Ahmed Basheer Mohammed

Professor

The Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis among Iraqi Population

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular zoonotic protozoon, with a worldwide distribution infecting humans and almost all warm blooded animals. This review highlights the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Iraq, and focus on the effects of variable risk factors, clinical features, and preventive strategies. Toxoplasmosis is recognized as a considerable public health issue in Iraq, numerous studies reported variable seroprevalences among populations. The variability in seropositivity is influenced by geographical location, age, hygienic and socio economic conditions. Higher seroprevalence is particularly reported among rural communities, pregnant women, and individuals with frequent exposure to animals or contaminated soil. The main routes for acquiring toxoplasmosis are eating or drinking contaminated food or water, being in close contact with contaminated soil, eating undercooked infected meat, and congenitally. Clinically, toxoplasmosis can be either asymptomatic, or exhibits mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications or even death in immunocompromised people and congenital infections in infants. Screening programs for pregnant women and serological testing for immunocompromised individuals can aid in early diagnosis and timely intervention. In conclusion toxoplasmosis seroprevalence is influenced by variable socio-demographic and environmental factors that affect its distribution and transmission. Further research is required to determine the actual seroprevalence and the associated factors in order to improve the control measures, and prevent the occurrence of new cases. Therefore, the introduction of health education programs and sanitary measure among the community are necessary to minimize the burden of toxoplasmosis and its related health consequences.

Supervisor and member of examining committee for MSc thesis in the college of science at the university of Zakho

Member of examining committee for Ph.D thesis in the College of Agriculture at the university of Duhok

Head of examining committee for MSc. Thesis in the college of Science at the university of Zakho

Member of examining committee for MSc. Thesis in the College of Medicine at the University of Duhok

Evaluation of Manuscript ID: EJVS-2508-3021 for the Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Member of examining committee for Ph.D Thesis in the College of Medicine at the University of Duhok

The prevalence of parasite eggs and larvae in stray dogs’ fecal samples collected from Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Peshmarga Hall

A significant number of zoonoses, such as cutaneous, visceral, and hydatidosis, are spread by stray dogs. Uncontrolled dog populations pose a serious threat to public health. Intestinal parasites in canine can cause malnutrition, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. Several species of internal parasites that exist in dogs’ intestine may lead to zoonotic diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal Helminths parasites of stray dogs in Zakho.

Prevalence and molecular detection of amoebae species in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Peshmarga Hall

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is the third major contributor to human mortality and morbidity outside of malaria and schistosomiasis. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and molecular identification of Entamoeba spp. among outpatients of two teaching hospitals in Duhok city who agreed to participate in the study to assess the impact of associated risk variables on the infection rate and detection of genotypes for Entamoeba spp.

Molecular Identification of Fasciola spp. Isolated from Domestic Animals Based on DNA Sequencing of the Nuclear Ribosomal ITS1 -ITS2 Markers, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Hall No.216

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Fasciola species (F. hepatica and F. gigantica) and found in more than 50 countries where sheep and cattle are reared . Fasciola can infect humans, causing a disease called fascioliasis. Humans become infected by: 1.Consuming raw or contaminated vegetables. 2.Drinking contaminated water that contains the larval forms of the parasite. The purpose of the current study is to designate the molecular characteristics of Fasciola spp. isolated from domestic animals in five districts (Duhok, Zakho, Shelidiza, Aqrah and Bardarash) of Duhok governorate, Kurdistan region/Iraq, and to analyze the phylogenetic relationships by sequences of ITS-1 and ITS-2.

Pedagogical Training

Pedagogical training course focused on modern teaching methodology and deep learning approach.

Modern Teaching and Research Methodology

This course was about how to write and publish a scientific paper . It was held in collaboration with Lulea University, Sweden.

Modern Teaching Methodology and Excellence in University Teaching.

This course was held by Institute of International Education in collaboration with USA Consulate in Erbil .

Leadership Program

An extensive leadership training program administrated by Tennessee state university

Intermediate English Language Course

This course was held at Calderdale College, UK and it included the following: 1. General English 2. Reading and Writing Skills 3.Listening and Speaking Skills 4. Grammar and Vocabulary 5. Academic English 6. Presentation 7. Business English

Biodiversity and Integrated Management Program

This course was held at ICARDA to get training on molecular characterization on small ruminants in the Biotechnology lab.

The prevalence of parasite eggs and larvae in stray dogs’ fecal samples collected from Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

A significant number of zoonoses, such as cutaneous, visceral, and hydatidosis, are spread by stray dogs. Uncontrolled dog populations pose a serious threat to public health. Finding out how common intestinal helminthes parasites are in stray dogs in Zakho was the aim of this study. In dogs, intestinal parasites can result in anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Numerous internal parasite species found in dogs' intestines have the potential to cause zoonotic illnesses. 400 stray dog fecal samples were taken from the soil surface at 17 distinct locations in Zakho city between January and July of 2025 as part of the study. Before the data were statistically processed, the feces were inspected using the direct wet mount and sedimentation approach to look for parasite eggs. In this study, 61.25% (245/400) of the samples tested positive for at least one parasite, indicating a high overall prevalence of parasitic infection. At 33% of infections (132/400), Taenia species were the most found parasites. Strongyloides stercoralis came in second at 16.75% (67/400) and Toxocara spp. at 7.5% (30/400). At far lower percentages, ranging from 0.25% to 1.75%, other parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, undifferentiated nematode eggs, and Fasciola hepatica were found too. a p-value of less than 0.001 and a highly significant chi-square value (χ2=409.200). It became apparent that in order to lower the danger of disease in both humans and other animals, an educational program for Zakho dog owners should be created.