Conducted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences

UAE study reveals unknown bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics

  • The study emphasized the necessity of responsible use of antibiotics to prevent the spread of bacteria.

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  • Dr. Abiola Senock: "The research shows that we need to take immediate steps to prevent the emergence of more dangerous strains."

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Researchers from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences conducted an important research study, based on genotyping research, that revealed previously unknown strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Arabian Gulf region.

The new results represent a quantum leap in the field of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which causes many bacterial infections that are difficult to treat due to its resistance to several antibiotics.

The infection caused by these bacteria is linked to the failure of treatment, and thus causes many complications in patients. It also prolongs the patient’s stay in the hospital, and in severe cases it may lead to death, in addition to its great economic burden.

It is currently estimated that up to 35% of Staphylococcus aureus infections in the UAE are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The study of genotyping aims to gain a better understanding of the molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and their increasing prevalence, and to find the best ways to treat them, due to the lack of adequate information about the molecular properties of these bacteria isolates in the UAE, in addition to their severe drug resistance.

This study, funded by the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is the first of its kind in the UAE, as the study was completed in cooperation with teams from the Dubai Health Authority, Rashid Hospital in Dubai, Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai, and Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital in Umm Al Quwain. And Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, as well as the participation of colleagues from health institutions in Germany, including the Leibniz Institute for Optical Technology and the InfectoGnostics Research Campus in Jena, Germany.

The study obtained the approval of the Academic Research Ethics Council and the scientific research ethics committees in the institutions and centers participating in the study.

The joint efforts yielded a number of major results, such as the presence of a variety of methicillin-resistant bacteria in the UAE, and the emergence of previously unknown strains in the Arab Gulf states, including rare strains and new strains.

The study also found that the genetic profile of these bacteria indicates that misuse of antibiotics may contribute to their development.

Dr. Abiola Senok, Professor of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, who led the research, said: “Mohammed Bin Rashid University is committed to conducting the most advanced, advanced research with valuable findings and findings, in line with our mission to advance health in the UAE. And the region, so we are honored to cooperate with our esteemed colleagues to complete this pioneering study. ”

She added: “This research has yielded some stimulating results, and has shown that we need to take immediate steps to prevent the emergence of more dangerous or drug-resistant strains, and as we celebrate World Antibiotic Awareness Week from 18 to 24 November 2020, we remember that antibiotics are valuable. We all have a shared responsibility to maintain it through the responsible use and continued monitoring of antibiotics as a means of controlling methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. ”

The study and its findings are published in Scientific Reports, Nature Research's leading scientific journal.

The study of genotyping aims to better understand strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

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