Background: The protozoa parasite Entamoeba histolytica is an important cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide besides malaria and schistosomiasis. Prevalence of E. histolytica in Sebha, Libya has been scantily studied and risk factors associated with this parasite are unavailable in Libya. Aims: A cross-sectional study was aimed to provide the first data on the prevalence and epidemiological risk factors associated with E. histolytica infection among school children in Sebha, Libya. Subjects and Methods: A total of 150 stool samples randomly were collected (during period from April 2017 to May 2017) from school children residents of Sebha and examined by direct smear microscopy (in normal saline and iodine smears) for the detection of E. histolytica infection. Results: Of one hundred fifty children, six children (4%) were found to be infected with this parasite. Boys were more significantly (P < 0.5) infected with E. histolytica than girls. A higher prevalence rate (6.66%) was found among 8 to 11 years old age group. There was no significant difference of E. histolytica infection among different age groups (P > 0.05). It has been noted that those who had large family size have significantly (P < 0.05) higher risk of being infected with E. histolytica. A significant (P < 0.05) association was found between education level of children's parents and E. histolytica exposure among children. No, significant correlation was found between monthly income of family and the presence of E. histolytica infection among children. Conclusions: Prevalence of E. histolytica among school children is low and this parasite may play a minor role in causing morbidity in this population in Sebha, Libya. Large size of families and education of parents of children were significant predictors of this parasite. In addition, more studies are needed to provide data on epidemiological risk factors of E. histolytica to improve health education and environmental sanitary conditions to protect children from the infection of this parasite in Libya.

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Background: Identification of an individual is a very important aspect of forensic odontology. Palatal rugae can aid in this identification, as they remain unchanged once formed in embryo. Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the reliability of using the palatal rugae dimensions in identifying the different ethnic groups. Materials and Methods: A total number of sixty participants of two different ethnic groups were taken. The sample size consisted of thirty individuals of Assam and thirty individuals of Punjab between the age range of 17 and 26 years, with 15 males and 15 females in each group. The casts were prepared with alginate impression and digital caliper was used to measure the dimensions of rugae at different points on both right and left sides. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 20 with unpaired t-test. Results and Conclusion: The study revealed the statistical significant difference in rugae dimensions of both these ethnic groups.

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Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, fatal, zoonotic, hemorrhagic disease. The current outbreak is the largest in history and has spread across continents. Consequently, it has made the WHO to declare it as a public health emergency of international concern. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first comprehensive review of EVD and its implications for the dental fraternity.

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Background: Periodontitis is a persistent bacterial infection characterized by the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting structures and can lead to tooth loss. By triggering inflammatory reactions, periodontitis can detrimentally affect systemic health. Periodontitis is a prevalent disease in developed countries like the USA, whereas none is known about its prevalence or the motivations to ask for periodontal treatment in Libya. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to understand and analyze the motivation factors to seek periodontal care in the Libyan community; we recorded the chief complaints (CCs) of Libyan patients seeking periodontal treatment in a dental clinic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to gather data regarding periodontal disease and the associated CCs in the Libyan community. Materials and Methods: A total of 121 (20–80 years) Libyan patients with periodontitis who sought periodontal care in a private polyclinic were examined. Their CCs were recorded and grouped into true periodontal CC, emergency, esthetic, or referral based. Results: Most of the patients had moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis. The examiner recorded 170 CCs. They were divided into 14 different CC groups. The most popular CC (32%) was “I was told that I have gum disease,” which is not a true periodontal CC. The second (31%) was “my gum bleeds when I brush my teeth,” which represents a true periodontal CC. Pain constituted only 3% of the patients' complaints. Other true periodontal CCs reported in descending order were: teeth mobility, recession, gum enlargement, bad odor, tooth sensitivity, and gum discoloration. All together constituted 20%. The rest presented for checkup and “cleaning” (9%) or were referred before commencing orthodontic treatment (4%) or implant placement (1%). Conclusion: The major motivation factor to seek periodontal care was found to be the information given to the patient that they had periodontal problems. This emphasizes the crucial role of health-care providers in determining patients with periodontal diseases and raises the awareness level of this silent disease among the Libyan population.

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