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Meseret Alem Damtie

Meseret Alem Damtie

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

Research Title: The impact of Antibiotic Resistance on Innate immune response.

Supervisor: Professor Mark Willcox

Co-supervisor: Dr Ajay Vijay

 

Research

Antibiotic resistance is a primary global public health concern requiring extensive research to understand the complex mechanisms involved. My study aims to investigate antibiotic resistance and its effect on the ability of bacteria to evade the innate immune response. The research will explore the synergistic effects of polymyxins with other drugs and peptides, the mechanisms of cross-resistance between polymyxins, hepcidin antimicrobial peptide, and other peptides, and how resistance to these substances can affect disease outcomes. The study will examine microbial evasion and immune system recognition mechanisms through a multidisciplinary approach integrating microbiology, molecular biology, and immunological assays.

Literature reveals that antibiotic-resistant pathogens use sophisticated strategies to undermine immune systems, making it difficult for the host to mount an effective defence. So, this study explores potential therapeutic interventions, emphasising the importance of innovative treatment strategies to combat the rise of antibiotic resistance and developing new peptides as treatment.

Biography  

I am Meseret Alem Damtie, a PhD student in the School of Optometry and Vision Science with master's degrees in Tropical and Infectious Diseases. I specialise in solving healthcare challenges, focusing on antibiotic resistance and innate immune responses. I have expertise in these areas and am dedicated to solving these complex issues.

 I have extensive experience in teaching, leadership, and practical applications. Additionally, I have published peer-reviewed Journals demonstrating my expertise in collaborative research efforts. I take a proactive approach to contributing to my community by serving on various committees. My friendly and approachable manner has helped me succeed in collaborative and leadership roles.

Education

PhD in School of Optometry and vision science

MSc in Tropical and Infectious Diseases at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Affiliation and Memberships:

Lifetime member of the Ethiopian Medical Laboratory Association (EMLA)

Member of Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA)

Lifetime member of the Ethiopian Red Cross Association

 
Email

m.damtie@unsw.edu.au

    1. Alemayehu M, Paintain L, Adera C, Berhe R, Gebeyehu A, Gizaw Z, Herrero M, Mulugeta Beshah A, Den Boer M, Nigusie A, Alem M, Yechale E, Elnaiem DA. Impact of Education on Knowledge and Practice of Kala Azar Preventive Measures among Seasonal and Migrant Agricultural Workers in Northwest Ethiopia. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020;102(4):758-767. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.19-0079
    2. Yalew A, Terefe B, Alem M, Enawgaw B. Hematological reference intervals determination in adults at Gondar University Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. BMC Res Notes. 2016;9(1):483. Published 2016 Nov 2. doi:10.1186/s13104-016-2288-8
    3. Meseret Alem.et al. Patients Satisfactions and Associated Factors in Private and Public Health Institutions in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia. Int. J. Pharm. & H. Care Res., Vol.–01 (02) 2013 [69-79]
    4. Fonjungo PN, Kebede Y, Arneson W, Tefera D, Yimer K, Kinde S, Alem M, Cheneke W, Mitiku H, Tadesse E, Tsegaye A, Kenyon T. Preservice laboratory education strengthening enhances sustainable laboratory workforce in Ethiopia. Hum Resour Health. 2013; 11:56. doi: 10.1186/1478-4491-11-56. PMID: 24164781; PMCID: PMC3815253.
    5. Meseret Alem1 *, Tigist Kena2 , Negash Baye1 , Rehmla Ahmed1 and Seblewengel Tilahun1. Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Risk Factors among Adult HIV Patients at the Anti-Retroviral Therapy Clinic at the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Open Access Scientific Reports, Volume 2 • Issue 3 • 2013
    6. Xiong H, Campelo D, Boutellis A, Raoult D, Alem M, Ali J, Bilcha K, Shao R, Pollack RJ, Barker SC. SNPs in entire mitochondrial genome sequences (≈ 15.4 kb) and cox1 sequences (≈ 486 bp) resolve body and head lice from doubly infected people from Ethiopia, China, Nepal, and Iran but not France—Journal of Medical Entomology. 2014 Nov 1;51(6):1199-207. PMID: 26309307, DOI: 10.1603/ME14001
    7. Enawgaw B, Alem M, Addis Z, Melku M. Determination of haematological and immunological parameters among HIV positive patients taking highly active antiretroviral treatment and treatment naïve in the antiretroviral therapy clinic of Gondar University Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study. BMC Hematol. 2014;14(1):8. Published 2014 Mar 25. doi:10.1186/2052-1839-14-8