Salwa Bdour | The University Of Jordan (original) (raw)
Papers by Salwa Bdour
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Feb 13, 2006
This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, seasonal distribution of RSV, the signs a... more This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, seasonal distribution of RSV, the signs and symptoms associated with it in Jordan. A total of 200 nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from hospitalized children (below 2 years old). RSV was detected in 12.5% of patients using direct immunofluorescence technique. Most infections were associated with bronchilolitis, and higher rates of hypoxemia, retractions, tachypnea, hyperinflation and interstitial infiltrates in 1 to 3 months old children. RSV showed a clear temporal periodicity. The epidemic began in December and disappeared in March with a peak of incidence during February 2003 and January 2004. The seasonal distribution showed a significant correlation with temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. This study provides further information on RSV epidemiology which could help in planning of prevention and control programs in Jordan, distinguishing RSV infections on the basis of the clinical picture and considering RSV between December and March each year.
Heterogeneity of aminoglycoside resistance genes profile in clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates
The Open Microbiology Journal, 2021
Results: The presence of this pathogen lowered the phagoburst response in the different types of ... more Results: The presence of this pathogen lowered the phagoburst response in the different types of neutrophils compared to their response to the opsonized Escherichia coli. The phagoburst response of the neutrophils from the immunocompetent individual was significantly higher than that of neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients when stimulated by the septicemic or nonsepticemic A. baumannii isolates. The isolate type (septicemic or non-septicemic) had no significant effect on the neutrophil phagoburst response of the immunocompetent individual and a significant effect on the phagoburst response of neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients. The phagoburst response of the neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients stimulated by septicemic A. baumannii isolates was significantly lower than that when neutrophils stimulated by the nonsepticemic isolates. Also, there was a significant difference in the phagoburst response of neutrophils from the CML and ST patients when stimula...
The prevalence of adhesion (icaA and icaD) and toxin (tst, Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The ic... more The prevalence of adhesion (icaA and icaD) and toxin (tst, Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The icaA, icaD, eta, etb and t 1% a comb genes 100 group group gene with 21 ( differ predo isolat cluste the c isolat be att island The d genes . aureus may be under genes coloni comm ﺔﺌﻓ ﻦﻣ قﺎﺼﺘﻟﻻا تﺎﻨﻴﺟ ﺪﻳﺪﺤﺗ ﺔﺳارﺪﻟا ﻩﺬه ﻲﻓ icaA, icaD ﻚﻟﺬآو ، ﺔﻴﺒ هﺬﻟا ﺔﻳدﻮﻘﻨﻌﻟا ﺎﻳﺮﻴﺘﻜﺒﻟا S.aureus تﺎﻨﻴﺟ دﻮﺟو ﻢﺗ ﺪﻗو icaA و ﻰ ا . eta , and etb) genes was studied in 100 clinical st ge nes were detected by PCR in 91%, 91%, 2%, nd 43% of the isolates, respectively. Various gene inations with the previously reported enterotoxin (sea, sec, sei, seg and seh) were detected in 47 of isolates. These combinations fall into 3 groups: I which includes one eta+sea containing isolate, II which includes 25 (53.2%) isolates lacking tst but harboring icaA+icaD genes in 11 combinations the enterotoxin genes and group III which includes 44.7%) isolates harboring icaA+icaD+tst in 7 ent combinations with the enterotoxin genes. The ...
African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2012
One hundred clinical Staphylococcus aureus including 57 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 43 methi... more One hundred clinical Staphylococcus aureus including 57 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 43 methicllin-sensitive (MSSA) isolates were analyzed for susceptibility to three aminoglycosides and for the presence of genes encoding aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs). 52% of these isolates were resistant to 1-3 aminoglycosides, which included 65% MRSA and 35% MSSA isolates. The aminoglycoside resistance genes were more frequently identified in MRSA than in MSSA isolates. The most frequent gene was aac(6')/aph(2") and it was detected in 45% S. aureus isolates which included 52.6% MRSA and 34.8% MSSA isolates. The second prevalent gene was ant(4',4") and it was detected in 31% S. aureus which included 40.3% MRSA and 18.6% MSSA isolates. 21% of S. aureus isolates including 29.8% MRSA and 9.3% MSSA isolates, carried the aph(3')III gene. The most frequent combination of genes was aac(6′)/aph(2′′) with ant(4',4") in 22.8% MRSA and in 16.2% MSSA isolates. The second dominant gene combination was aac(6')/aph(2") with aph(3')III in 17.5% MRSA and in 6.9% MSSA isolates. The ant(4',4") and aph(3′)III combination existed only in 7% MRSA isolates. The 3 genes coexisted in 5.3% MRSA and in 2.3% MSSA isolates. The concordance between the presence of genes and aminoglycoside resistance phenotype was observed in most MRSA and MSSA isolates. Emerging of isolates harboring these genes must not be ignored because it limits the choices in the number of antibiotics available to clinicians to treat staphylococcal infections in risk patients.
Journal of medical microbiology, 2002
The seroprevalence and genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were studied in 283 patients attendin... more The seroprevalence and genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were studied in 283 patients attending six haemodialysis units in Jordan. In all, 98 (34.6%) patients were anti-HCV-positive by EIA, 92 (93.9%) of whom were also reactive in an immunoblot assay. The prevalence of anti-HCV was correlated with a history of blood transfusion before the introduction of blood donor screening for HCV and with duration of haemodialysis. HCV RNA was detected in 30 (30.6%) of 98 anti-HCV-positive sera. HCV viraemia was not associated with a particular antibody for the six HCV antigens studied by the immunoblot assay, although reactivity to the core antigens was greater in the HCV RNA-positive sera than in negative sera. Two HCV genotypes (1 and 4) were identified for the first time in Jordan by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of HCV 5'-NCR. The predominant genotype was HCV la (12 of 30). Genotypes lb and 4 were detected in 10 and 8 patients, respectively. The antibody response ...
Vaccine, 2006
The seroprevalence and the risk of perinatal transmission of rubella virus (RV) and human parvovi... more The seroprevalence and the risk of perinatal transmission of rubella virus (RV) and human parvovirus B19 were assessed in 439 Jordanian pregnant women. Seroprevalence data indicate that 43.7%, 48.7% and 19% of women are susceptible to RV, parvovirus B19 infections and both, respectively. A total of 12.2% and 20.2% of RV susceptible women are at the first and second trimester of gestation, respectively. They are at risk of bearing infants with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). However, 15% and 23% of parvovirus B19 susceptible women are at the first and second trimester of gestation, respectively. They are at risk of fetal loss or hydrops fetalis. Prenatal screening for these viruses, postpartum MMR vaccination and parvovirus B19 passive immunization are recommended.
Small Ruminant Research, 2005
A total of 493 does from 50 herds were measured to identify the different Jordanian goat breeds b... more A total of 493 does from 50 herds were measured to identify the different Jordanian goat breeds based on morphostructural characteristics. Different discriminant analysis methods (simple, cluster, canonical, stepwise) were applied on 20 metrical variables to discriminate among different genetic groups. Results identified four genetic groups: Damascus, Mountain, Dhaiwi and Desert in addition to a population of crossbred goats. Distribution of Mountain and Damascus breeds and the crossbred population was over the five clusters with varying frequencies. Dhaiwi and Desert breeds showed similar distribution of their populations over the clusters. All pair-wise Mahalanobis distances were significant (P < 0.001). Mountain goat breed tends to have the closest distance to all other native goats in Jordan. The largest distance was that between Dhaiwi and Damascus breeds (22.23). The dendrogram showed two large clusters: cluster one included Damascus breed as a large group and two sub clusters of Mountain breed and crossbred goats. Cluster two included Desert and Dhaiwi breeds. The canonical discriminant analysis and the stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that nose shape was the most discriminating variable among different pair-wise breeds’ comparisons, followed by withers height (WH) then body weight, ear type, color and teat placement. Chest width (CW), withers depth (WD), rump width showed small discriminatory power. Crossbred goats have been found to be derived mainly from Damascus and Mountain breeds, with more relation to the latter.
Archives of Virology, 2011
The prevalence, seasonality and genotypes of rotavirus circulating in Jordan were determined to p... more The prevalence, seasonality and genotypes of rotavirus circulating in Jordan were determined to provide data useful for the implementation of a rotavirus vaccine in the national childhood vaccination program. During 2006/07, rotavirus was detected in 35% of hospitalized children, and 88% of the cases occurred in children aged between 6 and 23 months. Rotavirus infection persisted throughout the year and peaked in winter. Seven genotypes were identified by RT-PCR and sequencing: G1P[8], G9P[8], G2P[4], G1P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8] and G9P[6], which represented 69%, 8.8%, 2.4%, 2.0%, 1.2%, 0.4% and 0.4% of the rotavirus strains, respectively. Thirteen percent and 2.8% of the total strains were partially typed or untypeable, respectively. Eighty-eight percent and 12% of the rotavirus strains possessed a long and short electropherotype, respectively. As more than 90% of the rotavirus strains circulating in Jordan possessed the G1 or P[8]genotype, it is concluded that the implementation of the rotavirus vaccine in the framework of the national childhood vaccination program of Jordan would most likely be very effective. Continuous monitoring of the currently circulating genotypes in Jordan should be encouraged.
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, 2001
The epidemiology of RSV infection was investigated in 271 children aged less than 2 years admitte... more The epidemiology of RSV infection was investigated in 271 children aged less than 2 years admitted to the Zarqa Government Hospital, Jordan with bronchiolitis or bronchopneumonia. Nasopharyngeal washings were cultured and RSV antigen was detected by the direct immuno uorescence technique. Of the 271 specimens, 69 (25.46%) were positive for RSV, representing 50.36% of the respiratory viruses. All RSV isolates were typed as subgroup A by monoclonal antibody and con rmed by RT-PCR. RSV was prevalent in the hospitalised children in the coldest months of the year. The epidemics began in January or February, peaked in spring and then disappeared in summer. This study supports the idea that RSV subgroup A is a major contributor to winter outbreaks of respiratory tract disease in children, and health care workers in Jordan should consider the diagnosis during January-May each year.
XV CHAPTER 1 1.1. Herpes simplex virus infections Two herpes simplex virus (HSV) serotypes have b... more XV CHAPTER 1 1.1. Herpes simplex virus infections Two herpes simplex virus (HSV) serotypes have been identified: HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV type 2 (HSV-2). Differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 has been based upon pock size studies on chorioallantoic membranes (Rodgers, 1973), neutralisation (Nahmias and Dowdle, 1968), monoclonal antibody-based assay and restriction enzyme analysis (Lonsdale et a l, 1979; Buchman et al., 1981). Serological studies have genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1 (Kalinyak e ta l, 1977; Smith e ta l, 1977; Kinghom, 1993) and 5-20% of oral infections are caused by HSV-2 (Wiedbrauk and Johnston, 1993). The increased incidence of genital herpes has caused an increase in the incidence of neonatal herpes (Sullivan-Bolyai et a l, 1983; Whitley et a l, 1991). Neonatal HSV infection remains life-threatening for the newborn in all countries. Genital HSV infection results in 1600 cases of neonatal herpes yearly in the U.S.A. (Whitley, 1990). 1.2. Virion structure HSV virions consist of three morphological structures: an icosahedral nucleocapsid, an amorphous tegument surrounding the capsid and an outer envelope which exhibits glycoprotein spikes (reviewed by Dargan, 1986 and Rixon, 1993). The HSV capsid is approximately 125nm in diameter, exhibiting 5:3:2 axial symmetry and is composed of 162 capsomeres, of which 150 are hexameric (hexons) and 12 pentameric (pentons) and 1995). Vmw 175 has been localised to the tegument of light particles (Yao and Courtney, 1989; McLauchlan and Rixon, 1992). Other proteins have been identified as components of the virus particle and are assumed to be located within the tegument. These include proteins encoded by U L ll (
![Research paper thumbnail of Emerging OP354-like P[8] rotaviruses have rapidly dispersed from Asia to other continents](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/83617673/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Molecular biology and evolution, Jan 8, 2015
The majority of human group A rotaviruses possess the P[8] VP4 genotype. Recently, a genetically ... more The majority of human group A rotaviruses possess the P[8] VP4 genotype. Recently, a genetically distinct subtype of the P[8] genotype, also known as OP354-like P[8] or lineage P[8]-4, emerged in several countries. However, it is unclear for how long the OP354-like P[8] gene has been circulating in humans and how it has spread. In a global collaborative effort 98 (near-)complete OP354-like P[8] VP4 sequences were obtained and used for phylogeographic analysis to determine the viral migration patterns. During the sampling period, 1988-2012, we found that South and East Asia acted as a source from which strains with the OP354-like P[8] gene were seeded to Africa, Europe and North America. The time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of all OP354-like P[8] genes was estimated at 1987. However, most OP354-like P[8] strains were found in three main clusters with TMRCAs estimated between 1996 and 2001. The VP7 gene segment of OP354-like P[8] strains showed evidence of frequent reas...
Jordan Medical Journal, 2010
Background and aims: Adenovirus is an important cause of respiratory infections in infants and ch... more Background and aims: Adenovirus is an important cause of respiratory infections in infants and children. Information on the prevalence, seasonal distribution of adenovirus and the clinical symptoms associated with it is not available in Jordan. Therefore, this study was conducted on 200 hospitalized children less than 2 years of age. Methods: Hep-2 cells were inoculated with nasopharyngeal aspirates (n = 200) and adenovirus antigens were detected by cell culture technique. The monthly distribution of the adenovirus isolates in relation to the climatic factors was determined. The associated clinical characteristics were also investigated. Results: Adenovirus infections were documented in 11.5% of patients, peaked in the 7-9 months age group and manifested mainly as bronchopneumonia. Fever (> 380C rectal) was observed in 74% of adenovirus-infected patients. There was no significant differences between the hospitalized adenovirusinfected and adenovirus-negative patients with respect...
Biochemical Society Transactions, 2000
... from Jordan University Hospital. Lara Abbasi (speaker), Amal Shervington and Salwa Bdour. Pha... more ... from Jordan University Hospital. Lara Abbasi (speaker), Amal Shervington and Salwa Bdour. Pharmacy Faculty, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. Download PDF file doi:10.1042/bst028a191c © 2000 Biochemical Society. ...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
The stemness in keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) is determined by their gene expression patterns. K... more The stemness in keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) is determined by their gene expression patterns. KSCs are crucial in maintaining epidermal homeostasis and wound repair and are widely used candidates for therapeutic applications. Although several studies have reported their positive identifiers, unique biomarkers for KSCs remain elusive. Here, we aim to identify potential candidate stem cell markers. Human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) from neonatal foreskin tissues were isolated and cultured. Single-cell clonal analysis identified and characterized three types of cells: KSCs (holoclones), transient amplifying cells (TACs; meroclones), and differentiated cells (DSCs; paraclones). The clonogenic potential of KSCs demonstrated the highest proliferation potential of KSCs, followed by TACs and DSCs, respectively. Whole-transcriptome analysis using microarray technology unraveled the molecular signatures of these cells. These results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase cha...
Viruses, Jan 31, 2020
Torque teno virus (TTV) is the most common component of the human blood virobiota. Little is know... more Torque teno virus (TTV) is the most common component of the human blood virobiota. Little is known, however, about the prevalence of TTV in humans and the most common farm domesticates in Jordan, or the history and modality of TTV transmission across species lines. We therefore tested sera from 396 Jordanians and 171 farm animals for the presence of TTV DNA using nested 5′-UTR-PCR. We then performed phylogenetic, ordination and evolutionary diversity analyses on detected DNA sequences. We detected a very high prevalence of TTV in Jordanians (~96%); much higher than in farm animal domesticates (~29% pooled over species). TTV prevalence in the human participants is not associated with geography, demography or physical attributes. Phylogenetic, ordination and evolutionary diversity analyses indicated that TTV is transmitted readily between humans across the geography of the country and between various species of animal domesticates. However, the majority of animal TTV isolates seem to derive from a single human-to-animal transmission event in the past, and current human-animal transmission in either direction is relatively rare. In conclusion, animal TTV in Jordan is historically derived from human variants; however, ongoing human-animal TTV exchange is minimal and zoonotic infection seems to be of limited importance.
One hundred clinical Staphylococcus aureus including 57 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 43 methi... more One hundred clinical Staphylococcus aureus including 57 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 43 methicllin-sensitive (MSSA) isolates were analyzed for susceptibility to three aminoglycosides and for the presence of genes encoding aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs). 52% of these isolates were resistant to 1-3 aminoglycosides, which included 65% MRSA and 35% MSSA isolates. The aminoglycoside resistance genes were more frequently identified in MRSA than in MSSA isolates. The most frequent gene was aac(6')/aph(2") and it was detected in 45% S. aureus isolates which included 52.6% MRSA and 34.8% MSSA isolates. The second prevalent gene was ant(4',4") and it was detected in 31% S. aureus which included 40.3% MRSA and 18.6% MSSA isolates. 21% of S. aureus isolates including 29.8% MRSA and 9.3% MSSA isolates, carried the aph(3')III gene. The most frequent combination of genes was aac(6
′
)/aph(2
′ ′ ) with ant(4',4") in 22.8% MRSA and in 16.2% MSSA isolates. The second dominant gene combination was aac(6')/aph(2") with aph(3')III in 17.5% MRSA and in 6.9% MSSA isolates. The ant(4',4") and aph(3′)III combination existed only in 7% MRSA isolates. The 3 genes coexisted in 5.3% MRSA and in 2.3% MSSA isolates. The concordance between the presence of genes and aminoglycoside resistance phenotype was observed in most MRSA and MSSA isolates. Emerging of isolates harboring these genes must not be ignored because it limits the choices in the number of antibiotics available to clinicians to treat staphylococcal infections in risk patients.
Abstract The prevalence of adhesion (icaA and icaD) and toxin (tst, eta, and etb) genes was studi... more Abstract
The prevalence of adhesion (icaA and icaD) and toxin (tst, eta, and etb) genes was studied in 100 clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The icaA, icaD, eta, etb and tst genes were detected by PCR in 91%, 91%, 2%, 1% and 43% of the isolates, respectively. Various gene combinations with the previously reported enterotoxin genes (sea, sec, sei, seg and seh) were detected in 47 of 100 isolates. These combinations fall into 3 groups: group I which includes one eta+sea containing isolate, group II which includes 25 (53.2%) isolates lacking tst gene but harboring icaA+icaD genes in 11 combinations with the enterotoxin genes and group III which includes 21 (44.7%) isolates harboring icaA+icaD+tst in 7 different combinations with the enterotoxin genes. The predominant gene combinations in group II and III isolates include seg + sei or seg of the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc). Furthermore, 20 isolates of group III have the corresponding gene combination profiles of 20 isolates of group II in addition to the tst gene. This could be attributed to loss or acquisition of SaPI1 and/or SaPI2 islands which carry the tst gene.
The dominancy of SaPI1/SaPI2 and egc associated toxin genes in the slimy isolates of S. aureus may be understood in the context of pathogenicity functioning genes. This data would contribute to the control of colonization and spread of these isolates in hospitals and community at large.
World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, 2003
The plasmid profile of two thermophilic bacterial strains isolated from recreation thermal spring... more The plasmid profile of two thermophilic bacterial strains isolated from recreation thermal springs in Jordan has been investigated. These strains are Streptococcus thermophilus and Bacillus sp1, which have been isolated from Zerka – Maeen and Himma hot springs respectively. Supercoiled and circular plasmid forms were detected, explaining the effect of DNA conformation on the mobility of the plasmid in the
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Feb 13, 2006
This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, seasonal distribution of RSV, the signs a... more This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, seasonal distribution of RSV, the signs and symptoms associated with it in Jordan. A total of 200 nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from hospitalized children (below 2 years old). RSV was detected in 12.5% of patients using direct immunofluorescence technique. Most infections were associated with bronchilolitis, and higher rates of hypoxemia, retractions, tachypnea, hyperinflation and interstitial infiltrates in 1 to 3 months old children. RSV showed a clear temporal periodicity. The epidemic began in December and disappeared in March with a peak of incidence during February 2003 and January 2004. The seasonal distribution showed a significant correlation with temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. This study provides further information on RSV epidemiology which could help in planning of prevention and control programs in Jordan, distinguishing RSV infections on the basis of the clinical picture and considering RSV between December and March each year.
Heterogeneity of aminoglycoside resistance genes profile in clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates
The Open Microbiology Journal, 2021
Results: The presence of this pathogen lowered the phagoburst response in the different types of ... more Results: The presence of this pathogen lowered the phagoburst response in the different types of neutrophils compared to their response to the opsonized Escherichia coli. The phagoburst response of the neutrophils from the immunocompetent individual was significantly higher than that of neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients when stimulated by the septicemic or nonsepticemic A. baumannii isolates. The isolate type (septicemic or non-septicemic) had no significant effect on the neutrophil phagoburst response of the immunocompetent individual and a significant effect on the phagoburst response of neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients. The phagoburst response of the neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients stimulated by septicemic A. baumannii isolates was significantly lower than that when neutrophils stimulated by the nonsepticemic isolates. Also, there was a significant difference in the phagoburst response of neutrophils from the CML and ST patients when stimula...
The prevalence of adhesion (icaA and icaD) and toxin (tst, Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The ic... more The prevalence of adhesion (icaA and icaD) and toxin (tst, Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The icaA, icaD, eta, etb and t 1% a comb genes 100 group group gene with 21 ( differ predo isolat cluste the c isolat be att island The d genes . aureus may be under genes coloni comm ﺔﺌﻓ ﻦﻣ قﺎﺼﺘﻟﻻا تﺎﻨﻴﺟ ﺪﻳﺪﺤﺗ ﺔﺳارﺪﻟا ﻩﺬه ﻲﻓ icaA, icaD ﻚﻟﺬآو ، ﺔﻴﺒ هﺬﻟا ﺔﻳدﻮﻘﻨﻌﻟا ﺎﻳﺮﻴﺘﻜﺒﻟا S.aureus تﺎﻨﻴﺟ دﻮﺟو ﻢﺗ ﺪﻗو icaA و ﻰ ا . eta , and etb) genes was studied in 100 clinical st ge nes were detected by PCR in 91%, 91%, 2%, nd 43% of the isolates, respectively. Various gene inations with the previously reported enterotoxin (sea, sec, sei, seg and seh) were detected in 47 of isolates. These combinations fall into 3 groups: I which includes one eta+sea containing isolate, II which includes 25 (53.2%) isolates lacking tst but harboring icaA+icaD genes in 11 combinations the enterotoxin genes and group III which includes 44.7%) isolates harboring icaA+icaD+tst in 7 ent combinations with the enterotoxin genes. The ...
African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2012
One hundred clinical Staphylococcus aureus including 57 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 43 methi... more One hundred clinical Staphylococcus aureus including 57 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 43 methicllin-sensitive (MSSA) isolates were analyzed for susceptibility to three aminoglycosides and for the presence of genes encoding aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs). 52% of these isolates were resistant to 1-3 aminoglycosides, which included 65% MRSA and 35% MSSA isolates. The aminoglycoside resistance genes were more frequently identified in MRSA than in MSSA isolates. The most frequent gene was aac(6')/aph(2") and it was detected in 45% S. aureus isolates which included 52.6% MRSA and 34.8% MSSA isolates. The second prevalent gene was ant(4',4") and it was detected in 31% S. aureus which included 40.3% MRSA and 18.6% MSSA isolates. 21% of S. aureus isolates including 29.8% MRSA and 9.3% MSSA isolates, carried the aph(3')III gene. The most frequent combination of genes was aac(6′)/aph(2′′) with ant(4',4") in 22.8% MRSA and in 16.2% MSSA isolates. The second dominant gene combination was aac(6')/aph(2") with aph(3')III in 17.5% MRSA and in 6.9% MSSA isolates. The ant(4',4") and aph(3′)III combination existed only in 7% MRSA isolates. The 3 genes coexisted in 5.3% MRSA and in 2.3% MSSA isolates. The concordance between the presence of genes and aminoglycoside resistance phenotype was observed in most MRSA and MSSA isolates. Emerging of isolates harboring these genes must not be ignored because it limits the choices in the number of antibiotics available to clinicians to treat staphylococcal infections in risk patients.
Journal of medical microbiology, 2002
The seroprevalence and genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were studied in 283 patients attendin... more The seroprevalence and genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were studied in 283 patients attending six haemodialysis units in Jordan. In all, 98 (34.6%) patients were anti-HCV-positive by EIA, 92 (93.9%) of whom were also reactive in an immunoblot assay. The prevalence of anti-HCV was correlated with a history of blood transfusion before the introduction of blood donor screening for HCV and with duration of haemodialysis. HCV RNA was detected in 30 (30.6%) of 98 anti-HCV-positive sera. HCV viraemia was not associated with a particular antibody for the six HCV antigens studied by the immunoblot assay, although reactivity to the core antigens was greater in the HCV RNA-positive sera than in negative sera. Two HCV genotypes (1 and 4) were identified for the first time in Jordan by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of HCV 5'-NCR. The predominant genotype was HCV la (12 of 30). Genotypes lb and 4 were detected in 10 and 8 patients, respectively. The antibody response ...
Vaccine, 2006
The seroprevalence and the risk of perinatal transmission of rubella virus (RV) and human parvovi... more The seroprevalence and the risk of perinatal transmission of rubella virus (RV) and human parvovirus B19 were assessed in 439 Jordanian pregnant women. Seroprevalence data indicate that 43.7%, 48.7% and 19% of women are susceptible to RV, parvovirus B19 infections and both, respectively. A total of 12.2% and 20.2% of RV susceptible women are at the first and second trimester of gestation, respectively. They are at risk of bearing infants with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). However, 15% and 23% of parvovirus B19 susceptible women are at the first and second trimester of gestation, respectively. They are at risk of fetal loss or hydrops fetalis. Prenatal screening for these viruses, postpartum MMR vaccination and parvovirus B19 passive immunization are recommended.
Small Ruminant Research, 2005
A total of 493 does from 50 herds were measured to identify the different Jordanian goat breeds b... more A total of 493 does from 50 herds were measured to identify the different Jordanian goat breeds based on morphostructural characteristics. Different discriminant analysis methods (simple, cluster, canonical, stepwise) were applied on 20 metrical variables to discriminate among different genetic groups. Results identified four genetic groups: Damascus, Mountain, Dhaiwi and Desert in addition to a population of crossbred goats. Distribution of Mountain and Damascus breeds and the crossbred population was over the five clusters with varying frequencies. Dhaiwi and Desert breeds showed similar distribution of their populations over the clusters. All pair-wise Mahalanobis distances were significant (P < 0.001). Mountain goat breed tends to have the closest distance to all other native goats in Jordan. The largest distance was that between Dhaiwi and Damascus breeds (22.23). The dendrogram showed two large clusters: cluster one included Damascus breed as a large group and two sub clusters of Mountain breed and crossbred goats. Cluster two included Desert and Dhaiwi breeds. The canonical discriminant analysis and the stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that nose shape was the most discriminating variable among different pair-wise breeds’ comparisons, followed by withers height (WH) then body weight, ear type, color and teat placement. Chest width (CW), withers depth (WD), rump width showed small discriminatory power. Crossbred goats have been found to be derived mainly from Damascus and Mountain breeds, with more relation to the latter.
Archives of Virology, 2011
The prevalence, seasonality and genotypes of rotavirus circulating in Jordan were determined to p... more The prevalence, seasonality and genotypes of rotavirus circulating in Jordan were determined to provide data useful for the implementation of a rotavirus vaccine in the national childhood vaccination program. During 2006/07, rotavirus was detected in 35% of hospitalized children, and 88% of the cases occurred in children aged between 6 and 23 months. Rotavirus infection persisted throughout the year and peaked in winter. Seven genotypes were identified by RT-PCR and sequencing: G1P[8], G9P[8], G2P[4], G1P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8] and G9P[6], which represented 69%, 8.8%, 2.4%, 2.0%, 1.2%, 0.4% and 0.4% of the rotavirus strains, respectively. Thirteen percent and 2.8% of the total strains were partially typed or untypeable, respectively. Eighty-eight percent and 12% of the rotavirus strains possessed a long and short electropherotype, respectively. As more than 90% of the rotavirus strains circulating in Jordan possessed the G1 or P[8]genotype, it is concluded that the implementation of the rotavirus vaccine in the framework of the national childhood vaccination program of Jordan would most likely be very effective. Continuous monitoring of the currently circulating genotypes in Jordan should be encouraged.
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, 2001
The epidemiology of RSV infection was investigated in 271 children aged less than 2 years admitte... more The epidemiology of RSV infection was investigated in 271 children aged less than 2 years admitted to the Zarqa Government Hospital, Jordan with bronchiolitis or bronchopneumonia. Nasopharyngeal washings were cultured and RSV antigen was detected by the direct immuno uorescence technique. Of the 271 specimens, 69 (25.46%) were positive for RSV, representing 50.36% of the respiratory viruses. All RSV isolates were typed as subgroup A by monoclonal antibody and con rmed by RT-PCR. RSV was prevalent in the hospitalised children in the coldest months of the year. The epidemics began in January or February, peaked in spring and then disappeared in summer. This study supports the idea that RSV subgroup A is a major contributor to winter outbreaks of respiratory tract disease in children, and health care workers in Jordan should consider the diagnosis during January-May each year.
XV CHAPTER 1 1.1. Herpes simplex virus infections Two herpes simplex virus (HSV) serotypes have b... more XV CHAPTER 1 1.1. Herpes simplex virus infections Two herpes simplex virus (HSV) serotypes have been identified: HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV type 2 (HSV-2). Differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 has been based upon pock size studies on chorioallantoic membranes (Rodgers, 1973), neutralisation (Nahmias and Dowdle, 1968), monoclonal antibody-based assay and restriction enzyme analysis (Lonsdale et a l, 1979; Buchman et al., 1981). Serological studies have genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1 (Kalinyak e ta l, 1977; Smith e ta l, 1977; Kinghom, 1993) and 5-20% of oral infections are caused by HSV-2 (Wiedbrauk and Johnston, 1993). The increased incidence of genital herpes has caused an increase in the incidence of neonatal herpes (Sullivan-Bolyai et a l, 1983; Whitley et a l, 1991). Neonatal HSV infection remains life-threatening for the newborn in all countries. Genital HSV infection results in 1600 cases of neonatal herpes yearly in the U.S.A. (Whitley, 1990). 1.2. Virion structure HSV virions consist of three morphological structures: an icosahedral nucleocapsid, an amorphous tegument surrounding the capsid and an outer envelope which exhibits glycoprotein spikes (reviewed by Dargan, 1986 and Rixon, 1993). The HSV capsid is approximately 125nm in diameter, exhibiting 5:3:2 axial symmetry and is composed of 162 capsomeres, of which 150 are hexameric (hexons) and 12 pentameric (pentons) and 1995). Vmw 175 has been localised to the tegument of light particles (Yao and Courtney, 1989; McLauchlan and Rixon, 1992). Other proteins have been identified as components of the virus particle and are assumed to be located within the tegument. These include proteins encoded by U L ll (
Molecular biology and evolution, Jan 8, 2015
The majority of human group A rotaviruses possess the P[8] VP4 genotype. Recently, a genetically ... more The majority of human group A rotaviruses possess the P[8] VP4 genotype. Recently, a genetically distinct subtype of the P[8] genotype, also known as OP354-like P[8] or lineage P[8]-4, emerged in several countries. However, it is unclear for how long the OP354-like P[8] gene has been circulating in humans and how it has spread. In a global collaborative effort 98 (near-)complete OP354-like P[8] VP4 sequences were obtained and used for phylogeographic analysis to determine the viral migration patterns. During the sampling period, 1988-2012, we found that South and East Asia acted as a source from which strains with the OP354-like P[8] gene were seeded to Africa, Europe and North America. The time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of all OP354-like P[8] genes was estimated at 1987. However, most OP354-like P[8] strains were found in three main clusters with TMRCAs estimated between 1996 and 2001. The VP7 gene segment of OP354-like P[8] strains showed evidence of frequent reas...
Jordan Medical Journal, 2010
Background and aims: Adenovirus is an important cause of respiratory infections in infants and ch... more Background and aims: Adenovirus is an important cause of respiratory infections in infants and children. Information on the prevalence, seasonal distribution of adenovirus and the clinical symptoms associated with it is not available in Jordan. Therefore, this study was conducted on 200 hospitalized children less than 2 years of age. Methods: Hep-2 cells were inoculated with nasopharyngeal aspirates (n = 200) and adenovirus antigens were detected by cell culture technique. The monthly distribution of the adenovirus isolates in relation to the climatic factors was determined. The associated clinical characteristics were also investigated. Results: Adenovirus infections were documented in 11.5% of patients, peaked in the 7-9 months age group and manifested mainly as bronchopneumonia. Fever (> 380C rectal) was observed in 74% of adenovirus-infected patients. There was no significant differences between the hospitalized adenovirusinfected and adenovirus-negative patients with respect...
Biochemical Society Transactions, 2000
... from Jordan University Hospital. Lara Abbasi (speaker), Amal Shervington and Salwa Bdour. Pha... more ... from Jordan University Hospital. Lara Abbasi (speaker), Amal Shervington and Salwa Bdour. Pharmacy Faculty, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. Download PDF file doi:10.1042/bst028a191c © 2000 Biochemical Society. ...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
The stemness in keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) is determined by their gene expression patterns. K... more The stemness in keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) is determined by their gene expression patterns. KSCs are crucial in maintaining epidermal homeostasis and wound repair and are widely used candidates for therapeutic applications. Although several studies have reported their positive identifiers, unique biomarkers for KSCs remain elusive. Here, we aim to identify potential candidate stem cell markers. Human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) from neonatal foreskin tissues were isolated and cultured. Single-cell clonal analysis identified and characterized three types of cells: KSCs (holoclones), transient amplifying cells (TACs; meroclones), and differentiated cells (DSCs; paraclones). The clonogenic potential of KSCs demonstrated the highest proliferation potential of KSCs, followed by TACs and DSCs, respectively. Whole-transcriptome analysis using microarray technology unraveled the molecular signatures of these cells. These results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase cha...
Viruses, Jan 31, 2020
Torque teno virus (TTV) is the most common component of the human blood virobiota. Little is know... more Torque teno virus (TTV) is the most common component of the human blood virobiota. Little is known, however, about the prevalence of TTV in humans and the most common farm domesticates in Jordan, or the history and modality of TTV transmission across species lines. We therefore tested sera from 396 Jordanians and 171 farm animals for the presence of TTV DNA using nested 5′-UTR-PCR. We then performed phylogenetic, ordination and evolutionary diversity analyses on detected DNA sequences. We detected a very high prevalence of TTV in Jordanians (~96%); much higher than in farm animal domesticates (~29% pooled over species). TTV prevalence in the human participants is not associated with geography, demography or physical attributes. Phylogenetic, ordination and evolutionary diversity analyses indicated that TTV is transmitted readily between humans across the geography of the country and between various species of animal domesticates. However, the majority of animal TTV isolates seem to derive from a single human-to-animal transmission event in the past, and current human-animal transmission in either direction is relatively rare. In conclusion, animal TTV in Jordan is historically derived from human variants; however, ongoing human-animal TTV exchange is minimal and zoonotic infection seems to be of limited importance.
One hundred clinical Staphylococcus aureus including 57 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 43 methi... more One hundred clinical Staphylococcus aureus including 57 methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 43 methicllin-sensitive (MSSA) isolates were analyzed for susceptibility to three aminoglycosides and for the presence of genes encoding aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs). 52% of these isolates were resistant to 1-3 aminoglycosides, which included 65% MRSA and 35% MSSA isolates. The aminoglycoside resistance genes were more frequently identified in MRSA than in MSSA isolates. The most frequent gene was aac(6')/aph(2") and it was detected in 45% S. aureus isolates which included 52.6% MRSA and 34.8% MSSA isolates. The second prevalent gene was ant(4',4") and it was detected in 31% S. aureus which included 40.3% MRSA and 18.6% MSSA isolates. 21% of S. aureus isolates including 29.8% MRSA and 9.3% MSSA isolates, carried the aph(3')III gene. The most frequent combination of genes was aac(6
′
)/aph(2
′ ′ ) with ant(4',4") in 22.8% MRSA and in 16.2% MSSA isolates. The second dominant gene combination was aac(6')/aph(2") with aph(3')III in 17.5% MRSA and in 6.9% MSSA isolates. The ant(4',4") and aph(3′)III combination existed only in 7% MRSA isolates. The 3 genes coexisted in 5.3% MRSA and in 2.3% MSSA isolates. The concordance between the presence of genes and aminoglycoside resistance phenotype was observed in most MRSA and MSSA isolates. Emerging of isolates harboring these genes must not be ignored because it limits the choices in the number of antibiotics available to clinicians to treat staphylococcal infections in risk patients.
Abstract The prevalence of adhesion (icaA and icaD) and toxin (tst, eta, and etb) genes was studi... more Abstract
The prevalence of adhesion (icaA and icaD) and toxin (tst, eta, and etb) genes was studied in 100 clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The icaA, icaD, eta, etb and tst genes were detected by PCR in 91%, 91%, 2%, 1% and 43% of the isolates, respectively. Various gene combinations with the previously reported enterotoxin genes (sea, sec, sei, seg and seh) were detected in 47 of 100 isolates. These combinations fall into 3 groups: group I which includes one eta+sea containing isolate, group II which includes 25 (53.2%) isolates lacking tst gene but harboring icaA+icaD genes in 11 combinations with the enterotoxin genes and group III which includes 21 (44.7%) isolates harboring icaA+icaD+tst in 7 different combinations with the enterotoxin genes. The predominant gene combinations in group II and III isolates include seg + sei or seg of the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc). Furthermore, 20 isolates of group III have the corresponding gene combination profiles of 20 isolates of group II in addition to the tst gene. This could be attributed to loss or acquisition of SaPI1 and/or SaPI2 islands which carry the tst gene.
The dominancy of SaPI1/SaPI2 and egc associated toxin genes in the slimy isolates of S. aureus may be understood in the context of pathogenicity functioning genes. This data would contribute to the control of colonization and spread of these isolates in hospitals and community at large.
World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, 2003
The plasmid profile of two thermophilic bacterial strains isolated from recreation thermal spring... more The plasmid profile of two thermophilic bacterial strains isolated from recreation thermal springs in Jordan has been investigated. These strains are Streptococcus thermophilus and Bacillus sp1, which have been isolated from Zerka – Maeen and Himma hot springs respectively. Supercoiled and circular plasmid forms were detected, explaining the effect of DNA conformation on the mobility of the plasmid in the