Assist. Prof. Dr. Hafiz Hussain | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Dr. Hafiz Iftikhar Hussain is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS), Bahawalpur, Pakistan. With a strong background in veterinary pathology, he has made significant contributions to research and academia. His expertise lies in bacterial and viral disease pathology in poultry and livestock, with a focus on antibiotic resistance and molecular diagnostics. Dr. Hussain has extensive experience in research methodologies, including whole-genome sequencing, transcriptomic profiling, and biofilm detection. As a dedicated academician, he also serves as Coordinator for undergraduate programs and Additional Director of Student Affairs at CUVAS. He is an active member of several professional associations, including the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council and the Pakistan Biological Safety Association. His commitment to scientific excellence is evident through his numerous publications, conference presentations, and roles as a reviewer for prestigious journals. Dr. Hussain’s passion for advancing veterinary sciences, particularly in pathology and disease control, underscores his professional journey. His remarkable achievements, including scholarships, best paper awards, and active participation in national and international conferences, reflect his dedication to research, education, and the betterment of animal health sciences in Pakistan and beyond.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Hafiz Iftikhar Hussain has an impressive academic background in veterinary sciences and pathology. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Basic Veterinary Medicine, specializing in Pathobiology, from Huazhong Agricultural University, China, in 2017, with an outstanding score of 81.75%. Prior to his PhD, he completed a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Pathology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, in 2012, focusing on histopathology and toxicology with a commendable CGPA of 3.81/4.00. His foundational education includes a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, completed in 2010, with a CGPA of 3.26/4.00. Dr. Hussain began his academic journey with a Higher Secondary School Certification (F.Sc. Pre-Medical) from the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad, securing 74% marks in 2005. His early education was completed with a Secondary School Certification in Science from the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Sargodha, where he achieved an excellent 85.77% in 2003. His strong educational foundation has equipped him with advanced knowledge in veterinary pathology, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics, laying the groundwork for his research and academic pursuits in veterinary sciences.

Professional Experience

Dr. Hafiz Iftikhar Hussain has amassed extensive professional experience in veterinary pathology and academia. His career began as a self-employed veterinary doctor at Al-Shifa Veterinary Clinic and Lab in Farooka, Sargodha, from August 2012 to August 2013. He then transitioned to academia as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, where he served from July to December 2018. Since December 2018, Dr. Hussain has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS), Bahawalpur. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, he plays a crucial administrative role as the Coordinator for BS Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and BS Medical Laboratory Technology programs. Additionally, he serves as the Additional Director of Student Affairs at CUVAS, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Hussain is an active member of professional organizations such as the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council and the Pakistan Biological Safety Association. His experience spans both clinical practice and academia, making him a distinguished figure in veterinary pathology and a mentor for aspiring veterinarians in Pakistan.

Research Interests

Dr. Hafiz Iftikhar Hussain’s research interests lie at the intersection of veterinary pathology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics. His primary focus is on antibiotic resistance mechanisms, bacterial pathogenesis, and molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant pathogens, particularly Escherichia coli in poultry. He has conducted extensive research on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) detection and whole-genome sequencing to understand resistance genes in bacterial populations. His studies also explore the pathogenesis of viral and bacterial diseases in poultry and livestock, with an emphasis on biofilm formation and detection. Additionally, Dr. Hussain has a keen interest in transcriptomic profiling, protein extraction, and the development of animal models to study disease mechanisms. His research contributes to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, aiming to develop strategies for better disease control and prevention in veterinary medicine. As an advocate for One Health, he also investigates zoonotic disease transmission and its implications for public health. His work has been widely recognized, earning him numerous publications in high-impact journals and invitations to present at international conferences. Through his research, Dr. Hussain strives to enhance disease diagnosis, treatment, and control strategies to improve animal and human health.

Research Skills

Dr. Hafiz Iftikhar Hussain possesses a comprehensive skill set in veterinary pathology and molecular diagnostics. His expertise includes antibiotic resistance determination, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) detection, and whole-genome re-sequencing. He is proficient in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA, RNA, and protein extraction techniques. His research capabilities extend to RNA sequencing, biofilm formation studies, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and spectrophotometry. Dr. Hussain is also experienced in developing cell lines and utilizing animal modeling for disease studies. In addition to his laboratory skills, he is well-versed in various bioinformatics tools, enabling him to analyze complex genomic data efficiently. His proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop for scientific presentations, and statistical analysis software further supports his research endeavors. Dr. Hussain’s technical expertise has been instrumental in advancing his research on antimicrobial resistance, bacterial pathogenesis, and disease diagnostics. His ability to integrate traditional pathology techniques with modern molecular approaches makes him a valuable contributor to veterinary sciences. With a strong commitment to continuous learning and innovation, he remains at the forefront of veterinary research, working to enhance disease control strategies in animal health.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Hafiz Iftikhar Hussain has received numerous accolades for his academic and research contributions. He was awarded a scholarship from the Chinese Scholarship Council for his PhD studies at Huazhong Agricultural University. Throughout his education, he was a consistent scholarship holder from grade six to his PhD. In recognition of his outstanding research, he won the ‘Best Student Paper Award’ at the First Annual Academic Symposium for International Students in 2018 at Huazhong Agricultural University. His academic achievements include earning the esteemed Sahadat-e-Hifz-ul-Quran certification from Wafaq-ul-Madaris, Islamabad. As a recognized expert, Dr. Hussain is a certified reviewer for the ‘Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control’ journal and serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals, including Frontiers in Veterinary Science and PLOS ONE. His dedication to veterinary sciences and research has positioned him as a leader in his field, making significant contributions to veterinary pathology and microbiology. These honors reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence, research innovation, and the advancement of animal health sciences at both national and international levels.

Conclusion

Dr. Hafiz Iftikhar Hussain stands as a distinguished figure in veterinary pathology, academia, and research. His extensive expertise in bacterial and viral disease pathology, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular diagnostics has significantly contributed to veterinary sciences. With a strong academic background, he has successfully combined clinical practice, teaching, and research to mentor future veterinarians. His role as an Assistant Professor, program coordinator, and student affairs director at CUVAS demonstrates his leadership and dedication to education. Through his research, he has made remarkable advancements in understanding antibiotic resistance and bacterial pathogenesis, earning prestigious awards and international recognition. His technical skills in genomics, pathology, and bioinformatics further enhance his contributions to disease control and prevention. As an active member of professional organizations and a reviewer for high-impact journals, Dr. Hussain continues to influence the field of veterinary medicine. His commitment to scientific excellence and student mentorship underscores his vision for a healthier future in veterinary and public health. His work remains instrumental in shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals and improving animal health through innovative research and education.

Publications Top Notes

1. “Optimization and production of highly stable amylase isolated from Citrobacter portucalensis using low-cost agro-industrial wastes as substrates: Prospective therapeutics”

   • Authors: Ume E. Salma Liaqat, Shumaila Naz, Hafiz Iftikhar Hussain
   • Year: 2024
   • Journal: Kuwait Journal of Science

2. “Phytochemical Screening, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antidiabetic Activities of Different Extracts from Caralluma edulis Plant”

   • Authors: Maria Khan, Zahid Manzoor, Muhammad Q. Rafiq, Katarzyna Kotwica-Mojzych, Mariusz Mojzych
   • Year: 2022
   • Journal: Molecules
   • Citations: 9