ABSTRACT

Background: The seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection were examined among high-risk groups in

Gharyan, Libya—a semi-arid region with limited prior data. Aim: Given the severe health risks of toxoplasmosis in

immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, and the scarcity of studies from western Libya, this research aimed to

address a key knowledge gap while comparing results with those from humid coastal cities.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, involving 45 blood donors, 40

hemodialysis patients, and 146 pregnant women. A validated questionnaire was administered, and an

electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM antibodies.

Results: Results revealed an overall higher seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients (40.0%), followed by pregnant women

(24.7%), and then blood donors (15.6%). Active (IgM+) infections were rare. Significant risk factors among pregnant women

included consumption of unwashed vegetables, undercooked meat, cat ownership, and rural residence (Adjusted Odds Ratio

aOR=3.42, aOR=3.15, aOR=2.87, aOR=2.05, respectively). No statistically significant difference in seroprevalence was

observed among pregnant women between 2022 (26.2%) and 2023 (23.5%) (P = 0.68).

Conclusion: A lower seroprevalence was observed in Gharyan municipality compared to coastal Libyan cities, indicating the

influence of the dry climate. The study recommends routine first-trimester screening for pregnant women (especially aged 25–

30 years), mandatory pre-dialysis testing for hemodialysis patients, and targeted food safety education focusing on vegetable

washing and thorough meat cooking.

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Seroprevalence, , Pregnant Women, Blood Donors s

AbstractIn recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels.

Abstract Antimicrobial agents are widely used to treat bacterial infections; however, their misuse contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. This study assessed the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial isolates from patients in Gharyan City, Libya, and explored behavioral factors influencing resistance. Between January and June 2024, 66 clinical samples (urine, stool, vaginal swabs, blood, pus, and sputum) were collected from seven medical laboratories. A questionnaire survey was conducted among three groups: medical workers (n=50), non-medical individuals (n=50), and pharmacists (n=50). Laboratory identification employed selective media, Gram staining, and microscopy, while antibiotic susceptibility was tested using disc diffusion. Results revealed widespread inappropriate antibiotic use: 70% of pharmacists dispensed antibiotics without prescriptions, 40% provided incorrect dosages, and only 10% held formal pharmacy qualifications. Among medical workers, 40% used antibiotics without prescriptions and 56% failed to complete treatment courses. Infections were more common in females (77%) than males (23%), with the highest prevalence in younger age groups (<32 years, 39.4%). Staphylococcus spp (32%) and E. coli (27%) were the most frequent isolates. Overall resistance was high (75%), particularly in Pseudomonas spp (100%), E. coli (83%), and Staphylococcus spp (76%). Azithromycin (67%) and Doxycycline (49%) showed the highest resistance rates, while Meropenem (2%) and Nalidixic acid (3%) remained largely effective. These findings highlight alarming levels of antibiotic resistance in Gharyan, driven by misuse and poor prescribing practices. Strengthening pharmacist and physician training, enforcing prescription regulations, and raising public awareness are essential to mitigate resistance and preserve antibiotic efficacy. Keywords. Antibiotic Resistance, Bacterial Infection, Misuse of Antibiotics, Control and Surveillance.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) is essential for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. The disk diffusion method is widely used in Libya due to its low cost, yet deviations from standardized protocols can compromise result accuracy, affecting clinical decisions and patient outcomes. This study evaluated the performance of the disk diffusion AST method in medical laboratories in Gharyan, Libya, using EUCAST guidelines (version 12.0) as a benchmark. Seventy-five AST plates representing 122 clinical specimens were randomly collected from three pathology centers between September and November 2025. Plates were analyzed for the type of culture media, number of specimens per plate, number of antibiotic disks, and readability of results. All plates were 90 mm in diameter. Nutrient agar was used for 118 specimens, and blood agar for two; none used Mueller-Hinton agar as recommended. Only 17% of plates tested a single specimen per plate; the majority tested one specimen on half or a quarter of a plate. The number of antibiotic disks per specimen often exceeded EUCAST limits (up to 20 disks per plate), and only 8% of plates yielded readable results. Widespread deviations from EUCAST protocols—including inappropriate media, specimen overloading, and excessive disks—compromise AST reliability. These errors may lead to incorrect antibiotic prescriptions, delayed recovery, and increased antimicrobial resistance. Strict adherence to standardized guidelines is urgently required to ensure accurate, clinically meaningful AST results. Moreover, raising awareness of the importance of following standard guidelines is crucial for correcting the course

Abstract

The proper management of biological waste in laboratory settings is a critical aspect of biosafety in microbiological and biomedical laboratories. Beyond protecting lab workers, biological waste management safeguards public health, protects the environment, and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. Segregation, decontamination of liquid waste, decontamination of solid waste, and techniques for inactivating toxins are all main aspects of biological waste management that will be outlined, aligned, and summarized with the main institutional biosafety protocols for biological waste management, published by major authorities, including CDC and WHO. This research found that the information from the two institutions complements each other. Therefore, this brief review aimed to compile and unify information from both institutions to construct a single, coherent text that provides a practical summary for medical laboratory professionals seeking to enhance the implementation of international, harmonized protocols that strengthen biosafety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance

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The ABO blood group system is one of the most clinically important blood group systems and has been implicated in the susceptibility to various diseases, including cardiovascular and renal disorders. However, the relationship between ABO blood groups and chronic kidney disease remains controversial and has been insufficiently investigated in Libyan populations. This study aimed to determine the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in western and southern Libya and to evaluate whether specific blood groups are overrepresented in this patient population. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 120 patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance hemodialysis between 2021 and 2025. Participants were recruited from four dialysis centers in Libya, namely Misrata Medical Center, Gharyan Teaching Hospital, Brak General Hospital, and Bouzayan Gharyan Center. The patients' ages ranged from 20 to 80 years. ABO and Rh blood groups were determined using standard hemagglutination techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test, with statistical significance considered at p < 0.05. Of the 120 patients enrolled, 58 (48.33%) were males and 62 (51.67%) were females. Blood group O was the most prevalent blood type, accounting for 45.83% of cases, followed by blood groups A (30.83%), B (19.17%), and AB (4.17%). Similar distribution patterns were observed in both male and female patients. No statistically significant differences in ABO blood group distribution were detected between genders (p > 0.05). Blood group O was the predominant ABO phenotype among hemodialysis patients in western and southern Libya, followed by groups A, B, and AB. The observed distribution pattern appears to reflect the general ABO blood group distribution commonly reported in the region, and no evidence of a significant association between a specific blood group and end-stage renal disease was identified. Further large-scale case-control studies involving healthy controls are recommended to clarify the potential role of ABO blood groups in chronic kidney disease.

Abstract Background:- Depakine (valproic acid) is an antiepileptic medication that is commonly used as a first‑line treatment for a variety of seizures in both adults and children. However, it can result in testicular toxicity by increasing oxida tive stress inflammation. Melatonin (MLT) has antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and anti‑apoptotic potential. Therefore, the present study investigated the impact of MLT on depakine‑induced testicular damage in rats.

The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic in March 2020, also the COVID-19 pandemic has caused drastic changes across the globe, affecting all areas of life. However, the pandemic cannot be ended overnight and more social distancing and other self-care measures are needed to protect our Libyan community. Therefore, people´s awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and appropriate behaviors are instrumental to containing the pandemic. This study aims to create a questionnaire to determine the Libyan society's environmental awareness of COVID-19

Shale gas and shale oil have rapidly revolutionized the energy supply and security landscape in various parts of the world. As Libya has a notable deposit of shale gas, this study sought to gain insight into the public perception of potential health and environmental impacts of a hydraulic fracturing and its associated controversies. It also sought to determine whether there is a need for public awareness of the science and economics associated with hydraulic fracturing. In this study, 304 local residents in Zawia city in the north west of Libya were surveyed on their views on the exploration of shale gas. The purpose of the survey is to understand the factors that influence local residents‖ support or opposition to the use of shale gas, such as energy independence, environmental consciousness, and risk/benefit perceptions. The results show that the respondents are generally supportive of shale gas extraction, the study show that 52% of the respondents express support or strong support for shale gas exploitation. Both this and future studies have the potential to improve public discourse and decision-making around the development of unconventional gas and oil industries.

Shale gas is a form of natural gas found trapped within shale formations. Shale gas is vastly distributed around the world. Recently, there has been increasing interest in exploiting shale gas for energy production. As a source of energy, many countries started to investigate their shale gas potential. To understand the public’s views on the extraction of shale gas and its long and short-term health and environmental consequences, this study was undertaken to recognize Ghadames region residents’ awareness of the environmental and health effects resulting from the extraction of shale gas in their areas. Ghadames region is located in northwest Libya, where a potential deposit of shale gas is spotted; therefore, it was perfect as a study area. A population survey from a random sample (N=251) drawn from local residents; it was designed to detect the public opinion of the most likely adverse direct and indirect health and environmental outcomes as a result of fracking; the possible benefits were also included as well. The results show that the majority of respondents support shale gas extraction in their hometown, no matter how the consequences will affect their health and environment, about 70% of the respondents show support for shale gas exploitation