A study of long COVID-19 in Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq.

INTRODUCTION: Long COVID-19 refers to a range of symptoms and complications that persist after being infected with COVID-19 or develop some time after recovery. Our study aimed at assessing the prevalence of long COVID-19 in Duhok city, Iraq and its correlation with epidemiological and clinical variables. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and August 2022. A questionnaire was used for data collection from participants aged 18 and older. The questionnaire included demographic information and clinical data. RESULTS: Among the 1039 participants, (49.7%) were male with a mean age of 34.048 ± 13 years. Total infected volunteers were 492 (47.4%), out of which 20.7% did not have long COVID-19 and 26.7% had long COVID-19. The most common long COVID-19 manifestations were fatigue (57%), hair loss (39%) and loss/change in the sense of smell or taste (35%). Correlation between the variables gender, comorbidities, age, and duration of infection, and long COVID-19 were significant (p values = 0.016, 0.018, 0.001, and 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between long COVID-19 cases and age, gender, comorbidities, and duration of infection. The data of this report can be used as a baseline for studies that may help further understand long COVID-19 sequelae.

A study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity in Duhok City, Iraq.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to investigate the positivity rate of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors. METHODOLOGY: Data and blood samples were collected between January 10th and December 30th, 2021 based on COVID-19 infection by using a designated questionnaire. The blood samples were used for the detection of total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. RESULTS: 743 participants were recruited and 62.58% of them were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Among these, 56.34% denied any symptoms of COVID-19. A higher positivity rate was found among females than men (OR = 1.5, CI = 1.1-2.0, p = 0.0073). Participants that had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past had a significantly higher prevalence of antibodies, and were nearly four times more likely to develop antibodies (OR = 4.0, CI = 2.4-6.8, p < 0.0001). Interestingly, only 3% of the participants with previous COVID-19 were seronegative while 46.54% were positive for antibodies without having a history of COVID-19 infection. Participants that reported symptoms were 2.6 times more likely to develop antibodies (OR = 2.6, CI = 1.9-3.6, p < 0.0001). Lastly, we found age to be significantly associated with the production of antibodies (CI = 13.3-14.7, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The information from this study can be used to mitigate and develop tailored vaccination efforts and plan evidence-based strategies to better mitigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Kurdistan-Iraq.

A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey.

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused.

Phylogenetic relatedness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from the host community and Syrian refugees in Duhok Governorate based on 16S rRNA.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic relatedness between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from the host community of Duhok City and Syrian refugees based on the partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene, and to investigate the prevalence of SCCmec and vancomycin resistance. Methods: Thirty MRSA isolates that had previously been detected and characterized were included. PCR was used for SCCmec typing, vancomycin detection, and amplification of the 16S rRNA gene for sequencing. Results: The MRSA isolates were identical and highly similar to globally published S. aureus strains, especially human nasal cavity strains. The phylogenetic tree showed that the isolates were grouped into two major groups: groups 1 and 2. Group 2 was divergent from group 1 and included isolates from the host community and Syrian refugees (new arrivals). Group 1 included isolates from the three groups, and these were genetically closely related. Most strains in both study groups were SCCmec type IVa and clustered on the same lineage of the tree. The highest rate of vancomycin resistance was found among the isolates from refugees. Conclusions: The close relationship between MRSA strains in the two study groups could be due to the geographical location of neighboring countries, which enhances the spread of MRSA strains between them.

A study of HBV infection and its risk factors in pregnant women in Zakho city, Iraq.

BACKGROUND: Despite vaccine and antiviral treatment availability, hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to circulate among pregnant women in Iraq. HBV spread is due to many factors. This study evaluated HBV prevalence among pregnant women and Syrian refugees residing in Zakho city, Iraq, and identified risk factors associated with infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic data were collected from 2,054 pregnant women via a questionnaire assessing risk factors associated with HBV infection. Blood samples were collected for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and were screened using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Tests revealed that 1.1% of pregnant women in Zakho and 11.3% of Syrian refugees (p = 0.001) were positive for HBsAg. The average age of HBsAg-positive patients was 31.4286 ± 6.6746 years (p = 0.002). Average rates of parity and abortion in HBV-infected subjects were 3.5 ± 2.6874 and 0.1785 ± 0.5479, respectively (p = 0.044 and 0.012, respectively). The following were identified as associated risk factors for HBV infection: nationality, (Zakho versus the city centre), tattoos, and polygamy (p = 0.001, 0.03, 0.007, and 0.001, respectively). No significant associations between HBV prevalence and blood transfusion, prior injection history, dental procedures, or surgical procedures were found. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HBV infection among Syrian refugees was higher than that of indigenous participants. Several risk factors were significantly associated with HBV positivity, which may facilitate effective preventive program implementation and decrease mother-to-child transmission risk. This will likely reduce infant and childhood HBV chronicity, and mortality rates.

Characterization of different virulent factors in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from Iraqis and Syrian refugees in Duhok city, Iraq.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious public health problem. There is limited information regarding the genetics of MRSA strains among the native Iraqi and incoming Syrian refugee communities. We aimed to characterize the genotypes and different virulence factors of MRSA in strains isolated from these two communities. Frozen MRSA strains (125) isolated from the native Iraqi and Syrian refugee communities were used in this study. PCR (singleplex and multiplex) and agr typing was used for the genotypic analysis of different virulence genes. We tested for the presence of virulence genes including pvl, arcA, tst, lukE/lukD, hla, hlb, eta, etb and agr. Prevalence of arcA MRSA in the Iraqi community (56.58%) was significantly higher (p = 0.008) than that in the Syrian refugee community (32.66%). Prevalence of lukE-lukD was also significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the Iraqi (82.89%) compared to that in the Syrian refugee community (57.14%). Further, prevalence of hla MRSA in the Iraqi community was (93.4%) and in the Syrian refugee community was (71.4%); (p = 0.0008). No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of pvl, tst, eta, etb and hlb. The most dominant agr types in both Iraqi (76.1% and 10.5%) and Syrian refugee (44.9% and 18.37%) communities were I and III. To sum up, no significant differences were observed between the groups for a majority of virulence factors. This is the first investigation of MRSA genotypes and virulence in both these communities. These results could be useful for further studies that assess the genetic relatedness of strains in the region for epidemiological and monitoring purposes, which would be crucial to limiting the spread of MRSA.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage rate and molecular characterization of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec among Syrian refugees in Iraq.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage rates and to characterize the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) among Syrian refugees and the host community in Duhok, Iraq. METHODS: A total of 492 host community and 355 Syrian refugee subjects were recruited. Participant bio-information was collected using a study questionnaire. MRSA carriage was identified as recommended in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. PCR was performed for typing the mecA gene and SCCmec groups. RESULTS: In the host community, 76/492 (15.4%) carried MRSA, whereas 49/355 (13.8%) Syrian refugees carried MRSA (p = 0.505). Refugees were classified according to their arrival date; 36/278 (13%) existing refugees and 13/77 (16.9%) new refugee arrivals were identified as MRSA carriers (p = 0.375). Regarding the risk factors influencing MRSA spread, no association was found between MRSA prevalence and risk factors. The most common types of SCCmec in both communities were types IVa and V: 67.1% and 5.26%, and 49% and 2.04%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is inferred that the effect of MRSA in refugees on the host community will be negligible. However, the refugee carriage rate is higher than that found in Western countries, the final destination of refugees. Therefore, screening for MRSA is mandated and the rapid detection of carriers would prevent its spread.