About Me 1

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 17)

Genetically Predicted Antibody Levels as a Proxy for Helicobacter pylori Infection

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2025-03

Eurosurveillance (Issue : 9) (Volume : 30)

Letter to the editor: Viral load decline time offers theoretical insight rather than practical value

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2025-03

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 17)

Risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection in the Kurdistan region of Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

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2025-02

Cureus (Issue : 1) (Volume : 17)

Trends in Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Uropathogens: A Retrospective Study From Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

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2025-01

The Lancet (Issue : 10459) (Volume : 404)

Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050

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2024-09

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries (Issue : 09.1) (Volume : 18)

Assessing COVID-19 outcomes among healthcare workers: a retrospective study

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2024-09

The Lancet (Issue : 10440) (Volume : 403)

Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022–2050: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

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2024-05

The Lancet (Issue : 10435) (Volume : 403)

Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

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2024-04

The Lancet (Issue : 10436) (Volume : 403)

Global incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and healthy life expectancy (HALE) for 371 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

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2024-04

The Lancet (Issue : 10431) (Volume : 403)

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

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2024-03

The Lancet Neurology (Issue : 3) (Volume : 23)

Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

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2024-03

The Lancet (Issue : 10435) (Volume : 403)

Global fertility in 204 countries and territories, 1950–2021, with forecasts to 2100: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

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2024-03

The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia (Issue : 1) (Volume : 21)

Temporal patterns of cancer burden in Asia, 1990–2019: a systematic examination for the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study

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2024-02

The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia (Issue : 1) (Volume : 1)

Temporal patterns of cancer burden in Asia, 1990–2019: a systematic examination for the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study

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2024-01

J Pure Appl Microbiol (Issue : 3) (Volume : 17)

A Cross-sectional Study of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes among Adults with Laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Omicron Variant

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2023-09

The Lancet Neurology (Issue : 8) (Volume : 22)

Global, regional, and national burden of meningitis and its aetiologies, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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2023-08

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries (Issue : 7) (Volume : 17)

A study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity in Duhok City, Iraq

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2023-07

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries (Issue : 6) (Volume : 17)

A study of long COVID-19 in Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq

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2023-06

Science Journal of University of Zakho (Issue : 2) (Volume : 11)

VIRULOTYPING OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ISOLATED FROM HUMAN AND FOOD PRODUCTS SAMPLES USING MULTIPLEX PCR IN DUHOK PROVINCE, IRAQ

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2023-05

International Journal of Surgery: Global Health (Issue : 1) (Volume : 6)

Cholera in Iraq and Syria: a silent outbreak with a serious threat to the middle-east and beyond

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2023-02

International Journal of Surgery (Issue : 2) (Volume : 109)

Re-emergence of Sudan ebolavirus after a decade: new challenge to Ebola control

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2023-02

Front. Trop. Dis (Issue : 1) (Volume : 3)

The emerging scenario for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus and mitigation strategies to counteract this deadly mosquito-borne zoonotic virus, the cause of the most severe arboviral encephalitis in humans—an update

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2023-01

Dialogues in Health (Issue : 1) (Volume : 1)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype prevalence and impact of COVID-19 on the HPV prevention program in Duhok city

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2022-12

Archives Of Clinical Infectious Diseases (Issue : 6) (Volume : 17)

Shortage of Coronavirus RT-PCR Kits May Increase the Spread of Infection in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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2022-12

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 14)

Covid-19; Cholera and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Iraq: A country with three outbreaks

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2022-11

The Lancet (Issue : 10367) (Volume : 400)

Global mortality associated with 33 bacterial pathogens in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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2022-11

J Contemp Med Sci| (Issue : 5) (Volume : 8)

Study of factors that impact the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients with COVID-19

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2022-10

International Journal of Surgery (Issue : 1) (Volume : 106)

Recent outbreaks of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the United States of America and European countries; current scenario and counteracting prospects – Correspondence

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2022-09

Public Health in Practice (Issue : 1) (Volume : 4)

A study of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant breakthrough infections and side effects of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine

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2022-08

The Lancet Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 23)

Age–sex differences in the global burden of lower respiratory infections and risk factors, 1990–2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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2022-08

The Lancet (Issue : 10352) (Volume : 400)

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010–19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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2022-08

Plos One (Issue : 8) (Volume : 17)

A study of HBV infection and its risk factors in pregnant women in Zakho city, Iraq

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2022-08

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries (Issue : 08) (Volume : 16)

Strict social distancing measures helped early control of SARS-CoV-2 spread in Duhok city, Iraq

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2022-08

J Contemp Med Sci| (Issue : 4) (Volume : 8)

The prevalence of procalcitonin positivity in patients with severe Covid-19

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2022-08

IJID Regions (Issue : 1) (Volume : 4)

Phylogenetic relatedness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from the host community and Syrian refugees in Duhok governorate based on 16S rRNA

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2022-06

Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol (Issue : 8) (Volume : 7)

Global, regional, and national burden of hepatitis B, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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2022-06

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 14)

The Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases: A New Milestone and a Hope for Researchers in Third World Countries: MJHID a hope for Researchers in Third World Countries

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2022-04

J Contemp Med Sci| Vol (Issue : 1) (Volume : 8)

A study of the Incidence of Cytomegalovirus Infection and Preemptive Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients

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2022-02

Iraqi Journal of Science (Issue : 1) (Volume : 63)

Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Dohuk Governorate, Iraq

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2022-01

Lancet Oncology (Issue : 1) (Volume : 1)

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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2021-12

JAMA oncology (Issue : 12) (Volume : 2021)

Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for 29 Cancer Groups From 2010 to 2019: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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2021-12

Annals of Medicine and Surgery (Issue : 103097) (Volume : 72)

A rare case of absolute thrombocytopaenia in a COVID-19 patient: Case report

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2021-11

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (Issue : 11) (Volume : 10)

Home management scheme for patients with severe covid-19 in Duhok city, Kurdistan region of Iraq: a possible role for family physicians

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2021-11

J Contemp Med Sci| (Issue : 3) (Volume : 7)

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infection among children aged less than 18 years old in Duhok Province, Iraq

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2021-09

Gene Reports (Issue : 0) (Volume : 24)

Predicting the role of dupA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains in severe gastrointestinal disorders: An updated meta-analysis

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2021-08

The Lancet (Issue : 10299) (Volume : 398)

Measuring routine childhood vaccination coverage in 204 countries and territories, 1980–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020, Release 1

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2021-07

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 13)

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in Duhok city, Kurdistan region of Iraq

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2021-05

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (Issue : 5) (Volume : 10)

Possible COVID-19 reinfection case in Duhok City, Kurdistan: A case report

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2021-05

European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine (Issue : 2) (Volume : 8)

Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the coronavirus disease pandemic: a cross-sectional study in the Kurdistan region, Iraq

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2021-02

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (Issue : 12) (Volume : 9)

Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the elimination of hepatitis C virus in Duhok, Kurdistan, Iraq: A retrospective cross-sectional study

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2020-12

International Journal of Surgery Open (Issue : 0) (Volume : 57)

Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on surgical practice in Kurdistan, Iraq: An online cross-sectional survey

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2020-11

Avicenna J Clin Microbiol Infect. (Issue : 3) (Volume : 7)

Recurrence Rate of Hepatitis C Virus After Achieving a Sustained Virologic Response in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

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2020-11

Avicenna J Clin Microbiol Infect. (Issue : 3) (Volume : 7)

Levofloxacin-Based Regimen Versus Bismuth Quadruple Regimen for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

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2020-11

Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (Issue : 4) (Volume : 24)

The First Case of COVID-19 Reinfection in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Case Report

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2020-11

Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the care of patients with kidney diseases in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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2020-08

Plos One

Characterization of different virulent factors in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from Iraqis and Syrian refugees in Duhok city, Iraq

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2020-08

Annals of Medicine and Surgery (Volume : 57)

A sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and case fatality rates after lifting the lockdown in Kurdistan region of Iraq

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2020-07

Journal of Medical Education

Impact of COVID-19 on the Medical Education: Experience from Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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2020-07

Hepatitis Monthly (Issue : 5) (Volume : 20)

he Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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2020-05

Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (Issue : 1) (Volume : 24)

Possible Factors Associated with Low Case Fatality Rate of COVID-19 in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

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2020-04

Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (Issue : 1) (Volume : 24)

The Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and Its Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern in Secondary School Students in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

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2020-04

International Journal of Surgery Open (Issue : 1) (Volume : 24)

Surgical site infection among patients with Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage

Background Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is an invasive bacterium that may lead to both hospital and... See more

Background Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is an invasive bacterium that may lead to both hospital and community acquired infection. SA may reside in the nose and may act as an endogenous source of surgical site infection (SSI). The emergence of resistant strains of SA complicates infection. Objectives In this study we studied the relation between surgical site infection and nasal carriage of Staphylococcus Aureus. Methods This is a prospective study that was done in the surgical words in two surgical centers in Duhok city. A total number of 257 patients were included in this study. Nasal swabs were taken from patients who underwent various surgical procedures, and were sent for bacteriological examination to detect the staphylococcal carriage status for each patient. Results Clean surgeries were the commonest (61.1%) and elective surgeries comprised (92.2%). About 38% were nasal carriers for SA and 18.7 …

2020-03

Avicenna Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection (Issue : 1) (Volume : 7)

The Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus in Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease on Regular Hemodialysis in Duhok, Iraq: A Brief Report

Background and aim: Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections are considered as... See more

Background and aim: Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections are considered as major global public health concerns. Chronic infections may lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and on regular hemodialysis in Duhok located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Duhok, Iraq between January 2019 and October 2019. During this period, a total of 143 patients within the age range of 9-72 years old with ESKD visited the Duhok dialysis center for regular hemodialysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to test HBV and HCV positivity and then HBV viral load was tested by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). Finally, HCV positivity was confirmed by the Xpert HCV quantification assay. Results: Among the recruited samples, 5 out of 143 (3.49%) patients were positive for HBV while HBV viral load for those patients was undetected. On the other hand, 3/143 (2.1%) patients tested positive for HCV Ab. All these 3 patients were also confirmed positive by the RT-PCR. Conclusions: ESKD patients on regular analysis showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV in the Duhok dialysis center. An effective infection control program, vaccination, and treatment of HCV make the elimination of HBV and HCV feasible in such a group.

2020-03

International Journal of Infectious diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 91)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage rate and molecular characterization of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec among Syrian refugees in Iraq

Objectives The aim was to investigate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage rates and to characterize... See more

Objectives The aim was to investigate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage rates and to characterize the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) among Syrian refugees and the host community in Duhok, Iraq. Methods A total of 492 host community and 355 Syrian refugee subjects were recruited. Participant bio-information was collected using a study questionnaire. MRSA carriage was identified as recommended in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. PCR was performed for typing the mecA gene and SCCmec groups. Results In the host community, 76/492 (15.4%) carried MRSA, whereas 49/355 (13.8%) Syrian refugees carried MRSA (p = 0.505). Refugees were classified according to their arrival date; 36/278 (13%) existing refugees and 13/77 (16.9%) new refugee arrivals were identified as MRSA carriers (p = 0.375). Regarding the risk factors …

2020-02

Women’s Health Bulletin (Issue : 1) (Volume : 7)

Seroprevalence of Rubella and Herpes Simplex Virus in Women with Miscarriage and Stillbirth in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq: A Cross- Sectional Study

Background: In pregnant women, primary infection with rubella and herpes virus may lead to serious... See more

Background: In pregnant women, primary infection with rubella and herpes virus may lead to serious complications, including abortion, stillbirth, and severe birth defect. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of rubella and herpes IgG and IgM antibodies in pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zakho city, Kurdistan, Iraq. A total of 200 women aged 18-45 years with a history of miscarriage and stillbirth were recruited. Samples were collected from Private Clinical Health Centre at Zakho City between January 2015 and December 2018. All samples were then tested by Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) (VIDAS instrument) for detection of rubella and herpes specific IgG and IgM classes of antibodies. Results: Of the total study participants, 166 (83%) were seropositive for anti-rubella IgG antibodies while nine (4.5%) were positive for anti-rubella IgM antibodies. In addition, seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies to Herpes simplex virus was observed in 154 (77%) and 10 (5%) subjects, respectively. As far as age is concerned, the highest seropositivity of specific IgG and IgM antibodies to Rubella and Herpes was found in participants younger than 30 years, but statistically not significant differences were found (P<0.45 and 0.73 for Rubella and P<0.86 and 0.19 for Herpes, respectively). Conclusion: This study provided pilot data on Rubella and Herpes virus infections among women in Zakho city, Kurdistan, Iraq. Data from the present study showed a high anti-Rubella and Herpes IgG and a low IgM positivity in the recruited subjects. Screening women with miscarriage or stillbirth

2020-01

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 12)

The efficacy and safety of intralesional sodium stibogluconate for the treatment of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in children under the age of two years

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by protozoan parasites called Leishmania. CL is endemic in Iraq... See more

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by protozoan parasites called Leishmania. CL is endemic in Iraq and caused by L. tropica and L. major species. 1 Antimonial medications are the most commonly prescribed treatments for the infection. Other drugs, such as itraconazole and paromomycin, have been used with varying success. A Cochrane study, 2 analyzing the different regimens for the treatment of CL, concluded that they were difficult to evaluate due to the variability of the regimens used, the inconsistency of the duration of the studies, the diversity of clinical conditions and the difference of Leishmania species. 2 Besides, critical methodology-related issues, study design quality, and reporting weakness of these clinical trials were present in the reports published. Such issues made comparing the results and meta-analyzing the data difficult, and no conclusions could be drawn. 3 CL may lead

2020-01

Gastroenterology Insights (Issue : 1) (Volume : 10)

Clarithromycin versus levofloxacin-based regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A randomized clinical trial

Helicobacter pylori infection is a predisposing factor for gastric cancer. This prospective, randomized clinical trial... See more

Helicobacter pylori infection is a predisposing factor for gastric cancer. This prospective, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare H. pylori eradication rates associated with a clarithromycin-based regimen and levofloxacin-based regimen. H. pylori infection was confirmed by a rapid urease test during endoscopy and its eradication by a urea breath test. In this study, 192 patients were recruited; 93 patients received a clarithromycin-based regimen and 99 a levofloxacin-based regimen. Sixty-four patients completed the clarithromycinbased regimen and 60 the levofloxacinbased regimen. The eradication success rate of the clarithromycin-based regimen was 52/64 (81.25%), while that of the levofloxacin-based regimen was 49/60 (81.6%)(P= 0.9524; odds ratio [OR]= 1.0280; confidence interval [CI]= 0.4153-2.5447). Investigation of the risk factors associated with treatment failure showed that the overall efficacy of the regimens was influenced by body mass index (BMI), with a high failure rate observed in patients with a high BMI (P= 0.0174; OR= 1.1116; CI= 1.0187-1.2129). Age, sex, endoscopic diagnosis and smoking did not influence treatment outcomes. Further studies are needed to monitor H. pylori antibiotic resistance rates.

2019-12

Iranian Journal of Medical Microbiology (Issue : 4) (Volume : 13)

The Distributions of HCV Genotypes in Hemodialysis Patients in Iraq

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the genotypes of HCV... See more

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the genotypes of HCV in patients on regular hemodialysis in 7 centers across Iraq. A total of 255 subjects with positive anti-HCV antibodies were recruited in this study. Results: To confirm the positivity, RT-PCR was performed. Amongst all samples, 31%(79/255) was positive by RT-PCR. Then, we genotyped all the RT-PCR positive samples, it was found that 39/79 (49.4%) of our samples were typed as HCV genotype 1 including 26 samples (66.7%) as HCV 1a and 13 samples (33.3%) as HCV 1b. HCV genotype 4 was found in 34/79 (43%) of the samples while 6/79 (7.6%) of the samples typed as HCV 3 Conclusion: HCV genotype 1 was the most prevalent genotype followed by genotype 4. Further population-based study is required to investigate the prevalence of HCV genotypes.

2019-12

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene (Issue : 5) (Volume : 101)

A Clinicoepidemiological Study of Pediatric Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sinjar Province, Iraq

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem worldwide. Although CL is a common disease... See more

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem worldwide. Although CL is a common disease among children, treatment regimens for the pediatric age group are based on extrapolation of efficacy data in adults. The present study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcome of CL in preschool-age children and the factors influencing the outcome. Two hundred ninety-four children were diagnosed with CL between December 2018 and March 2019 in Sinjar Province, Iraq. All patients were treated with intralesional injections of sodium stibogluconate and followed up for 3 months after the completion of treatment. The treatment success rate was 99% (291/294). A statistically significant association was found between the number of doses per lesion and the number of lesions (P = 0.002; CI = 0.066–0.2875). No association was found between the number of lesions, age, gender, or the presence of livestock and the …

2019-11

Journal of Skin and Stem Cell (Issue : 4) (Volume : 9)

Association of Chronic Urticaria with Helicobacter pylori Infection in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with gastric and extra-gastric manifestations such as... See more

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with gastric and extra-gastric manifestations such as idiopathic urticaria. Objectives: The aim of this report was to investigate the relationship between H. pylori positivity and chronic urticaria. Methods: This case control study was carried out between June 2018 and March 2019. The study was conducted at the Dermatology Consultation Unit, Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok, Iraq. A total of 49 patients with chronic urticaria were recruited in the study. During the study period, 95 subjects were recruited as a control. Results: The overall H. pylori positivity was 106/144 (73.6%). A significant association was found between family members number and H. pylori positivity (P = 0.04; OR = 1.15; CI = 1 - 1.3). The positivity was 38/49 (77.6%) positive for the patients’ group versus 70/95 (73.7%) for the control group (P = 0.7; OR = 1.16; CI = 0.53 - 2.57). Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori infections was high in the region. No association was found between H. pylori positivity and chronic urticaria. Further study is needed to explore the effect of H. pylori eradication on urticaria treatment outcome.

2019-09

International Journal of Infection (Issue : 2) (Volume : 6)

Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hospitals and Community in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background:Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is a serious concern of the global health sector and more recently,an escalating... See more

Background:Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is a serious concern of the global health sector and more recently,an escalating problem in the community.Objectives:This study was performed to investigate the incidence of MRSA in hospital staff and community students in Duhok,Kurdistan, Iraq, and make a molecular comparison between the strains based on the detection ofmecA gene and Panton-ValentineLeukocidin (PVL) gene.Methods:We obtained 109 and 103 samples from the nares of hospital staff and community students, respectively. Conventionallaboratory tests were performed for the detection ofStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) and antibiotic sensitivity testing to identifyMRSA isolates. Besides, PCR was utilized for molecular analysis.Results:All isolates from hospital staff were identified asS. aureus. Out of the 109 isolates, 55 (50.4%) were MRSA carrying themecAgene, among which 4/55 (3.7%) were MRSA-PVL positive. Additionally, 54/109 (49.5%) isolates were methicillin-sensitiveS. aureus(MSSA) but four isolates (3.7%) were MSSA-PVL positive. Furthermore, 23/103 (22.3%) samples from community students were iden-tified asS. aureus, among which 5/23 (21.7%) and 17/23 (73.9%) isolates were MSSA-PVL positive and MSSA-PVL negative, respectively.Moreover, 1/23 (4.3%) was found as MRSA and was PVL gene-positive.Conclusions:The results showed that MRSA is swarming in hospitals and community in Duhok, Iraq. The highest rate of PVL wasassociated with community-acquired-MSSA (CA- MRSA). With further genotypic study, immediate action is needed to control andreduce the spread of MRSA clones, determine their clonal relations, and conduct epidemiological investigations (24) (PDF) Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hospitals and Community in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334328658_Prevalence_of_Methicillin-Resistant_Staphylococcus_aureus_in_Hospitals_and_Community_in_Duhok_Kurdistan_Region_of_Iraq [accessed Dec 02 2019].

2019-07

Acta Medica Iranica (Issue : 6) (Volume : 57)

The Prevalence of HBV Infection in Renal Transplant Recipients and the Impact of Infection on Graft Survival

Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is a leading cause of increased mortality and morbidity in... See more

Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is a leading cause of increased mortality and morbidity in renal transplant subjects. The purpose of this project was to investigate the prevalence of HBV in patients with renal transplant and compare it with the general population in Duhok city, Iraq. Then, the impact of HBV infection on graft function was evaluated. A total of 560 renal transplant subjects and 2975 volunteers were recruited in this study. All subjects were examined for HB surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity. Then, all HBsAg positive subjects were tested for viral load, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum creatinine and HBV profile. All HBsAg positive renal transplant subjects received treatment and were followed up for 24 months. It was found that 6/560 (1.1%) of the renal transplant subjects were HBsAg positive while 30/2975 (1.09%) of the volunteers were positive for HBsAg (P> 0.05). After initiation of medications, viral load became undetected within 6 months of treatment. Serum creatinine levels were normal at the end of the study. No major side effects were recorded. The prevalence of HBV in renal transplant subjects was similar to the prevalence in general population. HBV infection did not show any negative effect on the graft function. Further study is needed with a larger sample size to explore the long term effect of the infection on graft functionality.

2019-06

Women’s Health Bulletin (Issue : 1) (Volume : 6)

Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV Vaccine Among Medical and Nursing Students of Duhok, Iraq

Background: Human Papillomavirus infection is sexually transmitted and associated with several cancers, such as cancer... See more

Background: Human Papillomavirus infection is sexually transmitted and associated with several cancers, such as cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, head and neck, anal, and penile carcinoma. Health education plays a pivotal role in building knowledge and positive attitude about health issues. Objectives: The current study aimed at assessing the knowledge of final and pre-final students of colleges of medicine and nursing. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed between September 2017 and December 2017. The project was carried out in the College of Nursing and Azadi Teaching Hospital of Duhok, Iraq. An HPV knowledge questionnaire was used covering three HPV-related subjects, including cervical cancer-HPV association, HPV features, and HPV vaccines. All final and pre-final students of the college of medicine and nursing were recruited. Results: In cervical cancer-HPV association knowledge dimension, which composed of four questions, there were significant differences in knowledge regarding HPV-cancer association (77.6% for medical students versus 51.6% for nursing students, P< 0.001) and cancer prevention (81.9% versus 38.7%, P< 0.001), when the correct answers were stratified according to college. When the answers were stratified according to the study years, significant differences were found in awareness about the detection of HPV in cervical cancer between pre-final and final year students in college of medicine (68.3% for pre-final versus 87.5% for final P= 0.02) and college of nursing (33.3% versus 72.4%, P< 0.001). Then, the researchers tested awareness of HPV features and there were significant …

2019-06

International Journal of Infection (Issue : 2) (Volume : 6)

A Study of The Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis in Household Contacts of Patients with Active Tuberculosis in Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Brief Report

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem. Close household-contacts are at high risk... See more

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem. Close household-contacts are at high risk of infections, particularly latent TB (LTBI). Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LTBI in household-contacts of active TB patients. Methods: A total of 150 household contacts with active TB patients were recruited. Blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of LTBI by QuantiFERON-TB-Gold-Plus assay. Results: Amongst those recruited in this study, 62/150 (41.3%) were positive. Amongst the positive subjects, 33/62 (53%) were male. Four samples gave indeterminate results including two males and two females. Conclusions: The prevalence of LTBI was high in household-contacts. For successful TB control, close screening of contacts should be considered.

2019-06

PloS one (Issue : 5) (Volume : 11)

A clinical study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a new focus in the Kurdistan region, Iraq

Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and is a major health... See more

Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and is a major health problem in various parts of the world. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) occurs, among others, in unpredictable outbreaks after wars and disasters. After the last war in Iraq, the collapse of the health system led to the spread of infectious diseases, including CL. Between September 2016 and November 2017, all patients with confirmed CL having one or more skin lesion(s) were referred to a regional health center in Musol City within the Rabeea District. During this period, 1539 patients visited the clinic. A total of 190 patients were excluded from the study because of poor follow-up. The treatment success rate was 97.7% (1319/1349). Statistically significant associations were found between number of lesions and treatment failure (p = 0.0018; OR = 1.4430; CI = 1.1466–1.8161), number of doses and number of lesions (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.095; p = 0.001), and the lack of municipality services and number of doses used for the treatment (p = 0.008; OR = 1.0629; CI = 1.0158–1.1122). To conclude, the highest number of patients with CL in the city of Musol was recorded after the war in Iraq. The treatment success rate was high, which reflected the strict treatment and follow-up program. An urgent plan is needed to stop the spread of infection.

2019-05

Mediterranean journal of hematology and infectious (Issue : 1) (Volume : 11)

Direct Acting Antiviral Treatment for Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease with Acute HCV Infection

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health problem. Such an infection is... See more

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health problem. Such an infection is prevalent and aggressive in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The efficacy and the safety of direct-acting antivirus (DAA) in patients with acute HCV and ESKD are under investigation. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-containing regimens in this difficult-to-treat population. Methods A prospective and observational study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of sofosbuvir containing regimen in patients with ESKD who were undergoing haemodialysis and were acutely infected with HCV. Subjects either received sofosbuvir 200 mg and daclatasvir 60 mg daily or sofosbuvir 400mg/ledipasvir 60mg daily for 12 weeks. Results 19 Patients were recruited in this study who were infected with HCV genotype 1a. All subjects achieved a sustained virologic response …

2019-04

I’m Dr. Nawfal Rasheed Hussein

Professor

Professor

Specialties

General Information

ID Number

College

Department

Nationality

Professional Experience

8

76

2

5

0

0

0

0

Education

FRCP

2016

PhD

2010

MSc

2005

MBChB

2000

Social & Research Links

Academic Title

Professor

Awards

Highest Citation

2017-01

University of Duhok

Travel Prize

2009-05

Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, UK

Merit Prize

2008-09

American Society of Microbiology

Travel Prize

2008-05

Society of General Microbiology, UK

Special award from the International Office

2007-09

University of Nottingham

Travel Prize

2006-09

Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation

Travel Prize

2006-06

Graduate School, University of Nottingham

Chevening Studentship.

2005-09

British Council

Published Journal Articles

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 17)

Genetically Predicted Antibody Levels as a Proxy for Helicobacter pylori Infection

Eurosurveillance (Issue : 9) (Volume : 30)

Letter to the editor: Viral load decline time offers theoretical insight rather than practical value

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases (Issue : 1) (Volume : 17)

Risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection in the Kurdistan region of Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cureus (Issue : 1) (Volume : 17)

Trends in Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Uropathogens: A Retrospective Study From Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The Lancet (Issue : 10459) (Volume : 404)

Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries (Issue : 09.1) (Volume : 18)

Assessing COVID-19 outcomes among healthcare workers: a retrospective study

The Lancet (Issue : 10440) (Volume : 403)

Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022–2050: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

The Lancet (Issue : 10435) (Volume : 403)

Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

The Lancet (Issue : 10436) (Volume : 403)

The Lancet (Issue : 10431) (Volume : 403)

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

The Lancet Neurology (Issue : 3) (Volume : 23)

Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

The Lancet (Issue : 10435) (Volume : 403)

Global fertility in 204 countries and territories, 1950–2021, with forecasts to 2100: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia (Issue : 1) (Volume : 21)