Zeinab Ahmed

Dr. Zeinab Ahmed


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 December 2019 in Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ZAZeinab Ahmed
Zeinab Ahmed
EEEsraa Elshafiee
Esraa Elshafiee
HKHanan S. Khalefa
Hanan S. Khalefa
MKMona Kadry
Mona Kadry
DHDalia Hamza
Dalia Hamza
Background: Antimicrobial resistance has become one of the most severe global threats to human and veterinary Medicine. colistin is an effective therapeutic agent against multi-drug-resistant pathogens. However, the discovery of transferable plasmids that confer resistance to colistin (mcr-1) has led to challenges in medical science. This study describes the role of wild birds in the harbouring and environmental spread of colistin-resistant bacteria, which could pose a potential hazard to human and animal health. Methods: In total, 140 faecal samples from wild birds (migratory and resident birds) were tested. Twenty surface water samples were collected from the area in which wild bird trapping was conducted, and 50 human stool samples were collected from individuals residing near the surface water sources and farm buildings. Isolation and identification of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the different samples were performed using conventional culture techniques and biochemical identification. PCR amplification of the mcr genes was performed in all positive isolates. Sequencing of mcr-1 genes from three randomly selected E. coli carrying mcr-1 isolates; wild birds, water and humans was performed. Result: The bacteriological examination of the samples showing isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca and P. aeruginosa. The results of multiplex PCR of the mcr genes revealed that E. coli was the most prevalent gram-negative bacterium harbouring the mcr genes, whereas a low prevalence was observed for K. pneumoniae. The prevalence of mcr-1 in resident birds, migratory birds, water sources and humans were 10.4, 20,16.6 and 9.6% while the prevalence of mcr-2 were 1.4, 3.6, 11.1 and 9.6%, respectively. Sequencing of the mcr-1 gene from the three E. coli carrying mcr-1 isolates indicated a possible correlation between the wild bird and surface water isolates. Conclusion: The detection of mcr-1-positive bacteria in wild birds in Egypt indicates the possible environmental dissemination of this gene through bird activity. The impact of the interaction between domestic and wild animals on public health cannot be overlooked.

26 October 2021 in Veterinary World
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
HKHanan Saad Khalefa
Hanan Saad Khalefa
ZAZeinab Ahmed
Zeinab Ahmed
FAFatma Abdel-Kader
Fatma Abdel-Kader
EIEman Ismail
Eman Ismail
EEEsraa Elshafiee
Esraa Elshafiee
Background and Aim: Salmonella causes most foodborne bacterial illnesses worldwide. It is found in various hosts, including pets, farm animals, and wild animals, as well as the environment. This study aimed to examine the epidemiological relationship between Salmonella isolates from aquatic environments and those from other avian hosts. Materials and Methods: The study examined 12 water samples, 210 aquatic animals, and 45 migratory aquatic bird samples collected from the protected area of Lake Qarun in El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, during migration seasons from different waterfowl migration areas (from October 2018 to January 2019). In addition, 45 fecal samples from domestic chickens were collected from the same geographic location from poultry farms. Bacteriological examination and polymerase chain reaction assay of two virulence genes (i.e., invA and stn) were performed to isolate and identify Salmonella. Results: Salmonella was isolated from 58.3% (7/12) of Lake Qarun water samples, 13.3% (6/45) of migratory waterfowl, 6.6% of (3/45) of chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), and 4.3% (3/70) of fish and pooled brine shrimp. In migratory aquatic bird species that were sampled, Salmonella were isolated from 23.1% (3/13) of Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), 12.5%, (1/8) of green-winged teal (Anas cardolinesis), 10% (2/20) of northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and 0% (0/4) of mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos). In 35 Tilapia, Salmonella was isolated by (8.6%) 5.7% of external surfaces, 2.85% from the intestine, and 0% from the muscle. No Salmonella was isolated from the 175 brine shrimp samples. Phylogenetic analysis using the stn genes of Salmonella isolated from the aquatic environment, migratory aquatic birds, and chicken showed a strong association between these isolates. In addition, a higher nucleotide identity percentage was observed between the sequences recovered from migratory aquatic birds and Lake Qarun water samples. Conclusion: Salmonella distribution was confirmed through migratory aquatic birds, based on our phylogeny tree analysis, Salmonella considered a likely carrier of zoonotic bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, the close relationship between chicken and fish sequences highlights the scenarios of using chicken manure in fish farms and its public health implications. The presence of Salmonella in different environmental sources spotlights the urgent need to control and break down its epidemiological cycle.

18 May 2022 in Veterinary World
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EEEsraa Elshafiee
Esraa Elshafiee
MKMona Kadry
Mona Kadry
SNSara Mohamed Nader
Sara Mohamed Nader
ZAZeinab Ahmed
Zeinab Ahmed
Background and Aim: Fresh produce farms represents a major source of concern since they are becoming increasingly antibiotic resistant. This study aimed to investigate t he occurrence of carbapenemase and extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBL) - producing genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from fresh produce farms in Egypt, irrigation water, and people working in these fields. Materials and Methods: One hundred tomatoes from typical farms were collected in plastic bags. The study also included 20 surface-water samples from different irrigation watersheds in fresh produce farms, as well as 50 feces samples from farmworkers. Suspected K. pneumoniae was grown on Eosin Methylene Blue agar for 24 h before being biochemically identified using the RapID ONE test. PCR was used to detect carbapenemase (blaKPC, blaOXA-48, and blaNDM) and ESBL (blaSHV, blaTEM, and blaCTX) expressing genes on isolates. Results: K. pneumoniae was identified in 30% of water and 10% of worker samples, while only one isolate was found in tomato samples. One of the six irrigation water isolates tested positive for carbapenem-resistant NDM. In contrast, two isolates tested positive for ESBL determinants, one of which was blaSHV and the other having both blaSHV and blaTEM genes. Two of the five K. pneumoniae isolates from farmworkers were positive for blaNDM, with one isolate also testing positive for blaSHV and blaTEM. The blaOXA-48 gene was also discovered in the carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae tomato isolate used in this study. Conclusion: Carbapenemase- and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae were found in fresh produce farms, implying that these resistance genes were being passed down to Egyptian consumers.

19 October 2022 in Veterinary World
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EEEsraa Elshafiee
Esraa Elshafiee
HKHanan Saad Khalefa
Hanan Saad Khalefa
DHDalia Hamza
Dalia Hamza
FAFatma Amer
Fatma Amer
DHDalia Hamza
Dalia Hamza
ZAZeinab Ahmed
Zeinab Ahmed
Background and Aim: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a global threat to public health. This study aimed to determine biofilms and efflux pump regulatory gene (mexR) in MDR P. aeruginosa isolates. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 fecal samples of aquatic migratory birds collected during hunting season in Egypt were evaluated for the detection of P. aeruginosa according to standard culture-based methods. The antibiotic susceptibility of P. aeruginosa strains was evaluated using disk diffusion methods. The biofilm formation ability of the isolates was phenotypically determined using a colorimetric microtitration plate assay. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed to detect biofilm genes (PelA and PslA) and mexR. Results: In total, 19 isolates (45.2%) were recovered from the 42 fecal samples of migratory birds. All isolates were identified as MDR P. aeruginosa, and 78.9% of the strains produced biofilms at different degrees. Molecular detection of biofilm extracellular polymeric substances revealed that PelA was the most predominant gene in the biofilm-producing isolates, followed by PslA. mexR was detected in 63.2% of MDR P. aeruginosa isolates, and its prevalence was higher in non–biofilm-producing strains (75%) than in biofilm-producing strains (60%). Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from migratory birds through various mechanisms is a major public and animal health problem. It is important to consider the significance of migratory birds in disease transmission.

22 November 2024 in Veterinary World
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ZAZeinab Ahmed
Zeinab Ahmed
NHNada Hesham
Nada Hesham
TATaher M. Abdelhamid
Taher M. Abdelhamid
MHMahmoud E. Hashad
Mahmoud E. Hashad
HMHossam Mahmoud
Hossam Mahmoud
Background and Aim: Tick-borne pathogens pose a significant problem in canines, other animals, and humans worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Coxiella burnetii in dogs and associated ticks in Egypt. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 110 tick-infested dogs and 550 whole ticks (divided into 110 pools) were collected and tested for the targeted pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of the 110 dog blood samples, B. burgdorferi DNA was detected in three samples, E. canis in six samples, and C. burnetii in one kenneled dog. Among the 110 tick pools, B. burgdorferi was detected in four pools, E. canis in 12 pools, and C. burnetii in three pools from kenneled dogs. The overall prevalence of the three agents in dog and tick samples were 3.18%, 8.18%, and 1.81%, respectively. Simultaneous positive PCR reactions in both dogs and their associated tick pools were observed in four cases. B. burgdorferi and E. canis were simultaneously detected in two dogs and two tick pools, whereas C. burnetii was detected in one dog but not in any tick pools. The three agents were simultaneously detected in one dog, but none were found in the corresponding tick pools. A mixed infection of C. burnetii and B. burgdorferi was observed in one dog and one tick pool. Conclusion: Molecular diagnosis is the most reliable method for detecting B. burgdorferi, E. canis, and C. burnetii in dogs and associated ticks. E. canis showed the highest prevalence in both dog and tick samples followed by B. burgdorferi while C. burnetti showed the lowest prevalence. The potential transmission of these diseases from companion dogs to humans through ticks presents a significant challenge for the One Health concept. Keywords: borreliosis, coxillosis, ehrlichiosis, pets, Rhipicephalus

4 July 2022 in Suez Canal Veterinary Medical Journal. SCVMJ
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ZAZeinab Ahmed
Zeinab Ahmed
MKMona Kadry
Mona Kadry
FAFatma Abdel-Kader
Fatma Abdel-Kader
A worst-case scenario for nosocomial infections led to the rise of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). This study assesses the occurrence of Enterococcus faecalis in 200 feacal samples and 133 milk samples which collected from cattle and buffalo. About 70 human samples were collected as stool sample and hand swabs from animal clinics and farms. Isolation and identification of the bacteria were performed using conventional cultural techniques, biochemical identification and were confirmed by PCR amplification. Antimicrobial susceptibility against six antimicrobial agents commonly used in human and animals was tested using the disc diffusion method. The resistance of E.faecalis to vancomycin (VAN) was confirmed by PCR targeting the vanA and vanB genes. The occurence of E.faecalis in cattle and buffaloe were 8.1% and 15.5% Respectively. Normal milk sample showed 12.8% of E.faecalis while abnormal milk samples were 37.5%. E.faecalis infection was recorded as 25.7% in workers contact. Antimicrobial resistant to Vancomycin was 11.1% ,14.2%, 10.5% and 50% in cattle, buffalo, milk and human respectively. Resistance genes (van A and van B) were detected in all Vancomycin resistant strains. This study showed that E. faecalis which is vancomycin resistant can be discovered not only in milk and animal products but also in human contact, which is a matter of public health.