Abstract

Obesity and headache are conditions associated with a substantial personal and societal impact. This study aims to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and Headache among adults in Gharyan City, Libya. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at Gharyan city, Libya, during the period from December 2024 to March 2025. Two hundred (200) participants, including 94 males (47%) and 106 females (53%), were enrolled in this study. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. The participants were divided into four categories, based on BMI: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25 to 29.9), and obese (>30). A total of 200 participants, both gender males and females, were enrolled in this study during the study period. The study indicates that high percentage of headache in age was 43 -56 years, and severe obesity BMI > 30 kg/m2 were observed of high percentage in females n=27 (25.47%) compared to males n=17 (18.08%), although the severe obesity and headache found in females n=37 (34.90%), rather than males n=30 (31.91%) Obesity and headache are both, slightly more common in females than males, we recommend that more studies among obesity and headache in large patients should be done, although small sample size and lack of long-term flow-up of patients, were the main limitations of our study and results suggested a need for monitoring by X-ray and MRI diagnosis of patients have obesity

Keywords. Obesity. Headache, Gharyan City, Libya.

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.

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

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 INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is a major global issue that has been connected to a number of systemic issues, necessitating multidisciplinary investigation. Examining dental degradation in conjunction with Helicobacter pylori infection provides a unique perspective on gut and oral health in Tripoli, Libya. Previously linked to peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis, H. pylori has recently been linked to tooth health. This change in viewpoint is crucial because there was no discernible link between the infection and chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, or even smoking, indicating the necessity for measures to raise awareness of good oral hygiene among afflicted individuals. The prevalence of H. pylori was clearly linked to declining dental health when examining Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores; this relationship was particularly evident in older participants and those with poor oral hygiene. METHODS AND MATERIALS: a cross-sectional design was used, 135 randomly selected participants to ensure that our sample was representative of the local community. Following a thorough review of each patient's medical history, which included chronic conditions, socioeconomic status, and dental hygiene practices, a dentist qualified to perform this type of evaluation examined each patient for evidence of decay using well-known metrics such as the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score. Based on previous research, serological tests (detection of H. pylori antibodies) were performed to determine the presence of H. pylori in order to minimize discomfort and avoid the bias that occasionally arises with more intrusive gut collection methods. THE AIM: of this study is to provide a significant contribution to the present literature with genuine potential to influence public health policies and dental care programs targeted at reducing health inequities in the region, provided that the study is carefully planned and some innovative data management is done. RESULTS: This result essentially shows that additional interdisciplinary research is required to adequately map out the cause-and-effect relationship between H. pylori and dental caries. Curiously, it also supports previous research that suggested this bacterium might contribute to oral disorders, supporting the notion that a comprehensive, multimodal strategy is required to address oral and general health concerns. By lowering the rate of dental decay, local, community-driven initiatives to enhance oral hygiene may hold the key to minimizing the effects of H. pylori. The study emphasizes that reducing the disparities in oral health observed in Tripoli may depend on making dental treatment more accessible, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds. Conclusion: An infection with Helicobacter pylori is substantially linked to a higher prevalence of dental caries. Both dental decay and H. pylori infection are significantly influenced by age, with poorer oral health being seen in older people. Infrequent dental checkups and poor oral hygiene are two factors that raise the DMFT index. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and acidity have far worse tooth health. Dental caries is significantly influenced by economic level, with slightly worse outcomes for those with greater incomes. The DMFT score and H. pylori prevalence do not seem to be significantly impacted by smoking or gender. This study confirms our presumptions between H. pylori and dental cavities while highlighting the critical necessity for integrated healthcare systems. Keywords: Dental Caries, Helicobacter Pylori, Gastritis, Tripoli, Libya.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is a major global issue that has been connected to a number of systemic issues, necessitating multidisciplinary investigation. Examining dental degradation in conjunction with Helicobacter pylori infection provides a unique perspective on gut and oral health in Tripoli, Libya. Previously linked to peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis, H. pylori has recently been linked to tooth health. This change in viewpoint is crucial because there was no discernible link between the infection and chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, or even smoking, indicating the necessity for measures to raise awareness of good oral hygiene among afflicted individuals. The prevalence of H. pylori was clearly linked to declining dental health when examining Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores; this relationship was particularly evident in older participants and those with poor oral hygiene. METHODS AND MATERIALS: a cross-sectional design was used, 135 randomly selected participants to ensure that our sample was representative of the local community. Following a thorough review of each patient's medical history, which included chronic conditions, socioeconomic status, and dental hygiene practices, a dentist qualified to perform this type of evaluation examined each patient for evidence of decay using well-known metrics such as the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score. Based on previous research, serological tests (detection of H. pylori antibodies) were performed to determine the presence of H. pylori in order to minimize discomfort and avoid the bias that occasionally arises with more intrusive gut collection methods. THE AIM: of this study is to provide a significant contribution to the present literature with genuine potential to influence public health policies and dental care programs targeted at reducing health inequities in the region, provided that the study is carefully planned and some innovative data management is done. RESULTS: This result essentially shows that additional interdisciplinary research is required to adequately map out the cause-and-effect relationship between H. pylori and dental caries. Curiously, it also supports previous research that suggested this bacterium might contribute to oral disorders, supporting the notion that a comprehensive, multimodal strategy is required to address oral and general health concerns. By lowering the rate of dental decay, local, community-driven initiatives to enhance oral hygiene may hold the key to minimizing the effects of H. pylori. The study emphasizes that reducing the disparities in oral health observed in Tripoli may depend on making dental treatment more accessible, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds. Conclusion: An infection with Helicobacter pylori is substantially linked to a higher prevalence of dental caries. Both dental decay and H. pylori infection are significantly influenced by age, with poorer oral health being seen in older people. Infrequent dental checkups and poor oral hygiene are two factors that raise the DMFT index. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and acidity have far worse tooth health. Dental caries is significantly influenced by economic level, with slightly worse outcomes for those with greater incomes. The DMFT score and H. pylori prevalence do not seem to be significantly impacted by smoking or gender. This study confirms our presumptions between H. pylori and dental cavities while highlighting the critical necessity for integrated healthcare systems. Keywords: Dental Caries, Helicobacter Pylori, Gastritis, Tripoli, Libya.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are considered the most widespread bacterial infections and among the most common nosocomial infections, second only to lower respiratory tract infections. The risk of developing a UTI increases with age, making UTIs among the most commonly diagnosed infections in elderly people, representing a significant public health problem. This study aimed to isolate and detect the microbial responsible for urinary tract infections in elderly individuals and determine their resistance patterns and sensitivity to antibiotics among Libyan patients in Tripoli city. The study was conducted simultaneously in Alsharik, Eltafoq, and Ibn Al Nafis laboratories in Tripoli, Libya, during July and August 2024. One hundred and one urine samples were collected from elderly participants suffering from UTI symptoms (38 males and 63 females), with ages ranging from 60 to 97 years. Isolation, biochemical identification, and antibiotic susceptibility analyses were performed. Thirteen antibiotics were testedin this study. Among the 101 isolated samples from elderly patients with suspected UTI, females had a higher prevalence of bacterial infections (62.4%) compared to males (37.6%). The highest number of infections was in the 60–69 years age group (45.4%). Gram-negative organisms accounted for 91.1% of isolates compared to Gram-positive organisms. Escherichia coli was the most common organism isolated (43.6%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (29.7%). Most isolates were resistant to Ampicillin (31.7%) and Amoxicillin (23.8%), followed by Tetracycline (10.9%). The Gram-positive organisms Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were most susceptible to Amoxicillin, Amikacin, and Meropenem, with sensitivity rates of 75%, 66.7%, and50%, respectively. E. coli was more susceptible to Imipenem (25%), Amikacin (22.7%), and Nitrofurantoin (13.6%), whereas Amoxicillin and Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim showed lower efficacy. Gram-negative bacteria were the main cause of UTIs in the study population, mainly belonging to the E. coli and Klebsiella families. Age and gender were significant factors in determining UTI etiology, and considering these factors can improve the accuracy in identifying causative uropathogens and guide empirical treatment.Keywords:UTI, Antibiotic Resistance, Sensitivity Antibiotics, Uropathogenic E.Coli