Mulat Erkihun

Mr. Mulat Erkihun


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 June 2024 in Bacteria
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MEMulat Erkihun
Mulat Erkihun
ZAZelalem Asmare
Zelalem Asmare
KEKirubel Endalamaw
Kirubel Endalamaw
BGBirhanu Getie
Birhanu Getie
TKTeklehaimanot Kiros
Teklehaimanot Kiros
ABAyenew Berhan
Ayenew Berhan
Biofilms are accumulations of microorganisms in an extracellular polymeric substance matrix which are composed of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Many bacteria can switch between a planktonic form and a biofilm form. The planktonic bacteria have relatively high cell growth and reproduction rates and have a reduced likelihood of survival but can adapt to occupy new habitats. The biofilm state appears to be a natural and predominant state of bacteria. The need for the formation of bacterial biofilm is that it enhances the tolerance of bacteria to harsh environmental conditions, thereby allowing bacteria to avoid being washed away by water flow or the bloodstream by simply attaching to a surface or tissue, and the EPS matrix protects bacteria cells, in deeper layers, against antimicrobial agents, probably by limiting the diffusion of these agents. Biofilm formation steps are initial contact/attachment to the surface, followed by micro-colony formation, maturation and formation of the architecture of the biofilm, and finally detachment/dispersion of the biofilm. Once formed, biofilm restricts bacterial mobility and increases cell density. Secretions of autoinducers into the environment are critical for cross-signaling between bacteria. This cross-talk is called quorum sensing (QS). Quorum sensing is a cell–cell communication mechanism between bacteria that allows specific processes to be controlled, such as biofilm formation and virulence factor expression. Bacterial quorum sensing signaling mainly consists of acyl-homoserine lactones (produced by Gram-negatives), autoinducing peptides (produced by Gram-positives), and autoinducer-2 (produced by both Gram-negatives and Gram-positives). Therefore, this review is aimed at how bacterial biofilms work and are formed.

1 November 2023 in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ZAZelalem Asmare
Zelalem Asmare
MEMulat Erkihun
Mulat Erkihun
Infectious diseases are considered a major cause of death globally, accounting for one-third of all deaths. Traditionally, microbiological approaches to diagnose infectious diseases have been labor-intensive and time-consuming; molecular methods significantly improve on these constraints. DNA microarray is a novel and advanced diagnostic test for infectious disease that is designed for specific identification of a wide variety of organisms simultaneously. Microarray has various advanced applications in infectious disease diagnostics, including the 2019 pandemic COVID 19, detection of food-borne infectious agents, and detection of Neisseria meningitidis. The aim of this review is to provide updated application of DNA microarray techniques for the diagnosis of infectious diseases and to explore the development of new DNA microarray methods. In conclusion, DNA microarray techniques are the future rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for infectious disease diagnosis and detection of antimicrobial resistance.

22 January 2025 in Health Science Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
TKTeklehaimanot Kiros
Teklehaimanot Kiros
MEMulat Erkihun
Mulat Erkihun
MWMitikie Wondmagegn
Mitikie Wondmagegn
AAAndargachew Almaw
Andargachew Almaw
AAAyenew Assefa
Ayenew Assefa
BSBekele Sharew
Bekele Sharew
Background: Mpox is a zoonotic disease that has become a significant public health concern, especially in regions beyond its usual endemic areas in Africa. The rising global incidence and its classification as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization highlight the importance of healthcare professionals (HCPs) being knowledgeable and well‐prepared to effectively manage the virus. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and factors associated with HCPs regarding Mpox infections at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Between June 13th and September 3rd, 2024, a cross‐sectional study was conducted, among 384 HCPs selected through convenience sampling. A pretested, and well‐structured, questionnaire was used to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes of HCPs. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. A p ‐value of ≤ 0.05 was considered a statistically significant association. Results: Out of the 384 participants, the majority were male (55.47%) and aged 31–39 years (33.85%). Nurses made up the largest professional group at 31.25%. Only 28.13% and 37.76% of HCPs demonstrated good knowledge and favorable attitudes toward the Mpox, respectively. Interestingly, HCPs with prior information sources about Mpox were likely to possess good knowledge (AOR = 1.45, p = 0.002). Conclusions: The findings emphasize important gaps in the knowledge and attitude of HCPs. It is imperative to implement targeted educational initiatives such as information dissemination, training, and continuous professional development to improve the capacity of HCPs to effectively respond to Mpox and other emerging infectious diseases.

4 November 2024 in Health Science Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MEMulat Erkihun
Mulat Erkihun
BABayu Ayele
Bayu Ayele
ZAZelalem Asmare
Zelalem Asmare
KEKirubel Endalamaw
Kirubel Endalamaw
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which has become a pandemic. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is an enveloped, unsegmented, positive‐sense, single‐stranded RNA virus that belongs to the family Coronaviridae.Aim: The objective of this review is to conduct a qualitative analysis of the current updates on epidemiology, evolution, and vaccine variants for SARS‐CoV‐2.Method: The search strategy was done from the database based on the PRISMA criteria for qualitative analysis of this review. Literature on variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, published in English in the last 5 years (2019–2023), were included. From 179 a total of 105 articles were reviewed, searched, and retrieved from the electronic databases PubMed. The search was done using keywords like COVID‐19, SARS‐CoV‐2, variants, mutations, and vaccines, and articles were managed using EndNote X8 software. The scope of view for this review was the course of the pandemic by emerging variants and how man is struggling to overcome this sudden pandemic through vaccines. The narrative skeleton was constructed based on the article's scope of view.Result: From the parent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, many variants emerged during the course of this pandemic. They are mainly categorized into two variants: variants of interest and variants of concern based on the impact on public health. The World Health Organization leveled five variants: Alpha (strain B.1.1.7), Beta (strain B.1.351), Gamma (strain P.1), Delta (strain B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529).Conclusions: It is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in the understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, as new variants can emerge and impact the course of the pandemic. Health authorities and researchers continuously have to monitor and study these variants to assess their characteristics, transmissibility, severity, and the effectiveness of vaccines against them. One has to always refer to the latest information from reputable health journals or organizations for the most up‐to‐date and accurate details on COVID‐19 variants.

1 January 2023 in Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MEMulat Erkihun
Mulat Erkihun
DCDesalegn Nigatu Chanie
Desalegn Nigatu Chanie
YSYesuf Adem Siraj
Yesuf Adem Siraj
Background. Antimicrobial resistance for Helicobacter pylori infection is a highly emerging problem throughout the world to treat gastric‐associated diseases. People living in developing countries are more likely to acquire a Helicobacter pylori infection and less likely to gate treatment after infection due to poverty. Therefore, the current study was aimed at determining the magnitude and antibiotic‐resistance profile of Helicobacter pylori isolated from patients who underwent endoscopic examination. Methods. A cross‐sectional study was conducted from January to May 2019 at endoscopy service‐providing health facilities that are found in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia (Gamby teaching general hospital, Kidane Mihret specialty higher clinic, and Eyasta specialty higher clinic). Data were collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire. Antibiotic susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori isolates from gastric biopsies was determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results. The 17.8% proportion of Helicobacter pylori was isolated from 135 endoscopy‐examined patients (24/135). The majority of isolates (71% of 17/24) were from males, while only 29% of 7/24) were from females. Antimicrobial‐resistance of Helicobacter pylori was high to all commonly prescribed antibiotics: amoxicillin and metronidazole (91.7%), clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin (66.7% each), and tetracycline (37.5%). Conclusion. Helicobacter pylori isolates from the current study participants were rather low in number. But the highest antibiotic‐resistance profile of Helicobacter pylori was observed. Therefore, these findings alarmingly indicate that routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing against Helicobacter pylori isolates is crucial for better patient management.

14 November 2024 in Bacteria
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MEMulat Erkihun
Mulat Erkihun
AAAyenew Assefa
Ayenew Assefa
BABiruk Legese Asnakew
Biruk Legese Asnakew
AAAndargachew Almaw
Andargachew Almaw
ABAyenew Berhan
Ayenew Berhan
DADegu Ashagrie
Degu Ashagrie
Background: Bacterial infections constitute a large portion of infectious disorders. The location of culture-positive specimens and profiles of antibiotic resistance for common pathogens have been the focal points of subsequent investigations. Methodology: The diagnosis of microbiology was carried out using traditional culture techniques. In accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method was employed for antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. The data were extracted from WHONET 2022 software version 22.5.5 and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: In total, 2489 pathogens were isolated from 2073 patients in three consecutive years. About 768 (34.9%) of the isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit and the pediatric wards, and 63.2% isolates were from blood specimens. The ESKAPE pathogens were predominant (67%). About 100 Enterobacteriaceae family member bacteria were resistant to carbapenem drugs, and 320 isolates of this family were expected to be beta lactamase producers. A total of 120 methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates were also identified. Conclusions: Among the isolates, ESKAPE pathogens accounted for the greatest proportion. Most isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit. A significant number of multidrug-resistant, extreme drug-resistant, and pandrug-resistant isolates were identified in the present study.