Viral hepatitis is a serious public health problem affecting billions of people globally. Limited information is available on this issue in Morocco. This cross-sectional study was undertaken with the aim of determining the seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among the general population and among blood donors.

Viral hepatitis B is a global public health problem affecting nearly two billion subjects; 3.3% of whom are from the WHO (World Health Organization) Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO). It induces both acute and chronic hepatic disorders with subsequent liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a considerable percentage of patients based on the age of exposure. In this review, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCC prevalence, distribution and prevalence of different genotypes, and male/female infection frequencies in relation to the vaccination status in the Mediterranean countries were reported. Study Design. This systematic review describes the prevalence of hepatitis B infection, genotype distribution of hepatitis B virus, and prevalence and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Mediterranean countries belonging to three different continents: Southern Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece), North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt), and the Near East region (Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, and Palestine). We tried to collect new data from electronic databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and public health reports between 1980 and 2019. For each publication, we recorded reference, publication year, study characteristics (date, locations, sample size, and study population), and participant characteristics (population group, year, age, and sex). No language limitation was imposed, and articles or reports from non‐peer‐reviewed sources were not considered for this analysis. The main keywords were HBV prevalence, hepatitis B infection, HBV genotype, and HCC. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Healthy population‐based studies included the following sample populations: (i) voluntary blood donors, (ii) pregnant women, (iii) community studies, (iv) hemodialysis patients, (v) hospitalized patients, (vi) healthcare workers, (vii) sex workers, (viii) drug abusers, and (ix) prisoners. We excluded studies from the following special groups who were assumed to be at a special high risk: patients from sexually transmitted disease clinics and thalassemia clinics and professional or paid blood donors.

Non-invasive glucose monitoring has become a critical area of research for diabetes management, offering a less intrusive and more patient-friendly alternative to traditional methods such as finger-prick tests. This study presents a novel approach using a semi-solid tissue-mimicking phantom designed to replicate the dielectric properties of human skin and blood vessels. The phantom was simplified to focus solely on the skin layer, with embedded channels representing veins to achieve realistic glucose monitoring conditions. These channels were filled with D-(+)-Glucose solutions at varying concentrations (60 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL) to simulate physiological changes in blood glucose levels. A miniature patch antenna optimized to operate at 14 GHz with a penetration depth of approximately 1.5 mm was designed and fabricated. The antenna was tested in direct contact with the skin phantom, allowing for precise measurements of the changes in glucose concentration without interference from deeper tissue layers. Simulations and experiments demonstrated the antenna’s sensitivity to variations in glucose concentration, as evidenced by measurable shifts in the dielectric properties of the phantom. Importantly, the system enabled stationary measurements by injecting glucose solutions into the same blood vessels, eliminating the need to reposition the sensor while ensuring reliable and repeatable results. This work highlights the importance of shallow penetration depth in targeting close vessels for noninvasive glucose monitoring, and emphasizes the potential of microwave-based sensing systems as a practical solution for continuous glucose management.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is implicated in carcinogenic infections like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given that no HCV vaccine is currently available, comprehensive epidemiological understanding is crucial for devising effective prevention strategies. In North Africa, existing data on HCV infection and HCV‐associated HCC are frequently outdated or limited to specific populations. This systematic review aims to offer new insights into the epidemiology of HCV infection, HCV genotype distribution, and HCV‐related HCC in this region. We collected data from electronic databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and public health reports between 1989 and 2023. We reported the studies carried out in each country in general populations and in groups exposed to HCV infection. Our results show that HCV prevalence varies from 0.5% to 4.61% among the general populations in North African countries. HCV genotype 1 remains the most dominant in the Greater Maghreb region, while genotype 4 is the most dominant in the Nile Valley region. HCC incidence varies between the five countries, and HCV is responsible for 60% of cases, with male dominance. Egypt had the highest number of deaths from HCV‐associated HCC. Other factors such as HBV, diabetes, and alcohol use are also responsible for HCC in North Africa. Urban growth and socioeconomic changes have impacted HCV prevalence in the North African region, especially among rural populations, and introduced new risks, such as coinfections and Type 2 diabetes. Here, we propose some recommendations for HCV control and management by patient category in North Africa.

The concerns regarding Fowl Adenoviruses have gained significance in the poultry industry due to their association with various diseases, including Inclusion Body Hepatitis, Hepatitis-Hydropericardium Syndrome, and Adenoviral Gizzard Erosion (AGE). AGE is an emerging disease reported in several countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, causing significant economic losses in the poultry industry. In 2001, Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 1 was identified as the etiological agent of AGE in Japan. Since then, it has been spreading to other countries due to its transmission mode. Although Adenoviral Gizzard Erosion has been mostly described in broilers, it has also been observed in layers and pullets. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 1, encompassing various key aspects of the virus. We also examine the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the virus, providing an overview of its distribution and prevalence in avian populations worldwide. Highlighting the most recent developments in serological and molecular techniques for virus detection, quantification, and genotyping and comparing them to conventional tests, this review aims to contribute to the understanding of the diagnostic workflow for this virus. Lastly, this review sheds light on some vaccine strategies to prevent Adenoviral Gizzard Erosion.