Browsing by Author "Badla, Beshr Abdulaziz"

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Genetic determinants of severe COVID 19 in young Asian and Middle Eastern patients: a case series
(2023) Badla, Beshr Abdulaziz; Hanifa, Mohamed Samer; Al Suwaidi, Hanan; Nowotny, Norbert; Popatia, Rizwana; Alsheikh-Ali, Alawi; Loney, Tom; Tayoun, Ahmad Abou
Abstract: Studies of genetic factors associated with severe COVID-19 in young adults have been limited in non-Caucasian populations. Here, we clinically characterize a case series of patients with COVID19, who were otherwise healthy, young adults (N= 55; mean age 34.1 ±SD 5.0 years) from 16 Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African countries. Using whole exome sequencing, we identify rare, likely deleterious variants afecting 16 immune-related genes in 17 out of 55 patients (31%), including 7 patients (41% of all carriers or 12.7% of all patients) who harbored multiple such variants mainly in interferon and toll-like receptor genes. Protein network analysis as well as transcriptomic analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs from an independent COVID-19 cohort (N= 50; 42% Asians and 22% Arabs) revealed that most of the altered genes, as identifed by whole exome sequencing, and the associated molecular pathways were signifcantly altered in COVID-19 patients. Genetic variants tended to be associated with mortality, intensive care admission, and ventilation support. Our clinical cases series, genomic and transcriptomic fndings suggest a possible role for interferon pathway genes in severe COVID-19 and highlight the importance of extending genetic studies to diverse populations to better understand the human genetics of disease.
Post-Meningitic Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Consequences of Streptococcal Infections on the Central Nervous System.
(2024-10-15) Kaddoura, Rachid; Abdalbari, Karim; Badla, Beshr Abdulaziz; Hijleh, Amin Abu; Hanifa, Mohamed; AlAshkar, Masa; Asbaita, Mohamed; Othman, Deema; Faraji, Hanan; AlBakri, Orjwan; Tahlak, Sara; Hijleh, Amir Abu; Kabbani, Raneem; Resen, Murtadha; Du Plessis, Stefan S; Omolaoye, Temidayo S
Streptococcus species represent a significant global cause of meningitis, leading to brain damage through bacterial virulence factors and the host inflammatory response. Upon entering the central nervous system (CNS), excessive inflammation leads to various neurological and psychological complications. This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms and associated outcomes of streptococcal meningitis, particularly its short- and long-term neurological sequelae. Neurological symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, motor deficits, and sensory loss, are shown to vary in severity, with children being particularly susceptible to lasting complications. Among survivors, hearing loss, cognitive decline, and cranial nerve palsies emerge as the most frequently reported complications. The findings highlight the need for timely intervention, including neurorehabilitation strategies that focus on optimizing recovery and mitigating long-term disabilities. Future recommendations emphasize improving early diagnosis, expanding vaccine access, and personalizing rehabilitation protocols to enhance patient outcomes. As a novel contribution, this review proposes the term "post-meningitic syndrome" to showcase the broad spectrum of CNS complications that persist following streptococcal meningitis, providing a framework for a future clinical and research focus.