Ahmad A Alharbi

Dr. Ahmad A Alharbi

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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24 July 2024 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Helal HettaHelal Hetta
Helal Hetta
YRYasmin Nasr Ramadan
Yasmin Nasr Ramadan
ZRZeinab Rashed
Zeinab Rashed
AAAhmad A Alharbi
Ahmad A Alharbi
SAShumukh M AlsharIf
Shumukh M AlsharIf
Matthew Gavino DonaduMatthew Gavino Donadu
Matthew Gavino Donadu
Antibiotic resistance is a major problem and a major global health concern. In total, there are 16 million deaths yearly from infectious diseases, and at least 65% of infectious diseases are caused by microbial communities that proliferate through the formation of biofilms. Antibiotic overuse has resulted in the evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbial strains. As a result, there is now much more interest in non-antibiotic therapies for bacterial infections. Among these revolutionary, non-traditional medications is quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). Bacterial cell-to-cell communication is known as quorum sensing (QS), and it is mediated by tiny diffusible signaling molecules known as autoinducers (AIs). QS is dependent on the density of the bacterial population. QS is used by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria to control a wide range of processes; in both scenarios, QS entails the synthesis, identification, and reaction to signaling chemicals, also known as auto-inducers. Since the usual processes regulated by QS are the expression of virulence factors and the creation of biofilms, QS is being investigated as an alternative solution to antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the use of QS-inhibiting agents, such as QSIs and quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes, to interfere with QS seems like a good strategy to prevent bacterial infections. This review sheds light on QS inhibition strategy and mechanisms and discusses how using this approach can aid in winning the battle against resistant bacteria.

21 October 2024 in Immuno
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Helal HettaHelal Hetta
Helal Hetta
YRYasmin Nasr Ramadan
Yasmin Nasr Ramadan
AAAhmad A Alharbi
Ahmad A Alharbi
SAShumukh M AlsharIf
Shumukh M AlsharIf
TATala Talal Alkindy
Tala Talal Alkindy
HAHussein El Amin
Hussein El Amin
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic complicated inflammatory gut pathological disorder and is categorized into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Although the cause of IBD is unclear, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is thought to be a key factor in the disease’s progression. The gut microbiome serves as a metabolic organ and promotes wellness by carrying out several biological activities. Any modification in the makeup of the gut microbiome leads to several pathological conditions, including IBD. In this review, we emphasize the key metabolic processes that control host–microbiome interaction and its impact on host health. We also discuss the association between microbiome dysbiosis (bacteriome, virome, and mycobiome) and the progression of IBD. Finally, we will highlight microbiome-based therapy as a novel and promising strategy to treat and manage IBD.

20 November 2024 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Helal HettaHelal Hetta
Helal Hetta
NIZAR SiragNIZAR Sirag
NIZAR Sirag
SAShumukh M AlsharIf
Shumukh M AlsharIf
AAAhmad A Alharbi
Ahmad A Alharbi
TATala Talal Alkindy
Tala Talal Alkindy
FAFawaz Essa Alanazi
Fawaz Essa Alanazi
The rapid progress of antibiotic resistance among bacteria has prompted serious medical concerns regarding how to manage multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. One emerging strategy to combat antibiotic resistance is the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are amino acid chains that act as broad-spectrum antimicrobial molecules and are essential parts of the innate immune system in mammals, fungi, and plants. AMPs have unique antibacterial mechanisms that offer benefits over conventional antibiotics in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Currently, scientists have conducted multiple studies on AMPs for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections and found that AMPs are a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. On the other hand, bacteria can develop several tactics to resist and bypass the effect of AMPs. Therefore, it is like a battle between the bacterial community and the AMPs, but who will win? This review provides thorough insights into the development of antibiotic resistance as well as detailed information about AMPs in terms of their history and classification. Furthermore, it addresses the unique antibacterial mechanisms of action of AMPs, how bacteria resist these mechanisms, and how to ensure AMPs win this battle. Finally, it provides updated information about FDA-approved AMPs and those that were still in clinical trials. This review provides vital information for researchers for the development and therapeutic application of novel AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections.

24 December 2025 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Helal HettaHelal Hetta
Helal Hetta
FKFatma Khalaf
Fatma Khalaf
AKAhmed A. Kotb
Ahmed A. Kotb
MAMarah Naif Alatawi
Marah Naif Alatawi
AAAbdullah S Albalawi
Abdullah S Albalawi
VMVittorio Mazzarello
Vittorio Mazzarello
The global incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) ESKAPE pathogens—comprising Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species—has surged alarmingly in recent years, posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. These organisms are notorious for their capacity to evade the effects of multiple classes of antibiotics, leading to treatment failures, increased morbidity and mortality, and escalating healthcare costs, all of which have placed unprecedented strain on existing infection control measures. This review encapsulates the progress in target-driven vaccine research, including the genomic discovery of highly conserved surface antigens, iron acquisition systems, biofilm- and quorum-sensing-related proteins, and computationally predicted epitopes, which are considered the most attractive targets for broad-spectrum vaccination. Novel vaccine platforms, such as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), mRNA technologies, and multi-epitope constructs, will rapidly drive the translation of these targets into next-generation vaccine formulations. Nevertheless, challenges such as antigenic variation and immune evasion, as well as the need for a robust mucosal and cross-protective immune response, persist. The sustainability in interdisciplinary investigations are required, along with adjunctive measures and investment in the development of advanced discovery and delivery systems, to achieve the ultimate goal of successful vaccines against MDR ESKAPE infections and to mitigate the worldwide burden of antimicrobial resistance.

21 April 2025 in Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Helal HettaHelal Hetta
Helal Hetta
KAKhalid S. Albalawi
Khalid S. Albalawi
AAAMAL ALMALKI
AMAL ALMALKI
NANasser D. Albalawi
Nasser D. Albalawi
AAAbdulmajeed S. Albalawi
Abdulmajeed S. Albalawi
Reem SayadReem Sayad
Reem Sayad
Background and Aim: This systematic scoping review examines rabies-related incidents, interventions, and post-exposure immunoprophylaxis in the Arabian Gulf region and Saudi Arabian Peninsula. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, WoS, MedLine, and Cochrane Library up to July 2024. Studies were included discussing the reported cases of rabies that received the PEP in all countries of the Arabian Gulf, their epidemiological data, the received schedules of vaccination, and their safety. The search was done by using the following terminologies: rabies vaccine, rabies human diploid cell vaccine, vaccine, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Southwest Asia, Iran, West Asia, Western Asia, Persian Gulf, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Ajam, Saudi Arabian Peninsula, and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results: The systematic scoping review included 36 studies, synthesizing findings from diverse research designs, including large-scale cross-sectional studies and case reports, spanning nearly three decades. Findings indicated that young males in urban areas are most at risk for animal bites, predominantly from domestic dogs and cats. While post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was generally administered within recommended timeframes, vaccination completion rates varied. Conclusions: The review highlighted gaps in public awareness about rabies risks and prevention. Vaccine safety profiles were generally favorable, with mostly mild-to-moderate side effects reported. The study underscores the need for enhanced public health education, standardized PEP protocols, and a One Health approach to rabies prevention.

2 February 2025 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Ahmed ElfadadnyAhmed Elfadadny
Ahmed Elfadadny
Haney SamirHaney Samir
Haney Samir
Ahmed S. MandourAhmed S. Mandour
Ahmed S. Mandour
RRRokaia F. Ragab
Rokaia F. Ragab
BEBesheer G. Elshafey
Besheer G. Elshafey
Mahmoud H EmamMahmoud H Emam
Mahmoud H Emam
Atopic dermatitis (AD) remains a challenging condition, necessitating effective models for investigation and therapeutic exploration. In this study, we employed a goat skin model to assess the immune response triggered by topical oxazolone (OX) application. The OX simulates a Th2-driven immune reaction typified by elevated Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) expression and the infiltration of mononuclear cells magnified by the presence of CD3+ and CD4+ T-cells in the epidermal and dermal layers. Additionally, the application of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) demonstrated a mitigating effect on OX-induced skin alterations, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. This study underscores the value of goats as a reliable and accessible model for studying AD in humans and/or large animals. While the therapeutic potential of PPE dosage requires further exploration.