PhD Degree Awarded to Researcher Ahlam Maher in Medical Microbiology
Researcher Ahlam Ali Ahmed Maher was awarded a PhD degree in Medical Microbiology for her dissertation titled: The Relationship between Biofilm Formation and Multidrug Antibiotic Resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Burn Wound Patients in Sana’a City, Yemen, which was submitted to the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences–Sana’a University. The dissertation defense was held on Wednesday, July 22, 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:
| # | Committee Members | Designation | Position |
| 1 | Prof. Hassan Abdulwahab Al-Shamahi | Internal Examiner | Chair |
| 2 | Prof. Ahmed Yahya Al-Jawfi | Main Supervisor | Member |
| 3 | Assoc. Prof. Abdulrahman Yahya Al-Haifi | External Examiner | Member |
The dissertation aimed to investigate the relationship between biofilm formation and multidrug antibiotic resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from burn wound patients in Sana’a City.
The study produced several significant findings. It found no statistically significant association between biofilm formation and multidrug antibiotic resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, despite the high prevalence of these isolates in burn wound infections. The findings also identified prolonged antibiotic use, burn wound debridement procedures, skin grafting, and extended hospital stays as the principal risk factors associated with increased antibiotic resistance. In addition, the study revealed that pandrug resistance (PDR) was the most prevalent antimicrobial resistance pattern among the Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.
The researcher recommended the urgent implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs, accompanied by continuous surveillance of bacterial resistance patterns. The study also emphasized the need to strengthen public awareness of the risks associated with the irrational use of antibiotics and the importance of adhering to prescribed treatment regimens. Furthermore, it called for the adoption of strict contact isolation protocols and the establishment of dedicated units within burn centers for patients infected with pandrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates to reduce cross-infection and limit the spread of these organisms within healthcare facilities.
The dissertation defense was attended by a number of academics, postgraduate students, researchers, as well as the researcher’s colleagues and family members.
