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Elias Shiferaw Mekonen

Elias Shiferaw Mekonen

PhD Candidate
Postgraduate Research Student
Medicine & Health School of Optometry and Vision Science

Biography

My name is Elias Shiferaw Mekonen. I completed my BSc in Medical Laboratory Science in 2015 and my MSc in Clinical Hematology and Immunohematology in 2018, both from the University of Gondar in Ethiopia. Since 2015, I have been an academic professional at the University of Gondar, focusing on scientific research, data analysis, and innovative teaching methodologies. Collaborating with colleagues, I have contributed to 22 publications in peer-reviewed journals. In May 2024, I commenced my PhD studies at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy playing football, which helps me maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Research Title: Improving the safety profiles of new antimicrobials

³§³Ü±è±ð°ù±¹¾±²õ´Ç°ù:ÌýProfessor Mark Willcox 

Co ³§³Ü±è±ð°ù±¹¾±²õ´Ç°ù:ÌýProfessor Naresh Kumar

Research Abstract

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria have risen significantly over the past decade, driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was linked to 1.3 million deaths globally in 2019, with projections reaching 10 million annually by 2050 if unaddressed. The decline in new antibiotic development has led to the increased reliance on polymyxins as last-resort treatments, despite their significant safety concerns, including nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as promising antibiotics with clinical potential. Newer AMPs like Mel4 and RK758 are under investigation for their ability to combat resistant pathogens. To be viable therapeutic options, AMPs must exhibit potent antibacterial activity while minimizing hemolytic and cytotoxic effects. This study aims to evaluate the safety profiles of new AMPs to address these challenges. In alignment with the WHO’s global action plan on AMR, which emphasizes improving surveillance and research, this study seeks to generate critical evidence to enhance the safety of new antimicrobial agents. These findings may contribute to developing safer and more effective alternatives for combating multidrug-resistant infections.
Email:

e.mekonen@unsw.edu.au

    1. Mishra SK, Akter T, Urmi UL, Enninful G, Sara M, Shen J, Suresh D, Zheng L, Mekonen ES, Rayamajhee B, Labricciosa FM. Harnessing Non-Antibiotic Strategies to Counter Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Pathogens with Special Reference to Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Coatings. Antibiotics. 2025 Jan 9;14(1):57.
    2. Getachw Mesfin Bambo, Samuel Sahile Kebede, Chomaw Sitotaw, Elias Shiferaw, Mulugeta Melku. Postpartum anemia and its determinant factors among postnatal women in two selected health institutes in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A facility-based, cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Medicine. 2023 Apr 20;10:1105307.
    3. Amanuel Kelem, Elias Shiferaw, Tiruneh Adane. Hematological abnormalities and associated factors among metabolic syndrome patients at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Plos one. 2023 May 25;18(5):e0286163.
    4. Getachew Mesfin Bambo, Elias Shiferaw, Mulugeta Melku. A mean platelet volume in inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Plos one. 2022 Aug 30;17(8):e0273417.
    5. Melak Aynalem, Elias Shiferaw, Tiruneh Adane, Yemataw Gelaw, Bamlaku Enawgaw. Anemia in African malnourished pre-school children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE open medicine. 2022 Mar;10: 20503121221088433
    6. Berhanu Woldu, Mulugeta Melku, Elias Shiferaw, Belete Biadgo, Molla Abebe, Yemataw Gelaw. Phenotype, Allele and Genotype Frequency of ABO and Rhesus D Blood Groups of Blood Donors at the North Gondar District Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia. Journal of Blood Medicine. 2022;13:11.
    7. Mulugeta Melku, Sintayehu Ambachew, Bamlaku Enawgaw, Molla Abebe, Zegeye Abebe, Tekalign Deressa, DebasuDamtie, Belete Biadgo, Belay Tessema, Demeke Geremew, Asemarie Kebede, Berhanu Woldu, Takele Teklu, Elias Shiferaw. Sero-epidemiology and associated factors of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis among blood donors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC infectious diseases. 2021 Dec;21(1):1-21.
    8. Bamlaku Enawgaw, Melak Aynalem, Mulugeta Melku, Fikir Asrie, Molla Abebe, Aregawi Yalew, Tiruzer Bekele, Nebiyu Mesfin, Mulugeta Ayalew, Elias Shiferaw. Hematological malignancies in the Northwest Ethiopia. Plos one. 2021 Dec 1;16(12):e0260639.
    9. Elias Shiferaw, Fadil Murad, Mitikie Tigabie, Mareye Abebaw, Tadele Alemu, Sefanit Abate, Rezika Mohammed, Arega Yeshanew, Fitsumbrhan Tajebe. Hematological profiles of visceral leishmaniasis patients before and after treatment of anti-leishmanial drugs at University of Gondar Hospital; Leishmania Research and Treatment Center Northwest, Ethiopia. 3/3 BMC Infectious Diseases. 2021 Dec;21(1):1-7.
    10. Melak Aynalem, Elias Shiferaw, Yemataw Gelaw, Bamlaku Enawgaw. Coagulopathy and its associated factors among patients with a bleeding diathesis at the University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Thrombosis Journal. 2021 Dec;19(1):1-2.
    11. Berhanu Woldu, Bamlaku Enawgaw, Fikir Asrie, Elias Shiferaw, Zegeye Getaneh, Mulugeta Melku. Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among reproductive-aged women in Sayint Adjibar town, Northeast Ethiopia. Community based cross-sectional study. Hindawi. 2020.
    12. Tegenaw Tiruneh, Elias Shiferaw, Bamlaku Enawgaw. Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among full term newborn babies at University of Gondar compressive specialized referral hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Ital J Pediatric. 2020.
    13. Sisay Getu, Elias Shiferaw, Mulugeta Melku. Neonatal Iron: Factors Influencing its Level and Associated Complications - a Review Article. Clin Lab. 2020
    14. Tegenaw Tiruneh, Elias Shiferaw, Bamlaku Enawgaw. Genetic Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms: A Literature Review. Oncol Ther. 2020
    15. Sisay Getu, Elias Shiferaw, Mulugeta Melku. Assessments of Hematological Parameters of Petrol Filling Workers at Petrol Stations in Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 2020
    16. Elias Shiferaw, Wasihun Tadilo, Iyasu Melkie, Mikiru Shiferaw. Sero-prevalence and trend of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors at Bahir Dar district blood bank, northwest Ethiopia. PLoS one. 2019
    17. Amanuel Kelem, Elias Shiferaw, Tiruneh Adane. Insulin Resistance-Induced Platelet Hyperactivity and a Potential Biomarker Role of Platelet Parameters: A Narrative Review. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. Sep18:16:2843-2853. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S425469.
    18. Bamlaku Enawgaw, Aregawi Yalew, Elias Shiferaw. Blood donor’s knowledge and attitude towards blood donation at North Gondar district blood bank, Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study. BMC Res Notes. 2018.
    19. Mulugeta Melku, Fikir Asire, Elias Shiferaw, Berhanu Woldu, Yalelet Yihunew, Daniel Asmelash, Bamlaku Enawgaw. Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding blood donation among graduating undergraduate health science students at University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2018
    20. Mulugeta Melku, Elais Shireraw, Berhanu Woldum, Kefyalew Addis Alene, Belete Biadgo. Transfusion-transmissible viral infections among blood donors at North Gondar District Blood Bank, northwest Ethiopia: A three year retrospective study. Plos One. 2017.
    21. Elias Shiferaw, Betelihem Terefe, Fikir Asrie, Bamlaku Enawgaw, Tadele Melak, Yakob Gebreziabher Tsegay, Mohamedamin Areba, Mulugeta Melku. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of adult population towards blood donation in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study. Journal of Blood Transfusion. 2016
    • Abstract: Antimicrobial Resistance Symposium, University of Technology Sydney, 2024
    • I was recognized as one of the top three highest scorers upon graduating with my BSc and as the top student upon completing my MSc.
    • Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Master's degree in Clinical Hematology and Immunohematology