Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control

Background: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a significant mosquito-borne zoonotic virus with high public health and veterinary importance in Africa and the Middle East. Reliable diagnostic assays for detecting antibodies and assessing their functional neutralizing capacity are essential for surveillance programs, vaccine monitoring, and outbreak preparedness. Objective: This study evaluates and compares the analytical performance of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and a virus neutralization test (VNT) for detecting RVFV antibodies in vaccinated sheep sera, establishing an integrated laboratory workflow for virus titration, serological detection, and functional neutralization. Methods: Twenty serum samples were collected from sheep pre-vaccination and one month post-vaccination with Smithburn live attenuated RVFV vaccine. Sera were tested using a commercial multispecies RVFV competitive ELISA to detect antibodies specific to the viral nucleocapsid protein. Viral titration was conducted in Vero cells, and 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50/0.1 mL) was calculated using the Reed and Muench method. VNT was performed at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after infection with different viral doses (102 to 105TCID50/0.1 mL), and the neutralizing ability of serial serum dilutions (1:2 to 1:1024) was tested. Compared with the control, protection was determined by cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition. Results: ELISA revealed robust antibody signals up to a 1:32 dilution, with signal-to-noise (S/N) < 40%, whereas for higher dilutions, antibody detection became inconclusive or negative. Virus titration was performed to verify a stock concentration of 106.5TCID50/0.1 mL. The VNT exhibited time- and dose-dependent kinetics; high protection rates (≥97) were observed at 1:2-1:8 dilutions against 102-103TCID50/0.1 mL challenge doses; however, neutralizing efficacy decreased significantly at higher viral loads and higher serum dilutions. While cELISA and VNT results correlated strongly at low serum dilutions, the cELISA showed decreased sensitivity at dilutions ≥ 1:64, where the VNT remained capable of detecting functional neutralizing activity. Conclusions/Discussion: The results demonstrate that while both assays correlate well at high antibody concentrations, they diverge at lower concentrations. This discrepancy highlights the functional difference between binding antibodies (N-protein) and neutralizing antibodies (Gn/Gc glycoproteins). Consequently, the cELISA is ideal for rapid screening, whereas the VNT is indispensable for confirming functional immunity. Integrating both assays provides a more accurate immunological profile for RVFV surveillance and vaccine evaluation.

Background: Prolonged screen time in the modern digital society, including television viewing, smartphone use, computer use, and video gaming, has emerged as a significant public health concern. Excessive screen exposure may reduce physical activity levels and contribute to obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the association between screen time, physical activity, and obesity among adults living in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a 26-item questionnaire assessing screen time behaviors, physical activity (Godin–Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire), and sociodemographic characteristics. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Results: A total of 1,282 participants completed the survey; 58% were female, and 57% were aged between 20 and 49 years. Overall, 36% of respondents were overweight, 27% were obese, and 64% were physically active. Screen time exceeding four hours per weekday was reported by 26% for television, 39% for computers, 7% for video games, and 77% for smartphones. Several demographic and socioeconomic factors were associated with increased computer and smartphone use. Smartphone use was significantly associated with insufficient physical activity or sedentary behavior, but not with overweight or obesity. Conclusions: High levels of screen time were observed among adults in Saudi Arabia. While prolonged screen exposure was not associated with obesity, excessive screen time, particularly smartphone use, was significantly associated with lower physical activity levels. These findings highlight the need for public health strategies that promote physical activity and address excessive screen use among adults.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) constitutes one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to adopted prevention measures, good public health practices, and better treatment, its incidence, prevalence, and case fatality rates steadily fell. Objectives and Methods: Following a case–control research design, this study aimed to explore the risk factors of pulmonary TB among patients registered in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. This study included 105 active TB cases (study group) and 143 (control group) who were randomly recruited from those attending the vaccination units at Primary Healthcare Centers in Aseer. Results: Participants differed significantly according to their nationality (with 65.7% being Saudi in the TB group compared with 89.5% Saudi nationals in the control, p < 0.001); educational status (with 27.6% being university graduates in the TB group compared with 53.8% in the control, p < 0.001); marital status, with most TB patients being single, compared with control (70.5%, and 44.1%, p < 0.001); monthly income, with lower income <5000 Saudi Riyals (SRs), among TB patients than control subjects (80% and 44.1%, p < 0.001); and body mass index (20% of the TB patients were underweight, compared with 6.3% in the control, p < 0.001). Also, participants differed significantly according to their residence, with more rural residence among TB patients than control (18.1% and 7%, p = 0.007), and type of houses, with 84.8% of TB patients living in apartments, compared to 68.5% of the control (p < 0.001). The binary logistic regression model of the possible risk factors related to pulmonary TB revealed that nationality, residence, and body mass index were the only significant independent risk factors (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, and p < 0.001). Conclusions: Personal characteristics of pulmonary TB patients include being non-Saudi, less educated, not married, unemployed, with a low monthly income, and being underweight. Risk factors related to place included residing in rural areas and living in the basement of a rented apartment.

BackgroundFeline parvovirus (FPV) causes feline panleukopenia (FPL) and cerebellar ataxia (CA) in cats. to date, only two complete Egyptian VP2 sequences have been available in GenBank. To investigate FPV diversity And evolution in Egypt, we generated 24 complete VP2 sequences from diseased cats during two FPV activity peaks in 2023 (January-February and November-December). Egyptian sequences were Analyzed with 967 global references to assess selection pressure and phylogenetic relationships. In silico predictions of VP2 Antigenic sites, 3D structure, and phosphorylation potential were performed to evaluate the impact of identified mutations.ResultsEgyptian sequences showed 99.3–100% nt And 99.8–100% aa identity among themselves, And 98.6–100% nt And 98.4–100% aa identity with global references. The overall dN/dS ratio was 0.121, with codon 101 under positive selection. Compared to the prototype FPV-b strain (M38246), Egyptian strains had 32 mutations (3 nonsynonymous: Ala5Thr, Ile101Thr, and Thr390Ala; 29 synonymous), forming 19 nt And 3 aa sequence types. Notably, Thr390Ala was unique to Egyptian sequences and absent from all global references. Phylogenetically, Egyptian strains formed two subclades: one composed solely of sequences carrying Thr390Ala (n = 13), And Another including the remaining 11 sequences clustering with 19 global strains sharing the synonymous mutation C135T in addition to A927G and/or A1236G. The Thr390Ala variant predominated in the first peak (11/17, 64.7%) but declined in the second (2/7, 28.6%). Residue 390 lies within an epitope-rich region (aa 350–450) and was predicted to be a phosphorylation site. Thr390Ala caused a modest drop in epitope score, disrupted local hydrogen bonding, and abolished predicted phosphorylation.ConclusionsBeyond expanding the global dataset with the largest number of Egyptian full-length VP2 sequences to date, this study highlights the Thr390Ala mutant as a classic example of evolutionary trade-off: it emerged and predominate during the first peak, potentially as an immune escape variant, but declined in the second peak, likely due to structural constraints and competition with fitter variants. Despite strong purifying selection, this case illustrates that FPV evolution is not entirely static. This underscores the need for continuous genetic monitoring to capture viral evolution in real time and inform effective control strategies.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-025-05004-3.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes, behaviors, and practices of preventive medicine residents in Saudi Arabia in 2024, and identify the perceived barriers and challenges they face. Methods This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among preventive medicine residents registered in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) at all levels (years one to four) between January and April 2024. Data were collected via a self-administered online survey questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and practices towards research, motivation to conduct research, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis. Results A total of 182 residents participated in this study. The majority were aged 25-30 years (61.0%) and male (53.8%). Most participants were in their fourth year of residency (29.1%) and married (57.7%). Most articles had previous publications in journals (80.2%). Significant associations were found between the demographic characteristics and publication. Residents expressed their willingness to participate in the research workshops. The primary motives were having a positive impact on CV, improving research skills, and becoming published. The main perceived barriers included a lack of time, inadequate research facilities, and poor database accessibility. Conclusion These findings can inform targeted interventions to foster research culture and address specific challenges, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes and shaping future public health policies.

Electronic cigarette use is on the rise. It is critical to understand the respiratory hazards connected with their use for public health reasons. However, there are limited data concerning this issue in the Middle East and in Saudi Arabia in particular. This study aimed to investigate the association between e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms among university students in Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students using a self-administered questionnaire with self-reported respiratory symptoms as the primary outcome; a non-probability convenience sampling strategy was used. Emails were sent to all registered students in undergraduate programs between October and November 2024. Appropriate statistical tests were performed on the data, including multivariable logistic regression. A total of 499 students participated in the study, of which 17.6% were current e-cigarette users and 13.2% were ever users. Respiratory symptoms were most prevalent among current users. Current e-cigarette users and ever users had higher odds of respiratory symptoms than never users (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=2.26; 95% CI: 1.14-4.51 and AOR=2.32; 95% CI: 1.21-4.46, respectively), after adjusting for demographic characteristics, tobacco use, exposure to tobacco and e-cigarettes, and other health factors. We found a significant association between e-cigarette use and adverse respiratory symptoms among university students, independent of tobacco use.

Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent and control the health and economic burden of seasonal influenza. Healthcare providers (HCPs) play a crucial role in vaccine acceptance and patient advocacy. This study aimed to explore the barriers and drivers of HCPs' vaccine acceptance and advocacy for the vaccination of their patients in countries in the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. Healthcare providers from 10 countries (Azerbaijan, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Türkiye) were surveyed using opportunity sampling between 20th December 2022, and 1st March 2023. The previously developed motors of influenza vaccination acceptance (MoVac-Flu) and engagement with vaccination advocacy (MovAd) scales were used. In the final sample of 721 responses, Russia was the leading country, enrolling 37% of all respondents. Sentiment cluster profiles were labeled as "engaged" or "hesitant" and "confident" or "diffident." Overall, 28% demonstrated hesitancy and 30.5% demonstrated diffident sentiments toward self-vaccination behavior. HCPs exhibited very low rates of routine vaccination and infrequent advocacy of seasonal influenza vaccinations. In contrast, those who felt engaged with influenza vaccination were more likely to be vaccinated themselves and found it easier to incorporate influenza vaccination in their practice. Those who felt engaged in influenza vaccination also felt more confident in advocating for it than those who felt hesitant. The evidence suggests that the strength of the relationship between engagement and confidence varies across countries. This study provides insights into the behavioral patterns of HCPs regarding their own influenza vaccination and advocacy for patient vaccination. Cluster membership was a strong predictor of vaccination behaviors and attitudes, although regional differences were observed. For hesitant and diffident HCPs, tailored strategies to increase awareness and empower them regarding vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases are crucial.

The Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of children with Down syndrome (DS) can be significantly affected by various physical, social, and cognitive elements. There is a scarcity of research on the HRQoL of Saudi children and its correlation with sociodemographic factors. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the HRQoL of children under the age of 5 years with DS in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. The study included children under 5 years with DS who were receiving care at secondary care hospitals in Taif, Mecca, and Jeddah. The children were accompanied by their parents or caregivers, who provided sociodemographic and child-specific data as well as medical information. They completed a validated TNO-AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life (TAPQOL) questionnaire. The association between HRQoL and respondents' characteristics was assessed using independent samples t-test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between the TAPQOL scores and sociodemographic characteristics in children under the age of 5 years children with DS. A total of 460 responded to the questionnaire. The overall HRQoL score was high. The scores for physical functioning were relatively high, particularly for motor functioning (mean = 86.64) and skin health (mean = 85.68). In addition, social functioning exhibited a lower level, with a significant difference (mean = 25.29). The cognitive functioning scores exhibited variability, with communication scoring relatively high (mean = 76.68), while positive mood (mean = 19.51) and liveliness (mean = 21.25) were significantly low. There was a significant correlation between the educational level and occupation of both fathers and mothers and their HRQoL. Specifically, individuals with higher education and stable employment had better HRQoL scores. Parents' health also has an impact on HRQoL, with children of parents without comorbidities scoring higher. Furthermore, there was a significant association between higher sociodemographic levels of parents and improved HRQoL of the patients. The level of HRQoL among children with DS was high, particularly in the physical and cognitive domains. The sociodemographic factors of parents, specifically the level of education and occupation of fathers, have been identified as essential factors influencing HRQoL. Providing increased economic and educational support for families has a significant positive impact on the quality of life for these children.