The APOBEC3G gene rs2294367(C>G) variant is associated with HIV-1 infection in Moroccan subjects.

The APOBEC3G gene is one of the most important host factors thathas beenfound previously associated withHIV infection and AIDS progression. The host's susceptibility to viral infectionmay be influenced by any APOBEC3G genetic variation.The main aim of thecurrent study was to investigate the association of three SNPs in the APOBEC3G gene (rs8177832, rs35228531, and rs2294367) respectively, with disease outcomes in Moroccan HIV-1 infected patients.

Promoting molecular diagnostic equity: assessing in-house real-time PCR for in anal samples from MSM recruited in an outpatient setting in Morocco.

Objectives: Gonorrhea is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). In Morocco, the basic laboratory diagnosis of (NG) is based on microscopy and, in some settings, on culture. However, no nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) has been implemented for routine diagnosis of gonorrhoeae.

Implication of IL-12A, IL-12B, IL-6, and TNF single-nucleotide polymorphisms in severity and susceptibility to COVID-19.

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant global morbidity and mortality. Understanding the genetic factors that influence disease outcomes can provide critical insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in , , , and genes and the severity as well as susceptibility to COVID-19 among Moroccan patients.

Prevalence of HBsAg among Moroccan HIV-1 infected patients and APOBEC3G variant frequencies in HIV-1/HBV co-infection.

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes higher rates of liver disease compared to infection with just one virus. Co-infection can accelerate the progression to liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma and disturb the treatment response. APOBEC3G is a host defense factor which interferes with HIV-1 and HBV.

Pre-pandemic antibodies screening against SARS-CoV-2 and virus detection among children diagnosed with eruptive fevers.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies against the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (NP) proteins, as well as neutralizing antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Additionally, it aims to detect viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 in pre-pandemic archival pediatric specimens collected before the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic spread on March 20, 2020, in Morocco. The objective is to investigate the existence of pre-pandemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

TYK2, IFITM3, IFNAR2 and OAS3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms among severe COVID-19 ICU patients in Morocco.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the potential correlation between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (TYK2, IFITM3, IFNAR2, and OAS3 variants) and the severity of COVID-19 in Moroccan patients.

Methods: A genetic analysis was conducted on 109 patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Morocco. Among these patients, 46% were hospitalized in the intensive care unit, while 59% were not hospitalized.

Application of Genomic Medicine in Africa: 14th Conference of the African Society of Human Genetics and the 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics, Rabat, Morocco 2022.

The 14th African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) Morocco Meeting and 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics (SM2GH), held in Rabat, Morocco, from December 12 through 17, 2022, brought together 298 attendees from 23 countries, organized by the AfSHG in collaboration with the SM2GH. The conference's overarching theme was "Applications of Genomics Medicine in Africa," covering a wide range of topics, including population genetics, genetics of infectious diseases, hereditary disorders, cancer genetics, and translational genetics. The conference aimed to address the lag in the field of genetics in Africa and highlight the potential for genetic research and personalized medicine on the continent.

Independent clinic-based evaluation of point-of-care testing for the screening of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea and Trichomonas vaginalis in women-at-risk in Australia, Guatemala, Morocco, and South Africa.

Background: In 2018, the World Health Organization commenced a multi-country validation study of the Cepheid GeneXpert for a range of molecular-based point-of-care (POC) tests in primary care settings. One study arm focused on the evaluation of POC tests for screening 'women at risk' for chlamydia (CT), gonorrhoea (NG) and trichomonas (TV) in four countries - Australia, Guatemala, Morocco and South Africa.

Methods: Study participants completed a pre-test questionnaire which included demographics, clinical information and general questions on POC testing (POCT).

External quality assessment to support the WHO ProSPeRo study for the evaluation of two dual HIV/syphilis point-of-care tests in seven countries.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and HIV remain to be a significant public health issue worldwide. Dual rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) have shown promise for detecting antibodies to HIV and syphilis but have not been fully evaluated in the field. Our study supported the WHO ProSPeRo study on Sexually Transmitted Infection Point-of-Care Testing (STI POCT) by providing external quality assessment (EQA) for HIV and syphilis testing in reference laboratories and their associated clinical sites in seven countries.

Proposal of pharmacophore model for HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Combined mutational effect analysis, molecular dynamics, molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling study.

Objectives: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) efficacy is jeopardized by the emergence of drug resistance mutations in HIV, compromising treatment effectiveness. This study aims to propose novel analogs of Effavirenz (EFV) as potential direct inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase, employing computer-aided drug design methodologies.

Methods: Three key approaches were applied: a mutational profile study, molecular dynamics simulations, and pharmacophore development.

Circulation patterns and molecular epidemiology of human respiratory syncytial virus over five consecutive seasons in Morocco.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the leading cause of respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of HRSV in Morocco and explored trends in circulating genotypes through partial G gene analysis of HRSV strains prevalent from 2012 to 2017.

Methods: Respiratory samples were gathered from both outpatients and inpatients meeting ILI or SARI case definitions.

Revolutionizing antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS: A computational approach using molecular docking, virtual screening, and 3D pharmacophore building to address therapeutic failure and propose highly effective candidates.

Objectives: In the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, the emergence of therapeutic failures with existing antiretroviral drugs presents a significant challenge. This study aims to employ advanced molecular modeling techniques to identify potential alternatives to current antiretroviral agents.

Methods: The study focuses on three essential classes of antiretroviral drugs: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs).

Factors associated with hospitalization for seasonal influenza in Morocco.

Background: Morocco is actively working towards expanding its influenza vaccine policy to cover high-risk groups, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Aims: We assessed the risk factors for influenza-associated hospitalization for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) that occurred during the last 5 seasons.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, analytical study among patients recruited in the ambulatory and hospital sites of the influenza sentinel surveillance system in Morocco between 2014 and 2019.

prevalence, antimicrobial resistance-associated mutations, and coinfections with non-viral sexually transmitted infections in high-risk populations in Guatemala, Malta, Morocco, Peru and South Africa, 2019-2021.

The prevalence of (MG) and MG antimicrobial resistance (AMR) appear to be high internationally, however, prevalence data remain lacking globally. We evaluated the prevalence of MG and MG AMR-associated mutations in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malta and Peru and women at-risk for sexually transmitted infections in Guatemala, South Africa, and Morocco; five countries in four WHO regions mostly lacking MG prevalence and AMR data, and estimated MG coinfections with (CT), (NG), and (TV). Male urine and anorectal samples, and vaginal samples were tested for MG, CT, NG, and TV (only vaginal samples) using Aptima assays (Hologic).

Assessment of the Association of Chlamydia e pneumoniae Infection with Lung Cancer in a Moroccan Patients' Cohort.

Background: Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is a respiratory pathogen associated with chronic inflammatory and its detection in human lung cancer suggests its involvement in cancerogenesis. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between C.

Results from the second WHO external quality assessment for the molecular detection of respiratory syncytial virus, 2019-2020.

Background: External quality assessments (EQAs) for the molecular detection of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are necessary to ensure the standardisation of reliable results. The Phase II, 2019-2020 World Health Organization (WHO) RSV EQA included 28 laboratories in 26 countries. The EQA panel evaluated performance in the molecular detection and subtyping of RSV-A and RSV-B.

Influenza-associated severe acute respiratory infections among children under five years old in Morocco, September 2017 to March 2019.

The main aim of this research is to investigate the trend of influenza infection among children under 5 years with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) as well as those who suffer from a high burden of disease. This research is based on a survey conducted from September 2017 to March 2019. During this period nasopharyngeal swabs were collected in a group of 942 children under 5 years with SARI, admitted in pediatric services of 8 sentinel hospitals.

Viral aetiology of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses in Morocco, September 2014 to December 2016.

Background: There is a scarcity of information on the viral aetiology of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) among patients in Morocco.

Methods: From September 2014 to December 2016, we prospectively enrolled inpatients and outpatients from all age groups meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) case definition for ILI and SARI from 59 sentinel sites. The specimens were tested using real-time monoplex reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction method for detecting 16 relevant respiratory viruses.

Coding-Complete Genome Sequences of a Delta Subvariant (AY.33) of SARS-CoV-2 Obtained from Moroccan COVID-19 Patients.

We report here the complete genome sequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains obtained from Moroccan patients with COVID-19. The analysis of these sequences indicates that the identified strains belong to the AY.33 sublineage of the Delta variant.

Global burden of influenza-associated lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Influenza illness burden is substantial, particularly among young children, older adults, and those with underlying conditions. Initiatives are underway to develop better global estimates for influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths. Knowledge gaps remain regarding the role of influenza viruses in severe respiratory disease and hospitalizations among adults, particularly in lower-income settings.

Influenza epidemiology and risk factors for severe acute respiratory infection in Morocco during the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons.

Introduction: in order to implement an influenza vaccination program for high-risk-groups in Morocco, as recommended by the World Health Organization, an epidemiological study indicating the influenza virus effect in the development of complicated influenza for subjects with co-morbidity was required. The present study aims to evaluate the risk factors for severe acute respiratory infections caused by influenza in risk groups.

Methods: this research is based on the epidemiological and virological surveillance data of severe acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illness during the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons.

Establishing seasonal and alert influenza thresholds in Morocco.

Background: Several statistical methods of variable complexity have been developed to establish thresholds for influenza activity that may be used to inform public health guidance. We compared the results of two methods and explored how they worked to characterize the 2018 influenza season performance-2018 season.

Methods: Historical data from the 2005/2006 to 2016/2018 influenza season performance seasons were provided by a network of 412 primary health centers in charge of influenza like illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance.

Assessment of two POC technologies for CD4 count in Morocco.

Background: In the era of "test and treat strategy", CD4 testing remains an important tool for monitoring HIV-infected individuals. Since conventional methods of CD4 count measurement are costly and cumbersome, POC CD4 counting technique are more affordable and practical for countries with limited resources. Before introducing such methods in Morocco, we decided to assess their reliability.