Some Physiological Observations on the 'Ababda Tribespeople of the Eastern Desert of Egypt

¹ From the U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) No. 3, Cairo, Egypt

Limited observations were made on desert-dwelling 'Ababda tribesmen in the vicinity of Marsa Alam, Egypt, during the month of August 1954. Brief dietary histories indicated that the typical subject was sustained on bread with rare rations of meat or vegetables. Urine samples taken from 25 subjects were only moderately concentrated, even in subjects who had been without water for 12 or more hours. Urinary chloride concentration was generally high, greater than 300 mEq/l. in 10 specimens. Otherwise, the urinary constituents measured were not remarkable. Plasma, sodium, potassium and urea nitrogen were determined; no significant abnormality was found. Eight well sites were visited and specimens of water collected from them. The samples ranged in salinity from 1928 to 8550 ppm. A more extensive study, with the aim of gathering quantitative data concerning the response of the 'Ababda to his total environment, would seem indicated and worthwhile.