PhD Degree Awarded to Ms. Siham Al-Arousi in Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Ms. Siham Ali Hizam Al-Arousi was awarded a PhD degree with distinction in Medical Microbiology and Immunology for her dissertation titled: Identification of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli Carrying Genes Coding Aminoglycosides Modifying Enzymes isolated from Urinary Tract Infection patients in Sana’a city–Yemen, which was submitted to the Faculty of Medicine–Sana’a University. The dissertation defense was held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

The PhD Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:

The dissertation aimed to investigate the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of aminoglycoside resistance among extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolates obtained from patients with urinary tract infections in Sana’a City

The study yielded several key findings summarized as follows:

• The prevalence of ESBL production among E. coli isolates was 45.5%.

• Urinary catheterization, kidney stones, and advanced age were identified as major risk factors associated with beta-lactamase resistance.

• Meropenem, amikacin, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin were the most effective agents against multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates.

In light of these findings, the researcher recommended the following:

• Investigating additional resistance mechanisms, including aminoglycoside-resistance determinants not covered in the current study, such as armA and rmtB 16S rRNA methylase genes.

• Implementing strict catheterization protocols and aseptic practices to reduce healthcare-associated urinary tract infections.

• Educating healthcare providers on rational antibiotic use, with particular emphasis on the risks of excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

The dissertation defense was attended by a number of academics, researchers, and specialists, students, colleagues, and the researcher’s family.