Among 35 species of genus Helicobacter, H. pylori is the most common causative agent of human gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. The infection can spread through direct human-to-human contact, fecaloral route, and contaminated water. The study was designed to investigate the rate of prevalence of H. pylori in the population of Dhamar, Yemen. In this one-year study, 460 including 250 male and 210 female stool specimens were collected between January to December 2020 in Dhamar Governorate, Yemen. Of the total 460, 215 rural (male: n=120 and female: n=95) and 245 urban (male: n=130 and female: n=115) specimens were investigated for identification of H. pylori by serological test using Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test. In addition, for comparing an improved recovery of H. pylori, conventional culture-based isolation was also carried out using three selective media. Modified Campy-blood Agar (MCA), Belo Horizonte Agar (BHA), and Egg yolk Emulsion (EYE) medium supplemented with antimicrobial agents including vancomycin (10mg/L), cefsulodin (5mg/L), trimethoprim (5mg/L), and amphotericin B (5mg/L) and isolates were phenotypically characterized. The HpSA test results revealed that of the total 460 specimens, 89 (19.3) were positive for H. pylori with relatively low in male (n=43; 17.2) as compared to the female (n=46; 21.9) specimens. After 310 days of incubation, H. pylori was recovered at a variable rate on each selective (MCA: 16.5; BHA: 15.0; EYE: 13.0) media. However, culture-based assay results showed less recovery (n=81; 17.6) with no significant difference among all selective media tested and between genders (male: n=39; 15.6; female: n=42; 20.0). The infection rate was comparatively higher in rural (n=45; 20.9) as compared to urban (n=36; 14.7) population. Overall, the study data showed the prevalence of infection in both genders of all age groups. The present study showed a relatively high rate of infection of H. pylori in the Dhamar population. The serological identification and culture-based methods are important for rapid detection, aid in treatment, and developing policies for the control and eradication of H. pylori infection and to prevent the disease in different age groups in Yemen.

The presence of antimicrobial residues (AMRs) in meat is considered a serious threat to public health in the twenty-first century. This work aims at addressing the problem of AMRs in meat regarding their sources, negative effects, detection tests, and prevention and control practices. The health risks associated with such residues include direct toxicity, drug allergy, hypersensitive reactions, and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Moreover, disturbance of gut microbiota and bone marrow disorders are also direct consequences of continuous exposure to small quantities of antimicrobial residues (AMRs). Due to long-term exposure to antibiotic residues during gestation, various congenital anomalies were also seen in newborn children. Carcinogenic impacts and mutagenic effects are other negative impacts of antibiotic residues on the food. Different practices are known to introduce AMRs into meat and meat products, such as misuse of chemotherapeutic medications, violating withdrawal periods, even with the proper administration of anti-infective agents, and usage of antibiotics as growth promoters and feed additives. The prevention of this problem requires multi-sector cooperation to restrict the improper use of antimicrobial drugs, standardize the rationale usage, and development of alternative chemicals or biologics for the purposes of preservation of meat products and as growth promoters for food-producing animals.

Brucellosis is one of the most serious zoonotic diseases in human and farm animals caused by Brucella species. This study aims to: (i) estimate the current prevalence of Brucella among camels in Erbil Governorate; (ii) evaluate the milk ring test as a diagnostic tool for screening of brucellosis in camels; (iii) study the association between months and percentage of positive samples to Brucella. During the period, January - June 2021, a total of 250 raw camel milk samples (130 samples from farms and 120 from sale points) were randomly collected. The brucellosis is diagnosed using the Milk Ring Test (MRT), indirect ELISA, and bacteriological isolation of Brucella species. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies in camel milk samples is 11.6% and 10.4% according to MRT and ELISA, respectively. The overall isolation percentage of Brucella species is 8.4%. The detection rate of isolates in sale points is higher 10.0% than the isolation rate from farm 6.9%. The results also reveal that 4.6% and 5.8% of isolates are Brucella abortus; while, 5.8% and 4.2% are Brucella melitensis from the milk of farm and sale points, respectively. The highest rate of brucellosis according to MRT is observed in February 18.6%, while the lowest rate is documented in May 7.5%. We recommend using MRT for the diagnosis of Brucella spp. in routine screening of brucellosis in milk collection centers, dairy factories, and farm. Customers are also recommended to heat the milk adequately to eliminate this milk-borne pathogen before drinking milk or manufacturing processes.

One of the most significant social health issues is chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Republic Ministry of Health/Environment reported that 6,879 persons died in 2015 from renal failure, placing chronic kidney disease (CKD) at number five on the list of Iraq's most dangerous diseases. Materials and Methods: This study included 60 cases that were classified as 30 patients with chronic renal failure; these patients, age range 30 – 59 years old were admitted from the Al-Karama Teaching Hospital, Baghdad province, during the period from December 2022 to January 2023 which they compared with 30 samples of healthy controls. For determining the IL-17 levels, the researchers employed Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: It was found that most of the people who suffer from CKD failure within the age group (40- 49) years that account (60%), and most of these patients were females that constituted (59%). IL-17 serum level increases significantly (27.28 ±1.50) in chronic renal patients compared to the control group (13.02 ±0.34). Conclusion: Highly significant elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17) in chronic renal diseases indicate these cytokines participate in the pathophysiology of reduced renal function and the role of this cytokine as principal mediators of inflammatory reaction in renal damage.

PCOS, short for polycystic ovarian syndrome, affects over 5% of women and is among the most prevalent conditions affecting reproduction. Obesity, hyperandrogenism, persistent anovulation, hyperinsulinemia, and infertility are the hallmarks of this complex disorder. There is a higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors among women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Aims: Determining the relationship between BMI and C- reactive protein levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome was the objective of our study. Methods and Material: Between October 2022 and January 2023, Specimens were obtained from a cohort of 50 female individuals. Thirty of the fifty had PCO diagnoses from Gynecologists, and twenty were drawn from populations without a PCO diagnosis. The ages of all the females varied from 17 to over 40 years old. Statistical analysis used: The data was analyzed, and the p value was calculated using SPSS version 11.5 software. The statistical tests used were the Pearson chi-square test and t-test. Results: A considerable increase in both CRP and BMI was found in women who were diagnosed with PCO, as shown by the results of the present investigation. Conclusions: Women between the ages of 19 and 28 were more likely to have PCOS, and obesity was found to be a factor in both PCOS and a high BMI.