Shisha -The hazardous pastime: Microbial investigation of shisha apparatus in public cafes in the UAE

14^th International Conference on Infectious Diseases, Prevention and Control

March 21-22, 2019 Dubai, UAE

Yassen Alfoteih,Zelal Jaber

Brock University, Canada

Ajman University, UAE

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

This study aims to examine the risk of bacterial and fungal transmission through frequent or repeated usage of the same water pipe by different smokers in public café shops. A total of 110 samples were extracted from different parts of used shisha apparatuses. These samples were collected from different cafes in seven cities in the UAE in the time period between Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. In all 110 samples, the bacterial and fungal strains were examined at Canadian university Dubai laboratories using standard protocols for culturing, isolating and identifying microorganisms. Later on, the samples were sent to Iranian hospital Dubai to examine the resistance of isolated bacteria to common antibiotics. Statistical analysis was conducted using quantitative data analysis and figures were expressed in percentage for clearer conclusion. Five bacterial strains were detected which are; Pseudomonas putida; Staphylococcus saprophyticus; Micrococcus luteus; Bacillus cereus and Providencia alcalifaciens. One of the most important findings of the current study is the isolated bacteria Staphylococcus saprophyticus which showed methicillin resistance. Shisha smoking is a public health issue and could be a carrier of pathogens for smokers. There is a need for further assessments to address the impact of the sharp increase of Shisha smoking among specific populations especially in the Gulf countries (GCC) and among the female segment of society.

Biography :

Yassen Alfoteih holds a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Hohenheim, Germany. He did his post-doctoral research at Newcastle University, Institute of cellular and medical sciences. Dr. Alfoteih has more than 10 years academic experience working across number of universities in Syria and the UAE as an Assistant Professor. He has also worked as a Consultant in industry. Dr. Yassen has published in many international journals, and has presented and chaired sessions at national and international conferences. He is serving now as international visiting professor at Brock University - Canada. Zelal Jaber is a Lecturer at Ajman University – College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She holds a PhD degree in Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice- Newcastle University- UK and a Master Degree in Clinical Nutrition and Prevention, institute of Clinical Nutrition, Hohenheim University, Germany and a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Health Sciences- Ajman University – UAE- Merit Excellent with Honor. She engaged in many awareness campaigns including workshops, lecturing and TV shows. Zelal’s contribution is mainly in the field of Respiratory diseases, Clinical pharmacy and Pharmacy practice. She published in many journals and she involved in various ongoing projects locally and internationally to serve the community in the UAE and in other regions of the world for the purpose of the wellbeing of UAE community.

E-mail: alfoteih@gmail.com

z.kharaba@ajman.ac.ae