The position is the president of the University of Anbar. My academic degree is a full professor in Medical Microbiology/Molecular biology. My area of research interest is the molecular diagnosis of infectious disease, and molecular cytogenetics including the detection of chromosomal abnormalities either numerical or structural aberrations in different diseases, Y chromosome microdeletion and genetic detection of AZF region of Infertile subjects. Further, antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo in addition to the mechanisms of resistance and the modern molecular genetic techniques to avoid it like phage therapy and CRISPR as genome editing technology.
EDUCATION
-B.Sc., Bachelor in Science of Biology, College of Science, University of Anbar
-M.Sc. Med. Microbiol., Quantitative susceptibility test for antimicrobial agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from Ramadi Teaching Hospital in Ramadi. M.Sc. thesis. College of Medicine, University of Anbar, 1999.
-. Microbiol., Molecular, bacteriological and immunological aspects in the diagnosis of human brucellosis. A thesis submitted to the College of Medicine-University of Baghdad for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Microbiology/Molecular biology, 2007.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
My research is focusing on the molecular biology, molecular cytogenetic, CRISPR, molecular genetics and Antimicrobial agents including mode of action, mechanisms of resistance on gene level.
Investigation of carbapenemase-encoding genes in Burkholderia cepacia and Aeromonas sobria isolates from nosocomial infections in Iraqi patients Mushtak T. S. Al-Ouqaili, Rawaa A. Hussein, Bushra A. Kanaan, Ahmed T. S. Al-Neda Plos One, 2025 Burkholderia cepacia and Aeromonas sobria are difficult to eradicate due to their innate resistance to a variety of medications, and cause various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of carbapenemase genes and patterns of antibiotic resistance in isolates of B. cepacia and A. sobria. Randomly, 120 clinical specimens have been collected in patients with nosocomial infections. Selective media were used to culture ear swabs, urine, burns, wounds and cerebrospinal fluids. According to biochemical tests and the VITEK-2 system, 75 of these demonstrated positive growth with B. cepacia and A. sobria. Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) synthesis was phenotypically screened using the meropenem-EDTA disc test. The recA gene in B. cepacia and the genes encoding carbapenemase in both species were found using PCR tests. Among the 75 isolates assessed 20 (26.6%) were A. sobria and 55 (73.3%) were B. cepacia. Piperacillin, cefepime, and ceftriaxone showed antimicrobial resistance of 100%, followed by ceftazidime (97.3%), cefazolin (96%), and piperacillin/ tazobactam (94.6%). Intermediate resistance was reported with aztreonam (61.3%), meropenem (49.3%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (49.3%), gentamicin (46.6%), levofloxacin (44%), and ciprofloxacin (44%). It is important to note minocycline (40%), amikacin (40%) imipenem (36%) and tigecycline (34.6%), had the lowest resistance rates, hence their relatively higher efficacy against the tested isolates. In this investigation, the B. cepacia was confirmed to be found via the recA gene. The overall prevalence of carbapenemase genes was 92.8% (52/56) with blaKPC accounting for 80.8% (42/52) and blaGES for 19.2% (10/52) of the total. Specifically, 38 (90.51%) of the 42 (76.36%) B. cepacia isolates that were positive in carbapenem resistance carried blaKPC gene, 2 (4.81%) isolates carried blaGES, and 2 (4.81%) had no detectable carbapenemase gene. In the case of the 14 A. sobria carbapenem-resistant isolates, there were 4 isolates (28.6%) that had blaKPC, 8 isolates (57.1%) that had blaGES and there were 2 isolates (14.3%) that did not have any carbapenemase genes. None of isolates studied tested positive for the blaIMP gene. The recent study concluded that recA gene identification was more sensitive and specific technique for detection B. cepacia complex isolates. Since the prevalence of carbapenemase producers is high, careful infection control measures, rapid diagnostics, and antimicrobial stewardship must be implemented by clinicians. It is necessary that combination therapy be guided and early detectable to ensure better outcomes and restrict resistance.
Improving the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Using Conventional and Molecular Techniques Noor Al‐Huda A. Bahar, Mushtak T. S. Al‐Ouqaili, Nabeel M. Talib Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis, 2025 BackgroundThe Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) represented a finding of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in most cases which formed from t (9; 22) (q34; q11) resulting in the Breakpoint cluster region‐Abelson tyrosine‐protein kinase1 (BCR‐ABL1) fusion gene. Assuming CCE's inaccuracies in diagnosing CML and FISH's limitations with low BCR‐ABL1 percentages, a Predicted‐FISH (Pred‐FISH) was developed. This model predicts treatment response during follow‐up by integrating qRT‐PCR results, White Blood Cell (WBC) counts, and Cytogenetic Response data.MethodsQuantitative Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis (qRT‐PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and Conventional Cytogenetic Examination (CCE or Karyotyping) have been used in the detection and follow‐up of CML patients. The study included 110 individuals, divided into three groups: 31.82% (35 individuals) were newly diagnosed CML patients, another 22.73% (25 individuals) were healthy control samples, and the remaining 45.45% (50 individuals) were previously diagnosed CML patients.ResultsInclude BCR‐ABL1 fusion gene levels detected by qRT‐PCR, Ph chromosome presence t (9; 22) (q34; q11) observed by CCE, and WBC counts. The FISH test, used to confirm disease in new patients before treatment, was compared to CCE results due to its insensitivity in certain conditions. Data from CCE, FISH, qRT‐PCR, and WBC for newly diagnosed patients provided a standard for evaluating the Predicted‐FISH.ConclusionThe FISH technique excels in disease detection with over 98% accuracy and high sensitivity. QRT‐PCR is effective for monitoring CML and BCR‐ABL1 gene levels, indicating MMR and DMR. CCE, while useful for posttreatment monitoring, is less accurate in measuring treatment response over time.
Whole Genome Sequencing Insights on Extensive Drug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Traumatic Infection Hekmat Ahmed Owaid, Mushtak Talib Salih Al-Ouqaili Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2025 Background and Objective: It is well documented that Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has recently used to explore new resistance patterns and track the dissemination of extensive and pan drug-resistant microbes in healthcare settings. This article explores the link between traumatic infections caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs) leading to coma and the development of chest infections caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out from March to December 2022 which included a 45-year-old male patient admitted to the ICU of Al Ramadi Teaching Hospitals following a severe RTA that resulted in a TBI and subsequent coma. Two study isolates were diagnosed bacteriologically using the VITEK®-2 technique including resistant mechanisms like extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases. Whole genome sequencing was performed using a DNA nanoball sequencing platform from BGI-Tech. Genome assembly and annotation were done using the bacterial bioinformatics resource center. The report on Comprehensive Genome Analysis includes a phylogenetic analysis using the reference and representative genomes provided by PATRIC. Results: Klebsiella pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa isolates were XDR, producing ESBLs and carbapenemases. The WGS detection NDM-5 gene in the K. pneumoniae strain is not very common compared to the NDM-1 and blaOXA-181 g. At the same time, a file in P. aeruginosa isolate found genes GES-type ESBL (not reported in Iraq before), blaPAO and blaOXA-396 with NDM-1 all these genes are carbapenemases. In phylogenetic analysis, the K. pneumoniae isolate has an evolutionary relationship with strains originating from China while P. aeruginosa was globally unique. Conclusion: The XDR K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa pose a public health threat. The WGS revealed unique virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes associated with nosocomial outbreaks. The XDR isolates carrying NDM-5, blaOXA-181 and GES-type ESBL genes were detected.
Harnessing bacterial immunity: CRISPR-Cas system as a versatile tool in combating pathogens and revolutionizing medicine Mushtak T. S. Al-Ouqaili, Amna Ahmad, Noor A. Jwair, Farah Al-Marzooq Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2025 Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology has emerged as an adaptable instrument for several uses. The CRISPR–Cas system employs Cas proteins and programmable RNA molecules to guide the recognition and cleavage of specific DNA regions, permitting accurate genome editing. It is derived from the bacterial immune system and allows for accurate and efficient modification of DNA sequences. This technique provides unparalleled gene editing, control, and precise alteration opportunities. This review aims to offer a comprehensive update of the core concepts of the CRISPR–Cas system and recent progress, while also providing an overview of the significant applications in diverse fields such as microbiology and medicine. The CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing technique has facilitated substantial advancements in comprehending gene function, simulating diseases, and creating innovative therapeutics. CRISPR-based therapeutics present a hopeful prospect for addressing intricate ailments, including genetic disorders, malignancies, and infectious diseases, as they serve as viable substitutes for conventional pharmaceuticals. In microbiology, this method serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool that proves highly efficient in eliminating bacteria that have developed resistance to various antibiotics. Despite its significant potential, CRISPR encounters ethical, safety, and regulatory obstacles that necessitate meticulous deliberation. Concerns regarding off-target effects, poor delivery to target tissues, and unwanted side effects emphasize the necessity to thoroughly examine the technology. It is necessary to balance the advantages and difficulties CRISPR presents. Consequently, more rigorous preclinical and clinical experiments are essential before using it in humans.
Biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for selected antimicrobial agents against planktonic and sessile cells of clinical isolates of staphylococci using MICs, BICs and MBECs Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2018
Molecular detection of medically important carbapenemases genes expressed by metallo-β-lactamase producer isolates of pseudomonas aeruginosa and klebsiella pneumoniae Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2018
Identification of an OprD and blaIMP Gene-mediated Carbapenem Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among Patients with Wound Infections in Iraq Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2018
Depending on HPLC and PCR, detection of aflatoxin B1 extracted from Aspergillus flavus strains and it's cytotoxic effect on AFB treated-hematopoietic stem cells obtained from human umbilical cord Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2018
Biofilm formation on multi, extensively, and pan-drug resistance in nosocomial ESKAPE pathogens among Iraqi patients SM Salman, MTS Al-Ouqaili, BKS Al-Obaidi Journal of University of Anbar for Pure Science 20 (1), 42-53 , 2026 2026
Molecular and bacteriological characterization of colistin and carbapenem-resistant nosocomial isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different Iraqi hospitals DA Abbas, MTS Al-Ouqaili, MJ Alfeehan Journal of Infection and Public Health, 103118 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Harnessing bacterial immunity: CRISPR-Cas system as a versatile tool in combating pathogens and MTS Al-Ouqaili, A Ahmad2t, NA Jwair Recent Advancements in the Research Models of Infectious Diseases , 2025 2025
The Occurrence of CRISPR-encoding Genes in Extensively Drug-resistant Escherichia Coli Causing Urinary Tract Infection. MTS Al-Ouqaili, NQ Jameel, MM Sabri Al-Anbar Medical Journal 21 (4) , 2025 2025 Citations: 13
Investigation of carbapenemase-encoding genes in Burkholderia cepacia and Aeromonas sobria isolates from nosocomial infections in Iraqi patients MTS Al-Ouqaili, RA Hussein, BA Kanaan, ATS Al-Neda PLoS One 20 (8), e0315490 , 2025 2025 Citations: 25
Harnessing bacterial immunity: CRISPR-Cas system as a versatile tool in combating pathogens and revolutionizing medicine MTS Al-Ouqaili, A Ahmad, NA Jwair, F Al-Marzooq Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology 15, 1588446 , 2025 2025 Citations: 35
Improving the Diagnosis and Follow‐Up of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Using Conventional and Molecular Techniques NAHA Bahar, MTS Al‐Ouqaili, NM Talib Journal of clinical laboratory analysis 39 (5), e70001 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Molecular characterization and genome sequencing of selected highly resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its association with the clustered regularly … HA Owaid, MTS Al-Ouqaili Heliyon 11 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 32
Whole Genome Sequencing Insights on Extensive Drug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Traumatic Infection. HA Owaid, MTS Al-Ouqaili Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences: PJBS 28 (2), 78-87 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Molecular, cytogenetic, and hematological monitoring and response to treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia patients NA Bahar, MT Al-Ouqaili, NM Talib Al Anbar Med J 20, 218-223 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Association of FokI, Tru91, and ApaI vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome: A molecular genetic study WT Abdul-Lateef, MTS Al-Ouqaili, RM Murshid Journal of King Saud University - Science 36, 1-8 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
An investigation of carbapenemase-encoding genes in Burkholderia cepacia and Aeromonas sobria nosocomial infections among Iraqi patients MTS Al-Ouqaili, RA Hussein, BA Kanaan, ATS Al-Neda bioRxiv, 2024.11. 28.625853 , 2024 2024
Association Between NsiI and PmLI Insulin Receptors on the Development of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. WT Abdul-Lateef, SAO MT, RM Murshid Pakistan journal of biological sciences: PJBS 27 (11), 526-536 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Genomic approach to studying the relationship between the CRISPR/Cas system and multidrug resistance in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae HA Owaid, MTS Al-Ouqaili, F Al-Marzooq bioRxiv, 2024.09. 11.612500 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Microbial vaginosis and its relation to single or multi-species biofilm in Iraqi women: Clinical and microbiological study RM Murshid, MTS Al-Ouqaili, BAJ Kanaan Pak J Biol Sci 27 (8), 404-412 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
Molecular and bacteriological investigations for the co-existence CRISPR/Cas system and β-lactamases of types extended-spectrum and carbapenemases in Multidrug, extensive drug … HA Owaid, MTS Al-Ouqaili Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 31 (7), 104022 , 2024 2024 Citations: 40
Recent advances of plant-mediated metal nanoparticles: Synthesis, properties, and emerging applications for wastewater treatment MA Dheyab, N Oladzadabbasabadi, AA Aziz, PM Khaniabadi, ... Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 12 (2), 112345 , 2024 2024 Citations: 85
Molecular cytogenetic analysis of multi-miscarriage products of conception in clinical cases from Al-Anbar Governorate, west of Iraq MTS Al-Ouqaili, RM Murshid, BY Abd Al-Kariem, BA Kanaan, ... Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 31 (3), 103932 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
lncRNA-microRNA axis in cancer drug resistance: particular focus on signaling pathways RO Saleh, MTS Al-Ouqaili, E Ali, S Alhajlah, AH Kareem, MN Shakir, ... Medical Oncology 41 (2), 52 , 2024 2024 Citations: 53
The influence of efflux pump, outer membrane permeability and β-lactamase production on the resistance profile of multi, extensively and pandrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae RA Hussein, SH AL-Kubaisy, MTS Al-Ouqaili Journal of Infection and Public Health 17 (11), 102544 , 2024 2024 Citations: 80
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Antibiotic resistance: The challenges and some emerging strategies for tackling a global menace D Chinemerem Nwobodo, MC Ugwu, C Oliseloke Anie, MTS Al‐Ouqaili, ... Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis 36 (9), e24655 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1250
Detection of Helicobacter pylori infection by invasive and non-invasive techniques in patients with gastrointestinal disease in Iraq: A validation study RA Hussein, MTS Al-Ouqaili, YH Maheed Plose one , 2021 2021 Citations: 117
Recent advances of plant-mediated metal nanoparticles: Synthesis, properties, and emerging applications for wastewater treatment MA Dheyab, N Oladzadabbasabadi, AA Aziz, PM Khaniabadi, ... Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 12 (2), 112345 , 2024 2024 Citations: 85
Isolation and identification of potential probiotic Lactobacillus species from feces of infants in southwest Iran N Jomehzadeh, H Javaherizadeh, M Amin, M Saki, MTS Al-Ouqaili, ... International Journal of Infectious Diseases 96, 524-530 , 2020 2020 Citations: 85
The influence of efflux pump, outer membrane permeability and β-lactamase production on the resistance profile of multi, extensively and pandrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae RA Hussein, SH AL-Kubaisy, MTS Al-Ouqaili Journal of Infection and Public Health 17 (11), 102544 , 2024 2024 Citations: 80
Prevalence of CRISPR-Cas Systems and Their Possible Association with Antibiotic Resistance in Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium Collected from … AHM Alduhaidhawi, SN AlHuchaimi, TA Al-Mayah, MTS Al-Ouqaili, ... Infection and Drug Resistance, 1143-1154 , 2022 2022 Citations: 74
Detection of clarithromycin resistance and 23SrRNA point mutations in clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori isolates: Phenotypic and molecular methods RA Hussein, MTS Al-Ouqaili, YH Majeed Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 29 (1), 513-520 , 2022 2022 Citations: 71
Identification of an OprD and blaIMP Gene-mediated Carbapenem Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among Patients with Wound Infections in Iraq MTS Al-Ouqaili, AS Jal’oot, AS Badawy Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics (AJP) 12 (03), 959-965 , 2018 2018 Citations: 57
Inverse association between the existence of CRISPR/Cas systems with antibiotic resistance, extended spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenemase production in multidrug, extensive … NA Jwair, MTS Al-Ouqaili, F Al-Marzooq Antibiotics 12 (6), 980 , 2023 2023 Citations: 55
lncRNA-microRNA axis in cancer drug resistance: particular focus on signaling pathways RO Saleh, MTS Al-Ouqaili, E Ali, S Alhajlah, AH Kareem, MN Shakir, ... Medical Oncology 41 (2), 52 , 2024 2024 Citations: 53
Molecular Detection of Medically Important Carbapenemases Genes Expressed by Metallo-β-lactamase Producer Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae MTS Al-Ouqaili, SA Al-Taei, A Al-Najjar Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics 12 (03), 991-1001 , 2018 2018 Citations: 47
Molecular and bacteriological investigations for the co-existence CRISPR/Cas system and β-lactamases of types extended-spectrum and carbapenemases in Multidrug, extensive drug … HA Owaid, MTS Al-Ouqaili Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 31 (7), 104022 , 2024 2024 Citations: 40
Study of vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA) genotypes of ulcerogenic and non-ulcerogenic strains of Helicobacter pylori and its association with gastric disease MTS Al-Ouqaili, RA Hussein, YH Majeed, F Al-Marzooq Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 30 (12), 103867 , 2023 2023 Citations: 37
Biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for selected antimicrobial agents against planktonic and sessile cells of clinical isolates of staphylococci using MICs, BICs and MBECs MTS Al-Ouqaili, SHM Al-Kubaisy, NFI Al-Ani Asian Journal of pharmaceutics 12 (4), 1375-1383 , 2018 2018 Citations: 37
Harnessing bacterial immunity: CRISPR-Cas system as a versatile tool in combating pathogens and revolutionizing medicine MTS Al-Ouqaili, A Ahmad, NA Jwair, F Al-Marzooq Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology 15, 1588446 , 2025 2025 Citations: 35
Molecular characterization and genome sequencing of selected highly resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its association with the clustered regularly … HA Owaid, MTS Al-Ouqaili Heliyon 11 (1) , 2025 2025 Citations: 32
DNA Sequence Analysis of BlaVEB Gene Encoding Multi-drug Resistant and Extended-spectrum β-lactamases Producer Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTS Al-Ouqaili, E Khalaf, SH Al-Kubaisy The open Microbiology Journal 14, 40-47 , 2020 2020 Citations: 31
Molecular detection and sequencing of SHV gene encoding for extended-spectrum β-lactamases produced by multidrug resistance some of the Gram-negative bacteria MTS Al-Ouqaili International Journal of Green Pharmacy 12 (4), 910-918 , 2018 2018 Citations: 31
Depending on HPLC and PCR, detection of aflatoxin B1 extracted from Aspergillus flavus strains and it’ s cytotoxic effect on AFB treated-hematopoietic stem cells obtained … MTS Al-Ouqaili Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics (AJP) 12 (03) , 2018 2018 Citations: 30
Synthesize of pluronic-based nanovesicular formulation loaded with Pistacia atlantica extract for improved antimicrobial efficiency MTS Al-Ouqaili, RO Saleh, HIM Amin, ZH Jawhar, MR Akbarizadeh, ... Arabian Journal of Chemistry 16 (6), 104704 , 2023 2023 Citations: 29