Zelalem Mekonnen

Zelalem Mekonnen

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Dr. Zelalem Mekonnen is a viral immunologist at the Basil Hetzel Institute, the University of Adelaide. He completed his PhD in 2019 in viral immunology from the University of Adelaide. During his PhD Dr.Mekonnen was trained as a virologist, immunologist and vaccine scientist. Dr. Mekonnen developed and characterised a recombinant adenoassociated virus (rAAV) vaccine against hepatitis C virus in preclinical model.
Currently, Dr. Mekonnen is working as a post-doctoral researcher in the viral immunology group with a focus to develop promising nucleic acid (DNA and mRNA) based vaccines against different viral infections including SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis C virus, HIV, Zika virus and other flaviviruses.
Before joining the University of Adelaide for his PhD, Dr. Mekonnen had vast experience in research and academics that span from 2006 until 2015. He graduated from Addis Ababa University with a M.Sc in tropical and infectious diseases and worked as a lecturer and a researcher at the University of Gondar until 2015. During his tenure at the University of Gondar he supervised more than ten M.Sc students in their research.

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2021 - ongoing TQEH research expo organising committee member Basil Hetzel Reaseatch Institute
    2020 - ongoing Postdoctoral Researcher/Research coordinator University of Adelaide
    2019 - 2019 Research officer The University of Adelaide
    2013 - 2015 Assistant professor University of Gondar
    2010 - 2013 Lecturer University of Gondar
    2006 - 2008 Graduate assistant University of Gondar

  • Language Competencies
    Language Competency
    Amharic Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
    English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    2015 - 2019 The University of Adelaide Australia PhD
    2010 Addis Ababa University Ethiopia M.Sc
    2006 University Of Gondar Ethiopia B.Sc

  • Postgraduate Training
    Date Title Institution Country
    M.Sc in Tropical and Infectious Diseases Addis Ababa University Ethiopia
    PhD in virology The University of Adelaide Australia

  • Research Interests
    Immunology Microbiology Vaccinology Virology Cancer Biology and Clinical Oncology Immunology and Infection

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    2025 Liu, D., Wang, X., Xu, L., Al-Delfi, Z. N. S., Mekonnen, Z. A., Gao, S., . . . Zhao, C. X. (2025). Screening lipid nanoparticles using DNA barcoding and qPCR. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 251, 11 pages.
    DOI
    2023 Wijesundara, D. K., Yeow, A., McMillan, C. L. D., Choo, J. J. Y., Todorovic, A., Mekonnen, Z. A., . . . Muller, D. A. (2023). Superior efficacy of a skin-applied microprojection device for delivering a novel Zika DNA vaccine. Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids, 34, 102056-1-102056-10.
    DOI Scopus3 Europe PMC2
    2022 Ryan, F. J., Hope, C. M., Masavuli, M. G., Lynn, M. A., Mekonnen, Z. A., Yeow, A. E. L., . . . Lynn, D. J. (2022). Long-term perturbation of the peripheral immune system months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. BMC Medicine, 20(1), 26-1-26-23.
    DOI Scopus182 WoS91 Europe PMC149
    2022 Garcia-Valtanen, P., Hope, C. M., Masavuli, M. G., Yeow, A. E. L., Balachandran, H., Mekonnen, Z. A., . . . Grubor-Bauk., B. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant escapes neutralising antibodies and T cell responses more efficiently than other variants in mild COVID-19 convalescents.. Cell Reports Medicine, 3(6), 23 pages.
    DOI Scopus29 WoS15 Europe PMC28
    2021 Ryan, F. J., Hope, C. M., Masavuli, M. G., Lynn, M. A., Mekonnen, Z. A., Lip Yeow, A. E., . . . Lynn, D. J. (2021). Long-term perturbation of the peripheral immune system months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
    DOI Europe PMC1
    2021 Garcia-Valtanen, P., Hope, C. M., Masavuli, M. G., Yeow, A. E. L., Balachandran, H., Mekonnen, Z. A., . . . Grubor-Bauk, B. (2021). COVID-19 convalescents exhibit deficient humoral and T cell responses to variant of concern Spike antigens at 12 month post-infection.
    DOI
    2021 Biccard, B. M., Miller, M., Michell, W. L., Thomson, D., Ademuyiwa, A., Aniteye, E., . . . Gopalan, P. D. (2021). Patient care and clinical outcomes for patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to African high-care or intensive care units (ACCCOS): a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study. LANCET, 397(10288), 1885-1894.
    2020 Mekonnen, Z. A., Masavuli, M. G., Yu, W., Gummow, J., Whelan, D. M., Al-Delfi, Z., . . . Grubor-Bauk, B. (2020). Enhanced T cell responses induced by a necrotic dendritic cell vaccine, expressing HCV NS3. Front Microbiol, 11, 1-13.
    DOI Scopus6 WoS3 Europe PMC3
    2020 Gummow, J., Masavuli, M., Mekonnen, Z. A., Li, Y., Wijesundara, D. K., Shrestha, A. C., . . . Grubor-Bauk, B. (2020). Safety profile of a multi-antigenic DNA vaccine against hepatitis C virus. Vaccines, 8(1), 1-15.
    DOI Scopus8 WoS4 Europe PMC5
    2019 Grubor-Bauk, B., Wijesundara, D. K., Masavuli, M., Abbink, P., Peterson, R. L., Prow, N. A., . . . Gowans, E. J. (2019). NS1 DNA vaccination protects against Zika infection through T cell-mediated immunity in immunocompetent mice.. Sci Adv, 5(12), eaax2388.
    DOI Scopus59 WoS36 Europe PMC44
    2019 Mekonnen, Z. A., Grubor-Bauk, B., Masavuli, M. G., Shrestha, A. C., Ranasinghe, C., Bull, R. A., . . . Wijesundara, D. K. (2019). Toward DNA-based T-cell mediated vaccines to target HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus: approaches to elicit localized immunity for protection. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 9(APR), 1-8.
    DOI Scopus12 WoS7 Europe PMC7
    2019 Shrestha, A. C., Wijesundara, D. K., Masavuli, M. G., Mekonnen, Z. A., Gowans, E. J., & Grubor-Bauk, B. (2019). Cytolytic perforin as an adjuvant to enhance the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. Vaccines, 7(2), 14 pages.
    DOI Scopus11 WoS11 Europe PMC8
    2019 Mekonnen, Z. A., Grubor-Bauk, B., English, K., Leung, P., Masavuli, M. G., Shrestha, A. C., . . . Wijesundara, D. K. (2019). Single-dose vaccination with a hepatotropic adeno-associated virus efficiently localizes T cell immunity in the liver with the potential to confer rapid protection against Hepatitis C virus. Journal of Virology, 93(19), e00202-19-1-e00202-19-19.
    DOI Scopus12 WoS8 Europe PMC12
    2018 Ayelign, B., Abebe, B., Shibeshi, A., Meshesha, S., Shibabaw, T., Addis, Z., . . . Dagnew, M. (2018). Bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among pediatric patients with urinary tract infections. Turkish Journal of Urology, 44(1), 62-69.
    DOI Scopus21 WoS15 Europe PMC16
    2017 Tsegay, Y. G., Tadele, A., Addis, Z., Alemu, A., & Melku, M. (2017). Magnitude of cytopenias among HIV-infected children in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia: A comparison of HAART-naïve and HAART-experienced children. HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care, 9, 31-42.
    DOI Scopus8 WoS8 Europe PMC8
    2016 Garedew, L., Hagos, Z., Zegeye, B., & Addis, Z. (2016). The detection and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Shigella isolates from meat and swab samples at butchers' shops in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 9(3), 348-355.
    DOI Scopus21 WoS15 Europe PMC15
    2015 Shiferaw, B., Gelaw, B., Assefa, A., Assefa, Y., & Addis, Z. (2015). Bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among patients with external ocular infections at Borumeda hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. BMC Ophthalmology, 15(1), 103-1-103-8.
    DOI Scopus39 WoS25 Europe PMC26
    2015 Garedew, L., Hagos, Z., Addis, Z., Tesfaye, R., & Zegeye, B. (2015). Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella isolates in association with hygienic status from butcher shops in Gondar town, Ethiopia. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, 4(1), 7 pages.
    DOI Scopus42 WoS32 Europe PMC27
    2015 Melku, M., Kebede, A., & Addis, Z. (2015). Magnitude of HIV and syphilis seroprevalence among pregnant women in gondar, northwest ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care, 7, 175-182.
    DOI Scopus24 WoS17 Europe PMC21
    2015 Addis, Z., Adem, E., Alemu, A., Birhan, W., Mathewos, B., Tachebele, B., & Takele, Y. (2015). Prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Gondar prisoners, North West Ethiopia. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 8(2), 127-131.
    DOI Scopus12 WoS9 Europe PMC14
    2015 Enawgaw, B., Alem, M., Melku, M., Addis, Z., Terefe, B., & Yitayew, G. (2015). Prevalence and associated risk factors of anemia among HIV infected children attending Gondar university hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross sectional study. BMC Hematology, 15(1), 12.
    DOI Scopus24 Europe PMC19
    2014 Enawgaw, B., Alem, M., Addis, Z., & Melku, M. (2014). Determination of hematological 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 Hematology, 14(1), 8.
    DOI Scopus52 Europe PMC44
    2014 Tachebele, B., Abebe, M., Addis, Z., & Mesfin, N. (2014). Metabolic syndrome among hypertensive patients at University of Gondar Hospital, North West Ethiopia: A cross sectional study. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 14(1), 9 pages.
    DOI Scopus19 WoS15 Europe PMC17
    2014 Gashaw, M., Abtew, D., & Addis, Z. (2014). Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Mobile Phones of Health Care Professionals Working in Gondar Town Health Centers. ISRN Public Health, 2014, 1-6.
    DOI
    2014 Addis, Z. (2014). Prevalence of Some Hematological Abnormalities among HIV Positive Patients on Their First Visit to a Tertiary Health Institution in Ethiopia; A Cross Sectional Study. International Blood Research & Reviews, 2(6), 270-278.
    DOI
    2014 Kibru, D., Gelaw, B., Alemu, A., & Addis, Z. (2014). Helicobacter pylori infection and its association with anemia among adult dyspeptic patients attending Butajira Hospital, Ethiopia. BMC Infectious Diseases, 14(1), 7 pages.
    DOI Scopus40 WoS25 Europe PMC30
    2014 Melku, M., Addis, Z., Alem, M., & Enawgaw, B. (2014). Prevalence and predictors of maternal anemia during pregnancy in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: An institutional based cross-sectional study. Anemia, 2014, 108593.
    DOI Scopus102 WoS83 Europe PMC93
    2014 Mathewos, B., Alemu, A., Woldeyohannes, D., Alemu, A., Addis, Z., Tiruneh, M., . . . Kassu, A. (2014). Current status of soil transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infection among children in two primary schools in North Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross sectional study. BMC Research Notes, 7(1), 88.
    DOI Scopus45 Europe PMC48
    2013 Addis, Z., Birhan, W., Derseh, D., Sahle, B., & Gizaw, N. (2013). Physicians' and nurses' satisfaction with the clinical laboratory service of Gondar university hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. American Journal of Clinical Pathology, 140(3), 324-328.
    DOI Scopus10 WoS8 Europe PMC8
    2013 Addis, Z., Yalew, A., Shiferaw, Y., Alemu, A., Birhan, W., Mathewose, B., & Tachebele, B. (2013). Knowledge, attitude and practice towards voluntary counseling and testing among university students in North West Ethiopia: A cross sectional study. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 8 pages.
    DOI Scopus31 WoS19 Europe PMC24
    2013 Mathewos, B., Birhan, W., Kinfe, S., Boru, M., Tiruneh, G., Addis, Z., & Alemu, A. (2013). Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards post exposure prophylaxis for HIV among health care workers in Gondar, North West Ethiopia. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 6 pages.
    DOI Scopus38 WoS37 Europe PMC38
    2013 Alemu, A., Shiferaw, Y., Addis, Z., Mathewos, B., & Birhan, W. (2013). Effect of malaria on HIV/AIDS transmission and progression. Parasites and Vectors, 6(1), 8 pages.
    DOI Scopus92 WoS65 Europe PMC65
    2013 Assefa, A., Mathewos, B., Alemu, A., Addis, Z., Alem, M., & Gizachew, M. (2013). HEPATITIS B AND C VIRAL INFECTIONS AMONG BLOOD DONORS AT BAHIR DAR, ETHIOPIA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH & HEALTH SCIENCES, 2(3), 624-630.
    DOI WoS11
    2013 Molla, A., Gelaw, B., Addis, Z., & Gelaw, A. (2013). Marriage Patterns and Sero-prevalence of HIV Infection at Gambella Administrative Region, Southwest Ethiopia. Journal of Behavioral Health, 2(3), 223.
    DOI
    2013 Wondimu, H., Addis, Z., Moges, F., & Shiferaw, Y. (2013). Bacteriological safety of blood collected for transfusion at university of gondar hospital blood bank, northwest ethiopia.. ISRN hematology, 2013, 308204.
    DOI Europe PMC10
    2013 Kahsu, G., Birhan, W., Addis, Z., Dagnew, M., & Abera, B. (2013). Renal Function Impairment and Associated Risk Factors among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Individuals at Flege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Journal of Interdisciplinary Histopathology, 1(5), 252.
    DOI
    2012 Mekonnen, Z., Haileselassie, H., Medhin, G., Erko, B., & Berhe, N. (2012). Schistosomiasis mansoni focus in mekele city, Northern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Medical Journal, 50(4), 331-336.
    Scopus8 Europe PMC8
    2012 Tadewos, A., Addis, Z., Ambachew, H., & Banerjee, S. (2012). Prevalence of dyslipidemia among HIV-infected patients using first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy in Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional comparative group study. AIDS Research and Therapy, 9(1), 8 pages.
    DOI Scopus47 WoS36 Europe PMC37
    2011 Alemu, A., Atnafu, A., Addis, Z., Shiferaw, Y., Teklu, T., Mathewos, B., . . . Gelaw, B. (2011). Soil transmitted helminths and schistosoma mansoni infections among school children in zarima town, northwest Ethiopia. BMC Infectious Diseases, 11(1), 7 pages.
    DOI Scopus134 WoS99 Europe PMC121
    2011 Alemu, A., Shiferaw, Y., Getnet, G., Yalew, A., & Addis, Z. (2011). Opportunistic and other intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending Gambi higher clinic in Bahir Dar city, North West Ethiopia. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 4(8), 661-665.
    DOI Scopus67 WoS56 Europe PMC51
    2011 Addis, Z., Kebede, N., Worku, Z., Gezahegn, H., Yirsaw, A., & Kassa, T. (2011). Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from lactating cows and in contact humans in dairy farms of Addis Ababa: A cross sectional study. BMC Infectious Diseases, 11(1), 7 pages.
    DOI Scopus102 WoS56 Europe PMC76
    - Addis, Z., Birhan, W., Alemu, A., Mulu, A., Ayal, G., & Negash, H. (n.d.). Treatment Outcome of Tuberculosis Patients in Azezo Health Center, North West Ethiopia. International Journal of Biomedical and Advance Research, 4(3), 167.
    DOI
    - Hosseini-Kharat, M., Wignall, A., Mekonnen, Z. A., Ung, B. S. -Y., Chereda, B., Bremmell, K. E., . . . Prestidge, C. A. (n.d.). Microfluidic Optimization of PEI-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles for Efficient DNA Delivery and Transgene Expression. Pharmaceutics, 17(4), 454.
    DOI

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2025 Co-Supervisor This project will develop different mouse models of Zika infection in pregnancy and evaluate the efficacy in protection of different vaccine candidates Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Deborah Pratt
    2025 Co-Supervisor Harnessing the potential of mRNA vaccines against Hepatitis C Virus Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr John Henrik Johansson
    2022 Co-Supervisor A Trivalent Vaccine for Clinically-Important Flaviviruses. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Ryan Santos
    2021 Co-Supervisor The development of 'next generation' DNA-based vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Zahraa Nima Saeed Al-Delfi
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