A team of researchers from Al-Quds University has published a recent scientific study in the prestigious journal BMC Infectious Diseases under the title: “Impact of COVID-19 Health Precautions on Asymptomatic Streptococcus pyogenes Carriage in Palestinian Children: A Pre- and Post-Pandemic Study.”

The study revealed that preventive measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as mask-wearing and regular handwashing, contributed to a reduction in the spread of Streptococcus Pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for throat infections in Palestinian children. A significant decrease in the infection rate was recorded.

The results of the study indicated the significance of maintaining proper health habits, such as dental hygiene, in order to prevent bacterial infections. These findings underscore the importance of developing future infectious disease prevention strategies and raising awareness of the significance of healthy behaviors in maintaining public health.

The research was overseen by Professor Ibrahim Ghannam from the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Al-Quds University, with the participation of a team of researchers from the department’s graduates, namely: Rana Marqa, Rania Al-Sous, Duha Qawasmeh, Saqra Abu Jaber, Iman Ghattasha, in addition to Yahya Ghannam from the Faculty of Medicine.

To view the full study: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-10023-w