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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

The prevalence and causes of blindness in the Sultanate of Oman: the Oman Eye Study (OES).

AIMS: To estimate the magnitude and the causes of blindness through a community based nationwide survey in Oman. This was conducted in 1996-7. METHODS: A stratified cluster random sampling procedure was used to select 12 400 people. The WHO/PBD standardised survey methodology was used, with suitable adaptation. The major causes of blindness were identified among those found blind. RESULTS: A total of 11 417 people were examined (response rate 91.8%) The prevalence of blindness in the Omani population was estimated to be 1.1% (95% CI 0.9 to 1.3), blindness being defined according to the WHO Tenth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Prevalence of blindness was clearly related to increasing age, with estimates of 0.08% for the 0-14 age group, 0.1% for the 15-39 age group, 2.3% for the 40-59 age group, and 16.8% for the group aged 60 +. There was a statistically significant difference between the prevalence in females (1.4%) and males (0.8%). The northern and central regions had a higher prevalence of blindness (1.3% to 3%). The major causes of blindness were unoperated cataract (30.5%), trachomatous corneal opacities (23.7%), and glaucoma (11.5%) CONCLUSIONS: Despite an active eye healthcare programme, blindness due to cataract and trachoma remains a public health problem of great concern in several regions of the sultanate. These results highlight the need, when planning effective intervention strategies, to target the eye healthcare programme to the ageing population, with special emphasis on women.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

HbS-oman heterozygote: a new dominant sickle syndrome.

Hemoglobin (Hb) S-Oman has two mutations in the beta-chains. In addition to the classic betaS mutation (beta6 Glu --> Val), it contains a second mutation in the same chain (beta121 Glu --> Lys) identical to that of HbOARAB. We have studied a pedigree of heterozygous carriers of HbS-Oman that segregates into two types of patients: those expressing about 20% HbS-Oman and concomitant -/ thalassemia and those with about 14% of HbS-Oman and concomitant -/- thalassemia. The higher expressors of S-Oman have a sickle cell anemia (SS) clinical syndrome of moderate intensity, while the lower expressors have no clinical syndrome, and are comparable to the solitary case first described in Oman. In addition, the higher expressors exhibit a unique form of irreversibly sickled cell reminiscent of a "yarn and knitting needle" shape, in addition to folded and target cells. The CSAT of S-Oman is identical to that of S-Antilles, another supersickling hemoglobin, whose carriers express the abnormal hemoglobin at 40% to 50%, with a very similar clinical picture to HbS-Oman. Because the level of expression is so different and the clinical picture so similar, and based on the hemolysates CSAT's, we conclude that HbS-Oman produces pathology beyond its sickling tendencies. A clue for this additional pathogenesis is found in the fact that homozygous HbOARAB, which has the same second substitution as S-Oman, has a moderately severe hemolytic anemia; when HbOARAB is combined with HbS, it makes the phenotype of this double heterozygote as severe as SS. Properties of HbS-Oman red blood cells (RBCs) include reticulocytes that are much denser than normal (similar to those of SC and CC disease), a decrease in the Km for Ca2+ needed to activate the Gardos' channel (making this transporter more sensitive to Ca2+), increased association of HbS-Oman with the RBC membrane, the presence of dense cells by isopycnic gradient, the presence of folded cells, and abundant nidus of polymerization under the membrane. Other properties include a clear increase in volume and N-ethylmaleimide-stimulated K:Cl cotransport in RBCs expressing more than 20% HbS-Oman. We conclude that the pathology of heterozygous S-Oman is the product of the sickling properties of the beta6 Val mutation which are enhanced by the second mutation at beta121. In addition, the syndrome is further enhanced by a hemolytic anemia induced by the mutation at beta121. We speculate that this pathology results from the abnormal association of the highly positively charged HbS-Oman (3 charges different from normal hemoglobin) with the RBC membrane.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Genetic epidemiology of HbS in Oman: multicentric origin for the betaS gene.

On the basis of a sample of 117 chromosomes, we have demonstrated the multicentric origin of the sickle mutation in Northern Oman. Three major haplotypes coexist: 52.1% Benin (typical and atypicals), 26.7% Arab-India, and 21.4% Bantu. These haplotypes are not autochthonous to Oman but originated elsewhere and arrived in Oman by gene flow. The distribution of haplotypes is in excellent agreement with the historical record, which establishes clear ancient contacts between Oman and sub-Sahara west Africa and explains the presence of the Benin haplotype; contacts with Iraq, Iran, present-day Pakistan, and India explain the presence of the Arab-India haplotype. More recent contacts with East Africa (Zanzibar/Mombasa) explain the presence of the Bantu haplotype. The pattern of the Arab-India haplotype in the populations of the Arabian peninsula reinforces the hypothesis that this particular mutation originated in the Harappa culture or in a nearby population and in addition reveals that the Sassanian Empire might have been the vehicle by which this Indo-European sickle mutation migrated (gene flow) to the present-day Arabian peninsula, including Oman.

Hemoglobin, Sickle↗

PubMed2005

Sero-epidemiology of hepatitis B infection in pregnant women in Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

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.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Dissociative disorders in the Sultanate of Oman.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical manifestations and psychosocial aspects of dissociative (conversion) disorders (DD) in the Sultanate of Oman. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was made of data derived from case records of patients admitted as in-patients to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, over a period of 8 years. RESULTS: A higher prevalence of DD was noted in Oman compared to western countries. The female preponderance was less marked in Oman. The most common presentations were dissociative convulsions, dissociative motor and dissociative trance disorders. Interpersonal difficulties with family and academic problems were the important identified precipitants. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the characteristic clinical and psychosocial features of the dissociative phenomena in Oman.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Psychosocial aspects of epilepsy in Oman: attitude of health personnel.

PURPOSE: To assess with a questionnaire the awareness and attitudes of the doctors in Oman toward epilepsy. Attitudes of society toward epilepsy have a wide-ranging influence, affecting issues as diverse as compliance with treatment and doctor--patient communication. Recent studies in both developing and developed countries suggest that within the medical profession, there is a lack of knowledge and negative attitudes toward people with epilepsy (PWE). There are no equivalent studies for Oman or the Arab world. METHODS: The questionnaire included queries on the backgrounds of the physicians, including their training and qualifications, the main sources of their knowledge of epilepsy, as well as their perceptions of the attributes and care requirements of PWE. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent (n=121) of those questioned, who were medical personnel working in different regions of Oman, responded. The results suggest that, despite coming from diverse cultural backgrounds and nationalities, the practicing doctors in Oman gained knowledge of epilepsy much earlier than did their counterparts in developed countries. The majority of the respondents thought that PWE have more propensities toward dysfunctional personality and behavioral characteristics than do "normal" people. On questions relating to public image, our respondents opined that, although the general public is negative toward PWE, the realities regarding PWE should be publicized because PWE are capable of having a normal family life and being an integral part of society. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of having an earlier exposure to seizures and sympathetic acceptance of PWE, negative views still persist on matters related to cognitive and behavior domains. It is concluded that a developing country such as Oman must inculcate more realistic perceptions and attitudes among their doctors toward PWE.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Genetic Blood Disorders Survey in the Sultanate of Oman.

The Genetic Blood Disorders Survey is the first community-based survey in the Arabic world and the Middle East to determine the prevalence of the most common genetic blood disorders. The objective of the survey was to determine the prevalence of the most common genetic blood disorders reported among Omani children under 5 years of age in order to provide the planners and policy-makers with reliable information suitable for formulating health policies, planning, and evaluation. The survey was designed, executed, and financed by the Ministry of Health of the Sultanate of Oman. To reduce costs and save effort and time, data collection for the survey was implemented with the Gulf Family Health Survey (GFHS). The GFHS in the Sultanate of Oman is a research project undertaken by the Council of Health Ministers of the Gulf Co-operation Council States. The six member countries have participated in this GFHS project. A total of 6103 households were interviewed. From these households 6342 children under 5 years of age were taken by their parents to neighbourhood hospitals or health centres for blood collection. Fifty-one per cent of the sample were male and 49 per cent were female. Among the child respondents, 17.9 per cent were in the age group 0 to < 1 year, 20.3 per cent were in the age group 1 to < 2 years, 21.1 per cent were in the age group 2 to < 3 years, 20.5 per cent were in the age group 3 to < 4 years, and 20.2 per cent were in the age group 4 to 5 years. Fifty-five per cent of the mothers of the children studied were illiterate, 9 per cent could read and write but had less than primary education, 20 per cent had completed primary school, 9 per cent had attended preparatory school, 5 per cent had attended secondary school, 1 per cent had had intermediate education, while 0.6 per cent had completed university or higher education. The results of this survey revealed that haemoglobinopathies are prevalent in Oman; the prevalence of sickle cell trait was 6 per cent, and of beta-thalassaemia 2 per cent. The prevalence of sickle cell and homozygous beta-thalassaemia were 0.2 and 0.07 per cent, respectively. Other abnormal haemoglobins (Hb) have been detected in this survey; HbD (0.6 per cent), HbE (0.3 per cent), HbC (0.02 per cent). Combination of sickle cell with other abnormal Hb was also detected at low prevalence. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme deficiency had a high prevalence in Oman, being 25 per cent in males and 10 per cent in females. Among the children studied, three-quarters (74.5 per cent) were found to be free from haemoglobinopathies and G6PD normal, the rest (25.5 per cent), either had haemoglobinopathies (7.5 per cent), G6PD deficiency (16 per cent) or a combination of G6PD deficiency with at least one abnormal Hb (2 per cent). The prevalence of total haemoglobinopathies in Oman was 9.5 per cent. The prevalence of sickle cell trait varied between regions, North Sharqiya had the highest prevalence of 10 per cent. Dakhiliya (9 per cent), followed by Muscat and South Batinah 8 and 7.9 per cent, respectively. The prevalence of sickle cell trait declined by a half in Musandam, South Sharqiya, Dhahira, and North Batinah (4.7, 3.9, 3.9, and 2.9 per cent respectively). Dhofar had the lowest prevalence of 0.2 per cent and no cases of sickle cell trait were found in the Al-Wousta region in the sample selected. The prevalence of beta-thalassaemia trait ranged from 3.9 to 0.2 per cent. Three regions had high rates: North Batinah (3.9 per cent), Muscat (2.8 per cent), and Dakhiliya (2 per cent). The other five regions in the Sultanate have lower rates: Dhahira (1.7 per cent), Musandam (1.6 per cent), South Batinah (1.5 per cent), South Sharqiya (1.2 per cent), and North Sharqiya (1.1 per cent). The prevalence of beta-thalassaemia trait in Dhofar was 0.2 per cent and no cases were detected in the Al-Wousta region. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency reached 29 per cent in Dakhiliya, 26 per cent in South Batinah, 21 per cent in Dhahira, 19 per cent in Muscat and 17 per cent in North Sharqiya and North Batinah. The prevalence declined to 10 per cent in Musandam, 9 per cent in South Sharqiya, Dhofar had the lowest prevalence of 2 per cent and no cases of G6PD deficiency were found in Al-Wousta. The male to female ratio was 2.5:1. In all regions of the Sultanate, prevalence of G6PD deficiency in males were more than twice those in females. From the above rates, it could be calculated that in the whole Sultanate 44,733 children under 5 years of age have G6PD deficiency, 14,306 have sickle cell trait, 474 have sickle cell disease, 5393 have beta-thalassaemia trait, and 175 have beta-thalassaemia major. The study showed that the mean Hb level of children under 5 years of age was 10.9 g/dl for both males and females; the mean Hb level for males was 10.89 g/dl and for females 10.99 g/dl, the difference between males and females was significant. The study revealed that half of the children under 5 years of age were anaemic. Mild anaemia was predominant (46 per cent), while moderate and severe anaemia were 4 and 0.2 per cent respectively. The status of anaemia among children improved with age; mild anaemia was prevalent in 65 per cent of children between ages 0 to < or = 1 years then decreased with age until it reached 30 per cent at 4-5 years of age. The survey produced the first normal haematological indices for children under 5 years of age to be used as a reference in the country. The blood picture of the normal subjects in the survey showed that the mean Hb value for males was 11.9 g/dl and for females 11.8 g/dl. The children had reduced values of MCH and MCV compared to normal international values, the reason for this could be alpha-thalassaemia or iron deficiency. The children maintained high values of HbF (more than 1.2 per cent) even after their first birthday. HbF reached its normal level at 5 years of age. Marriage of first cousins among the parents of the children studied under 5 years of age was 34 per cent. Total consanguinity rate including second cousin relationships and beyond was 58 per cent. We recommend that a national prevention programme for genetic blood disorders be formulated by the authorities. The programme could be included in the Ministry of Health 5-year health development programme for prevention of non-communicable diseases which already exists.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

PubMed1996

Epidemiology of childhood insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the Sultanate of Oman.

This study assessed the updated incidence of IDDM in 0 to 14-year-old children in the Sultanate of Oman, which is located in the southern-eastern part of the Arabian peninsula. Incident cases were recorded prospectively from January 1993 to the end of December 1994. Incidence rates were standardized on the basis of the National Population Census. The degree of ascertainment was above 96% from the primary source. During two full calendar years, 31 new cases of IDDM in children were diagnosed in Oman (10 health regions). The standardized incidence rates were 2.45 and 2.62/100,000 per year during 1993 and 1994, respectively. The sex-specific rates among males and females were 3.23 and 1.99/100,000, respectively, in 1993 and 2.91 and 1.95/100,000, respectively in 1994. The age-specific incidence rates during the 2 years were higher in the 10-14 age group (3.69 and 4.22/100,000, respectively) vs those in the 5-9 age group (2.32 and 2.79/100,000, respectively) and 0.4 age group (1.54 and 0.97/100,000 respectively). The number of new cases/month was markedly higher in the relatively cooler months (September through March) of the year. The incidence rate of IDDM in children under the age of 15 years in Oman was lower than the reported incidence in Kuwait (another gulf country located north-west to Oman) which might reflect the north-south gradient reported in several previous studies. However this incidence rate was higher than those reported for many countries in Asia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Ceratocystis omanensis, a new species from diseased mango trees in Oman.

Mango (Mangifera indica) sudden decline is an important disease in Oman, which is closely associated with infections by Ceratocystis fimbriata and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Another Ceratocystis species has also been found associated with symptoms on diseased trees. In this study, we identify that Ceratocystis based on morphology and DNA sequences. Morphological comparisons showed that the fungus from dying mango trees in Oman is similar to C. moniliformis. Both fungi have distinct hat-shaped ascospores, disc-shaped plates at the bases of the ascomatal necks and spines on the ascomatal bases. However, comparison of DNA sequences for ITS1-2, the 5.8S RNA gene, the beta-tubulin gene, and Transcription Elongation Factor (EF1-alpha) gene, confirmed that the fungus from Oman is distinct from C. moniliformis and other related species. Phylogenetically, this fungus formed one of four strongly supported sub-clades. The other sub-clades included isolates of C. bhutanensis, C. moniliformis and C. moniliformopsis, respectively. Based on morphological characteristics and differences in DNA sequences for three gene regions, we conclude that the Ceratocystis sp. from wounds on mango in Oman is a new species, for which we provide the name Ceratocystis omanensis sp. nov.

Ascomycota↗

PubMed1997

Hirschsprung's disease in Oman.

The incidence of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) was studied retrospectively in Oman using hospital-based data. In Oman there is a single pediatric surgery unit where a register has been kept from 1989 to 1994, and because all cases are referred to this unit, a national survey could be carried out. There were 85 children with HD born between 1989 and 1994, and during the period there were 261,000 livebirths among Omani nationals. The population frequency in Oman is 1 in 3,070 (0.3/1,000). Eighty percent of cases presented in the first 6 months. The incidence in different regions and within different tribes of Oman was also studied. The highest frequency (1 in 1,800) is in the North Sharqiya region. There was not a significant seasonal influence in spite of the very high temperatures seen in the desert summer. The ratio of male to female cases was 2.9:1 overall, but less for longer-segment involvement. The consanguinity rate (first and second cousins) was 75%, which is higher than the level of consanguinity in the Omani population. Down's syndrome was observed in nine cases (11%), and a variety of other malformations were seen, including piebaldism, deafness, and HD in two sibships.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed1991

Epidemiology of bluetongue and related orbiviruses in the Sultanate of Oman.

Sentinel herds at 34 farms were used to study the epidemiology of bluetongue and related orbiviruses in Oman. The results indicate that bluetongue virus (BTV) is widespread and is enzootic in Northern Oman. At least three BTV serotypes (3, 4 and 22) were present at the time of the study. Antibodies to epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer virus (EHDV) type 2 and EHDV-318 were also detected but were less prevalent. Entomological investigations identified the presence of 16 species of Culicoides. The peak seasonal incidence of the BTV vector C. imicola and the EHDV vectors C. schultzei (group) midges at Rumais in Northern Oman correlated closely with the spring rains in that area. However, both species of midge were also present in lower numbers throughout the year. four species of Oman midge, C. arabiensis, C. ibriensis, C. neoschultzei and C. buettikeri are new to science.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Prevalence and distribution of active trachoma in children of less than five years of age in trachoma endemic regions of Oman in 2005.

BACKGROUND: Oman aims to achieve "Elimination of Blinding Trachoma" by 2010. For accreditation purposes, a trachoma survey was conducted in Oman in 2005, targeting children younger than five years. It was conducted in twenty wilayats (districts) of three trachoma endemic regions. The Omani children were surveyed at health institutions during a 'Polio Supplementary Immunization Campaign.' The authors present the outcome of this survey and recommend policies for trachoma control in the study area. METHODS: Eye health care supervisors examined Omani children sequentially in health centers. However, the timings and days of visit to these health centers were selected randomly. The presence of trachoma follicular (TF) was noted in the tarsal area. The prevalence of TF was calculated and its distribution was mapped. RESULTS: The coverage for the immunization of children of less than five years of age residing in the study area was greater than 97%. For trachoma evaluation, 4,205 children were examined. The prevalence of TF in children of less than five years of age was 0.59% (95% CI; 0.40-0.88). Sumail, Hamra and Izki wilayats of Dhakhiliya region and Barka and Al Awabi Wilayats of South Batinah region had a prevalence of TF greater than 1%. No wilayat of North Sharqiya region had > or =1% TF. The gender variation in TF was not significant. (RR = 0.97 [95% CI 0.46-2.05]). CONCLUSIONS: All the Wilayats of trachoma endemic regions of Oman seem to have a prevalence of TF lesser than 5%. The data on TF in children aged between six and ten will enable us to determine whether Oman has achieved the Ultimate Intervention Goals (UIGs) for the provision of antibiotic treatment for acute infection (the "A" component of the SAFE strategy for the "Elimination of Blinding Trachoma" for the year 2005). Such initiatives of trachoma screening during a supplementary vaccination campaign could prove a cost-effective approach for determining the trachoma status of a country.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2006

Glaucoma in oman: a review.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is one of the priority eye diseases in Oman in its VISION 2020 Plan. A review of available data is presented on the basis of situation analysis carried out in 2002. METHODS: The General demography, morbidity and management of eye diseases reported by different eye institutions. Predefined parameters and definitions were used to calculate incidence and coverage of glaucoma. RESULTS: The rate of glaucoma cases reported by ophthalmologists was 1.14/1000. 11.5% of estimated blindness in Oman in 1997 was due to glaucoma. Primary Open angle glaucoma constituted 63.5% of the total glaucoma cases. In spite of free and easy access to the eye treatment, coverage of glaucoma surgery was 25% of the reported cases. Evidence based information on glaucoma in the community is needed in Oman. The health facilities for eye care of glaucoma cases are available in different health regions of Oman. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma should be addressed through a program approach both to reduce/delay visual disabilities and improve quality of life of glaucoma patients.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

PubMed2003

Q Fever in human and livestock populations in Oman.

In 2000, Q fever was documented for the first time in the Sultanate of Oman in two patients, one with chronic pericarditis and the other with acute pneumonia. In 2001, a study of a randomly selected group of 102 adult patients from different provinces in northern Oman, presenting to the University Hospital in Muscat with unrelated conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease), revealed that 10 (9.8%) were seropositive for previous Coxiella burnetii infection. Examination of sera from a randomly selected group of 54 healthy goats from eight different herds from three different provinces of Oman, obtained by the Veterinary Research Center in Muscat, revealed that 28 (52%) had been infected, and 5 sheep, each from one of four herds, were seropositive for C. burnetii. We suspect that Q fever is widely prevalent in human populations in Oman, and that infection is widespread in goat, and probably sheep and other livestock populations, throughout the country.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Profile of child and adolescent psychiatry in Oman.

OBJECTIVE: To find the common behavioral problems in youth, their co-morbidity, treatment, and other variables in Oman. METHODS: All patients who attended the child psychiatric clinic in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, (the only child psychiatry clinic in Sultanate of Oman) for a 3-month period were investigated for behavioral problems, particularly hyperactivity (by Conners' Questionnaire). The diagnosis was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. RESULTS: Of the total 212 cases, Omani nationals constituted 89% and the rest were expatriates. Sixty five percent were boys, 57% were of school age, 26% were adolescents, 9% were preschoolers and 5% were toddlers. Consanguinity among their parents was high at 52%. The majority (60%) of the patients exhibited hyperactivity. Aggression was found in 49%, while stealing and lying were found in 25% and 22%. Approximately one-third suffered from headache and abdominal pain. The majority (62%) were of below-normal intelligence. Anxiety affected 14%, depression 4%, and conduct disorders 8%. One-third of the patients were taking psychostimulants and another one-third were taking tricyclics. The results were compared with those from other developing countries. CONCLUSION: Behavioral problems among children and adolescents are high in Oman, same as other developing countries, though the type of disorders is different here. This calls for the attention of the health policy makers for diagnosing and treating such disorders in Oman as well as in the other developing countries.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Combined immunization of infants with oral and inactivated poliovirus vaccines: results of a randomized trial in The Gambia, Oman, and Thailand. WHO Collaborative Study Group on Oral and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccines.

To assess an immunization schedule combining oral (OPV) and inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV), we conducted a clinical trial in the Gambia, Oman, and Thailand. Children were randomized to receive one of the following schedules: OPV at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age; OPV at birth followed by both OPV and IPV at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age: or placebo at birth followed by IPV at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. A total of 1685 infants were enrolled; 24-week serum specimens were available for 1291 infants (77%). Across the study sites at 24 weeks of age, the proportion of seropositive children in the combined schedule group was 95-99% for type 1, 99-100% for type 2, and 97-100% for type 3. In the Gambia and Oman, the combined schedule performed significantly better than OPV for type 1 (95-97% versus 88-90%) and type 3 (97-99% versus 72-73%). In the Gambia and Oman, seroprevalences in the IPV group were lower for type 1 (significantly lower in the Gambia); significantly lower for type 2; and significantly higher for type 3, compared with the OPV group. In Thailand, the IPV group had significantly lower proportions of children who were seropositive for each of the three types, compared with the OPV group. The responses to OPV in the Gambia, Oman, and Thailand were consistent with previous studies from these countries. IPV given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age provided inadequate serological protection against poliovirus, especially type 1. The combined schedule provided the highest levels of serum antibody response, with mucosal immunity equivalent to that produced by OPV alone.

Gambia↗

PubMed1980

Some virus diseases of domestic animals in the Sultanate of Oman.

Little is known of the occurrence of animal virus diseases in the Sultanate of Oman. This paper reports the results of a countrywide survey carried out in 1978 to establish the prevalence of some important viral pathogens of domestic animals with the dual purpose of providing baselines for future investigations and guidelines for those entrusted with disease control. Foot-and-mouth disease virus type O, previously identified in Oman in 1976, was isolated from clinically affected animals. In addition, virus types A and Asia 1 were isolated from unaffected animals. Serological studies indicated that infection with all 3 types had been widespread. The presence of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis was confirmed by virus isolations and sheep and goat pox, long recognised in Oman, was confirmed by the demonstration of pox particles in dried lesion material. In serological studies antibodies were found to the viruses of peste des petits ruminants, bovine herpes mammillitis, bovine virus diarrhoea, parainfluenza 3 and African horse sickness. There were no significant antibody levels to rinderpest in unvaccinated animals and no antibody to equine infectious anaemia or vesicular stomatitis viruses.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

The outcome of treatment of breast cancer in a developing country--Oman.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of treatment of breast cancer in Oman with an analysis of clinico-pathological features, treatment modalities utilized, and prognostic factors. One hundred fifty-two breast cancer patients diagnosed between January 1996 and June 2002 were evaluated retrospectively. Their mean age was 48.5 (S.D. +/- 10.8) years, and 48% of the female patients were premenopausal. The mean tumor size according to pathology was 4.6 (S.D. 3.29)cm, and 34.9% and 15.8% of patients had stage III or IV disease, respectively. Only 26.3% of the patients had breast-conserving surgery, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was underutilized. The overall 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall (OS) survival rates were 62% and 64%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, axillary lymph node involvement and tumor differentiation were predictive of RFS and OS, respectively. Thus, breast cancer patients in Oman present with advanced stages of the disease at younger ages than their counterparts in the West and have lower survival rates. Increasing awareness and the introduction of screening programs and of a multidisciplinary approach are essential in Oman and other developing countries to improve the outcome of treatment.

Adult↗