Objectives The World Health Organisation promoted the use of serological testing as a rapid and accurate technique for detection of the immunity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In Lebanon, a better understanding of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 is needed to develop effective measures for prevention and plan an appropriate national vaccination program. This study aims to measure the immunity status in Lebanon. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the population consisted of male and female Lebanese and non-Lebanese residents of Lebanon between the ages 15 and 75. Exclusion criteria included same household, symptomatic individuals, and extremes of age (<15 and >75). Representative testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (Anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay/ECLIA) was used to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Lebanon. Results Over 6 months, a total of 13,755 participants were recruited, and 3,168 (23.03%) individuals tested positive for Anti-SARS-CoV-2, with levels of positivity varying among districts. A higher level of seropositivity was detected in the female participants. Conclusion The seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 varied within Lebanon and was compatible with the levels seen in the MENA region at the time of the study. The seroprevalence documented in this study reflected a level of immunity that is not protective at the national level. Funding This study was funded by the Lebanese American University School of Medicine.

We assessed aggression in displaced Syrian adolescents, aged 11 years and above, enrolled in Beirut's public schools during 2017–2018. Of 729 parental consent forms distributed in nine randomly selected schools, 368 (50.5%) parents accepted to involve their children. Eventually, the revised Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire was used to assess physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility in 178 boys and 182 girls. Scores were interpreted based on the adolescents' age, sex, year of arrival to Lebanon, and Syrian governorate from which they migrated last. Twenty four percent of participants scored high on aggression measurements. Boys had significantly higher scores than girls on verbal aggression (p=0.001), hostility (p=0.003) and total aggression (p=0.007). When other variables were held constant, adolescents who fled to Lebanon in the early days of the Syrian war had significantly higher levels of verbal aggression (p=0.044), hostility (p=0.028) and total aggression (p=0.007) than those who arrived later. Anger scores were not particularly affected by variables in our regression model. Adolescents from Idlib, Daraa, and Aleppo were predicted to have increased physical aggression scores. Verbal aggression scores were predicted to rise for adolescents from Daraa and Aleppo while other districts had a protective effect. These adolescents have witnessed the harshness and inhumanity of war, and have survived life-changing traumatic events. In view of our results, we recommend the introduction of a school-based universal cognitive behavioral intervention to reduce aggression in this vulnerable group both in Lebanon and upon their return to Syria.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is primarily a respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. However, the disease is also known to cause a range of extrapulmonary manifestations, including gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The exact mechanisms by which the virus causes extrapulmonary manifestations are not fully understood, but it is theorized that the virus can enter cells in other organs including the GI tract, through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. This can result in inflammation and damage to the affected organs. In rare cases, COVID-19 can also cause acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), a condition characterized by symptoms of bowel obstruction but without a physical obstruction present. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of COVID-19 that requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent further complications such as bowel ischemia and perforation. We hereby present a case report of a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia developing ACPO and discuss the suggested pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and treatment options.