SARS-CoV-2 receptor a distinct genetic profile specific to the Iraqi Kurdish population.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, enters host cells by binding its spike protein's receptor-binding domain (RBD) to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor's peptidase domain (PD). This interaction plays a crucial role in the virus's ability to invade host cells and establish infection. Numerous studies have identified specific residues crucial for their binding interaction. Our objective was to determine whether natural variations in the ACE2 receptor could impact its affinity for the S-protein RBD. To explore this, we focused on investigating the effects of natural variations in the ACE2 PD residues on its binding affinity to the S-protein RBD interface of SARS-CoV-2. We conducted a genotyping study in the Iraqi Kurdish population and identified significant genetic variations in key binding residues of the ACE2 PD residues, including N330K, K353R, R357Q, P389H, and R393H. These variations suggest a distinct genetic profile specific to the Kurdish population regarding their interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Understanding the implications of these variations is essential for comprehending the mechanisms of viral infection, developing targeted therapeutics, and refining treatment strategies and vaccine design. Additionally, studying these variations can provide insights into population-specific vulnerabilities, help monitor viral evolution and transmission, and guide the development of effective interventions.

Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 omicron sublineage BA.5.2.1 in Erbil/Iraq.

Due to several mutations in its genomic sequence, particularly in the spike protein region, the recently-discovered SARS-CoV-2 variant B.5.2.1 has alarmed health policy authorities worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled it "Omicron" and classified it as a worldwide variant of concern (VOC). Following the appearance of Omicron in Iraq, new cases were also detected and analyzed in Kurdistan regions. Two hundred patients were recruited in this study from Erbil/Iraq. The RNA genome samples were extracted,  the qRT-PCR performed, and 10 samples were sequenced. The sample sequence was published (EPI ISL 15921492) in the GISAID international gene bank for COVID-19. When compared to the BA.1 Omicron sublineage, 17 new mutations and five deletions in the  Omicron subvariant BA.5.2.1 sequence were detected. The spike region includes eight of these variations and one deletion. Overall, 30 substitutions were shared between those previously seen in the BA.1 sublineage and the newly-detected BA.5.2.1 Omicron subvariant. We detected eight new substitutions in our BA.5.2.1 subvariants (T112I, A27S, V213G, T376F, D405N, R408S, L452R, F486V), which were not mentioned previously, should be cause for concern and may be related to immune escape or viral oligomerization. Omicron might be more immune-escape-capable than the current VOCs/VOIs. However, the predicted mutational research shows no conclusive evidence that the Omicron variant may be more virulent or fatal than other variations, including Delta. The greater capacity for immunological evasion may cause the current increase in Omicron cases in Erbil/Iraq.

The Association of Glutaminase (glut) P3 Different Alleles of Trichomonas vaginalis with Infertility in a sample of Iraqi women

Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), the etiologic agent of human trichomoniasis, is a flagellated protozoan parasite, has been associated sith advese pregnancy outcomes, HIV transmission, and infertilityh. A total of one hundred and fifty-seven (157) women at childbearing age (14-49 years), were included in the presnt study, eighty six (86) symptomatic fertile while the other seventy-one (71) were infertile with or without sumptoms attending the Gynecology outpatient Department in Al-Emamayn Al-Kadhimayn Medical City, the High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technoligies at Al-Nahrain University in Baghdad, the maternity Teaching hospital, and Dr. Khawer center for infertility and IVF in Erbil province in Iraq. Two vaginal swab specimens were obtained from each of them:; one swab was immediately examined by wet mount microscopy, the other swab for molecular study (DNA extraction and p3 nested PCR). One hundred (100) samples positive in one or more test were identified: 20 (12.7%) infecions were detected by wet mount microscopy, while nested PCR was positive in 100 (63.7%) samples. These positive samples were seguenced and phylogenetic tree were done and, there was no association between the variations in glut (p3) gene of T. vaginalis isolated from infected women (fertile and infertile)