Assistant Professor Dr. Zainah Abdulhussein and Assistant Professor Dr. Maysaa Taqi Abdul Hassan, faculty members at the College of Science, University of Kerbala, served as members of the examination committee for a PhD dissertation defense held at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, Department of Biology. The dissertation was submitted by the candidate Marwa Hussein Abdul-Sada and entitled:

“Molecular Diagnosis of Selected Dermatophytic Fungi and Investigation of the Antifungal Effects of Certain Plant Extracts and Nano-Extracts of Beta vulgaris (Beetroot)”

The defense was supervised by Professor Dr. Ban Taha Mohammed (first supervisor) and Dr. Adnan Abdul-Jalil Lahouf (second supervisor).

The study aimed to identify and molecularly characterize selected dermatophytic fungi, evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of selected plant extracts, and compare their effects with commonly used antifungal agents. It also examined their comparative activity with zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized via a green method.

The findings revealed a higher prevalence of dermatophytic infections among females compared to males. Tinea corporis recorded the highest incidence among clinical cases, accounting for 23.01% in females and 14.28% in males. The results further indicated that individuals aged 21–30 years constituted the most affected group, with a total of 40 cases.

The study recommended conducting further investigations on beetroot (Beta vulgaris) extracts for the treatment of microbial and parasitic infections in laboratory animals. It also emphasized the need for additional research employing various plant extracts to inhibit the growth of dermatophytic fungi, alongside immunological and histopathological studies on infected patients.

At the conclusion of the defense, the candidate was awarded the PhD degree with the classification of “Excellent,” in recognition of the dissertation’s significant scientific contributions to the field of medical microbiology.