In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that globally there were 499 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, occurring every year. Discouragingly, this was even higher than the estimated 448 million cases reported in 2005 [1]. Each of these cases,...

We have systematically reviewed HCV infection prevalence and incidence across the different population groups in Egypt. The results of our study indicate that Egypt is enduring a large HCV disease burden, and is likely to be the most affected nation worldwide by this infection. HCV prevalence and incidence across the diverse population groups were found...

Our modelling results using 1918-9 data support earlier suggestions [3, 17] that the spread of pandemic influenza can be limited by pre-existing immunity, probably resulting from prior exposure to seasonal influenza [34]. Furthermore, the waning of prior immunity likely contributed to the recurrent waves of influenza that characterised the 1918-9 pandemic...

The most relevant nosocomial pathogens can persist on dry inanimate surfaces for months. In addition to the duration of persistence, some studies have also identified factors influencing persistence. A low temperature, such as 4°C or 6°C, was associated with longer persistence for most bacteria, fungi and viruses. High humidity (e.g., > 70%) was...

Background: The prevalence and impact of antimicrobial “allergy” labels and Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) on antibiotic usage and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives is ill defined. We sought to examine the rate of antimicrobial “allergy labels” at our tertiary referral centre and impacts on antimicrobial usage and appropriateness. Methods: Two inpatient...