I am Dr. Moayad A. Merza, and I am pleased to welcome you to my publications page. My academic and research career has been driven by a deep passion for advancing knowledge in the field of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB), antimicrobial resistance, and public health. Here, you will find details about my research journey, key contributions, and my openness to collaborations.

Education Background

My academic journey began with a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Microbiology, where I developed a strong foundation in medical microbiology. Building on this, I completed my PhD in Medical Microbiology, with a specific focus on tuberculosis (TB). My doctoral research, titled "Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Isolated from Patients in Duhok Province, Iraqi Kurdistan," provided valuable insights into the drug resistance patterns and transmission dynamics of TB in this region.

During my M.Sc. at the University of Nottingham, I focused on microbiological techniques that would later form the basis for my advanced research. My doctoral studies expanded on this foundation, investigating the role of both phenotypic and genotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) in understanding TB resistance. Through this work, I contributed to global TB research, particularly by highlighting risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).

Doctoral Research and Beyond

My PhD research at the University of Duhok represented a key milestone in my academic career. This was the first prospective study of its kind in Duhok, Iraqi Kurdistan, focusing on clinical and molecular aspects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. My study revealed important data on the drug resistance of TB strains, using advanced molecular fingerprinting techniques such as IS6110 RFLP, spoligotyping, and MIRU-VNTR to explore genetic diversity.

Since earning my PhD, I have continued to build on this work. My research interests now span broader areas, including the molecular epidemiology of various pathogens, emerging infectious diseases, and advancements in diagnostic technologies.

Exploring Diverse Areas

While tuberculosis remains a core focus, my research is not limited to this area. I have explored a wide range of topics within microbiology and infectious diseases, from antimicrobial resistance to the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogen transmission. My work continues to evolve, addressing current and emerging health challenges. I am particularly interested in how new molecular diagnostics can improve early disease detection and control, especially in resource-limited settings.

Open for Collaborative Research

I am passionate about fostering collaboration in the scientific community, and I welcome the opportunity to work with fellow researchers from around the world. Whether you are involved in tuberculosis research, infectious diseases, molecular diagnostics, or public health, I am eager to explore potential partnerships. By combining our expertise, we can make significant strides in understanding and combating global health challenges.

Research Highlights from M.Sc., PhD, and Fellowship

Throughout my academic journey, my research has produced vital data on TB and other pathogens. My M.Sc. research set the stage for my PhD work, which delved deeply into the molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In my postdoctoral and fellowship studies, I expanded my expertise in pathogen genomics and advanced molecular biology, applying these techniques to study drug resistance and transmission patterns in various infectious diseases.

My publications reflect the progression of my work, offering key findings that contribute to the understanding of infectious diseases at both local and global levels.

• M.Sc. Thesis: Management of Postpneumonic Empyema in Children: a 10-year Experience

• PhD Dissertation: Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Isolated from Patients in Duhok Province, Iraqi Kurdistan

• Fellowship Research: Seroclearance of Hbsag in Chronic Hbv Patients on Lamivudine Therapy: a 10-year Experience

Thank you for your interest in my research. Please explore my list of publications to dive deeper into the studies I have been involved in. If you are interested in discussing research opportunities or potential collaborations, feel free to contact me.