Bashiru Garba

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Veterinary, Epidemiology, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, General Veterinary

Scopus Publications

Prevalence of depression and its correlates among undergraduate health science students in Mogadishu, Somalia: a cross-sectional study
Bashiru Garba, Samiro Ali Mohamed, Maria Mowlid Mohamed, Hodo Aideed Asowe, Najib Isse Dirie, Yushau Umar, Jamal Hassan Mohamoud, Mohamed Hussein Adam, Jihaan Hassan, Fartun Abdullahi Hassan Orey,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Depression among undergraduate health science students is increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue globally. These students face immense academic pressure, often leading to stress and mental exhaustion, particularly for students studying in a humanitarian crisis situation. However, there is a scarcity of information in this regard in higher education institutions in Somalia. Hence, this investigation was conducted to assess the prevalence of depression and its correlates health science students in Somalia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 321 health science students from some universities in Mogadishu, Somalia. The data was collected from students studying medicine, nursing and midwifery, laboratory science and public health at SIMAD university, Banadir university, Mogadishu university and Jamhuriya university, all located in Mogadishu. Simple random sampling based on class list was used to select the participants and a web-based self-administered Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to screen for depression. The collected data were cleaned and checked for completeness before exporting into SPSS version 27 Statistical software for analysis, where descriptive statistics as well as logistic regression analysis was done to determine the independent predictors of the outcome variable. Significant association was determined at a 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05. Result The prevalence of depression among the students was 58.6%. A total of 41.5% (133/321) of the participants were free from depression (Normal), while 30.8% had mild depression, 27.1% had moderate depression and 0.6% had severe depression. Analysis of the association between the sociodemographic variables and depressive state of the participant showed statistical significance (p-value = 0.045) for course of study. Students studying nursing and midwifery had the highest case of depression with 68.6% (59/86), followed by public health 66.7% (30/45), laboratory science 52.3% (34/65), and medicine having the least number of depressed students with 52.0% students (65/125). Similarly, gender of students was also found to be statistically significant (p-value = 0.001) with female students having 65% depression which is 41.1% of the total students studied. Conclusion The prevalence of depression among health science students in Mogadishu was high and positively associated with gender, having trouble with authorities, emotional problems, as well as experience of sexual abuse or violence. Hence, routine screening and monitoring of students’ mental health state on the campus and providing mental health services is necessary to address this growing problem.


Ethics in medicine: protecting patient privacy from commercial exploitation in Somalia
A.S. Ali, O.J. Okesanya, M.M. Ahmed, B. Garba, and N.I. Dirie
Elsevier BV



Burden of urolithiasis: a systematic review of epidemiological and clinical trends in Somalia
Najib Isse Dirie, Jihaan Hassan, Abdirahman Omar Hussein, Bashiru Garba, Hodo Aideed Asowe, Fartun Abdullahi Hassan Orey, Abdirahman Khalif Mohamud, Mohamed Hussein Adam, Jamal Hassan Mohamoud, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Urolithiasis has become a global major disease that affects millions of people every year. The data regarding the disease in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. Our purpose is to evaluate the prevalence, epidemiological, and clinical data related to urolithiasis in Somalia. Methods Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, systematic review utilized Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) on the following sites; PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO host, EMBase, Medline, and Cochrane Libraries, using the keywords “Urolithiasis”, “Urinary stone disease”, “Urinary stones” “Renal stone” “Nephrolithiasis”, “Kidney stone”, “Ureter stone”, “Uretero-lithiasis”, “Bladder stone”, “Cystolithiasis”, and “Urethral stone” singly and in combinations terms like “Somalia”, “Somaliland”, “Puntland” and “Mogadishu” to identify relevant published studies. After removing 57 duplicate articles and those with incomplete published results, 141 articles were screened based on their abstracts and titles. Finally, only six studies were eligible to be included in the final systematic review. Results Of the six articles included, 14,612 patient records were reviewed for urinary stone disease prevalence, patient demographics, radiological stone characteristics, and urinary stone management. The mean patient age was 34.6. Males were predominantly affected compared to females with 65.7% and 34.3%, respectively. Adults (≥ 18 years old) accounted for 87.9% of the patients while 12.1% being children. Reported urolithiasis prevalence ranged from 8.1% to 17%. Of the 1,442 nephrolithiasis cases, 180 (14.6%) were staghorn calculi while 72.4% had a single stone and 27.6% had multiple stones. The mean stone size was 14.13 mm (± 5.96). The majority of the patients, 389 (36.8%), underwent open lithotomy. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was performed in 234 (22.1%) of cases, out of which 126 (11.9%) underwent standard PCNL and 108 (10.2%) super mini PCNL (SMP). Ureteroscopic pneumatic surgery (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) were performed in 122 (11.5%) and 199 (18%) cases, respectively. Conclusion Somalia reported high urolithiasis prevalence. Urological centers in the capital have started using the new advanced techniques for stone management, nevertheless, open lithotomy is still predominantly utilized. No study has detailed patient demographics and stone composition has still not been reported.


Enhancing epidemic preparedness in Somalia: Lessons from mpox outbreaks in East Africa
Fartun Sharif Mohamed, Olalekan John Okesanya, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Abdiwali Ahmed Hirey, Bashiru Garba, and Abdirasak Sharif Ali
Elsevier BV



Challenges in oral health practice in Somalia: a call for regulatory strengthening and inclusion into primary healthcare services
Saido Gedi, Abdirahim Mohamed Hassan, Mohamoud M. Dahir, Abubakar Ahmed, Nasra Abdulsamad Mohamud, Bashiru Garba, Chukwuma David Umeokonkwo, and Mohamed Abdelrahman Mohamed
Springer Science and Business Media LLC



Epidemiological investigation of dengue fever outbreak and its socioeconomic determinants in Banadir region, Somalia
Mohamed Abdelrahman Mohamed, Nuralein Yusuf Hassan, Marian Muse Osman, Saido Gedi, Bisma Abdullahi Ali Maalin, Kasim Mahdi Sultan, Bashiru Garba, Ali Abdirahman Osman, Abdinasir Yusuf Osman, and Abdifatah Diriye Ahmed
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Dengue has become an alarming global problem and is endemic in many countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. The aim of this study was to investigate dengue fever outbreak in Banadir Region, Somalia, to understand the risk factors (time, place, personal characteristics). Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the levels of circulating anti-dengue virus antibodies and DENV NS1 antigen among Banadir Region residents, while a questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients. Results A total of 735 febrile patients were studied, with 55.6% men and 44.3% women. The majority of the participants were children aged 14 years and younger. Among them, 10.8% tested positive for IgM antibodies against dengue virus (DENV), while the prevalence of DENV NS1 antigen was 11.8%. Fever and myalgia were the most common symptoms observed in the DENV-positive patients. Conclusions A dengue fever outbreak has been confirmed in Banadir region, Somalia. This study provides information on the most affected districts and identifies risk factors contributing to DF outbreaks. The study recommends improving outbreak readiness and response, particularly in surveillance and laboratory diagnostics, by fostering intersectoral collaboration and establishing regulatory frameworks for financial and operational participation.


Human papillomavirus DNA detection in cervical samples from women of reproductive age in Mogadishu, Somalia
Bashiru Garba, Maryan A Sh Nur, Maryam Adawe, Mohamed H Adam, Jamal H Mohamoud, Hassan A Dahie, Mohamed M Ahmed, Abdirahman K Mohamud, Sadio A Mohamed, Fartun AH Orey,et al.
Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
Introduction: Somalia is among the countries with a high burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022, 660,000 infections are reported among women globally, out of which 350,000 died from the disease. Most of the studies on HPV reported from Somalia are based on cytologic analysis which is a subjective and suboptimal assessment. The recent World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for HPV recommend DNA-based testing as a better alternative to the traditional pap smear test. Methodology: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of HPV based on the preferred HPV DNA assay on cervical samples of women of reproductive age in Mogadishu, Somalia. The HPV DNA detection was carried out using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays to identify high-risk oncogenic HPV16, HPV18, and other high-risk HPV types. Results: Overall, 31.7% (60/189) of cervical samples were positive for HPV DNA. Out of this, 19.6% were high risk-HPV (hrHPV), 13.8% were HPV16, and 5.3% were HPV18. Moreover, age, income and education level were found to be significant risk factors for HPV infection. Conclusions: These results provide further proof that HPV continues to be a serious public health challenge in Somalia with the risk of progressing to fatal cervical cancer.


Application of telemedicine to improve access, and quality of healthcare services in Somalia: a perspective review and policy recommendations
Bashiru Garba and Ali Olow Jimale
Pan African Medical Journal



Burning body parts “Guboow” to treat epididymo-orchitis: A traditional Somali healing practice
Najib Isse Dirie, Bashiru Garba, Jihaan Hassan, Hodo Aideed Asowe, and Maryan Abdullahi Sh Nur
Elsevier BV



Understanding the awareness of antimicrobial resistance amongst commercial poultry farmers in northwestern Nigeria
Y. Yakubu, A.I. Daneji, A.A. Mohammed, A. Jibril, A. Umaru, R.M. Aliyu, B. Garba, N. Lawal, A.H. Jibril, and A.B. Shuaibu
Elsevier BV



COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Factors Associated Among Pregnant Women in Mogadishu, Somalia
Najib Dirie, Maryan Sh Nur, Abdirahman Mohamud, Bashiru Garba, Hassan Dahie, Mohamed Adam, and Jamal Mohamoud
Informa UK Limited
Background Pregnant women exhibit COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy due to concerns regarding potential risks to their babies, doubts about vaccine efficacy, and limited access to information. Therefore, this study aims to estimate COVID-19 vaccine uptake and factors associated with pregnant women in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women using a questionnaire covering socio-demographic information, pregnancy-related characteristics, perceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccination status. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Results Among the 400 pregnant women who participated in this study, 26.8% had received a COVID-19 vaccine dose, with only 14.9% receiving it during pregnancy. Reasons for not receiving the vaccine included a lack of information about the vaccine (47.4%), concerns about its adverse effects on personal health (33.8%), misconceptions regarding impacts on fertility or menstrual cycles (14.3%), belief in the vaccine’s inefficacy (3.4%), and fears about adverse effects on their fetus. In multivariable logistic regression, pregnant women with a history of chronic diseases (AOR=3.27, 95% CI=1.992–6.145), those who perceived themselves at risk of contracting COVID-19 (AOR=3.81, 95% CI=2.11–5.10), those who believed that the vaccine was accessible to them (AOR=4.34, 95% CI=2.915–6.165), and those who discussed the COVID-19 vaccine with their healthcare provider (AOR=3.91, 95% CI=2.123–7.878) were more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Pregnant women in Mogadishu, Somalia, face challenges with sub-optimal covid-19 vaccine uptake. Implementations should improve awareness of COVID-19 risks and facilitate discussions between healthcare providers and pregnant women. In addition, efforts to provide reliable information about the vaccine, alleviate concerns about its adverse effects, and dispel misconceptions about fertility, menstrual cycles, efficacy, and foetal impact are crucial.


Assessment of Non-Adherence to Anti-TB Drugs and Associated Factors Among Patients Attending TB Treatment Centers During COVID-19 Pandemic in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abdullahi Omar, Jamal Mohamoud, Mohamed Adam, Bashiru Garba, Mariam Hassan, Ibrahim Mohamed, and Zakaria Adam
Informa UK Limited
Background The COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave and subsequent lockdowns disrupted global healthcare systems, significantly impacting essential services including tuberculosis (TB) care. Non-adherence to anti-TB drugs is a critical concern, leading to treatment failure, drug resistance, and increased morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the rate and determinants of non-adherence to TB treatment among patients at TB centers during the first wave of the pandemic. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 15 to July 30, 2020, involving 255 TB patients at three centers in Mogadishu. Data were gathered using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Results The study found a 34.5% non-adherence rate during the pandemic. Key reasons for non-adherence included forgetting to take medication (33%), feeling well (29%), experiencing side effects (18%), and fear of contracting COVID-19 (16%). Significant factors associated with non-adherence were age groups 25–34 years (OR = 2.96, p = 0.024) and 35–44 years (OR = 4.55, p = 0.005), unemployment (OR = 2.57, p = 0.037), smoking (OR = 3.49, p = 0.029), tobacco use (OR = 4.15, p = 0.034), proximity to a health facility (OR = 0.44, p = 0.033), perception of healthcare providers as very friendly (OR = 0.24, p = 0.031) or friendly (OR = 0.45, p = 0.023), being in the continuous treatment phase (OR = 3.2, p < 0.001), and experiencing adverse treatment effects (OR = 2.42, p = 0.003). Conclusion Non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment was notably high in Mogadishu during the first wave of the pandemic, necessitating targeted interventions to improve adherence.


Sildenafil Use and Cigarette Smoking Associated with Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Rare Case Report
Mohamed Hassan, Ibrahim Mohamed, Abdullahi Omar, Zakaria Adan, Bashiru Garba, and Omar Badawi
Informa UK Limited
Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious condition characterized by bleeding within the brain tissue. Although the use of sildenafil, a vasodilator agent for erectile dysfunction, has been associated with rare cases of ICH, the combination of sildenafil usage and smoking as risk factors for ICH has not yet been reported. This case report describes the occurrence of ICH in a patient with a history of both sildenafil usage and heavy smoking. Case Presentation A 53-year-old male, with a history of smoking and regular sildenafil use, was brought to the emergency department due to loss of consciousness with right-side weakness, he initially experienced with nausea, vomiting and dizziness after taking sildenafil 100mg tablet once. The Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 10 with side hemiparesis. Non-contrast CT revealed left thalamic acute hemorrhage with ventricular extension. Furthermore, a head CT angiography ruled out any vascular anomalies after that the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for conservative management. After three days on clinical and neurological improvement, the patient was transferred to the inpatient ward for further management, monitoring and physiotherapy. On day 6, the patient was discharged and planned for flow up. Conclusion This rare case highlights the need for further research and awareness regarding the potential risks associated with the combination of sildenafil and heavy smoking. Healthcare professionals should carefully evaluate the individual risk factors of patients, educate them about potential complications, and consider alternative treatments if necessary. Additionally, patients should be encouraged to quit smoking and adopt a healthy lifestyle to minimize the risk of cerebrovascular events.


Diffuse Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Vulva: A Case Report




BACKSLIDING ON CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS DUE TO ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN BANADIR REGION, SOMALIA OREY
OREY Fartun Abdullahi H, SHEIK MOHAMUD Kadra Hassan, ABDULLE Iftin Abdi Nor, MOHAMOUD Jamal Hassan, GARBA Bashiru, ADAM Mohamed Hussein, DAHIE Hassan Abdullahi, SH. NUR Maryan Abdullahi, and DIRIE Najib Isse
African Traditional Herbal Medicine Supporters Initiative (ATHMSI)
Background: SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a global public health crisis. During the pandemic, considerable delay was observed making it impossible for some children to receive their due vaccines on time. Like most resource-poor countries, COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have a negative impact on Somalia’s immunization coverage. Materials and methods: This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood immunization coverage in Somalia. A retrospective comparative cross-sectional approach was employed to investigate the number of under-5-year children who got their immunization from the two major mother and child hospital, (Banadir and SOS hospitals) in Mogadishu, Somalia from October 2019 to December 2020. To do this, a total of 112, 060 data relating to the routine childhood immunization (measles, polio, whooping cough, hepatitis B, pneumonia, and tuberculosis) were collected from the monthly immunization report-data from the two hospitals. Results: The results showed that all the vaccines except birth vaccines have remarkably dropped with Penta-3 (27%), Penta-2 (11%), measles (10%) and Penta-1 (8%) respectively. However, the birth vaccines (BCG and Polio 0) were not affected as observed in this study. The reduction in children immunization rate in Somalia may be a combination of many other factors, we however recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed significantly to this outcome. Conclusion: The government needed to take proactive measures to encourage parents to present their children for immunizations, including increasing community awareness concerning the importance of these routine childhood immunizations despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemics.


Fatal subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in an 8-year-old male: a case report
F. Orey, Abdirahman Omar Sahal and B. Garba

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a chronic slow progressive neurodegenerative disease that is often associated with measles complications. The disease is characterized by seizures, behavioral changes, motor deficit and eventually death. In this case report we discuss the case of an 8-year-old male who developed SSPE and was presented to our hospital with a history of generalized tonic colonic convulsion followed by gait abnormality, episodes, abnormal behaviors, and cognitive regression. On clinical exploration, the child had a history of measles at 8 months of age and meningitis at 18 months. The electroencephalogram (EEG) investigation showed high amplitude spikes, with focal seizure and slowing, while the magnetic resonance imaging reveal signals synonymous with high fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), both of which are consistent with probable SSPE. The case was managed symptomatically; until his parents decided to take him back home, after which his condition deteriorated, and he sadly died. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of SSPE in Mogadishu, Somalia. Hence, the need to further investigation to better understand the incidence of the disease in the population and propose better ways of managing the condition.


Investigation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies among the paediatric population in Mogadishu, Somalia
Fartun Abdullahi H Orey, Ali Mohamed Sodal, Jamal Hassan Mohamoud, Bashiru Garba, Ifrah Hassan Mohamed, Mohamed Hussein Adam, Hassan Abdullahi Dahie, Maryan Abdullahi Sh Nur, and Najib Isse Dirie
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Abstract Background We undertook this cross-sectional study to determine the level of circulating anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG) in children, as well as to evaluate other potential risk factors. Methods Children attending the outpatient department of the SOS and Benadir Hospitals in Mogadishu from 26 July to 8 August 2021 were selected following parental consent. The children (aged &amp;lt;18 y) were screened using the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapid test lateral flow immune-assay kit. Results Of the 500 children screened for COVID-19, 32 (6.4%) tested positive, out of which 26 (5.2%) had IgG antibodies, while five (1%) had IgM, with the other child (0.2%) having both circulating IgG and IgM antibodies. Also, 46.9% of the COVID-19–positive children were asymptomatic without any clinical signs of the disease. Children aged &amp;gt;6 y and those attending school were the most affected (p=0.002). The most common clinical features among positive children were fever (22.6%), cough (22.2%), shortness of breath (5.8%) and loss of smell (2.6%) and taste (2.2%). Similarly, not wearing a facemask as a preventive measure was found to be a significant risk factor (p=0.007). Conclusions This study shows that children are at risk of contracting COVID-19 infection. Our study also shows evidence of a high rate of IgG antibodies in school-aged children having close contact with infected adults, in those not wearing facemasks, as well as in those with a family history of comorbidities.


An in-vivo experimental evaluation of the efficacy of fish-derived antimicrobial peptides against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Agharid Ali Al-Rasheed, Bashiru Garba, Kareem Obayes Handool, Karim Alwan Al-Jashamy, Mohamed Naji Ahmed Odhah, Najib Isse Dirie, and Hassan Mohd Daud
Pan African Medical Journal



The prevalence of urolithiasis in subjects undergoing computer tomography in selected referral diagnostic centers in Mogadishu, Somalia
Najib Isse Dirie, Mohamed Hussein Adam, Bashiru Garba, Hassan Abdullahi Dahie, Maryan Abdullahi Sh. Nur, Fartun Yasin Mohamed, Abdirahman Khalif Mohamud, and Jihaan Hassan
Frontiers Media SA
Introduction and objectivesSomalia was predicted to be in the global stone belt with high urolithiasis prevalence. We aimed to determine the prevalence of urolithiasis and their demographic and computer tomography (CT) characteristics among subjects under CT scans in Mogadishu, Somalia. Materials and Methods: From March 2014 to November 2022, a total of 7,276 patients who underwent an abdominopelvic non-contrast CT scan for various indications were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was 45.6 years with a standard deviation of 21.1 (range, 0.2–110 years). Patients were subdivided into two categories: adults (≥18 years) and pediatric (≤17 years).ResultsOf the 7,276 patients, 1,075 (14.8%) were diagnosed with urolithiasis. Among those with urolithiasis, 702 (65.3%) were male patients, and 373 (34.7%) were female patients. Among them, adults accounted for 92.7%, while children were 7.3%. Renal stones (nephrolithiasis) were the most common, representing 57% followed by ureteric stones at 35.5%, making upper urinary stones 92.5%. Approximately 70 patients (6.5%) had bladder stones; of these, 26 of them (37%) were accompanied by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). There were 10 urethral stones (0.9%) recorded in the study, all were found in male patients, 8 localized in prostatic urethra, and 2 in the bulbar urethra. The overall mean stone size was 13.2 mm, and 60% of them ranged from 5 to 22 mm. Only 24% of the patients were asymptomatic. Single stones were almost 70%, while staghorn calculi were 8.2%. More than 60% of the patients with urolithiasis showed some degree of hydronephrosis ranging between mild to severe.ConclusionA CT scan-based urolithiasis prevalence indicates 14.8% in Mogadishu, Somalia, and these results are consistent with the probability calculation of the weights-of-evidence (WofE) methodology based on several risk factors including temperature, climate change, mineral deposit, drinking water quality, and distribution of carbonated rocks. Considering the high prevalence of the disease, Somalia needs to invest more in prevention and treatment facilities while also training urologists that are capable of utilizing minimally invasive techniques in the country.


A Late Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis Using Tru-Cut Biopsy of the Spleen and Malaria Co-Infection – A Diagnostic Challenge: A Case Report in Somalia
Mohamed Hassan, Abdullahi Omar, Ibrahim Mohamed, Bashiru Garba, Mohamed Mohamud Ali Fuje, and Sagal Omar Salad
Informa UK Limited
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is fatal neglected parasitic illness caused by Leishmania donovani. The diagnosis remains a challenge due to the non-specific clinical symptoms, especially in areas where infections like malaria and limited access to diagnostic tools coexist. Here, we describe a case of late diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis using tru-cut biopsy of the spleen and malaria co-infection. Case Presentation Here case report, a 24-year-old patient from an endemic region of Somalia presented with fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss for two months. Initially, the patient received symptomatic treatment and a blood transfusion but showed no improvement. Physical examination revealed fever, pallor, and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory tests showed pancytopenia and positive rapid diagnostic test for plasmodium parasite antigen. Despite three days of anti-malarial treatment, the symptoms persisted, and hepatosplenomegaly worsened. Further investigations, including infectious disease tests, were conducted, ruling out HIV, viral hepatitis, Brucella, and Leishmania antibodies. Peripheral blood smear showed pancytopenia and bone marrow aspiration revealed no evidence of infection or malignancy. A tru-cut biopsy of the spleen was performed, confirming the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. The patient received a combination therapy of sodium stibogluconate and paromomycin, leading to significant improvement. After completing treatment, the patient was discharged with normal spleen biopsy results. Conclusion Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a challenging disease to diagnose, especially in areas where it coexists with other infectious diseases, such as malaria. Co-infection with malaria should also be considered in patients with fever and hepatosplenomegaly. A high index of suspicion is necessary for the timely diagnosis of VL, and a tru-cut biopsy of the spleen can be conducted in cases where other investigations are inconclusive in endemic areas. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of visceral leishmaniasis are crucial to prevent complications and reduce mortality.


Immune Responses of Goats to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its Mycolic Acids (MAs) Extract
Mohammed Naji Odhah, Faez Firdaus Abdullah Jesse, Bura Thlama Paul, Bashiru Garba, Zaid Mahmood, Eric Lim Teik Chung, and Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila
ResearchersLinks Ltd



Potential Enhancement of Proximate, Fatty Acid, and Amino Acid Compositions through the Hybridisation of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1983) (♀) and Pangasius nasutus (Bleeker, 1976) (♂)
Siti Fairus Mohamed Yusoff, Annie Christianus, Yuzine Esa, Muhammad Fadhil Syukri Ismail, Bashiru Garba, Nik Siti Zaimah Safiin, and Nur Hamid Hidayahanum
ResearchersLinks Ltd



Retrospective Evaluation of Nosocomial Bacterial Infections and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns Among Hospitalized Patients in Mogadishu, Somalia
Nasteho Mohamed Sheikh Omar, Betul Erismis, Marian Muse Osman, Bashiru Garba, Mohamed Abdulahi Hassan, and Isaiah G Akuku
Informa UK Limited
Background Nosocomial infection constitutes a significant public health challenge globally, with resource-limited countries bearing the greatest burden. Sadly, the emergence of drug-resistant strains of these pathogens have worsened the already precarious situation. Methods This study aimed to determine the incidence of nosocomial infections, the causative agents, and their antimicrobial susceptibilities among patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. The study included patients who had positive cultures 48 hours after admission. Abstracted data include the patient’s demographic, infection outcome, the agents involved, and the site of infection. Results A total of 330 patients were found to have acquired nosocomial infection, comprising 100 (30%) patients from the ICU department. The median age for the patients in this study was 36 years. Patients who died of all-cause mortality were older than those discharged. Most of the bacteria were collected from sepsis/bloodstream infections (34%) dominated by Staphylococcus aureus (42.1%), Acinetobacter baumannii (14.0%), Escherichia coli (14.0%), and Klebsiella spp. (7.0%). Urinary tract infections were mainly associated with Escherichia coli (37.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (18.8%), and Klebsiella spp. 50% of all microorganisms were multidrug-resistant. Conclusion The findings of this study suggested that hospital infection control and prevention strategies need to be strengthened to improve the quality of care among hospitalized patients.


Occurrence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) From Dairy Cows in Kebbi, Nigeria
Mohammed Sani Gaddafi, , Yusuf Yakubu, Abdulkadir Usman Usman Junaidu, Muhammad Bashir Bello, Asinamai Athliamai Bitrus, Aliyu Ibrahim Musawa, Bashiru Garba, Habiba Lawal, ,et al.
Negah Scientific Publisher
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important healthcare-associated pathogen that is also an emerging zoonosis. Objectives: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MRSA in dairy cattle farms in Kebbi, North-Western Nigeria. Methods: A total of 200 milk samples, consisting of 50 samples each from lactating cows, were collected and used. The samples were analyzed using bacterial culture and isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Suspected MRSA isolates were identified via PCR detection of the mecA gene, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolates were assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Of the two hundred milk samples examined, the prevalence of MRSA was recorded at 18% (36/200) using phenotypic and genotypic characterization methods. The susceptibility to vancomycin was observed in all isolates, and they had a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of &gt;0.4. Conclusion: This investigation showed the colonization of healthy dairy cows by multidrug-resistant MRSA.


Designing a Recombinant Multi-epitope DNA Vaccine as Candidate for Protection against Pathogenic Leptospira Infection in Animals
Bashiru Garba and Najib Isse Dirie
Scienceline Publication
Leptospirosis can cause severe disease and probable death in humans. Antigenic epitopes from pathogenic strains of the bacteria have shown potential for serving as vaccine candidates and play a key role in the sensitivity and specificity of immunodiagnostic tests. This in-vitro analysis was undertaken to develop a prototype recombinant DNA vaccine using in-silico epitope prediction method. Epitope prediction software programs predicted the most antigenic linear B-cell epitopes of OmpL1, LipL32, LipL41, Loa22, and LigA. Thirteen epitopes were predicted, connected by the Gly-Ser linker, and synthesized. The purity of the concentrated recombinant multi-epitope protein was assessed by restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. In-vitro expression on mammalian Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line indicated strong cytoplasmic fluorescence produced based on an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. The green color of the cytoplasm indicates successful transcribed and translated DNA as against the blue-stained nucleus observed in the un-transfected control group based on the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. The findings of the current study showed high antibody binding potentials of the vaccine constructs, which could be used for diagnostic applications or as polyvalent vaccine candidates.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Prevalence of depression and its correlates among undergraduate health science students in Mogadishu, Somalia: a cross‑sectional study
B Garba, SA Mohamed, MM Mohamed, HA Asowe, NI Dirie, Y Umar, ...
BMC Psychiatry 25 (89) 2025



Ethics in medicine: protecting patient privacy from commercial exploitation in Somalia
AS Ali, OJ Okesanya, MM Ahmed, B Garba, NI Dirie
Ethics, Medicine and Public Health 33, 101043 2025



Burden of urolithiasis: a systematic review of epidemiological and clinical trends in Somalia
NI Dirie, J Hassan, AO Hussein, B Garba, HA Asowe, FAH Orey, ...
African Journal of Urology 30 (1), 64 2024



Enhancing epidemic preparedness in Somalia: Lessons from mpox outbreaks in East Africa
FS Mohamed, OJ Okesanya, MM Ahmed, AA Hirey, B Garba, AS Ali
Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences 19 (6), 1130 2024



Human papillomavirus DNA detection in cervical samples from women of reproductive age in Mogadishu, Somalia
G Bashiru, ASN Maryan, A Maryam, HA Mohamed, HM Jamal, AD Hassan, ...
Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 18 (11), 1746-1755 2024



Challenges in oral health practice in Somalia: a call for regulatory strengthening and inclusion into primary healthcare services
S Gedi, AM Hassan, MM Dahir, A Ahmed, NA Mohamud, B Garba, ...
BMC Oral Health 24 (1), 1440 2024



Application of telemedicine to improve access, and quality of healthcare services in Somalia: a perspective review and policy recommendations
B Garba, OJ Ali
Pan African Medical Journal 49 (11) 2024



COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Factors Associated Among Pregnant Women in Mogadishu, Somalia
NI Dirie, MA Sh Nur, AK Mohamud, B Garba, HA Dahie, MH Adam, ...
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024 (17), 3933-3943 2024



Assessment of Non-Adherence to Anti-TB Drugs and Associated Factors Among Patients Attending TB Treatment Centers During COVID-19 Pandemic in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Cross
AA Omar, JH Mohamoud, MH Adam, B Garba, MA Hassan, IA Mohamed, ...
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024 (17), 3879-3890 2024



Burning body parts “Guboow” to treat epididymo-orchitis: A traditional Somali healing practice
NI Dirie, B Garba, J Hassan, HA Asowe, MAS Nur
Urology Case Reports 55, 102780 2024



Understanding the awareness of antimicrobial resistance amongst commercial poultry farmers in northwestern Nigeria
Y Yakubu, AI Daneji, AA Mohammed, A Jibril, A Umaru, RM Aliyu, ...
Preventive Veterinary Medicine 228, 106226 2024



Epidemiological investigation of dengue fever outbreak and its socioeconomic determinants in Banadir region, Somalia
MA Mohamed, NY Hassan, MM Osman, S Gedi, BAA Maalin, KM Sultan, ...
BMC Infectious Diseases 24 (1), 393 2024



Sildenafil Use and Cigarette Smoking Associated with Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Rare Case Report
AH Mohamed, AM Ibrahim, AO Abdullahi, MA Zakaria, G Bashiru, ...
Vascular Health and Risk Management 2024 (20), 21-26 2024



Molecular prevalence and resistance profile of Escherichia coli from poultry in Niger State, Nigeria
AH Jibril, SA Sarkinfulani, FM Ballah, AM Ibrahim, B Garba, S Garba, ...
Journal of Agriculture and Environment 20 (2), 137-148 2024



Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Artificial Intelligence Among Healthcare Professionals in Mogadishu, Somalia
MM Ahmed, NI Dirie, AK Mohamud, B Garba, ZO Mohamed, I Ali, ...
reseach square 2024



An in-vivo experimental evaluation of the efficacy of fish-derived antimicrobial peptides against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
AAR Agharid, G Bashiru, OH Kareem, AAJ Karim, AO Mohamed Naji, ...
Pan African Medical Journal 46:112. [ 46 (112), 1-18 2023



Occurrence and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Escherichia coli in Poultry from Gusau metropolis, Nigeria
Y Abubakar, Y Yakubu, B Garba, N Lawal, UM Dahiru, A Lawal, BP Gwimi, ...
Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences 5 (2), 28-38 2023



The prevalence of urolithiasis in subjects undergoing computer tomography in selected referral diagnostic centers in Mogadishu, Somalia
NI Dirie, HA Mohamed, G Bashiru, AD Hassan, ASN Maryan, YM Fartun, ...
Frontiers in Public Health 11 (2023) 2023



Diffuse Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Vulva: A Case Report
A Asli Mohamed, A Mohamed Abdullahi, G Bashiru, A Mariam, ...
The Annals of African Surgery 20 (10), 142-145 2023



Effects of Precipitation Indices on the Yield of Rice and Maize in Dadin Kowa, Yamaltu Deba LGA, Gombe State
HO Audu, GC Okafor, BE Daniel, AA Dahuwa, MM Bose, B Garba
JALINGO JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES 5 (1), 236-250 2023

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Major epidemiological factors associated with leptospirosis in Malaysia
B Garba, AR Bahaman, SK Bejo, Z Zakaria, AR Mutalib, F Bande
Acta tropica 178, 242-247 2018
Citations: 99



Retrospective study of leptospirosis in Malaysia
B Garba, AR Bahaman, S Khairani-Bejo, Z Zakaria, AR Mutalib
EcoHealth 14, 389-398 2017
Citations: 93



Evaluation of microbial contents of table eggs at retail outlets in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria
MD Salihu, B Garba, I Yunusa
Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences 13 (1), 22-28 2015
Citations: 68



Molecular and comparative analysis of Salmonella entericaSenftenberg from humans and animals using PFGE, MLST and NARMS
RM Stepan, JS Sherwood, SR Petermann, CM Logue
BMC microbiology 11, 1-9 2011
Citations: 58



Advances & challenges in leptospiral vaccine development
G Bashiru, AR Bahaman
Indian Journal of Medical Research 147 (1), 15-22 2018
Citations: 46



Molecular characterization of pathogenic Leptospira sp. in small mammals captured from the human leptospirosis suspected areas of Selangor state, Malaysia
NN Azhari, SNA Ramli, N Joseph, N Philip, NF Mustapha, SN Ishak, ...
Acta tropica 188, 68-77 2018
Citations: 44



Diagnostic accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests for the early detection of leptospirosis
SN Alia, N Joseph, N Philip, NN Azhari, B Garba, SN Masri, Z Sekawi, ...
Journal of infection and public health 12 (2), 263-269 2019
Citations: 41



Crude extracts of epidermal mucus and epidermis of climbing perch Anabas testudineus and its antibacterial and hemolytic activities
A Al-Rasheed, KO Handool, B Garba, MM Noordin, SK Bejo, FM Kamal, ...
The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research 44 (2), 125-129 2018
Citations: 32



An outbreak of leptospirosis among reserve military recruits, Hulu Perdik, Malaysia
VK Neela, NN Azhari, N Joseph, NP Mimie, SNA Ramli, NF Mustapha, ...
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 38, 523-528 2019
Citations: 30



Analysis of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis isolates from chickens and chicken meat products in Malaysia using PFGE, and MLST
Z Zakaria, L Hassan, Z Sharif, N Ahmad, RM Ali, SA Husin, NHA Hazis, ...
BMC veterinary research 16, 1-8 2020
Citations: 29



Effect of mastitis on some hematological and biochemical parameters of Red Sokoto goats
B Garba, SA Habibullah, B Saidu, N Suleiman
Veterinary world 12 (4), 572 2019
Citations: 29



COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage and Potential Drivers of Vaccine Uptake among Healthcare Workers in SOMALIA: A Cross-Sectional Study
HA Dahie, JH Mohamoud, MH Adam, B Garba, NI Dirie, MAS Nur, ...
Vaccines 10 (7), 1116 2022
Citations: 24



Current trend on the economic and public health significance of sal-monellosis in Iraq
A Khaled, WA Moselhy, MA Ibrahim, AR Mahmoud, RRA El-Wahab
Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci 7 (6), 492-497 2019
Citations: 23



Antigenic potential of a recombinant polyvalent DNA vaccine against pathogenic leptospiral infection
B Garba, AR Bahaman, Z Zakaria, SK Bejo, AR Mutalib, F Bande, ...
Microbial Pathogenesis 124, 136-144 2018
Citations: 23



Nasal Colonization of Pigs and Farm attendants by Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Kebbi, Northwestern Nigeria
MS Gaddafi, Y Yakubu, AU Junaidu, MB Bello, B Garba, AA Bitrus, ...
Thai J Vet Med 51 (1), 119-124 2021
Citations: 18



Responses of female reproductive hormones and histopathology in the reproductive organs and associated lymph nodes of Boer does challenged with Corynebacterium
FFA Jesse, MN Odhah, Y Abba, B Garba, Z Mahmood, IU Hambali, ...
Microbial pathogenesis 139, 103852 2020
Citations: 18



Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Benadir Region, Somalia
MH Adam, JH Mohamoud, AS Mohamood, AA Mohamed, B Garba, ...
Vaccines 10 (2), 220 2022
Citations: 17



Virulence Gene Profile, Antimicrobial Resistance and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Salmonella enterica Subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis from Chickens and Chicken Products
Z Zunita, H Latiffah, S Zawiyah, A Norazah, A Rohaya Mohd, ...
Animals 12 (2), 97 2022
Citations: 17



Discerning the Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence, and Phylogenetic Relatedness of Salmonella Isolates Across the Human, Poultry, and Food Materials Sources
Z Zakaria, L Hassan, N Ahmad, SA Husin, RM Ali, Z Sharif, NM Sohaimi, ...
Frontiers in microbiology 12, 652642 2021
Citations: 17



Occurrence and phenotypic characterization of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens isolated from patients in a public hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia
AA Moussa, A Abdulahi Abdi, MA Awale, B Garba
Infection and Drug Resistance, 825-832 2021
Citations: 17