The faculty of Science at the University of Kerbala held a defense for a Ph.D. dissertation submitted by Amal Jasim Mousa from the Department of Biology. The study focused on evaluating immunological parameters, autoimmune receptors, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients affected by urinary tract infections (UTIs), aiming to better understand the mechanisms of immune regulation in these patients.

The study involved 90 participants (60 MS patients and 30 healthy controls), with samples collected during the years 2023 and 2024. The researcher employed flow cytometry and ELISA techniques to assess the expression of regulatory T cells (Tregs), regulatory molecules, and immune receptors, in addition to using the VITEK system for bacterial identification in UTI cases.

The findings revealed an active and dysregulated immune response during the early stages of the disease, marked by elevated inflammatory markers and increased Treg cell counts—suggesting an attempt by the body to restore immune balance. The prevalence of urinary tract infections among the MS patients reached 23%.

The dissertation recommended early monitoring of immunological markers and infection status in MS patients to guide therapeutic strategies and enhance the understanding of immune responses during the initial phases of the disease.