Al-Anbar Province Research Articles

Uropathogenic Bacterial Detection and Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Urine Specimens Referred to Al anbar Province

For clinicians treating patients, antimicrobial resistance is becoming a significant concern. This brief study was therefore conducted to find out how common it is for bacterial isolates that are resistant to multiple drugs (MDR), XDR, and PDR, as well as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), in Anbar hospital. The microbiology department cultivated the clinical samples and identified the bacterial strains. The detection of MDR, XDR, and PDR microorganisms was accomplished by analyzing the antibiotic susceptibility profile of various bacterial isolates. 257 children and adult patients from both sexes were included in this study. The total number of urine samples that gave positive bacterial culture results were 114 (44.4%) and the number of samples that gave negative results was 143(55.6%) . The antibiotic susceptibility profile of 114 bacterial strains was studied. 90(78.9) of gram-negative bacteria strains were MDR, (8.9%) (72.2%) XDR, and (18.9%) PDR was isolated. 24 (21.1%) Gram positive bacterial egative bacteria strains were MDR, (33.3%) (54.2%) XDR, and (12.5%) PDR was isolated. To effectively combat the threat of antibiotic resistance, all clinical microbiology laboratories need to closely monitor MDR, XDR, and PDR.

Uropathogenic Bacterial Detection and Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Urine Specimens Referred to Al anbar Province

For clinicians treating patients, antimicrobial resistance is becoming a significant concern. This brief study was therefore conducted to find out how common it is for bacterial isolates that are resistant to multiple drugs (MDR), XDR, and PDR, as well as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), in Anbar hospital. The microbiology department cultivated the clinical samples and identified the bacterial strains. The detection of MDR, XDR, and PDR microorganisms was accomplished by analyzing the antibiotic susceptibility profile of various bacterial isolates. 257 children and adult patients from both sexes were included in this study. The total number of urine samples that gave positive bacterial culture results were 114 (44.4%) and the number of samples that gave negative results was 143(55.6%) . The antibiotic susceptibility profile of 114 bacterial strains was studied. 90(78.9) of gram negative bacteria strains were MDR, (8.9%) ,(72.2%) XDR, and (18.9%)PDR was isolated. 24 (21.1%)Gram positive bacterial egative bacteria strains were MDR, (33.3%) ,(54.2%) XDR, and (12.5%) PDR was isolated. To effectively combat the threat of antibiotic resistance, all clinical microbiology laboratories need to closely monitor MDR, XDR, and PDR.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Pregnant Women and Small Ruminants: A Molecular Diagnostic Approach

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a globally prevalent parasite with significant health implications, particularly for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Infections during pregnancy can result in serious outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital disabilities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women and small ruminants in Al-Anbar province, Iraq, using serological and molecular diagnostic techniques. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 165 pregnant women and 100 small ruminants (sheep and goats) between January and May 2021. Serological screening was conducted using the Humatex-Toxo rapid test to detect antibodies against T. gondii. DNA was extracted from the blood samples, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the T. gondii B1 gene was used for molecular detection. The infection rates were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Chi-square tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The serological test identified T. gondii antibodies in 32.7% of pregnant women, while the PCR detected a higher infection rate of 40%. Among the small ruminants, PCR revealed an overall infection rate of 10%, with sheep showing a higher rate (16%) compared to goats (4%). The results indicate that PCR is more sensitive than serological testing, particularly for identifying active infections. Additionally, the higher infection rate in young women may be linked to lifestyle, environmental exposure, and dietary habits, while seasonal factors likely play a role in infection distribution. Conclusion: Nested PCR is a more effective method for detecting T. gondii in pregnant women, offering a precise tool for identifying infections and potential causes of abortion. The lower infection rates in small ruminants suggest a reduced zoonotic risk in the study area, although continued monitoring is essential. Negative PCR results may be due to inhibitors in the DNA extraction process or the parasite’s localization in tissues rather than blood. The findings highlight the importance of molecular diagnostics in public health strategies aimed at reducing T. gondii infections in high-risk populations.

The Impact of Human Activities on Air Pollution in the Fallujah City, Al-Anbar Province – West Iraq

The Impact of Human Activities on Air Pollution in the Fallujah City, Al-Anbar Province – West Iraq

An Assessment of the Epidemiology and In vitro Susceptibility of Giardia lamblia Trophozoites and Cysts to a Variety of Plant Extracts

Giardia lamblia is a prevalent intestinal parasite that cause diarrhea among human beings and the life cycle is complicated and contains two stages for trophozoites and cysts. These stages are hardly eradicated by using prescribed drugs such as metronidazole. Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia in patients suffering from diarrhea and primary enteritis, then determine the antiparasitic activity of five plant extracts included (Zumeria majda, Thymus migricus, Artemisia santolina, Sargassum and Proskia) compared with available drug of metronidazole (MTZ) as an effective and first-time treatment against Giardia lamblia. Place and Duration of Study: It was performed between January 2023 to February 2024 at the laboratory of parasitology of three hospitals included Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Fallujah Teaching Hospital and Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children in Al-Anbar governorate of Iraq. A total of 1200 stool samples of patients were collected from both genders and ranged in age from 6 months to 65 years. Methodology: The stool samples were examined directly by formalin-ether test using a light microscope to confirm the presence of G. lamblia infection. Test tubes contained 1 mL of every extract at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL before 10,000 cysts or trophozoites were added and then the tubes were incubated at 37°C for a period of 30, 120, and 360 minutes. A light microscope set to 400x magnification, smears made from residual cyst and trophozoite material were arranged individually on glass slides. The mean number of the extracted cysts and trophozoites were assessed using vital 0.1% eosin staining. Results: G. lamblia parasite infections accounted for 47.8% of all infections; males had a greater prevalence of the parasite (49.6%) than females (45.7%). In relation to other age groups, the incidences of G. lamblia infection were higher in the age groups of 6 months to 10 years and (11-20) years, at 55.17% and 47.6%, respectively. At the lowest concentrations of 75μg/mL and 100μg/mL following exposure times of 240 min and 360 min, all five plant extracts examined in this study included Zumeria majda, Thymus migricus, Artemisia santolina, Sargassum and Proskia had a significant effect and killed 100.0% of the cysts and trophozoites of G. lamblia in contrast to the MTZ, which showed the highest reduction rates 68.4% against cysts and 75.4% against trophozoites. Conclusion: To conclude, the study findings indicate that G. lamblia infections are more common in AL-Anbar province particularly in younger people. This can be attributed to a number of factors such as improper eating and drinking habits and an absence of respect for hygiene and public health standards. Plant-based extracts showed promising in vitro activity at low doses and short times of exposure, according to the results on G. lamblia. These findings could lead to the development of a novel therapeutic alternative to treat Giardiasis infections.

Comprehensive study of Toxocara cati infection in stray cats at Al-Anbar province: Molecular detection and investigation vision

Cats are important hosts for different zoonotic including Toxocara, a group of ‎parasitic roundworms known as ascarid nematodes. This study aimed to analyse the ‎presence of T. ‎cati in stray cats in Al-Anbar province. Iraq This is first study of this ‎parasite in Al-Anbar province, which include the prevalence of T. ‎cati in stray ‎cats, as well as molecular study. This study was conducted on 50 stray cats, were examined ‎clinically, the signs were recorded for each animal, as well as the collection of faecal ‎samples to detect the eggs of parasite under microscope, and molecular examinations. ‎Blood samples also examined to know the effect of parasite on blood cells, especially the ‎eosinophils. Our results recognized the prevalence of infection was 48% when the ‎molecular method was used, and 40% when the microscopy method was used. Clinically, ‎the infected cats with signs were 4 (8%) from the total sick animals, as well as the same ‎percentage appeared in haematological examination (the eosinophilia). However, in Al-‎Anbar cities, T. cati is highly prevalent among stray cats. In order to eradicate the T. cati ‎parasite from the region's stray cat population, efficient methods for doing so need to be ‎devised, and public education on animal and human health should also be stressed‎‎‎‎.

Role of Follicular Size on Oocyte Recovery Rate and in Vitro Embryo Production Stages in Local Iraqi Sheep

In vitro embryo production (IVEP) encompasses a series of three basic steps, namely in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and in vitro embryo culture. IVEP approach has shown to be a valuable tool in advancing our comprehension of early mammalian development and expediting genetic enhancement in livestock. The aim of this research was to compare the impact of small and large follicles on the total number of oocytes recovered through the IVEP process. Therefore, 305 Ewe genitalia were collected at the Al-Fallujah abattoir in the Al-Anbar province. The follicles were identified, and their diameter was measured using an automated vernier calliper. Subsequently, the oocytes were classified into three distinct groups, namely excellent (A), acceptable (B), and poor (C). The results of the maturation rate of large follicles were 43.9% (51/116) and small follicles 30.7% (20/65). There was a statistical difference in maturation rate (p<0.05). The fertilization rate of matured oocytes collected from large follicles was 60.7% (31/51) and 50% (10/20) from small follicles. There was no statistical difference. The results of Blastocyst production rate. showed a higher percentage 58.06 (18/31) of Blastocyst produced from large follicles as compared a percentage of 30% (3/10) of Blastocyst production from small follicles. There was a statistical difference (P<0.05). It was concluded from the current study that the size of the follicle has an effect on IVM, IVF and IVC.

Real-Time PCR Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq

Real-Time PCR Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq

A study of risk factors for breast cancer in Al-Anbar province: a case- control study

Background: Globally, breast cancer is a widespread malignancy among women, ranking as the second leading cause of female mortality. This study investigates risk factors for breast cancer in AL-Anbar province, Iraq, emphasizing their significance in disease development. Methods: An investigation was carried out at Al-Anbar Cancer Center in Al-Anbar province, Iraq, employing a case-control design. The study comprised 60 confirmed breast cancer cases and 120 controls without breast issues. Data was collected through direct interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, and subsequent analyses included descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate approaches. Results: About 48.0% aged 41-49, and 25% aged 50-59. Case and control groups were matched in age, but varied in marital, education, occupation, menopausal status. Women with benign breast diseases have a 1.7 times higher breast cancer risk (OR=1.7, CI=0.063-4.53). Positive family history triples the risk (OR=3, CI=1.21-7.80, P=0.002), and the sedentary lifestyle exhibits 5 times higher risk of breast cancer (OR=5.67, CI=2.89-4.13, P < 0.001). Menstrual age, parity, and reproductive factors influence breast cancer risk. Menarche at ≤12 years triples the risk (OR=3.05, CI=1.82-5.05, P<0.001), while menarche at ≥16 decreases it (OR=0.89, CI=0.06-5.12, P<0.001). Nulliparity increases risk 2.1 times (OR=2.1, CI=0.8-4.89, P=0.002), and more live births provide significant protection. Preterm delivery before the eighth month triples the risk (OR=2.9, CI=1.32-6.53, P=0.002). Multiple children prevent breast cancer, while mother's age at first full birth ≥30 raises the risk 3.5 times (OR=3.4, CI=1.45-7.88, P=0.014). Women who never breastfed had a significant twofold higher risk of breast cancer (OR=2, CI=0.8-4.38, P=0.003). Postmenopausal women at ≥50 years faced a threefold higher risk than their counterparts (OR=3.25, CI=1-1.11, P=0.004). Hormonal use showed a marginal risk increase (OR=1.2, CI=0.5-1.8, P<0.001). Conclusion: Breast cancer susceptibility arises from diverse factors like genetics, nutrition, environment, and lifestyle. Effectively managing and preventing breast cancer involves implementing strategic control measures.

Fertility of Postpartum Iraqi Cows Following Timed Artificial Insemination within Ovsynch or Presynch Protocols

This investigation was carried out on privately owned dairy farms situated in Al-Anbar Province, Iraq, extending from June 2022 to March 2023. The objective of our study was to compare the calving interval (CI), days open (DO), and conception rate at first service (CRFS) between timed artificial insemination (TAI) within ovulation synchronization protocols and AI at estrus detection. Total cows (n = 80) 50–60 days postpartum were randomly divided. (1) AIED group (Control, n = 40) untreated cows received AI at the first observed estrus according to the a.m. /p.m. rule. (2) OVS group (n = 20) was treated with a classical Ovsynch protocol. (3) The PG+G group (n = 20) underwent resynchronization with PGF2 and GnRH at the same time 7 days later, then underwent an Ovsynch protocol. Pregnancy was confirmed using trans-rectal ultrasonography on day’s 30-35 post-insemination. The results of this study show that mean days of CI and DO for the control group were significantly longer than those in both the OVS group and the PG+G group (P < 0.01). Among all groups, the CRFS showed a significant difference (37.5%, P < 0.05). Separately, the CRFS for the control group was similar to the OVS group (respectively, 27.5% vs. 30%, P > 0.05). Whereas, the PG+G group had a 65% CRFS, which was significantly higher than the control (P < 0.01) and OVS (P < 0.05). In summary, ovulation synchronization protocols enable TAI earlier in the postpartum period, eliminating the need for estrus detection and resulting in shorter CI and DO. Additionally, the PG+G protocol increased the CRFS compared to both the OVS and the control groups.

The Role of Some Immunological and Hematological Aspects in Patients Infected with COVID-19 in Al-Anbar Province

The Role of Some Immunological and Hematological Aspects in Patients Infected with COVID-19 in Al-Anbar Province

Application of Water Quality Index and Water Suitability for Drinking of the Euphrates River within Al-Anbar Province, Iraq

In this study water quality was indicated in terms of Water Quality Index that was determined through summarizing multiple parameters of water test results. This index offers a useful representation of the overall quality of water for public or any intended use as well as indicating pollution, which are useful in water quality management and decision making. The application of Water Quality Index (WQI) with ten physicochemical water quality parameters was performed to evaluate the quality of Euphrates River water for drinking usage. This was done by subjecting the water samples collected from seven stations within Al-Anbar province during the period 2004-2010 to comprehensive physicochemical analysis. The ten physicochemical parameters included: pH value, Alkalinity (ALK), Orthophosphate (PO4-3), Nitrate (NO3-),Sulphate (SO4-2), Chloride (Cl-), Total Hardness (TH), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The average annual overall WQI was found to be 107.59 through the study period. The high WQI obtained is a result of the high concentrations of Orthophosphate and Magnesium which can be attributed to the various human activities taking place along the river banks. From this analysis the quality of the Euphrates River is classified as "very poor quality" ranging poor water at the river upstream near station (E1) and unsuitable for drinking at the river downstream near station (E7) with an annual minimum WQI of 89.34 in 2008 and maximum 112.44 in 2009. The present study demonstrated the application of WQI in estimating and understanding the water quality of Euphrates River. WQI appears to be promising in water quality management and a valuable tool in categorizing pollution sources in surface waters

Addition of VêO® premium and Vitamin C to improve the productive and reproductive performance of local Iraqi ewes

The present study was conducted to know the effect of VêO® premium and Vitamin C on productive and reproductive performance of local Iraqi ewes during the heat stress. The study was conducted in a private farm in Fallujah, Al-Anbar province during the period from 6/8/2019 to 8/2/2020. Twenty local Iraqi ewes were divided randomly into four equal groups. The first group (T1) was given VêO® premium 4 g/ ewe/ day. The second group (T2) was given VêO® premium 2 g/ ewe/ day, the third group (T3) was given Vit. C 40 mg/ ewe/ daily and the fourth group (T4) left without treatment as a control group. The results showed significant (P≤0.05) increase in body weight in the T2 as compared with other treatments. Estrogen were increased (P≤0.05) in T1 and T4 as compared with T2 and T3 at the fourth period. There was significant (P≤0.05) increase in progesterone level in the T2 and T3 during the first period of the experiment, the T4 in the second and fourth period and within all the same treatments. The fourth period within the same treatment increased significantly in the concentration of progesterone levels for T1, T3 and T4. While the third and fourth period showed increase in the level of progesterone for T2. There was a higher estrus rate in the T2 (80%). Fertility rate, conception rate and lambing rate were increased in the T2 and T3. Barrenness rate was decrease in females in T2 and T3. It was concluded from the current study that addition of VêO® premium and Vit. C to the feed of ewes during heat stress was beneficial on body weight and reproductivel performance.

Age Impact on the Use of Politeness Strategies in Online Interaction by EFL Students in Al-Anbar Distinguished School for Girls

The present paper concentrates on the linguistic behaviors prevailing in EFL students in Al-Anbar distinguished school for Girls. These behaviors are displayed through the choice of language, and politeness strategies employed by EFL students in their interaction with each other. Thus, the population of the current study is EFL students from the second intermediate and fifth preparatory classes in the secondary distinguished school for girls in Al-Anbar Province in the first and second semester of their academic year 2021-2022. Based on this population, a total of 40 students have volunteered to participate in this study. The age of the participants is in-between (14-17) years. Consequently, more than 30 samples of their online messages are collected by the researcher. These messages are sent by the participants of the study via Whatsapp groups established by the teachers of English language in this secondary distinguished school. To deeply explore the politeness strategies and to find the difference in age for these groups, these messages are analyzed by adopting the qualitative content analysis technique informed by Brown’s and Levisohn’s theory (1987) of politeness strategies. The findings reveal that EFL students from that school utilize various politeness strategies. Based on the frequency of these strategies, the researcher concludes that the age differences among participants play a pivotal role in determining the application and the choices of politeness strategies through their online interaction. As a result, the data of the present paper shows that participants from fifth stage are more aware and knowledgeable to these strategies than those who are from second intermediate stage.

Geographical distribution of household income level in Al-Anbar province 2021

Geographical distribution of household income level in Al-Anbar province 2021

Hydrogeochemistry Study of Groundwater and Identify their Origin in the Region Surrounding of Ramadie City in Al - Anbar Province, Iraq

Hydrogeochemical study and identify the origin of water wells were curried out in the region surrounding of Ramadie city in Al-Anbar province, Iraq. Results of the study showed that the groundwater in the study area mostly is very hard and alkaline nature as hardness values ranged 324.2 to 1763.5 and as pH values ranged 7.12 to 7.81 respectively. It has conducted a test of accuracy of the chemical analysis for collected water samples and shows it's very accurate and within the permissible limits and reliable in the chemical interpretation. In the present study "Piper diagram" have been used for manipulating analytical data to estimate the chemical type of groundwater in the study area. Depending on this diagram the groundwater in the study area is considerably dominated by Sulfate type and four hydrochemical facies of water have been detected. These facies are "Na+- SO42- ", "Na+- Cl- "," Mg2+- SO42- " and " Ca2+- SO42- ". To decide the groundwater origin of hydrochemical functions such as rCa / rCl rMg / rCl, rNa / rCl, rK / rCl, and rSO4 / rCl in the studied water samples have been calculated and compared with the standard values of the seas and oceans waters. The result shows that the origin of the water in the study area is infiltrated meteoric.

Estimation of some plant nutrition and heavy metals in Euphrates River at AL-Ramadi and Khalidiah Cities

This study was carried out in Euphrates River at Al-Jazira region in between the cities of Al-Ramadi and khalidiah in AL-Anbar province. Seven stations were selected. The first one was west to AL-Ramadi, and the Last one was at Al-Khalidiah bridge. The study was carried out during the period from September 2013 to June 20l4. Results of the plant nutrition of nitrite, phosphate and silica were (0.01-0.3) μg nitrogen atom-nitrite, (0.11-0.79) μg phosphorus -atom- phosphate, and (0.58-1.39) mg/L. Heavy metals of chrome and cobalt were in between the allowed values of the Iraqi drinking water characterization and were (0.00-0.05) mg/L and (0.00-0.02) mg/L receptively. The values of the other metals as Lead, Nickel, and Cadmium were extended beyond the allowed characterization of standard Iraqi drinking water and were (0.007-0.950), (0.00-0.036), and (0.004-0.04) mg/L respectively. Statistical analyses (at the significance level of 0.01 and 0.05) proved to have no significant differences between the stations for all factors, while significant differences were found with time (P≤ 0.05) for alt factors.

A study of Risk Factors for breast cancer in AL-Anbar Province A Case- Control Study

A study of Risk Factors for breast cancer in AL-Anbar Province A Case- Control Study

Inhibition of Streptococcus Agalactiae Biofilm Formation in Response to Purified Phytochemical Antimicrobial Materials

Group B streptococci (GBS) are globally recognized to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirths and miscarriages, and are one of the main causes of newborn sepsis and meningitis. The high resistance of GBS to antibiotics becomes difficult or impossible to treat, becoming increasingly common, causing a global health crisis. It complicates their eradication, potentially leading to the development of chronic infections. A total of 181 specimens were obtained from pregnant women. Out of these specimens, 22 isolates were bacteriologically identified as S.agalactiae. They were collected from Al-Anbar Province hospitals. Twenty-two isolates were identified as GBS depending on cultural and microscopical properties, automated (VITEK-2 system), and molecular identification based on atr gene, which is an essential gene expressed isolates in all S.agalactiae. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by using the disc diffusion method for(12) antimicrobials. The results was appeared the highest resistance to Erythromycin (100%), Cefotaxime (100%), Ceftriaxone (100%), Meropenem(100%), Tetracyclin (95.45%), Cefepime (90.90%), Ampicillin (90.90%), Penicillin (86.36%), Clindamycin(81.81%), Azithromycin (81.81%), Chloramphenicol (40.90%), Levofloxacin (22.72%). Biofilm formation estimation by using a microtiter plate (MTP) was performed. Out of 22 isolates of S.agalactiae, 20(90.90%)isolates produced biofilm as indicated by MtP. Out of 20 biofilm-producing isolates, 3(15%), 10(50%), and 7(35%)were weak, moderate, and strong, respectively. The inhibitory effects of Gallic acid, Cinnamic acid, Salicin, (-)-Epigallocatechingallate, Linoleic acid, Metronidazole, Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, and Levofloxacin were tested against biofilms of streptococcus agalactiae from pregnant women. The salicin was found to have strong bactericidal activity against biofilm. Inhibition of biofilm formation and growth after incubation with different concentrations of phytochemical compounds and antibiotics solution were assessed by the crystal violet and 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay. The phytochemical compounds and antibiotics solution significantly inhibited the initial cell attachment of the GBS but were less inhibitory towards 8 h preformed biofilms formed on polystyrene surface except for erythromycin; the inhibition was very low because of the resistance of GBS to erythromycin. However, there was a synergistic effect between erythromycin and gallic acid,or Metronidazole by using Checkerboard technique.

Distribution Of Virulence Factors Genes And Their Association With Antibiotics Resistance In Streptococcus Agalactiae Isolated From Pregnant Women In Al Anbar City

Group B streptococci (GBS) are globally recognized to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirths and miscarriages, andare one of the main causes of newborn sepsis and meningitis. The high resistance of GBS to antibiotics becomes difficult orimpossible to treat, becoming increasingly common, causing a global health crisis. It complicates their eradication, potentiallyleading to the development of chronic infections. A total of 181 specimens were obtained from pregnant women. Out of thesespecimens, 22 isolates were bacteriologically identified as S.agalactiae. They were collected from Al-Anbar Province hospitals.Twenty-two isolates were identified as GBS depending on cultural and microscopical properties, automated (VITEK-2 system), andmolecular identification based on atr gene, which is an essential gene expressed isolates in all S.agalactiae. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) was used to detect the prevalence of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes; ermB gene was found in 22/22(100%),hly gene in twenty-one isolates (95.45%), scpB also found in twenty-one isolates (95.45%), tet gene (95.45%), mefA gene12/22(54.54%), Rib gene was found only in five isolates (22.72%), bca found in three isolates only (13.63%), bac not found in anyisolates(0%).