Fekadu Abebe

• Abebe, Fekadu (2020). Immunological basis of early clearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection: the role of natural killer cells.. Clinical and Experimental Immunology.  ISSN 0009-9104. Show summary

  Tuberculosis kills more people than any other single infectious disease globally. Despite decades of research, there is no vaccine to prevent TB transmission. Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine developed a century ago, is effective against childhood (disseminated and miliary) TB. However, its protective efficacy against pulmonary TB varies from 0-80% in different populations. One of the main reasons for lack of an effective vaccine against TB is lack of complete understanding about correlates of protective immunity on which to base vaccine design and development. However, some household contacts who are extensively exposed to Mtb infection remain persistently negative to tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma assay. These individuals called “resisters” clear Mtb infection early before the development of acquired immunity. The immunological basis of early Mtb clearance is yet to be established, however, innate lymphocytes such as monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils and natural killer cells, and innate like T cells such as mucosal associated invariant T cells, invariant natural killer T cells and gamma-delta (γδ) T cells have been implicated in this early protection. In recent years, NK cells have attracted increasing attention because of their role in controlling Mtb infection. Emerging data from animal and epidemiological studies indicate that NK cells play a significant role in the fight against Mtb. NK cells express various surface markers to recognize and kill both Mtb and Mtb-infected cells. This review presents recent advances in our understanding of NK cells in the fight against Mtb early during infection, with emphasis on cohort studies.

• Ahmed, Seid Mussa; Sundby, Johanne; Aragaw, Yesuf Ahmed & Abebe, Fekadu (2020). : Self-medication and safety profile of medicines used among pregnant women in a tertiary teaching hospital in Jimma, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH).  ISSN 1661-7827. . doi: 10.3390/ijerph17113993
• Sima, Bezawit Temesgen; Belachew, Tefera; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2019). Traditional healers`role in the detection of active tuberculosis cases in a pastoralist community in Ethiopia: a pilot intervention study. BMC Public Health.  ISSN 1471-2458.  19(1) . doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-7074-9 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  Abstract Background: Pastoralists rely on traditional healers (THs) for general health problems. However, some studies indicate that such practices result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) cases. This study aims to assess the role of traditional healers in the detection and referral of active TB cases in a pastoralist community. Methods: We identified 22 traditional healers from 7 villages of Kereyu pastoralist community in the Fentale district in Ethiopia in January 2015. We trained these THs in identifying presumptive TB symptoms and early referral to the nearby healthcare facilities. The training was held during a 1 week period that included a visit to their villages and follow-up. A 1 day meeting was held with the traditional healers, the district TB care and prevention coordinator and health extension workers from the selected sub-district to discuss the referral link between THs and the nearby healthcare facilities. Health providers working at the TB units in the selected healthcare facilities were oriented about the training given and planned involvement of THs in referring presumptive TB case. In addition, documentation of the presumptive TB cases was discussed. Results: We succeeded in tracing and interviewing 8 of the 22 THs. The rest were on seasonal migration. According to the THs report for the 1 year period, these 8 THs had referred 24 TB suspects to the healthcare facilities. Sputum smear microscopy confirmed 13 of the 24 suspects as having TB cases. Among those confirmed, 10 completed treatment and three were on treatment. Five presumptive TB cases were confirmed non TB cases through further evaluation at the healthcare facilities and six of the presumptive TB cases were lost to follow up by the THs. Whereas, four of the presumptive TB cases were lost to follow up to the healthcare facility. Conclusions: Results of the present study indicate that THs can contribute to the detection of undiagnosed active TB cases in a pastoralist community, provided they are given appropriate training and support.

• Abebe, Fekadu (2019). Synergy between Th1 and Th2 responses during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection: a review of current understanding. International Reviews of Immunology.  ISSN 0883-0185.  38(4), s 172- 179 . doi: 10.1080/08830185.2019.1632842 Show summary

  ABSTRACT Induction of Th1 (cell-mediated) immunity and associated production of IFN-c by CD4þ T cells has been widely used as a marker of protective immunity against tuberculosis (TB). This is based on two assumptions. The first is the widely accepted view that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of TB is an obligate intracellular pathogen, and the second is based on the Th1/Th2 paradigm, which posits that polarization of CD4þ T cells into type1 (cell-mediated) and type 2 (humoral) is central for proper induction of protective immunity against pathogens. However, almost all licensed vaccines currently in use are primarily anti-body based whether intracellular or extra-cellular. In addition, converging data from both animal models and humans indicate that the production of IFN-c alone is not sufficient to confer protection against TB. In addition, a substantial body of the literature suggests that, in addition to Th1 cells, antibody classes and sub-classes are protective against TB. In a recent study, we have shown that there is a synergy between IFN-c (cell-mediated) and IgA (humoral) in human population in an endemic setting. In this review, current data from both animal and human studies that support mixed Th1 and Th2 responses that are protective against Mtb and other pathogens are presented.

• Sima, Bezawit Temesgen; Belachew, Tefera & Abebe, Fekadu (2019). Health care providers knowledge, attitude and perceived stigma regarding tuberculosis in a pastoralist community in Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study. BMC Health Services Research.  ISSN 1472-6963.  19(19), s 3815- 3821 . doi: 10.1186/s12913-018-3815-1 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains the prime killer disease among infectious diseases. TB control depends on early case detection and treatment in a directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) programme. The success of DOTS depends on the ability of the health care system to identify and properly manage TB cases. The present study aims to assess healthcare provider (HCP) knowledge, attitude and perceived stigma regarding TB and perception about traditional healers. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 108 HCPs using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire from September 2014 to January 2015. The study district has a high TB burden area with one district hospital, 4 health centres, and 18 health posts. All health facilities and HCPs available during the study period in the district were included in the study. Statistical software for social science (SPSS) version 22 and STATA version 14 were used to enter and analyse data, respectively. Results The majority (64%) of the HCPs had poor overall knowledge regarding TB, and 67.6 and 57.6% had poor knowledge regarding TB diagnosis and nature of the disease, respectively. Moreover, most 66.7 and 55.6% of the HCPs had an unfavourable attitude towards TB and TB control systems, respectively. Slightly under half (49.1%) of the HCPs had a favourable attitude towards TB patients, and the majority (88.9%) had low perceived stigma. The majority (87.0%) of the HCPs indicated the importance of community involvement in TB control activity. Moreover, most (60.2%) of the HCPs showed willingness to collaborate with traditional healers (THs) on TB control activity. Conclusions Healthcare workers’ knowledge gap and unfavourable attitude towards TB control systems reported in this study may cause poor TB care delivery. HCPs’ perception of the importance of community involvement in TB control and willingness to collaborate with THs on TB management could be an opportunity to strengthen the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) component of End TB strategy through community engagement. Training and workshops could be used to address the knowledge gap and the unfavourable attitude regarding TB among HCPs.

• Abebe, Fekadu; Belay, Mulugeta; Legesse, Mengistu; Franken, Kees LMC & Ottenhoff, Tom HM (2018). IgA and IgG against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2031 discriminate between pulmonary tuberculosis patients, Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected and non-infected individuals. PLOS ONE.  ISSN 1932-6203.  13(1), s 1- 19 . doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190989 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  As part of a major project to investigate protective and diagnostic immune markers against tuberculosis (TB), we measured antibody isotype responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens (LAM, Rv2031, and HBHA) in cohorts of 149 pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTBP), 148 household contacts (HHCs), and 68 community controls (CCs) in an endemic setting. ELISA was used to measure levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM from sera of cohorts at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months from entry. The results show that there were significant differences in IgA, IgG, and IgM responses to the different antigens and in the three cohorts. At baseline, the level of IgM against RV2031 and LAM did not vary between cohorts, but the levels of IgA and IgG against Rv2031 were significantly higher in PTB patients than HHCs and CCs, followed by HHCs, and the lowest in CCs. In patients, there was a significant variation in antibody responses before and after chemotherapy. The levels of IgA and IgG against HBHA, and IgA against Rv2031 decreased significantly and remained low, while IgA and IgG against LAM increased significantly and remained high following chemotherapy. However, the levels of IgM against Rv2031 and LAM increased at 6 months but decreased again at 12 months. IgM against HBHA did not show any significant variation before and after chemotherapy. Similarly, there were also significant variations in antibody responses in HHCs over time. Our results show that there are significant variations in IgA, IgG and IgM responses to the different antigens and in the three cohorts, implying that not all antibody isotype responses are markers of clinical TB. In addition, the current and previous studies consistently show that IgA and IgG against Rv2031 discriminate between clinical disease, Mtb-infected and non-infected individuals.

• Abebe, Fekadu; Belay, Mulugeta; Legesse, Mengistu; Mihret, Adane & Franken, Kees L (2017). Association of ESAT-6/CFP-10 induced IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-10 with clinical tuberculosis: evidence from cohorts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, household contacts, and community controls in an endemic setting. Clinical and Experimental Immunology.  ISSN 0009-9104.  189(2), s 241- 249 . doi: 10.1111/cei.12972 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  Summary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) early secreted protein antigen 6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) are among candidate vaccines against tuberculosis (TB). Results of experimental animal models show that these antigens are associated with induction of strong T cell immunity [interferon (IFN)-g production], while others report that these proteins as virulent factors involved in pathogenicity of Mtb infection. However, the role of ESAT-6/CFP-10 during natural Mtb infections in humans has not been established. In this paper we present results of a longitudinal study from an Mtb-infected human population from an endemic setting. Whole blood assay was used to determine levels of IFN-g, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a and interleukin (IL)-10 against rESAT-6/CFP-10 in TB patients, household contacts and community controls. The levels of IFN-g, TNF-a and IL-10 against rESAT-6/CFP-10 at baseline were significantly higher in patients and community controls than in household contacts. In patients, no significant difference was observed in the level of these cytokines before and after chemotherapy whereas, in contacts, the level of these cytokines increased significantly and progressively over time. The study shows that the levels of IFN-g, TNF-a and IL-10 against rESAT-6/CFP-10 are depressed during Mtb infection or exposure but are elevated during clinical TB. Our findings from a study of naturally infected human population suggest that IFN-g, TNF-a and IL-10 against rESAT-6/CFP-10 are markers for clinical TB but not for protective immunity. Keywords: CFP-10, ESAT-6, IFN-g, IL-10, i

• Abebe, Fekadu; Mengesha, Mulugeta Belay & Legesse, Mengistu (2017). IFN-γ against the 38-kDa antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis discriminates pulmonary tuberculosis from infection, and infection from exposure: evidence from a study of human population in a high endemic setting. Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica et Immunologica Scandinavica (APMIS).  ISSN 0903-4641.  126(2), s 135- 142 . doi: 10.1111/apm.12793 Show summary

  Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) 38-kDa antigen is an immunogenic lipoprotein that induces strong T-cell responses in experimental animals. However, there is limited information on the role of this antigen in human population. In this article, we present the dynamics of pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) against the 38 kDa in cohorts of pulmonary TB (PTB) patients, household contacts (HHCs), and community controls (CCs) in a high endemic setting. Whole blood assay was used to determine the levels of cytokines in 149 patients, 149 HHCs, and 68 CCs at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. At baseline, the level of IFN-γ was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in CCs and HHCs than in untreated patients. CCs had significantly (p < 0.05) higher level of IFN-γ than HHCs. There was no significant difference between treated and untreated patients, and there was no significant change in HHCs over 12 months. At baseline, the levels of IL-10 and TNF-α were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in patients than in HHCs and CCs. No significant change was observed between treated patients and untreated patients and HHCs over time. The study shows that IFN-γ against the 38 kDa discriminates clinical TB from infection and infection from exposure, suggesting its potential for immune protection and diagnosis

• Sima, Bezawit Temesgen; Belachew, Tefera & Abebe, Fekadu (2017). Knowledge, attitude and perceived stigma towards tuberculosis among pastoralists; Do they differ from sedentary communities? A comparative cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE.  ISSN 1932-6203.  12(7), s 1- 17 . doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181032 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  BACKGROUND: Ethiopia is ninth among the world high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries, pastoralists being the most affected population. However, there is no published report whether the behavior related to TB are different between pastoralist and the sedentary communities. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to assess the pastoralist community knowledge, attitude and perceived stigma towards tuberculosis and their health care seeking behavior in comparison to the neighboring sedentary communities and this may help to plan TB control interventions specifically for the pastoralist communities. METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out from September 2014 to January 2015, among 337 individuals from pastoralist and 247 from the sedentary community of Kereyu district. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Three focus group discussions were used to collect qualitative data, one with men and the other with women in the pastoralist and one with men in the sedentary groups. Data were analyzed using Statistical Software for Social Science, SPSS V 22 and STATA. RESULTS: A Lower proportion of pastoralists mentioned bacilli (bacteria) as the cause of PTB compared to the sedentary group (63.9% vs. 81.0%, p<0.01), respectively. However, witchcraft was reported as the causes of TB by a higher proportion of pastoralists than the sedentary group (53.6% vs.23.5%, p<0.01), respectively. Similarly, a lower proportion of pastoralists indicated PTB is preventable compared to the sedentary group (95.8% vs. 99.6%, p<0.01), respectively. Moreover, majority of the pastoralists mentioned that most people would reject a TB patient in their community compared to the sedentary group (39.9% vs. 8.9%, p<0.001), respectively, and the pastoralists expressed that they would be ashamed/embarrassed if they had TB 68% vs.36.4%, p<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The finding indicates that there is a lower awareness about TB, a negative attitude towards TB patients and a higher perceived stigma among pastoralists compared to their neighbor sedentary population. Strategic health communications pertinent to the pastoralists way of life should be planned and implemented to improve the awareness gap about tuberculosis.

• Mengesha, Mulugeta Belay; Legesse, Mengistu; Ottenhoff, Tom H.M.; Mihret, Adane; Franken, Kees L; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2016). IFN-γ and IgA against non-methylated heparin-binding hemagglutinin as markers of protective immunity and latent tuberculosis: Results of a longitudinal study from an endemic setting. Journal of Infection.  ISSN 0163-4453.  72(2), s 189- 200 . doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2015.09.040
• Mengesha, Mulugeta Belay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2015). Prevalence of tuberculosis, HIV, and TB-HIV co-infection among pulmonary tuberculosis suspects in a predominantly pastoralist area, northeast Ethiopia. Global health action.  ISSN 1654-9716.  8:27949(1), s 1- 8 . doi: 10.3402/gha.v8.27949
• Mengesha, Mulugeta Belay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2015). Tuberculosis and HIV infection among pulmonary tuberculosis suspects in a predominantly pastoralist area, Northeast Ethiopia. Global health action.  ISSN 1654-9716.  8(27949), s 1- 7 . doi: 10.3402/gha.v8.27949 Full text in Research Archive.
• Mengesha, Mulugeta Belay; Legesse, Mengistu; Mihret, Adane; Bekele, Yonas; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2015). Lipoarabinomannan-specific TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma as markers of protective immunity against tuberculosis: a cohort study in an endemic setting. Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica et Immunologica Scandinavica (APMIS).  ISSN 0903-4641.  123(10), s 851- 857 . doi: 10.1111/apm.12423
• Mengesha, Mulugeta Belay; Legesse, Mengistu; Mihret, Adane; Ottenhoff, Tom HM; Franken, Kees Lumc; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2015). Pro-and-anti-inflammatory cytokines against Rv2031 are elevated during latent tuberculosis: a study in cohorts of tuberculosis patients, household contacts and community Controls in an endemic setting. PLOS ONE.  ISSN 1932-6203.  s 1- 13 . doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124134 Full text in Research Archive.
• Abebe, Fekadu (2014). The role of T cells in mucosal immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection: a review of current understanding. Journal of Clinical & Cellular Immunology.  ISSN 2155-9899. . doi: 10.4172/2155-9899.1000254
• Belay, Mulugeta; Ameni, Gobena; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel; Couvin, David; Rastogi, Nalin & Abebe, Fekadu (2014). Strain diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Afar pastoral Region of Ethiopia. BioMed Research International.  ISSN 2314-6133.  2014 . doi: 10.1155/2014/238532
• Belay, Mulugeta; Dagne, Daniel; Legesse, Mengistu; Mihret, Adane; Bekele, Yonas; Medhin, Girmay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2014). QuantiFERON-TB-Gold In-Tube test conversions and reversions among Tuberculosis patients and their household contacts in Addis Ababa: a one year follow-up study. BMC Infectious Diseases.  ISSN 1471-2334.  14:654 . doi: 10.1186/s12879-014-0654-5
• Dadi, Mengistu Legesse; Ameni, Gobena; Medhin, Girmay; Franken, Kees LMC; Kassa, Gezahegne Mamo; Ottenhoff, Tom HM; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2013). IgA response to ESAT-6/CFP-10 and Rv2031 antigens varies in culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients, healthy Mycobacterium tuberculosis infected and non-infected individuals in a tuberculosis endemic setting, Ethiopia". Scandinavian Journal of Immunology.  ISSN 0300-9475.  78(3), s 266- 274 . doi: 10.1111/sji.12080
• Abebe, Fekadu (2012). Is interferon-gamma (IFN-g) the right marker for BCG-induced immune protection? the missing link in our understanding of tuberculosis immunology. Clinical and Experimental Immunology.  ISSN 0009-9104.  169(3), s 213- 219 . doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2012.04614.x Show summary

  Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG), developed a century ago, is the only licensed tuberculosis (TB) vaccine in use to date. The protective efficacy of BCG against TB varies with no apparent protection in some population, and mechanisms of its immune protection is poorly known, and yet BCG is the most widely used vaccine, with more than 4 billion BCG-vaccinated children globally.BCG is probably the only licensed vaccine currently in use believed to mediate immune protection through the production of interferon (IFN)-g by CD4 T cells,which in turn activates macrophages to killMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Currently, a number of new TB candidate vaccines are in different phases of clinical trial. The majority of these new vaccines are either recombinant forms of BCG or prime boosters of BCG (rBCG) and their immunogenicity is tested using BCG as a benchmark by measuring specific IFN-g produced by CD4+ T cells as a protective immune marker. However, some recent studies that examined mechanisms of immune protection of BCG in animals and humans have reported a lack of correlation between IFN-g production by CD4 cells and BCG-induced immune protection. These studies point to the fact that there is a missing link in our understanding of TB immunology. Conversely, there is emerging evidence that other T cell subsets (gammadelta, gd), CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells may play a vital role in immune protection against Mtb infection and BCG-induced immune protection. gd T cells and NK cells, which were considered to be part of the innate immunity in the past, have been shown to develop immunological memory upon re-encounter with the same pathogen. In this paper, the controversy over the role of IFN-g as a marker for protective immunity against TB, and emerging data on the role of gd T cells, CD8+ and NK cells in TB immunology, will be presented.

• Dadi, Mengistu Legesse; Ameni, Gobena; Kassa, Gezahegne Mamo; Medhin, Girmay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2012). Association of the level of IFN-gamma produced by T cells in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens with the size of skin test indurations among individuals with latent tuberculosis in a highly tuberculosis-endemic setting. International Immunology.  ISSN 0953-8178.  24(2), s 71- 78 . doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxr102 Show summary

  There is growing evidence showing the potential of T-cell-based gamma interferon (IFN-g) release assays (IGRAs) for predicting the risk of progression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, though there is little information from tuberculosis (TB)-endemic settings. In this study, we assessed the association between the level of IFN-g produced by T cells in response to Mtb-specific antigens and the size of skin test indurations in 505 adult individuals who were screened for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube (QFTGIT) assay and tuberculin skin test (TST). There was a strong positive correlation between the level of IFN-g induced by the specific antigens and the diameter of the skin indurations (Spearman’s rho 5 0.6, P < 0.001). Body mass index and parasitic infection were not associated with the level of IFN-g production or the TST reaction. In linear regression analysis, the size of the skin test indurations was significantly associated with the mean level of IFN-g [coefficient, 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.47 to 0.82, P < 0.001]. Similarly, results from logistic regression analysis demonstrated that individuals who had skin test indurations ‡ 10 mm were 6.82 times more likely than individuals who had skin test indurations < 10 mm to have high levels of IFN-g (i.e. positive QFTGIT result) (adjusted odd ratio 5 6.82; 95% CI, 3.67 to 12.69, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the results of this study could provide indirect evidence for the prognostic use of the QFTGIT assay for progression of Mtb infection, though prospective follow-up studies are needed to provide direct evidence.

• Kassa, Gezahegne Mamo; Abebe, Fekadu; Worku, Yalelet; Legesse, Mengistu; Medhin, Girmay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Ameni, Gobena (2012). Tuberculosis in goats and sheep in Afar pastoral region of Ethiopia and isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from goat. Veterinary medicine international.  ISSN 2090-8113. . doi: 10.1155/2012/869146
• Mengesha, Mulugeta Belay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel; Ameni, Gobena & Abebe, Fekadu (2012). Diagnostic and treatment delay among tuberculosis patients in Afar Region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health.  ISSN 1471-2458.  12, s 369 . doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-369
• Abebe, Dawit Shawel; Biffa, Demelash; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel; Ameni, Gobena & Abebe, Fekadu (2011). Assessment of knowledge and practice about tuberculosis among eastern Ethiopian prisoners. The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.  ISSN 1027-3719.  15(2), s 228- 233
• Abebe, Dawit Shawel; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel; Ameni, Gobena; Biffa, Demelash & Abebe, Fekadu (2011). Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and associated risk factors in Eastern Ethiopian prisons. The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.  ISSN 1027-3719.  15(5), s 668- 673 . doi: 10.5588/ijtld.10.0363
• Belay, Mulugeta; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2011). Serodiagnosis performance of R-ESAT-6-CFP-10 in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Ethiopia. Mycobacterial Diseases.  ISSN 2161-1068.  1(2) . doi: 10.4172/2161-1068.1000103
• Dadi, Mengistu Legesse; Ameni, Gobena; Kassa, Gezahegne Mamo; Medhin, Girmay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2011). Community-based cross-sectional survey of latent tuberculosis infection in Afar pastoralists, Ethiopia, using QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube and tuberculin skin test. BMC Infectious Diseases.  ISSN 1471-2334.  11 . doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-11-89
• Dadi, Mengistu Legesse; Ameni, Gobena; Kassa, Gezahegne Mamo; Medhin, Girmay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2011). Knowledge of cervical tuberculosis lymphadenitis and its treatment in pastoral communities of the Afar region, Ethiopia. BMC Public Health.  ISSN 1471-2458.  11(157) . doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-157
• Kassa, Gezahegne Mamo; Bayleyegn, Gizachew; Tessema, Tesfaye Sisay; Dadi, Mengistu Legesse; Medhin, Girmay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel; Abebe, Fekadu & Ameni, Gobena (2011). Pathology of Camel Tuberculosis and Molecular Characterization of Its Causative Agents in Pastoral Regions of Ethiopia. PLOS ONE.  ISSN 1932-6203.  6(1) . doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015862
• Biffa, Demelash; Skjerve, Eystein; Oloya, James; Bogale, Asseged; Abebe, Fekadu; Dahle, Ulf R; Djønne, Berit K & Bohlin, Jon (2010). Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis isolates from Ethiopian cattle. BMC Veterinary Research.  ISSN 1746-6148.  6 . doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-6-28
• Dadi, Mengistu Legesse; Ameni, Gobena; Kassa, Gezahegne Mamo; Medhin, G; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2010). Performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFTGIT) for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in Afar Pastoralists, Ethiopia. BMC Infectious Diseases.  ISSN 1471-2334.  10 . doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-10-354
• Dadi, Mengistu Legesse; Ameni, Gobena; Medhin, G.; Shawel, Dawit; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2010). Knowledge and perception of pulmonary tuberculosis in pastoral communities in the middle and Lower Awash Valley of Afar region, Ethiopia. BMC Public Health.  ISSN 1471-2458.  10 . doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-187
• Gele, Abdikadir Ali; Sagbakken, Mette; Abebe, Fekadu & Bjune, Gunnar Aksel (2010). Barriers to tuberculosis care: a qualitative study among Somali pastoralists in Ethiopia. BMC Research Notes.  ISSN 1756-0500.  3(86) Full text in Research Archive.
• Legesse, Mengistu; Ameni, Gobena; Mamo, Gezahegne; Medhin, Girmay; Abebe, Dawit Shawel; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2010). Knowledge and perception of pulmonary tuberculosis in pastoral communities in the middle and Lower Awash Valley of Afar region, Ethiopia. BMC Public Health.  ISSN 1471-2458.  10(187) . doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-187
• Abebe, Fekadu (2009). Novel Anti-schistosomal Drugs from Medicinal Plants, In Ronald R. Watson & Victor R. Preedy (ed.),  Botanical Medicine in Clinical Practice.  Oxford University Press.  ISBN 9781845934132.  Kapittel 19.  s 175 - 183
• Abebe, Fekadu & Bjune, Gunnar Aksel (2009). The protective role of antibody responses during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Clinical and Experimental Immunology.  ISSN 0009-9104.  157(2), s 235- 243 . doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03967.x
• Gele, Abdikadir Ali; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2009). Pastoralism and delay in diagnosis of TB in Ethiopia. BMC Public Health.  ISSN 1471-2458.  9 . doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-5
• Abebe, F; Holm-Hansen, Carol; Wiker, HG & Bjune, G (2007). Progress in serodiagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology.  ISSN 0300-9475.  66(2-3), s 176- 191 . doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2007.01978.x
• Abebe, Fekadu; Mustafa, T; Nerland, A. & Bjune, Gunnar Aksel (2006). Cytokine profile during latent and slowly progressive primary tuberculosis: a possible role for interleukin-15 in mediating clinical disease. Clinical and Experimental Immunology.  ISSN 0009-9104.  143, s 180- 192
• Abebe, Fekadu & Bjune, Gunnar Aksel (2006). The emergence of Beijing family genotypes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and low-level protection by bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccines: is there a link?. Clinical and Experimental Immunology.  ISSN 0009-9104.  145, s 389- 397
• Abebe, Fekadu; Erko, B; Gemetchu, T & Gundersen, SG (2005). Control of Biomphalaria pfeifferi population and schistosomiasis transmission in Ethiopia using the soap berry endod (Phytolacca dodecandra), with special emphasis on application methods. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.  ISSN 0035-9203.  99, s 787- 794
• Abebe, Fekadu; Erko, Berhanu; Gemetchu, T & Gundersen, Svein Gunnar (2005). Control of Biomphalaria pfeifferi population and schistosomiasis transmission in Ethiopia using the soap berry endod (Phytolacca dodecandra), with special emphasis on application methods. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.  ISSN 0035-9203.  99(10), s 787- 794 Show summary

  The endod (Phytolacca dodecandra) -based schistosomiasis mansoni control project was implemented in Ethiopia between 1994 and 1999. The aim was to develop an effective, cheap and sustainable method of controlling schistosomiasis. First, different formulations of the Ethiopian endod strain 44 (E-44) were compared for potency in the laboratory. Secondly, spray and drip-feeding methods were compared for simplicity and effectiveness in the field. Lastly, the efficacy of endod powder soap was compared with the endod spray method. In Bati stream, endod powder soap was distributed to the residents every weekend at Laundry sites. In Worke stream endod was sprayed along a 1 - km stretch of the stream at 3 -month intervals. No endod was applied in Harbu stream. The immediate and long-term effects of endod application on the snail population and schistosomal infection were determined. Using the spray method, 100% snail mortality could be obtained, and it was simpler and more effective than the drip-feeding method. Snail mortality ranged from 20 to 100% using endod soap. There was a progressive decline in the snail population and infection in Bati stream compared with Worke stream, mainly due to sustained use of endod soap. The advantages and disadvantages of the different endod delivery systems are discussed

• Abebe, Fekadu; Birkeland, Kåre I; Garder, P. I.; Petros, B & Gundersen, Svein Gunnar (2002). The relationships between dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate DHEAS), the intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection and parasite-specific antibody responses. A cross-sectional study in residents of endemic communities in north-east Ethiopia. APMIS : Acta pathologica, microbiologica et immunologica Scandinavica. Supplementum.  ISSN 0903-465X.
• Abebe, Fekadu; Gaarder, Per Ivar; Petros, B & Gundersen, Svein Gunnar (2002). Differences in prevalence, intensity of infection and parasite-specific antibody levels do not predict different age-infection profiles. ?.  110(07.aug), s 535- 544 Show summary

  Acquired immunity is believed to influence the age-infection profile of Schistosoma infections. We compared antibody responses against Schistosoma mansoni adult worm antigen (AWA) and soluble egg antigen (SEA) in 164 residents of two communities with different levels of infection. IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgG subclass 1 to 4 antibodies were determined by ELISA. Seventy-five of the subjects were from Harbu, an area with a prevalence of 39% and an intensity of infection of 116 eggs per gram of stool (EPG), whereas 89 subjects were from Bati, with a prevalence of 66% and intensity of infection of 256 EPG. In both communities the prevalence and the intensity of infection were highest in the age group 10-14 years, although both were significantly higher in Bati than in Harbu. Mean levels of AWA-specific IgA, IgM, IgG, IgG1 and IgG2, and of SEA-specific IgG, IgM, IgG2 and IgG3 were significantly higher in Bati than in Harbu. However, mean levels of IgE against worm and egg antigens were significantly higher in Harbu than in Bati. Significant differences were detected in the levels of IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM, IgG1 and IgG2 against AWA, and in IgE, IgM, IgG2 and IgG3 against SEA according to the place of residence. The levels of anti-AWA IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 and anti-SEA IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 were significantly associated with the intensity of infection. Anti-AWA IgM levels were associated with age, whereas sex and age had interacting effects on the levels of AWA-specific IgG1 and SEA-specific IgG and IgM. Antibody responses exhibited different age-related patterns in the two communities. This may indicate that differences in history of exposure influence the evolution of immune responses. However, the study did not support the view that differences in antibody levels between communities subject to different levels of infection result in a systematic deviation in age-infection profile (the "peak shift").

• Erko, Berhanu; Abebe, Fekadu; Berhe, Nega; Medhin, G; Gebre-Michael, T & Gundersen, Svein Gunnar (2002). Control of Schistosoma mansoni by the soapberry Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra) in Wollo, northeastern Ethiopia: post-intervention prevalence. East African Medical Journal.  ISSN 0012-835X.  79(4), s 198- 201
• Erko, Berhanu; Medhin, G; Abebe, Fekadu; Gebre-Michael, T & Gundersen, Svein Gunnar (2002). Epidemiological studies on intestinal schistosomiasis in Wondo Genet, southern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Medical Journal.  ISSN 0014-1755.  40(1), s 29- 39 Show summary

  A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was made on intestinal schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni in Wondo Genet, southern Ethiopia, in 1999 to generate preintervention parasitological and malacological baseline data to be used as a reference in evaluation of community-based pilot control trial to be launched using wild-growing Endod. A total of 3000 stool specimens were collected from schoolchildren enrolled in 14 schools and microscopically examined using Kato method. The overall prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis mansoni was 34.6% and 184 eggs per gram of stool (EPG), respectively. Children excreting Schistosoma mansoni eggs were found in all of the 14 schools surveyed with a prevalence of infection ranging from 1.9% in Abaye School to 80.6% in Shesha Kekele School. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection among males and females was 38.4% and 27.3%, respectively (P = 0.0001, 95% C.I = 7.5%-14.7%) where as the intensity of infection was 186 EPG and 181 EPG, respectively (P = 0.8045, 95% C.I = 1.17%-1.23%). Malacological surveys of 27 water contact sites revealed the occurrence of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in 8 sites out of which 3 harbored infected snails shedding schistosome cercariae. The necessity for initiating community-based sustainable control programme is discussed

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• Abebe, Fekadu (2017). utfordringer ved bruk av gammainterferon-frigjøringstester for å diagnostisere tuberkulose. BestPractice Norge.  (24)
• Inotu, Adolphus & Abebe, Fekadu (2014). Assessment of defaulting from directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) and its determinants in Benin city, Nigeria. Journal of Tuberculosis Research.  ISSN 2329-8448.  2(1), s 30- 39 . doi: 10.4236/jtr.2014.21004
• Shero, Kebede Chimdessa; Legesse, Mengistu; Medhin, Girmay; Belay, Mulugeta; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2014). Re-assessing tuberculin skin test (TST) for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) among African migrants in Western Europe and USA. Journal of Tuberculosis Research.  ISSN 2329-8448.  2(1), s 4- 15 . doi: 10.4236/jtr.2014.21002
• Legesse, Mengistu; Mamo, Gezahegne; Ameni, Gobena; Medhin, Girmay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Abebe, Fekadu (2013). Community-based prevalence of undiagnosed mycobacterial diseases in the Afar Region, north-east Ethiopia. International Journal of mycobacteriology.  ISSN 2212-5531.  2(2), s 94- 102 . doi: 10.1016/j.imyco.2013.04.001
• Mamo, Gezahegne; Abebe, Fekadu; Worku, Yalelet; Hussein, Nesredin; Legesse, Mengistu; Tilahun, Getachew; Medhin, Girmay; Bjune, Gunnar Aksel & Ameni, Gobena (2013). Bovine tuberculosis and its associated risk factors in pastoral and agro-pastoral cattle herds of Afar Region. northeast Ethiopia.

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