Basem Jawa

Dr. Basem Jawa

Laboratory and Blood Bank, Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makkah healthcare cluster, Mecca, Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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31 August 2026 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KAKhulud Alhazmi
Khulud Alhazmi
SASulaiman Bani Abdel-Rahman
Sulaiman Bani Abdel-Rahman
HAHala Altarawneh
Hala Altarawneh
KIKarem Ibrahem
Karem Ibrahem
WHWaiel Halabi
Waiel Halabi
BJBasem Jawa
Basem Jawa
Background/Objectives: Early and accurate quantification of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral load is essential for monitoring antiretroviral therapy and guiding clinical management. Although conventional real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platforms provide reliable viral load measurement, they often require centralized laboratories and longer turnaround times. Cartridge-based systems such as the GeneXpert HIV-1 Viral Load assay offer a simplified testing workflow and may facilitate decentralized molecular testing. This study aimed to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative agreement between the GeneXpert HIV-1 Viral Load assay and the Abbott Alinity m HIV-1 assay. Methods: A total of 102 residual clinical Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma specimens were analyzed using both the GeneXpert HIV-1 Viral Load assay and the Abbott Alinity m HIV-1 assay. Qualitative agreement was evaluated using positive percent agreement (PPA), negative percent agreement (NPA), overall agreement, and Cohen’s κ coefficient. Quantitative agreement among specimens with paired quantifiable viral load results was assessed using Pearson’s correlation and Bland–Altman analyses. Results: Overall qualitative agreement between the two assays was 95.1%, with a PPA of 92.6%, an NPA of 100.0%, and a Cohen’s κ coefficient of 0.894, indicating almost perfect agreement. Among the 57 specimens with paired quantifiable viral load results, a very strong positive correlation was observed (Pearson’s r = 0.9972; 95% CI: 0.9952–0.9984; p < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated a minimal mean bias of −0.018 log10 IU/mL, with 95% limits of agreement ranging from −0.175 to 0.139 log10 International Units per milliliter (IU/mL). All paired quantitative differences were within the clinically accepted agreement threshold of ±0.5 log10 IU/mL. Conclusions: The GeneXpert HIV-1 Viral Load assay demonstrated excellent qualitative and quantitative agreement with the Abbott Alinity m HIV-1 assay. These findings support the potential use of the GeneXpert HIV-1 Viral Load assay as an alternative testing platform for routine HIV-1 viral load monitoring in appropriate clinical settings.

8 July 2026 in Vaccines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KAKhulud Alhazmi
Khulud Alhazmi
KIKarem Ibrahem
Karem Ibrahem
AAAhmad M. Alharbi
Ahmad M. Alharbi
AAAbdulaziz Alsaedi
Abdulaziz Alsaedi
MMMohammed Mufrrih
Mohammed Mufrrih
BJBasem Jawa
Basem Jawa
Background: Monkeypox (MP) is an emerging disease with the capacity for worldwide dissemination, endangering all nations. Healthcare workers (HCWs) frequently act as the initial point of contact for MP patients; therefore, evaluating their understanding of the disease and their perspectives on MP immunisation is crucial for effective prevention and control. This study aimed to assess HCWs’ knowledge of and attitudes toward MP and associated vaccines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, focusing on HCWs in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a standardised, self-administered online questionnaire provided in both English and Arabic. The questionnaire gathered the participants’ sociodemographic information and assessed their knowledge, opinions, and attitudes concerning MP infection and vaccination. The questionnaire included multiple-choice items with response possibilities such as “Yes”, “No” and “Don’t know”. Results: In total, 428 HCWs participated in this study; 60.7% had adequate knowledge of MP, while 39.3% had inadequate knowledge. Some knowledge of specific aspects of the disease was reported to be variable, with 67.5% correctly identifying MP as a viral infection, 55.1% aware of the endemic nature of the disease in parts of Western and Central Africa, and 65.0% recognising skin rash as a common symptom. In terms of attitudes towards MP vaccination, 47.9% had a positive attitude, while 52.1% had a negative attitude. In total, 65.7% of the respondents indicated that vaccination is essential to controlling MP, while only 23.1% (95% CI: 19.1–27.1%) had received vaccination. Furthermore, 57.0% reported concerns about potential adverse effects. Educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of MP (p = 0.001), while job title (p = 0.008) and years of work experience (p = 0.018) were significantly associated with attitudes towards MP vaccination. Age group was significantly associated with MP vaccination status (p = 0.002), while gender, educational level, job title, and years of work experience were not significantly associated with vaccination status. Conclusions: HCWs demonstrated an adequate level of knowledge about MP; however, important knowledge gaps and negative attitudes towards MP vaccination remained. Despite recognising the importance of vaccination, vaccine uptake was low. Educational level was associated with knowledge about MP, while job title and years of work experience were associated with attitudes towards MP vaccination, and age group was associated with MP vaccination status. Targeted educational interventions and evidence-based awareness programmes may enhance knowledge, improve preparedness for future MP outbreaks, and decrease vaccine hesitancy among HCWs.