PhD Degree Awarded to Mr. Yaser Ahmed Ghaleb in Medical Microbiology

Mr. Yaser Ahmed Abdulrahim Ghaleb was awarded a PhD degree in Medical Microbiology for his dissertation titled, “Seroprevalence with Molecular Confirmation of Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 among Multi-transfused Patients in Sana’a City, Yemen,” which was submitted to Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University. The PhD dissertation defense was held on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The PhD Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following members:
# Committee Members Designation University Position
1 Prof. Ahmed Yahya Mohammed Al-Jawfi Internal Examiner Sana’a University Chair
1 Prof. Ahmed Mohsen Othman Al-Qadasi External Examiner Hodeidah University Member
2 Prof. Arwa Mohammed Naser Othman Main Supervisor Sana’a University Member

The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular confirmation of HTLV-1 among patients requiring frequent blood transfusions in Sana’a. Furthermore, the study investigated associated risk factors and evaluated the co-prevalence of other transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), including Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV.

The study yielded several critical findings, including:
• Prevalence: While the overall prevalence of HTLV-1 in Sana’a is not classified as high, it remains a significant public health concern for multitransfused patients.
• Demographics: A higher incidence of the virus was observed among males, individuals in the 20–30 age bracket, married participants, and those with lower literacy levels.
• Risk Factors: The study identified a strong correlation between HTLV-1 infection and patients who had received more than 30 units of blood. Additional risk factors included low-income status and a history of exposure to acupuncture or dental procedures.

Based on the empirical evidence, the study proposed the following recommendations to enhance blood safety in Yemen:
1. Implementing compulsory HTLV-1 screening at all blood banks and donation centers to prevent transfusion-transmitted transmission.
2. Increasing public health awareness among high-risk groups to mitigate exposure.
3. Establishing a national surveillance system for HTLV-1 and prioritizing routine screening for blood-borne viruses, particularly for elderly and low-income patients with a history of blood transfusions.

The PhD dissertation was examined and recommended by the Viva-Voce Committee for acceptance and approval. The PhD defense was attended by a number of academics, researchers, interested students, the candidate’s colleagues, and family members.