Endemic treponematosis (balash or bejel) in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Summary 1. The prevalence of treponematosis among the tribesmen around Badana, Saudi Arabia is 37.8% out of a sample of 81 unselected cases. 2. On the whole, the clinical picture is similar to syphilis and bejel as reported by Hudson, Hasselman, Akrawi and seen by one of us (H. T. C.) in the Deir ez Zor district. 3. The majority of cases had acquired the disease in childhood, but some later in life. 4. Possibly the majority had acquired it nonvenereally, but venereal contacts could not be disregarded. 5. It is realized that the group screened is small and statistical error is likely. However, the prevalence of treponematosis is high. 6. Saudi Arabia constitutes a reservoir of infection with possibility of transfer to other areas. 7. The clinical picture, incidence and laboratory findings paralleled Hudson's study of similar tribes in Iraq (1951).