Mamdoh Harahsha - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Mamdoh Harahsha

Research paper thumbnail of Human bocavirus in Jordan: prevalence and clinical symptoms in hospitalised paediatric patients and molecular virus characterisation

Singapore Medical Journal, May 1, 2011

This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of human bocavirus (HBoV) among Jordanian ch... more This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of human bocavirus (HBoV) among Jordanian children hospitalised with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) as well as the clinical feature associated with HBoV infection, the seasonal distribution of HBoV and the DNA sequencing of HBoV positive samples. A total of 220 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from children below 13 years of age who were hospitalised with LRTI in order to detect the presence of HBoV using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and direct HBoV sequencing. HBoV was detected in 20 (9.1 percent) patients, whose median age was four (range 0.8-12) months. Children under the age of 12 months were more susceptible to HBoV infection (p-value is 0.016). The main clinical diagnoses of patients infected with HBoV were bronchopneumonia (35 percent) and bronchiolitis (30 percent). Coughing (100 percent), wheezing (82.7 percent) and fever (68.2 percent) were the most prominent symptoms in infected patients. HBoV infections were seasonal; increasing in cooler months, diminishing in the summer and peaking in March (45 percent). Direct DNA sequencing revealed that three out of 20 (15 percent) specimens were identical to Stockholm 1 and 2 isolates, and single base pair substitution (A to T) at codon 92 was found in 17 out of the 20 (85 percent) specimens that were positive for HBoV, resulting in a threonine-to-serine substitution. More attention should be given to diagnosing HBoV in patients with LRTI using molecular techniques.

Research paper thumbnail of Antibacterial Activity of Jordanian Medicinal Plants

Pharmaceutical Biology, 1999

The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of 15 plant species used in the traditional medici... more The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of 15 plant species used in the traditional medicine in Jordan and other Middle East countries were tested. Extracts of certain parts of these plants were tested in vitro against 14 pathogenic bacterial species and strains using the agar diffusion method. Results evaluated as the diameter of inhibition zone of bacterial growth showed that 25 mg/well of 12 plant extracts have antibacterial activity on one or more of the tested bacteria. Three plants exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity: Punica granatum L., Quercus infectoria Olive., and Rhus coriaria L. The most susceptible bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 12351), and the most resistant species were Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922 and clinical isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysentriae (ATCC 49345), and Yersinia enterocolitica (ATCC 9610). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of active extracts ranged from 4-32 mg/ml while the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were exerted at higher doses 8-62 mg/ml.

Research paper thumbnail of Bacteremia in Children: Etiologic Agents, Focal Sites, and Risk Factors

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 2001

A prospective study was carried out on 210 cases of children under 10 years of age with fever. Ca... more A prospective study was carried out on 210 cases of children under 10 years of age with fever. Cases of gastroenteritis, respiratory tract infections, and suspected sepsis in children seen or admitted to the pediatric hospital were studied. Clinical and microbiological data were recorded in a questionnaire or obtained from patient medical records. Most of the children with septicemia (71.3 per cent) were less than 1 year old. Focal source of bacteremia was gastroenteritis (40.4 per cent), pneumonia or bronchopneumonia (20 per cent), meningitis (7.4 per cent), and urinary tract infections (7.4 per cent). The predominant pathogens isolated from blood or stool specimens were gram-positive bacteria (53.3 per cent), mainly Streptococcus pneumoniae and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. The gram-negative bacteria (45.6 per cent) were mainly Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Yersinia spp. One case of Candida albicans (1.1 per cent) was reported. Pasteurella pneumotropica was reported in two cases for the first time. The mortality rate was 4 per cent, mostly from septicemia cases. Long duration of hospitalization (> 10 days) and parenteral feeding were identified as risk factors. Resistance of the isolated pathogens to several commonly used antibiotics was observed. Empirical treatment with antibiotics is recommended only in life-threatening cases.

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of adenovirus infection in children in Jordan

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, 2001

Although corticospinal tract axons cannot regenerate long distances after spinal cord injury, the... more Although corticospinal tract axons cannot regenerate long distances after spinal cord injury, they are able to sprout collateral branches rostral to an injury site that can help form compensatory circuits in cases of incomplete lesions. We show here that inosine enhances the formation of compensatory circuits after a dorsal hemisection of the thoracic spinal cord in mature rats and improves coordinated limb use. Inosine is a naturally occurring metabolite of adenosine that crosses the cell membrane and, in neurons, activates Mst3b, a protein kinase that is part of a signal transduction pathway that regulates axon outgrowth. Compared to saline-treated controls, rats with dorsal hemisections that were treated with inosine showed three times as many synaptic contacts between corticospinal tract collaterals and long propriospinal interneurons that project from the cervical cord to the lumbar level. Inosinetreated rats also showed stronger serotonergic reinnervation of the lumbar cord than saline-treated controls, and performed well above controls in both open-field testing and a horizontal ladder rung-walking test. Inosine was equally effective whether delivered intracranially or intravenously, and has been shown to be safe for other indications in humans. Thus, inosine might be a useful therapeutic for improving outcome after spinal cord injury.

Research paper thumbnail of Enteropathogens associated with cases of gastroenteritis in a rural population in Jordan

Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2004

Stool specimens were collected from 180 patients belonging to a population of recently settled Be... more Stool specimens were collected from 180 patients belonging to a population of recently settled Bedouins in Jordan who presented with acute or persistent diarrhoea and other symptoms, and from 100 nondiarrhoeal controls. All samples were examined for parasites and bacterial pathogens by culture and PCR. Bacterial isolates were tested for their susceptibility to common antimicrobial agents. Pathogens and potential enteropathogens were identified from 140 (77.8%) of the patients, with more than one pathogen being recovered from 67 (37.2%) patients. Potentially pathogenic parasites were observed in 90 (50%) patients; those that were associated significantly with diarrhoea were Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 72 (40%) patients, and, of these, 62.5% were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 30.6% of these were multiresistant. Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli strains were found in 14.3% of the patients and 2.9% of the control subjects (not statistically significant). The most common enteropathogenic bacteria found were Shigella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Yersinia enterocolitica. Unusual bacterial species were the predominant organisms recovered in a few cases and could represent a possible cause of diarrhoea. Overall, there was a high endemicity of diarrhoeal disease in the area studied. Risk factors that correlated significantly with contracting diarrhoea were socioeconomic status, education, use of unchlorinated well or tank water, and a low level of personal hygiene.

Research paper thumbnail of Viral gastroenteritis among young children in northern Jordan

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infection from cutaneous lesions in different clinical stages with the polymerase chain reaction

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1995

Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are comm... more Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are common agents resulting in various forms of clinical manifestation from skin vesicle to disseminated viral infection. The aim of the present study was to develop a real-time PCR and melting curve analysis which detect and differentiate HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV, to compare with PCR-RFLP using clinical specimens, and to introduce the 4-year experience in the clinical laboratory. Three pairs of primers for HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV were designed. Primers for human endogenous retrovirus-3 (HERV-3), an internal control, were adopted. A hundred selected specimens and many clinical specimens were tested for methods comparison and assay validation. Increased sensitivity and specificity were obtained from real-time PCR. In review of results of clinical specimens submitted to clinical laboratory, a total of 46 of 3,513 specimens were positive in cerebrospinal fluids, blood, skin vesicles, genital swabs, aqueous humor, and ear discharge. Thus, this method could be a rapid and accurate alternative to virus culture and other molecular tests for detection and typing of HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV.

Research paper thumbnail of Nimri L-Medicinal Plants.Pharmaceutical biology article

The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of 15 plant species used in the traditional medici... more The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of 15 plant species used in the traditional medicine in Jordan and other Middle East countries were tested. Extracts of certain parts of these plants were tested in vitro against 14 pathogenic bacterial species and strains using the agar diffusion method. Results evaluated as the diameter of inhibition zone of bacterial growth showed that 25 mg/well of 12 plant extracts have antibacterial activity on one or more of the testedbacteria. Three plants exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity: Punica granatum L., Quercus infectoria Olive., and Rhus coriaria L. The most susceptible bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 12351), and the most resistant species were Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922 and clinical isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysentriae (ATCC 49345), and Yersinia enterocolitica (ATCC 9610). The minimum inhibitory oncentrations (MIC) of active extracts ranged from 4–32...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of immune response to synthetic peptides derived from the hemagglutinin of measles virus

The new microbiologica, 2000

We describe here four synthetic peptides derived from the hemagglutinin of measles virus. The pep... more We describe here four synthetic peptides derived from the hemagglutinin of measles virus. The peptides were predicted by a computer program combining hydrophilicity, flexibility, surface probability, secondary structure and antigenic index parameters of the amino acid sequence of measles virus hemagglutinin. Rabbits were immunized with the synthesized peptides conjugated to purified protein derivative using immunostimulating complex as adjuvant. Anti-peptide antisera raised in rabbits against the peptide conjugates reacted well with the homologous peptides and with measles virus antigen as tested with plate ELISA. None of these sera had either neutralizing or hemagglutination inhibiting antibody or reacted with measles hemagglutinin protein in Western blot and reacted weakly in immunofluorescence. Human sera positive for measles virus antibody reacted with the synthesized peptides indicating that the selected locations function as partial antigenic sites.

Research paper thumbnail of Use of RAPD-PCR fingerprinting to detect genetic diversity of soil Streptomyces isolates

The new microbiologica, 1999

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used for identification and assessment of genetic div... more Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used for identification and assessment of genetic diversity between isolates of Streptomyces from soil. Genomic DNA from 18 Streptomyces isolates and 2 reference strains were amplified using four different 10-mer primers. Different DNA fingerprinting patterns were obtained for all the isolates. Electrophoretic and cluster analysis of the amplification products revealed incidence of polymorphism among the isolates and none of them was identical to the reference strains although there were some common amplification bands. Two highly divergent groups were determined among the isolates. The results indicate that RAPD is an efficient method for discriminating and studying genetic diversity of Streptomyces isolates.

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of antibody response to synthetic peptides derived from the fusion protein of measles virus

The new microbiologica, 1999

A computer program combining of hydrophilicity, flexibility, surface probability, secondary struc... more A computer program combining of hydrophilicity, flexibility, surface probability, secondary structure and antigenic index parameters of the amino acid sequence of measles virus (MV) fusion protein was used to select four possible epitopes. Rabbits were immunized with the synthesized peptides conjugated to purified protein derivative using the homobifunctional cross-linker bis-sulfosuccinimidyl suberate. Immune stimulating complexes were prepared with the peptides conjugated to the purified protein derivative carrier using a dialysis method. All antisera raised in rabbits against the peptide conjugates had a high titer to the homologous peptides and reacted well with denatured MV as tested by plate ELISA. None of the sera had neutralizing antibody. Human sera positive for MV antibody reacted strongly with the synthesized peptides indicating that the selected locations function as partial antigenic sites. Antisera against peptide conjugates reacted weakly in immunofluorescence and non...

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of genetic polymorphism by RAPD-PCR among isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis

The new microbiologica, 1999

Sixteen isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis recovered from different Jordanian habitats were compa... more Sixteen isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis recovered from different Jordanian habitats were compared using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to determine whether they could be differentiated at the molecular level. Total genomic DNA from each isolate and three reference strains were amplified using 10-mer primers. Electrophoretic analysis of the amplification products revealed the incidence of polymorphism among the isolates. Pair-wise comparisons of polymorphic products were used to construct a dendrogram applying the cluster analysis. Fifteen of the isolates were all in one major cluster which was divided into six small groups. Such analysis showed some regional variation among the isolates, but did not indicate a clearly defined habitat locational pattern of the DNA polymorphism.

Research paper thumbnail of Serotyping of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates, their distribution in different Jordanian habitats and pathogenicity in Drosophila melanogaster

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2004

The investigation of Bacillus thuringiensis in 40 different samples collected from 12 different J... more The investigation of Bacillus thuringiensis in 40 different samples collected from 12 different Jordanian habitats involved the isolation of 80 Bacillus thuringiensis isolates. Out of these isolates, 47 were pathogenic to the third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. The highest viable count of Bacillus thuringiensis was estimated among soil samples contaminated with decomposed animal bodies (~14.25 • 10 7 c.f.u./g), and the lowest viable count was obtained from soils contaminated with engine oil (~0.17 • 10 7 c.f.u./g). Serotyping of the 80 isolates against 55 antisera indicated the presence of 13 serotypes, 12 were identical or cross-reacted with aizawai, higo, israelensis, kenyae, kumamotoensis, kurstaki, malaysiensis, morrisoni, pakistani, sooncheon, tohokuensis, and thuringiensis, whereas the remaining one reacted negatively with the 55 tested antisera indicating the presence of an unknown serotype. Israelensis was the dominant serotype among all the samples except those from decomposed animal and olive-cultivated soils. The pathogenic isolates were found to be in 11 of the 13 serotypes. Spherical parasporal crystals were the most common and toxic crystal types.

Research paper thumbnail of Isolation and phenotypical identification of spore-forming Bacillus species from Jordanian habitats with larvicidal activity against Drosophila melanogaster

Letters in Applied Microbiology, 1997

forming Bacillus isolates were recovered from different Jordanian habitats. Of 37 samples, 187 co... more forming Bacillus isolates were recovered from different Jordanian habitats. Of 37 samples, 187 colonies were selected. Forty-six (24•6%) of them were pathogenic to the third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. Larvicidal activity of the isolates was from 0% (non-cultivated soil) to 83•3% (decomposed animal residues). The total spore count per gram weight varied from 0•1 × 10 5-18 × 10 5 among the 37 tested samples. Morphological and microscopical identification of the isolates showed the presence of 16 different Bacillus species. The pathogenic isolates were B. thuringiensis (44) and B. sphaericus (2).

Research paper thumbnail of Rapid Detection and Clinical Features of Influenza and Parainfluenza in Infants and Young Children Hospitalized with Acute Lower Respiratory Illnesses

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 2005

During the winter seasons of 2003 and 2004, a total of 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) were o... more During the winter seasons of 2003 and 2004, a total of 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) were obtained from infants and young children admitted to the Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and clinically diagnosed as suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infections. NPAs were screened for the presence of respiratory viruses and further confirmed for the presence of influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus using direct fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody assay. Of all the 282 specimens, 44 (15.6 per cent) were found positive for influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. Influenza A and B were identified in 22 (7.8 per cent), 4 (1.4 per cent), respectively, parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3 in 9 (3.2 per cent), 4 (1.4 per cent), and 1 (0.4 per cent), respectively, and adenovirus in 4 (1.4 per cent). Influenza and parainfluenza viruses were noted more in patients below the age of 1 year; 11.3 per cent and 6.2 per cent, respectively. Bronchiolitis, coughing, and tachpnea were significantly more frequent in infants with influenza infection: 13.1 per cent, 55 per cent, and 50 per cent, respectively. The availability of rapid viral diagnostic assay is an important tool for physicians to make more accurate treatment decisions and therefore reduces unnecessary antibiotic usage and hospital stay for patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of toxic potential of local Jordanian Bacillus thuringiensis strains on Drosophila melanogaster and Culex sp. (Diptera)

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2001

Aims: To assess 1 the toxic potential of different local Jordanian Bacillus thuringiensis isolate... more Aims: To assess 1 the toxic potential of different local Jordanian Bacillus thuringiensis isolates on larvae of Drosophila melanogaster and Culex sp. Methods and Results: Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of spherical, bi-pyramidal, and bi-pyramidal and cuboidal parasporal bodies produced by the toxic isolates. Spherical inclusions dominated. The toxicity of the isolates to the two insects, determined using 24-well plates or vials, indicated that the 50% lethal concentration (LC 50) of the bacterial suspension for D. melanogaster and Culex sp. larvae varied from 4á60 to 8á65, and from 5á30 to 6á74, respectively. Conclusions: Comparison of the LC 50 values of isolate 8 2 with those of the reference strain B. t. israelensis showed that this isolate has a higher toxicity potential. Signi®cance and Impact of the Study: Some local Jordanian B. thuringiensis isolates exhibit toxic potential that could be used to control some important pests, and could replace chemical pesticides.

Research paper thumbnail of Non-seasonal viral and bacterial episode of diarrhoea in the Jordan Valley, West of Jordan

FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Rapid detection and clinical features of infants and young children with acute lower respiratory tract infection due to respiratory syncytial virus

FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 2006

During December to the end of February of 2003 and 2004, a total of 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates ... more During December to the end of February of 2003 and 2004, a total of 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from infants and young children admitted to the Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and clinically diagnosed as suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infections. The aspirates were tested for the presence of respiratory syncytial virus using direct fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody assay. Of the 282 specimens, 128 (45.4%) were found to be positive for respiratory syncytial virus. The most positive specimens came from patients less than one year old (51.3%), and were associated with bronchopneumonia (56.7%) or bronchiolits (55.4%). Coughing (100%) and tachpnea (98%) were significantly more frequent in infants with respiratory syncytial virus infection, followed by wheezing, crepitation and retraction, each representing 66%. Three deaths were reported. The availability of a rapid viral diagnostic assay will be an important tool for physicians to make more accurate treatment decisions and therefore reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage and hospital stay for the patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of group a rotavirus, enteric adenovirus, norovirus and astrovirus infections among children with acute gastroenteritis in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2007

... 2. Ibrahim R. Thwiny Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. ... ... more ... 2. Ibrahim R. Thwiny Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. ... Bern et al., reported that rotavirus group A was significantly associated with watery diar-rhea in Bangladesh.34 In this study 41 per cent of the patients had watery diarrhea (results not ...

Research paper thumbnail of Larvicidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, serovar H14 in Aedes aegypti: Histopathological studies

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 1983

... the bacteria. In Lepidoptera as well as in Diptera, the 8endotoxin affects mainly the midgut ... more ... the bacteria. In Lepidoptera as well as in Diptera, the 8endotoxin affects mainly the midgut epithelium (Heimpel and Angus, 1959; Sutter and Raun, 1967; de Barjac, 1978b;Lacey and Federici, 1979). The pathological observations ...

Research paper thumbnail of Human bocavirus in Jordan: prevalence and clinical symptoms in hospitalised paediatric patients and molecular virus characterisation

Singapore Medical Journal, May 1, 2011

This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of human bocavirus (HBoV) among Jordanian ch... more This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of human bocavirus (HBoV) among Jordanian children hospitalised with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) as well as the clinical feature associated with HBoV infection, the seasonal distribution of HBoV and the DNA sequencing of HBoV positive samples. A total of 220 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from children below 13 years of age who were hospitalised with LRTI in order to detect the presence of HBoV using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and direct HBoV sequencing. HBoV was detected in 20 (9.1 percent) patients, whose median age was four (range 0.8-12) months. Children under the age of 12 months were more susceptible to HBoV infection (p-value is 0.016). The main clinical diagnoses of patients infected with HBoV were bronchopneumonia (35 percent) and bronchiolitis (30 percent). Coughing (100 percent), wheezing (82.7 percent) and fever (68.2 percent) were the most prominent symptoms in infected patients. HBoV infections were seasonal; increasing in cooler months, diminishing in the summer and peaking in March (45 percent). Direct DNA sequencing revealed that three out of 20 (15 percent) specimens were identical to Stockholm 1 and 2 isolates, and single base pair substitution (A to T) at codon 92 was found in 17 out of the 20 (85 percent) specimens that were positive for HBoV, resulting in a threonine-to-serine substitution. More attention should be given to diagnosing HBoV in patients with LRTI using molecular techniques.

Research paper thumbnail of Antibacterial Activity of Jordanian Medicinal Plants

Pharmaceutical Biology, 1999

The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of 15 plant species used in the traditional medici... more The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of 15 plant species used in the traditional medicine in Jordan and other Middle East countries were tested. Extracts of certain parts of these plants were tested in vitro against 14 pathogenic bacterial species and strains using the agar diffusion method. Results evaluated as the diameter of inhibition zone of bacterial growth showed that 25 mg/well of 12 plant extracts have antibacterial activity on one or more of the tested bacteria. Three plants exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity: Punica granatum L., Quercus infectoria Olive., and Rhus coriaria L. The most susceptible bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 12351), and the most resistant species were Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922 and clinical isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysentriae (ATCC 49345), and Yersinia enterocolitica (ATCC 9610). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of active extracts ranged from 4-32 mg/ml while the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were exerted at higher doses 8-62 mg/ml.

Research paper thumbnail of Bacteremia in Children: Etiologic Agents, Focal Sites, and Risk Factors

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 2001

A prospective study was carried out on 210 cases of children under 10 years of age with fever. Ca... more A prospective study was carried out on 210 cases of children under 10 years of age with fever. Cases of gastroenteritis, respiratory tract infections, and suspected sepsis in children seen or admitted to the pediatric hospital were studied. Clinical and microbiological data were recorded in a questionnaire or obtained from patient medical records. Most of the children with septicemia (71.3 per cent) were less than 1 year old. Focal source of bacteremia was gastroenteritis (40.4 per cent), pneumonia or bronchopneumonia (20 per cent), meningitis (7.4 per cent), and urinary tract infections (7.4 per cent). The predominant pathogens isolated from blood or stool specimens were gram-positive bacteria (53.3 per cent), mainly Streptococcus pneumoniae and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. The gram-negative bacteria (45.6 per cent) were mainly Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Yersinia spp. One case of Candida albicans (1.1 per cent) was reported. Pasteurella pneumotropica was reported in two cases for the first time. The mortality rate was 4 per cent, mostly from septicemia cases. Long duration of hospitalization (> 10 days) and parenteral feeding were identified as risk factors. Resistance of the isolated pathogens to several commonly used antibiotics was observed. Empirical treatment with antibiotics is recommended only in life-threatening cases.

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of adenovirus infection in children in Jordan

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, 2001

Although corticospinal tract axons cannot regenerate long distances after spinal cord injury, the... more Although corticospinal tract axons cannot regenerate long distances after spinal cord injury, they are able to sprout collateral branches rostral to an injury site that can help form compensatory circuits in cases of incomplete lesions. We show here that inosine enhances the formation of compensatory circuits after a dorsal hemisection of the thoracic spinal cord in mature rats and improves coordinated limb use. Inosine is a naturally occurring metabolite of adenosine that crosses the cell membrane and, in neurons, activates Mst3b, a protein kinase that is part of a signal transduction pathway that regulates axon outgrowth. Compared to saline-treated controls, rats with dorsal hemisections that were treated with inosine showed three times as many synaptic contacts between corticospinal tract collaterals and long propriospinal interneurons that project from the cervical cord to the lumbar level. Inosinetreated rats also showed stronger serotonergic reinnervation of the lumbar cord than saline-treated controls, and performed well above controls in both open-field testing and a horizontal ladder rung-walking test. Inosine was equally effective whether delivered intracranially or intravenously, and has been shown to be safe for other indications in humans. Thus, inosine might be a useful therapeutic for improving outcome after spinal cord injury.

Research paper thumbnail of Enteropathogens associated with cases of gastroenteritis in a rural population in Jordan

Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2004

Stool specimens were collected from 180 patients belonging to a population of recently settled Be... more Stool specimens were collected from 180 patients belonging to a population of recently settled Bedouins in Jordan who presented with acute or persistent diarrhoea and other symptoms, and from 100 nondiarrhoeal controls. All samples were examined for parasites and bacterial pathogens by culture and PCR. Bacterial isolates were tested for their susceptibility to common antimicrobial agents. Pathogens and potential enteropathogens were identified from 140 (77.8%) of the patients, with more than one pathogen being recovered from 67 (37.2%) patients. Potentially pathogenic parasites were observed in 90 (50%) patients; those that were associated significantly with diarrhoea were Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 72 (40%) patients, and, of these, 62.5% were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 30.6% of these were multiresistant. Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli strains were found in 14.3% of the patients and 2.9% of the control subjects (not statistically significant). The most common enteropathogenic bacteria found were Shigella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Yersinia enterocolitica. Unusual bacterial species were the predominant organisms recovered in a few cases and could represent a possible cause of diarrhoea. Overall, there was a high endemicity of diarrhoeal disease in the area studied. Risk factors that correlated significantly with contracting diarrhoea were socioeconomic status, education, use of unchlorinated well or tank water, and a low level of personal hygiene.

Research paper thumbnail of Viral gastroenteritis among young children in northern Jordan

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infection from cutaneous lesions in different clinical stages with the polymerase chain reaction

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1995

Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are comm... more Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are common agents resulting in various forms of clinical manifestation from skin vesicle to disseminated viral infection. The aim of the present study was to develop a real-time PCR and melting curve analysis which detect and differentiate HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV, to compare with PCR-RFLP using clinical specimens, and to introduce the 4-year experience in the clinical laboratory. Three pairs of primers for HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV were designed. Primers for human endogenous retrovirus-3 (HERV-3), an internal control, were adopted. A hundred selected specimens and many clinical specimens were tested for methods comparison and assay validation. Increased sensitivity and specificity were obtained from real-time PCR. In review of results of clinical specimens submitted to clinical laboratory, a total of 46 of 3,513 specimens were positive in cerebrospinal fluids, blood, skin vesicles, genital swabs, aqueous humor, and ear discharge. Thus, this method could be a rapid and accurate alternative to virus culture and other molecular tests for detection and typing of HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV.

Research paper thumbnail of Nimri L-Medicinal Plants.Pharmaceutical biology article

The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of 15 plant species used in the traditional medici... more The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of 15 plant species used in the traditional medicine in Jordan and other Middle East countries were tested. Extracts of certain parts of these plants were tested in vitro against 14 pathogenic bacterial species and strains using the agar diffusion method. Results evaluated as the diameter of inhibition zone of bacterial growth showed that 25 mg/well of 12 plant extracts have antibacterial activity on one or more of the testedbacteria. Three plants exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity: Punica granatum L., Quercus infectoria Olive., and Rhus coriaria L. The most susceptible bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 12351), and the most resistant species were Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922 and clinical isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysentriae (ATCC 49345), and Yersinia enterocolitica (ATCC 9610). The minimum inhibitory oncentrations (MIC) of active extracts ranged from 4–32...

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of immune response to synthetic peptides derived from the hemagglutinin of measles virus

The new microbiologica, 2000

We describe here four synthetic peptides derived from the hemagglutinin of measles virus. The pep... more We describe here four synthetic peptides derived from the hemagglutinin of measles virus. The peptides were predicted by a computer program combining hydrophilicity, flexibility, surface probability, secondary structure and antigenic index parameters of the amino acid sequence of measles virus hemagglutinin. Rabbits were immunized with the synthesized peptides conjugated to purified protein derivative using immunostimulating complex as adjuvant. Anti-peptide antisera raised in rabbits against the peptide conjugates reacted well with the homologous peptides and with measles virus antigen as tested with plate ELISA. None of these sera had either neutralizing or hemagglutination inhibiting antibody or reacted with measles hemagglutinin protein in Western blot and reacted weakly in immunofluorescence. Human sera positive for measles virus antibody reacted with the synthesized peptides indicating that the selected locations function as partial antigenic sites.

Research paper thumbnail of Use of RAPD-PCR fingerprinting to detect genetic diversity of soil Streptomyces isolates

The new microbiologica, 1999

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used for identification and assessment of genetic div... more Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used for identification and assessment of genetic diversity between isolates of Streptomyces from soil. Genomic DNA from 18 Streptomyces isolates and 2 reference strains were amplified using four different 10-mer primers. Different DNA fingerprinting patterns were obtained for all the isolates. Electrophoretic and cluster analysis of the amplification products revealed incidence of polymorphism among the isolates and none of them was identical to the reference strains although there were some common amplification bands. Two highly divergent groups were determined among the isolates. The results indicate that RAPD is an efficient method for discriminating and studying genetic diversity of Streptomyces isolates.

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of antibody response to synthetic peptides derived from the fusion protein of measles virus

The new microbiologica, 1999

A computer program combining of hydrophilicity, flexibility, surface probability, secondary struc... more A computer program combining of hydrophilicity, flexibility, surface probability, secondary structure and antigenic index parameters of the amino acid sequence of measles virus (MV) fusion protein was used to select four possible epitopes. Rabbits were immunized with the synthesized peptides conjugated to purified protein derivative using the homobifunctional cross-linker bis-sulfosuccinimidyl suberate. Immune stimulating complexes were prepared with the peptides conjugated to the purified protein derivative carrier using a dialysis method. All antisera raised in rabbits against the peptide conjugates had a high titer to the homologous peptides and reacted well with denatured MV as tested by plate ELISA. None of the sera had neutralizing antibody. Human sera positive for MV antibody reacted strongly with the synthesized peptides indicating that the selected locations function as partial antigenic sites. Antisera against peptide conjugates reacted weakly in immunofluorescence and non...

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of genetic polymorphism by RAPD-PCR among isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis

The new microbiologica, 1999

Sixteen isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis recovered from different Jordanian habitats were compa... more Sixteen isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis recovered from different Jordanian habitats were compared using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to determine whether they could be differentiated at the molecular level. Total genomic DNA from each isolate and three reference strains were amplified using 10-mer primers. Electrophoretic analysis of the amplification products revealed the incidence of polymorphism among the isolates. Pair-wise comparisons of polymorphic products were used to construct a dendrogram applying the cluster analysis. Fifteen of the isolates were all in one major cluster which was divided into six small groups. Such analysis showed some regional variation among the isolates, but did not indicate a clearly defined habitat locational pattern of the DNA polymorphism.

Research paper thumbnail of Serotyping of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates, their distribution in different Jordanian habitats and pathogenicity in Drosophila melanogaster

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2004

The investigation of Bacillus thuringiensis in 40 different samples collected from 12 different J... more The investigation of Bacillus thuringiensis in 40 different samples collected from 12 different Jordanian habitats involved the isolation of 80 Bacillus thuringiensis isolates. Out of these isolates, 47 were pathogenic to the third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. The highest viable count of Bacillus thuringiensis was estimated among soil samples contaminated with decomposed animal bodies (~14.25 • 10 7 c.f.u./g), and the lowest viable count was obtained from soils contaminated with engine oil (~0.17 • 10 7 c.f.u./g). Serotyping of the 80 isolates against 55 antisera indicated the presence of 13 serotypes, 12 were identical or cross-reacted with aizawai, higo, israelensis, kenyae, kumamotoensis, kurstaki, malaysiensis, morrisoni, pakistani, sooncheon, tohokuensis, and thuringiensis, whereas the remaining one reacted negatively with the 55 tested antisera indicating the presence of an unknown serotype. Israelensis was the dominant serotype among all the samples except those from decomposed animal and olive-cultivated soils. The pathogenic isolates were found to be in 11 of the 13 serotypes. Spherical parasporal crystals were the most common and toxic crystal types.

Research paper thumbnail of Isolation and phenotypical identification of spore-forming Bacillus species from Jordanian habitats with larvicidal activity against Drosophila melanogaster

Letters in Applied Microbiology, 1997

forming Bacillus isolates were recovered from different Jordanian habitats. Of 37 samples, 187 co... more forming Bacillus isolates were recovered from different Jordanian habitats. Of 37 samples, 187 colonies were selected. Forty-six (24•6%) of them were pathogenic to the third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. Larvicidal activity of the isolates was from 0% (non-cultivated soil) to 83•3% (decomposed animal residues). The total spore count per gram weight varied from 0•1 × 10 5-18 × 10 5 among the 37 tested samples. Morphological and microscopical identification of the isolates showed the presence of 16 different Bacillus species. The pathogenic isolates were B. thuringiensis (44) and B. sphaericus (2).

Research paper thumbnail of Rapid Detection and Clinical Features of Influenza and Parainfluenza in Infants and Young Children Hospitalized with Acute Lower Respiratory Illnesses

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 2005

During the winter seasons of 2003 and 2004, a total of 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) were o... more During the winter seasons of 2003 and 2004, a total of 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) were obtained from infants and young children admitted to the Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and clinically diagnosed as suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infections. NPAs were screened for the presence of respiratory viruses and further confirmed for the presence of influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus using direct fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody assay. Of all the 282 specimens, 44 (15.6 per cent) were found positive for influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. Influenza A and B were identified in 22 (7.8 per cent), 4 (1.4 per cent), respectively, parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3 in 9 (3.2 per cent), 4 (1.4 per cent), and 1 (0.4 per cent), respectively, and adenovirus in 4 (1.4 per cent). Influenza and parainfluenza viruses were noted more in patients below the age of 1 year; 11.3 per cent and 6.2 per cent, respectively. Bronchiolitis, coughing, and tachpnea were significantly more frequent in infants with influenza infection: 13.1 per cent, 55 per cent, and 50 per cent, respectively. The availability of rapid viral diagnostic assay is an important tool for physicians to make more accurate treatment decisions and therefore reduces unnecessary antibiotic usage and hospital stay for patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of toxic potential of local Jordanian Bacillus thuringiensis strains on Drosophila melanogaster and Culex sp. (Diptera)

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2001

Aims: To assess 1 the toxic potential of different local Jordanian Bacillus thuringiensis isolate... more Aims: To assess 1 the toxic potential of different local Jordanian Bacillus thuringiensis isolates on larvae of Drosophila melanogaster and Culex sp. Methods and Results: Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of spherical, bi-pyramidal, and bi-pyramidal and cuboidal parasporal bodies produced by the toxic isolates. Spherical inclusions dominated. The toxicity of the isolates to the two insects, determined using 24-well plates or vials, indicated that the 50% lethal concentration (LC 50) of the bacterial suspension for D. melanogaster and Culex sp. larvae varied from 4á60 to 8á65, and from 5á30 to 6á74, respectively. Conclusions: Comparison of the LC 50 values of isolate 8 2 with those of the reference strain B. t. israelensis showed that this isolate has a higher toxicity potential. Signi®cance and Impact of the Study: Some local Jordanian B. thuringiensis isolates exhibit toxic potential that could be used to control some important pests, and could replace chemical pesticides.

Research paper thumbnail of Non-seasonal viral and bacterial episode of diarrhoea in the Jordan Valley, West of Jordan

FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Rapid detection and clinical features of infants and young children with acute lower respiratory tract infection due to respiratory syncytial virus

FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 2006

During December to the end of February of 2003 and 2004, a total of 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates ... more During December to the end of February of 2003 and 2004, a total of 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from infants and young children admitted to the Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and clinically diagnosed as suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infections. The aspirates were tested for the presence of respiratory syncytial virus using direct fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody assay. Of the 282 specimens, 128 (45.4%) were found to be positive for respiratory syncytial virus. The most positive specimens came from patients less than one year old (51.3%), and were associated with bronchopneumonia (56.7%) or bronchiolits (55.4%). Coughing (100%) and tachpnea (98%) were significantly more frequent in infants with respiratory syncytial virus infection, followed by wheezing, crepitation and retraction, each representing 66%. Three deaths were reported. The availability of a rapid viral diagnostic assay will be an important tool for physicians to make more accurate treatment decisions and therefore reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage and hospital stay for the patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of group a rotavirus, enteric adenovirus, norovirus and astrovirus infections among children with acute gastroenteritis in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2007

... 2. Ibrahim R. Thwiny Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. ... ... more ... 2. Ibrahim R. Thwiny Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. ... Bern et al., reported that rotavirus group A was significantly associated with watery diar-rhea in Bangladesh.34 In this study 41 per cent of the patients had watery diarrhea (results not ...

Research paper thumbnail of Larvicidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, serovar H14 in Aedes aegypti: Histopathological studies

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 1983

... the bacteria. In Lepidoptera as well as in Diptera, the 8endotoxin affects mainly the midgut ... more ... the bacteria. In Lepidoptera as well as in Diptera, the 8endotoxin affects mainly the midgut epithelium (Heimpel and Angus, 1959; Sutter and Raun, 1967; de Barjac, 1978b;Lacey and Federici, 1979). The pathological observations ...