libya remain limited, constraining insights into the pathogenicity of local strains and hindering the development of targeted interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection, characterize essential virulence genes [vacA variants (s1/s2, m1/m2), cagA, and iceA1], and examine their association with gastroduodenal diseases among Libyan patients. Gastric biopsies from 144 participants were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and risk factor data were collected via questionnaires. H. pylori was detected in 63.2% of samples by PCR. The vacA gene was present in 84.6% of cases, cagA in 58.2%, and iceA1 in 29.7%. Among vacA variants, s1 allele was most common (53.2%), followed by m1 (42.9%), m2 (37.7%), and s2 (13%) alleles. Significant associations were identified between specific virulence genes and the development of gastroduodenal diseases, highlighting their role in pathogenicity. This investigation is one of Libya’s first comprehensive assessments of H. pylori virulence factors, addressing a critical epidemiological gap. The high prevalence of virulence genes suggests their potential as disease biomarkers. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of H. pylori pathogenicity within the Libyan population and establish a basis for future clinical interventions and public health strategies to manage and prevent H. pylori-associated diseases in Libya and comparable regions.展开更多
AIM: To study the salient features of colorectal cancer(CRC) in Libya.METHODS: Patients records were gathered at the primary oncology clinic in eastern Libya for the period of one calendar year(2012). Using this data,...AIM: To study the salient features of colorectal cancer(CRC) in Libya.METHODS: Patients records were gathered at the primary oncology clinic in eastern Libya for the period of one calendar year(2012). Using this data, various parameters were analyzed and age-standardized incidence rates were determined using the direct method and the standard population.RESULTS: During 2012, 174 patients were diagnosed with CRC, 51.7%(n = 90) male and 48.3%(n = 84) females. The average age was 58.7(± 13.4) years, with men around 57.3(± 13) years old and women usually 60.1(± 13.8) years of age. Libya has the highest rate of CRC in North Africa, with an incidence closer to the European figures. The age-standardized rate for CRC was 17.5 and 17.2/100000 for males and females respectively. It was the second most common cancer, forming 19% of malignancies, with fluctuation in ranking and incidence in different cities/villages. Increasingly, younger ages are being afflicted and a higher proportion of patients are among the > 40 years subset.Nearly two-thirds presented at either stage Ⅲ(22.4%) or Ⅳ(38.4%).CONCLUSION: Cancer surveillance systems should be established in order to effectively monitor the situation. Likewise, screening programs are invaluable in the Libyan scenario given the predominance of sporadic cases.展开更多
文摘Helicobacter pylori infection represents a widespread chronic condition with varying prevalence influenced by race, ethnicity, and geography. The severity of H. pylori-associated diseases is determined by an array of virulence factors. Although extensive studies have been conducted globally, data on the distribution of Helicobacter pylori virulence genes in Libya remain limited, constraining insights into the pathogenicity of local strains and hindering the development of targeted interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection, characterize essential virulence genes [vacA variants (s1/s2, m1/m2), cagA, and iceA1], and examine their association with gastroduodenal diseases among Libyan patients. Gastric biopsies from 144 participants were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and risk factor data were collected via questionnaires. H. pylori was detected in 63.2% of samples by PCR. The vacA gene was present in 84.6% of cases, cagA in 58.2%, and iceA1 in 29.7%. Among vacA variants, s1 allele was most common (53.2%), followed by m1 (42.9%), m2 (37.7%), and s2 (13%) alleles. Significant associations were identified between specific virulence genes and the development of gastroduodenal diseases, highlighting their role in pathogenicity. This investigation is one of Libya’s first comprehensive assessments of H. pylori virulence factors, addressing a critical epidemiological gap. The high prevalence of virulence genes suggests their potential as disease biomarkers. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of H. pylori pathogenicity within the Libyan population and establish a basis for future clinical interventions and public health strategies to manage and prevent H. pylori-associated diseases in Libya and comparable regions.
文摘AIM: To study the salient features of colorectal cancer(CRC) in Libya.METHODS: Patients records were gathered at the primary oncology clinic in eastern Libya for the period of one calendar year(2012). Using this data, various parameters were analyzed and age-standardized incidence rates were determined using the direct method and the standard population.RESULTS: During 2012, 174 patients were diagnosed with CRC, 51.7%(n = 90) male and 48.3%(n = 84) females. The average age was 58.7(± 13.4) years, with men around 57.3(± 13) years old and women usually 60.1(± 13.8) years of age. Libya has the highest rate of CRC in North Africa, with an incidence closer to the European figures. The age-standardized rate for CRC was 17.5 and 17.2/100000 for males and females respectively. It was the second most common cancer, forming 19% of malignancies, with fluctuation in ranking and incidence in different cities/villages. Increasingly, younger ages are being afflicted and a higher proportion of patients are among the > 40 years subset.Nearly two-thirds presented at either stage Ⅲ(22.4%) or Ⅳ(38.4%).CONCLUSION: Cancer surveillance systems should be established in order to effectively monitor the situation. Likewise, screening programs are invaluable in the Libyan scenario given the predominance of sporadic cases.
