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This research focuses on the development and implementation of an internal quality assurance model tailored for Algerian higher education institutions. The research aims to address the specific quality enhancement needs of the Algerian higher education system by proposing a comprehensive internal quality assurance framework. The model takes into consideration the unique cultural, educational, and institutional context of Algeria while drawing inspiration from global best practices in quality assurance. The research involves a thorough analysis of existing quality assurance practices, stakeholder engagement, and the alignment of the proposed model with national educational goals. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the overall quality of higher education in Algeria and establish a robust framework for continuous enhancement.

In this study, we analyzed a large cohort of Algerian patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) to delineate the burden, spectrum, and distribution of autoimmune and autoinflammatory manifestations. This retrospective cohort study was based on recorded data from 825 Algerian patients with IEI. For each patient, autoimmune and autoinflammatory complications occurring before and/or after IEI diagnosis were systematically assessed and documented. Autoimmune and/or autoinflammatory manifestations were observed in 217 patients (26.3%) and, notably, represented the initial clinical presentation in nearly half. Autoimmune features were documented in 163 patients (19.8%), including 26 (3.2%) with concurrent autoinflammatory findings, whereas isolated autoinflammatory conditions were observed in 54 patients (6.5%). A broad spectrum was observed, with autoimmune cytopenias predominating (11.4%), followed by gastrointestinal (7.8%), rheumatologic (5.3%), and endocrine (3.4%) disorders. Immune dysregulation was a recurrent theme across all IEI categories, with a distinct, disease-specific, clustering of autoimmunity and autoinflammation. Autoimmune cytopenias predominated in T-cell defects, including hypomorphic RAG and CD3γ deficiencies; Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was enriched in ARPC1B, DOCK8, and CD55 deficiencies, as well as in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD); endocrine autoimmunity, while a cardinal feature of APECED and IPEX, also characterized STAT1 gain-of-function; inflammatory granulomatous lung disease was a consistent feature in LRBA deficiency; and granulomatous inflammation, whether confined to the lungs or extending to other organs, was prominent in common variable immunodeficiency. Recognition of clustering patterns, particularly autoimmune cytopenias, IBD, and endocrine autoimmunity, has direct clinical implications. These manifestations should be regarded as red flags, guiding targeted evaluation and genetic testing. Mapping such associations not only refines our understanding of pathogenesis but also provides a practical framework for earlier diagnosis and tailored management.

In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the use of flow cytometry (FCM) in the diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) at a single center in Algeria. Sharing insights into our practical experience, we present FCM based diagnostic approaches adapted to different clinical scenarios. Between May 2017 and February 2024, pediatric and adult patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of immunodeficiency were subjected to FCM evaluation, including lymphocyte subset analysis, detection of specific surface or intracellular proteins, and functional analysis of immune cells. Over a nearly seven-year period, our laboratory diagnosed a total of 670 patients (372 (55.5%) males and 298 (44.5%) females), distributed into 70 different IEIs belonging to 9 different categories of the International Union of Immunological Societies classification. FCM was used to diagnose and categorize IEI in 514 patients (76.7%). It provided direct diagnostic insights for IEIs such as severe combined immunodeficiency, Omenn syndrome, MHC class II deficiency, familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and CD55 deficiency. For certain IEIs, including hyper-IgE syndrome, STAT1-gain of function, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, and activated PI3K delta syndrome, FCM offered suggestive evidence, necessitating subsequent genetic testing for confirmation. Protein expression and functional assays played a crucial role in establishing definitive diagnoses for various disorders. To setup such diagnostic assays at high and reproducible quality, high level of expertise is required; in house reference values need to be determined and the parallel testing of healthy controls is highly recommended. Flow cytometry has emerged as a highly valuable and cost-effective tool for diagnosing and studying most IEIs, particularly in low-income countries where access to genetic testing can be limited. FCM analysis could provide direct diagnostic insights for most common IEIs, offer clues to the underlying genetic defects, and/or aid in narrowing the list of putative genes to be analyzed.