Heba Mahrous

Dr. Heba Mahrous


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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5 August 2019 in Viruses
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Ahmed KandeilAhmed Kandeil
Ahmed Kandeil
MGMokhtar Gomaa
Mokhtar Gomaa
ANAhmed Nageh
Ahmed Nageh
MSMahmoud M. Shehata
Mahmoud M. Shehata
AKAhmed E. Kayed
Ahmed E. Kayed
Ghazi KayaliGhazi Kayali
Ghazi Kayali
Dromedary camels are the natural reservoirs of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camels are mostly bred in East African countries then exported into Africa and Middle East for consumption. To understand the distribution of MERS-CoV among camels in North Africa and the Middle East, we conducted surveillance in Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. We also performed longitudinal studies of three camel herds in Egypt and Jordan to elucidate MERS-CoV infection and transmission. Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 4027 nasal swabs and 3267 serum samples were collected from all countries. Real- time PCR revealed that MERS-CoV RNA was detected in nasal swab samples from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Microneutralization assay showed that antibodies were detected in all countries. Positive PCR samples were partially sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was built. The tree suggested that all sequences are of clade C and sequences from camels in Egypt formed a separate group from previously published sequences. Longitudinal studies showed high seroprevalence in adult camels. These results indicate the widespread distribution of the virus in camels. A systematic active surveillance and longitudinal studies for MERS-CoV are needed to understand the epidemiology of the disease and dynamics of viral infection.

29 February 2024 in Zoonotic Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RBRebecca Badra
Rebecca Badra
Alaa HamdallahAlaa Hamdallah
Alaa Hamdallah
Nour Marouf Abu ElizzNour Marouf Abu Elizz
Nour Marouf Abu Elizz
MHMajid Hawawsheh
Majid Hawawsheh
HMHeba Mahrous
Heba Mahrous
Ghazi KayaliGhazi Kayali
Ghazi Kayali
Zoonotic disease surveillance and response simulation exercises are an important tool to assess national infrastructures and mechanisms supporting joint zoonotic disease surveillance and information sharing across sectors. In December 2022, the Jordanian Ministries of Health and Agriculture, supported by the World Health Organization Country Office, conducted a 10-day full-scale simulation exercise in Amman, Jordan, to evaluate the linkage between their electronic surveillance and response systems. An exercise management team designed a realistic fictitious scenario of an outbreak of avian influenza on a poultry farm that subsequently led to human infections. The functions and actions tested included all aspects of outbreak management, from initial reporting to conclusion. Debriefings and an after-action review were conducted after the activities were completed. Gaps in both ministries’ surveillance systems, epidemiological investigations, biosafety and biosecurity, sample collection, sample transport, laboratories, interventions, and coordination were identified. This simulation exercise was a unique exercise focusing on multiple technical and operational capacities that related to the joint response to potential zoonotic disease outbreaks and real-time information sharing between the sectors under the One Health approach. This exercise is a step towards the operationalization of the One Health approach in Jordan, building on the coordination mechanisms already in place.

19 August 2026 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OPOng-orn Prasarnphanich
Ong-orn Prasarnphanich
SDSithar Dorjee
Sithar Dorjee
RARukshanda Ahmad
Rukshanda Ahmad
RBRichard Clive Brown
Richard Clive Brown
SCSharon Elizabeth Calvin
Sharon Elizabeth Calvin
SRStephane de la Rocque
Stephane de la Rocque
Risk assessment is critical for managing health threats at the human–animal–environment interface, yet sector-specific approaches can result in fragmented actions. To address this gap, the Joint Risk Assessment Operational Tool (JRA OT), an operational tool of the Tripartite Zoonoses Guide, was developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the World Organization for Animal Health. The JRA OT provides a structured framework for joint qualitative risk assessments that integrate multisectoral expertise to identify risk pathways, assess likelihood and impact, and develop consensus-based risk management and communication options. Surveillance systems play a critical role in this process by providing the multisectoral data needed to inform risk assessments, while the JRA process helps identify information gaps and guide the strengthening of integrated One Health surveillance. Implemented in at least 52 countries, the JRA OT has informed national mandates in Indonesia, Viet Nam, and Tanzania, regional strategies in West Africa, and adaptations in Canada. Cascade training has been used to build subnational capacity to facilitate roll out. Sustained leadership commitment, multisectoral coordination, routine applications, local adaptation, and capacity building remain essential for global implementation.