Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen responsible for a wide range of clinical infections. While aminoglycoside antibiotics are vital for treating staphylococcal infections, resistance to these agents is an increasing global concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes [aph-3 and armA] in clinical isolates of S. aureus from various hospitals in Khartoum State. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2022. Seventy-two [72] S. aureus isolates were obtained from clinical specimens, including wound swabs, blood, and aspirated fluids. The isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for amikacin and gentamicin was performed using the disk diffusion method. All 72 isolates were analyzed via multiplex polymerase chain reaction [PCR] to detect the presence of the aph-3 and armA resistance genes. Results: Of the 72 S. aureus isolates, 35 [48.6%] were positive for at least one resistance gene. Specifically, the aph-3 gene was detected in 34 [47.2%] isolates [including one isolate carrying both genes], while the armA gene was detected in 2 [2.8%] isolates. Phenotypic resistance was found to be higher for amikacin than for gentamicin. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between the presence of these genes and patient gender, age, or specimen type [p > 0.05]. Conclusion: This study concludes that the aph-3 gene is the predominant aminoglycoside resistance marker among S. aureus isolates in Khartoum State. The low prevalence of the armA gene suggests it is currently a less common mechanism in this region. The high frequency of resistance to amikacin underscores the need for continuous molecular surveillance to guide effective antimicrobial therapy.

Diabetic foot is a severe complication of diabetes, the management of which depends on the microbiological profile and antibiotic resistance patterns. This study aimed to describe the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. A retrospective study conducted from 2019 to 2025 at the Mohamed V Military Training Hospital in Rabat included 100 patients hospitalised for diabetic foot infection. Clinical and bacteriological data, along with antibiograms, were analysed. The study population was predominantly male (80%; M/F sex ratio = 4), with a mean age of 68.2 years. Among the 125 isolates identified, Gram-negative bacilli predominated (50.4%), followed by Gram-positive cocci (46.4%). The main species isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (18.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.6%), Proteus mirabilis (11.2%), Enterococcus faecalis (9.6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.8%). Among the Staphylococcus aureus strains, 17.4% were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Among Enterobacteriaceae, 16.0% were producers of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), and a single isolate was a carbapenemase producer. Multidrug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were observed in 27.3% of cases. By documenting the local bacterial flora and resistance burden, this study highlights the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens in diabetic foot infections, demonstrating the essential need to adapt empirical antibiotic regimens to regional epidemiology and systematically guide targeted therapy using antibiogram results. Keywords: Antibiogram, antibiotic therapy, bacterial resistance, bacteriological profile, diabetic foot, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, infection, Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is the necessary cause of almost all cervical cancers and contributes to several other anogenital and oropharyngeal malignancies. In Morocco, HPV vaccination was introduced into the National Immunization Program in October 2022, making healthcare professional’s key actors in vaccine communication and recommendation. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HPV infection and vaccination among healthcare professionals and healthcare students in Morocco, and to identify factors associated with vaccine recommendation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals and healthcare students in Morocco. A systematic questionnaire was used to examine knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. A composite knowledge score (0-100) was derived. We studied factors associated with knowledge and systematic recommendation of the HPV vaccine by multivariable linear and logistic regression, respectively. Results: A total of 205 participants were included, among them 67.3% were health care professionals and 32.7% students. The awareness about HPV was quite high (98.5%), while the mean composite knowledge score was 65.8 ± 14.1. There were major gaps in HPV DNA-based screening (19.0%) and knowledge on HPV vaccination in the Moroccan National Immunization Program (52.7%). Only 5.9% reported being vaccinated and 51.2% systematically advocated immunization for girls aged 9–14 years. The most important perceived hurdles were lack of information (87.8%), fear of adverse effects (62.0%) and perceived lack of need (58.0%). Higher knowledge was independently linked with systematic endorsement of vaccination (aOR=1.026, 95% CI 1.005-1.048; p=0.015). Conclusion: Although knowledge and attitudes toward HPV are generally favorable among Moroccan healthcare professionals and students, important gaps persist in practice. Strengthening education on HPV-related diseases, screening strategies, and vaccine safety may improve recommendation practices and support national cervical cancer prevention efforts.

Background: Aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare variant of benign fibrous histiocytoma characterized by fibrohistiocytic spindle cells, blood-filled pseudovascular spaces, and hemosiderin deposition. Clinically, it may mimic vascular or melanocytic lesions, posing a diagnostic challenge. We describe the clinicopathological features of 18 cases of AFH and discuss its differential diagnosis. Methods: Archival records from a tertiary institution were searched for cases diagnosed between January 2009 and December 2021. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections and immunohistochemical preparations were independently reviewed by two soft tissue pathologists, and clinical, histopathological, and follow-up data were systematically analyzed. Results: The 18 patients had a mean age of 37.1 years (range, 14–64 years), with a slight male predominance M:F = 5:4 (10:8). Preoperative diagnoses were documented in 7 cases (38.9%), most commonly hemangioma (n=3). The back/scapular region was the most frequent site (33.3%), followed by the lower limb (22.2%). Grossly, lesions demonstrated a solid-cystic appearance with blood-filled spaces. Histologically, non-endothelialized blood-filled spaces were surrounded by bland spindle and histiocyte-like cells, most commonly arranged in a storiform pattern (55.6%). Mean hemosiderin deposition was 40.6%. Atypical/monster cells and Touton giant cells were each identified in 35.3% of cases, collagen trapping in 52.9%, and staghorn vessels in 23.5%. Resection was performed in 72.2% of cases. Among 12 patients with available follow-up (4–20 years), local recurrence occurred in 2 (16.7%). Conclusions: AFH can closely mimic vascular and melanocytic tumors. Recognition of its characteristic histopathological features, supported by targeted immunohistochemistry, is essential for accurate diagnosis and avoidance of overtreatment.