Mohamed Ismail Garbi

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is known as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Investigation of the MRSA’s virulence and resistance mechanisms is a continuing concern toward controlling such burdens through using high throughput whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and molecular diagnostic assays. The objective of the present study is to perform whole-genome sequencing of MRSA isolated from Sudan using Illumina Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform. The genome of MRSA strain SO-1977 consists of 2,827,644 bp with 32.8% G + C, 59 RNAs and 2629 predicted coding sequences (CDSs). The genome has 26 systems, one of which is the major class in the disease virulence and defence. A total of 83 genes were annotated to virulence disease and defence category some of these genes coding as functional proteins. Based on genome analysis, it is speculated that the SO-1977 strain has resistant genes to Teicoplanin, Fluoroquinolones, Quinolone, Cephamycins, Tetracycline, Acriflavin and Carbapenems. The results revealed that the SO-1977, strain isolated from Sudan has a wide range of antibiotic resistance compared to related strains. The study reports for the first time the whole genome sequence of Sudan MRSA isolates. The release of the genome sequence of the strain SO-1977 will avail MRSA in public databases for further investigations on the evolution of resistant mechanism and dissemination of the -resistant genes of MRSA.

Giardia is a flagellate protozoan with worldwide distribution that causes significant gastrointestinal diseases in a wide variety of vertebrates including cats and human. Gairdia lamblia is one of the intestinal protozoa that cause public health problems in most developing countries as well as some developed countries. This study was carried out to evaluate Antigiardial activity of Bauhinia rufsescens (Leaves) petroleum ether and methanolic extracts in vitro test were perform using four concentrations: (1000, 500, 250 and 125 ppm). The highest activity against G. lameblia with respect to time was obtained from petroleum ether extract which exhibited 77.12% mortality within 72 h in 1000 ppm concentration, followed by the same extract which exhibited 76.04% mortality within 72 h with concentration of 500 ppm. On the other hand, the lowest antigiardial activity was recorded by B. rufescens petroleum ether extract 82.8% mortality with 125 ppm concentration within 24 hours, with whereas Metronidazol, a pure compound (positive control) showed 83.42% mortality within 72 hours. This result shows that the most potent antigiardial activity was demonstrated in B. rufescens petroleum ether extract at all concentrations (i.e. 74% mortality within 72 hours) and that B. rufescens species, as claimed also by tradition, is a promising species in treating G. lamblia .

Background: West Nile virus is one of the transfusion transmitted viral infections with worldwide distribution; it can cause severe disorders of the Central Nervous System. Aim: This research aimed to provide information about the seroprevalence of WNV among blood donors at Central Blood Bank, Khartoum State-Sudan. Materials & methods: Ninety sera specimen were randomly collected from blood donors at Central Blood Bank. All collected sera specimen were tested for the presence anti-West Nile virus (IgM & IgG) antibodies by using semi-quantitative indirect ELISA. Results: Out of Ninety blood donor sera, 40 (44.4 %) were reactive for anti-WNV IgG antibody, whereas 2 (2.2%) were reactive for anti-WNV IgM antibody. Conclusion & recommendations: In spite of higher percentage of Blood Donors at Central Blood Bank, Khartoum State-Sudan was exposed to West Nile virus, there were few recent cases. High care should be taken by health authorities for screening of blood donors, particularly when administered to immunocompromised patients.