Prof. Farouk Barguellil | Antimicrobial Resistance | Best Researcher Award
Head of Department at HMPIT, Tunisia
Professor Farouk Barguellil is a renowned expert in microbiology and clinical biology, serving as a senior figure within Tunisia’s military medical sector and academic institutions. With a career that spans over three decades, he has significantly contributed to bacteriology, virology, and the advancement of diagnostic tools in infectious diseases. As a Colonel Pharmacist Biologist in the Armed Forces and Director of the research laboratory LR19DN03, he remains actively involved in national and international health initiatives.
Profile
Education
Professor Barguellil began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences in 1979, followed by a graduation diploma in pharmaceutical studies in 1984. His postgraduate medical training included residency in clinical biology at Tunisian hospitals from 1985 to 1989. Further specialization in microbiology was gained through an intensive internship at Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital in France, under the mentorship of Professor Antoine Andremont, from 1996 to 1997.
Experience
His professional experience is marked by a steady progression through both military and academic ranks. Starting as a Resident and later Biologist Pharmacist in the Tunisian military health system, he served at key institutions such as the Military Hospitals of Tunis, Gabès, and Bizerte. He was promoted to Chief of Service in 2004 and later to Colonel Pharmacist Biologist in 2012. Since 2018, he has led the Microbiology Service at the Main Military Training Hospital in Tunis and became Head of the Department in 2019. In parallel, he has held pivotal university roles, teaching clinical bacteriology, virology, hospital hygiene, and microbiology to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Research Interest
Professor Barguellil’s research focuses on clinical microbiology, antibiotic resistance, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and the molecular diagnostics of microorganisms. He leads the laboratory LR19DN03, which explores microorganism-environment interactions, and the development of molecular tools for diagnosing infections. His interdisciplinary approach bridges microbiological research with public health strategies.
Award
He has been recognized through successive promotions in military and academic ranks, culminating in his appointment as a Professor Hospital-University in Pharmacy (specializing in microbiology) in 2006. His role as Director of a national research laboratory and multiple national health committees underlines his stature in the scientific and public health communities.
Publications
Professor Barguellil has an extensive body of scientific work. Selected notable publications include:
- “Emergence of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Tunisia,” Microbial Drug Resistance, 2022, cited by 19 articles.
- “Molecular Detection of ESBL Genes among E. coli Isolated from Tunisian Hospitals,” Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 2021, cited by 23 articles.
- “Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Staphylococcus aureus Strains from Clinical Samples,” Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2020, cited by 17 articles.
- “Prevalence of MRSA in Military Hospitals: A Surveillance Study,” African Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 2019, cited by 15 articles.
- “Diagnostic Value of PCR-Based Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,” Tunisian Journal of Clinical Biology, 2018, cited by 12 articles.
- “Evaluation of Blood Culture Systems in the Detection of Bacteremia,” Military Medicine International, 2017, cited by 9 articles.
- “Resistance Genes in Nosocomial Pathogens: A Molecular Analysis,” Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2016, cited by 11 articles.
Conclusion
Professor Farouk Barguellil has established himself as a leading microbiologist in Tunisia, with a legacy grounded in public health, military service, academic excellence, and diagnostic innovation. His dual role as an educator and practitioner allows him to shape the next generation of microbiologists while advancing research in microbial resistance and infection control. His numerous contributions to clinical bacteriology and his leadership in both academic and healthcare environments make him an exemplary nominee for the Best Researcher Award.