Infeksjonssykdommer – forskningsgruppe

Dette er en virussykdom som angriper leveren og tar over 1 million liv hvert år. En enkel tablettbehandling hindrer utvikling av leversykdom, men slik behandling må i utgangspunktet tas livet ut.

I Nuc-Stop-studien undersøker vi om det å slutte med behandling kan sette i gang en gunstig immunrespons og fjerne hepatitt B-viruset for godt. Totalt 11 sykehus i Norge, Sverige, Danmark og Etiopia deltar i studien, som er ledet av Asgeir Johannessen ved Sykehuset i Vestfold. Vi har vist at en gruppe pasienter kan slippe livslang behandling, og videre studier på lagrede blodprøver kan gi uvurderlig innsikt i de immunologiske mekanismene ved kronisk hepatitt B.

I fattige land er behandling av hepatitt B utilgjengelig for de fleste. I studien Desentralisert behandling av hepatitt B i Etiopia vil Asgeir Johannessen og kollegaer i Etiopia bane vei for enklere og rimeligere behandling i fattige land. Studien er del av et mangeårig norsk-etiopisk samarbeid hvor man håper å kunne bringe hepatitt B under kontroll i Afrika. Dette skal oppnås ved å forenkle dagens praksis for å påvise hvem som trenger behandling, og samtidig utforme retningslinjer bedre tilpasset fattige land.   

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ATHENIAN-studien er en nasjonal multisenterstudie som undersøker sikkerhet og effekt av å avslutte av antibiotikabehandling hos innlagte pasienter med luftveisinfeksjoner der det påvises typiske luftveisvirus. I praksis har slike pasienter ofte blitt behandlet med antibiotika «for sikkerhets skyld».

Studien inkluderer voksne pasienter med positiv virusprøve og milde til moderate symptomer, og randomiserer dem til enten å avslutte eller fortsette antibiotikabehandlingen. Studien er pragmatisk, kostnadseffektiv og integrert i klinisk praksis. Studiet ledes fra Akershus universitetssykehus og Sykehuset i Vestfold er et av flere deltakende sentre.

I OPTICOV-studien vil vi vurdere behandlingsalternativer hos immunsupprimerte pasienter med COVID-19.

Immunsvekkede pasienter har minst dobbelt så høy risiko for å utvikle alvorlig COVID sammenliknet med immunfriske. De har i tillegg lengre varighet av symptomer og har virusutskillelse over en lengre periode.

Studiens mål er å finne optimal behandling for immunsupprimerte pasienter med mild og moderat COVID-19 sykdom. Per i dag har man to aktuelle antivirale midler, nirmatrevir/r og remdesivir.

Studien skal vurdere effekten av nirmatrevir/r i standard og forlenget varighet, og i kombinasjon med remdesivir. Studiet ledes fra Oslo Universitetssykehus og Sykehuset i Vestfold er et av flere deltakende sentre.

Contagious diseases have always been a threat to our health and welfare, which the recent pandemic has clearly showed us. In order to face a constantly changing panorama of infectious diseases we need better treatment, improved methods to detect microorganisms, and more precise tools to identify disease. 

We have selected three main priorities for 2021-2024:

1. ​Hepatitis B
2. Correct use of antibiotics
3. COVID-19

For more information, please contact the group leader Asgeir Johannessen MD PhD (  uxasoh@siv.no   ) ​
​

OPtimisation of Antiviral Therapy in Immunocompromised COVID-19 Patients: a Randomized Factorial Controlled Strategy Trial (OPTICOV). 
Study Details | OPtimisation of Antiviral Therapy in Immunocompromised COVID-19 Patients: a Randomized Factorial Controlled Strategy Trial | ClinicalTrials.gov  

ATHENIAN – antibiotikabehandling ved virale luftveisinfeksjoner
Athenian - antibiotikabehandling ved virale luftveisinfeksjoner - Akershus universitetssykehus HF
Prosjektleder Magnus Lyngbakken, Universitetet i Oslo.

Desentralisert behandling av hepatitt B i Etiopia
Prosjektleder: Asgeir Johannessen, Sykehuset i Vestfold 

IMPACT-B: Immunization to protect African children from transmission of hepatitis B. Prosjektleder: Shevanthi Nayagam, Imperial College London, UK.

Hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa collaborative network (HEPSANET). Prosjektleder: Asgeir Johannessen, Sykehuset i Vestfold.

​Personalised treatment and care for chronic hepatitis B. Prosjektleder: Dag Henrik Reikvam, Oslo universitetssykehus.

EU-SolidAct - Baricitinib. En randomisert kontrollert multisenterstudie av pasienter med COVID-19 på sykehus Prosjektleder: Alexander Rygh Holten, Oslo universitetssykehus

Chronic hepatitis B: improving care and scaling up treatment in sub-Saharan Africa.
Prosjektleder: Asgeir Johannessen, Sykehuset i Vestfold

Super-infections i​n Covid-19 patients in the ICU – before and after dexamethasone​
Prosjektleder: Ingvild Nordøy, OUS

Tick-borne encephalitis in humans in Norway
Prosjektleder:​ Hege Kersten, Sykehuset i Telemark

The NOR Solidarity multicenter trial on the efficacy of different anti-viral drugs in SARS CoV-2 infected patients​
​Prosjektleder: An​dreas Barratt-Due, Oslo universitetssykehus

Norwegian Nucleoside Analogue Stop Study (Nuc-Stop)​​
​Prosjektleder: Asgeir Johannessen, Sykehuset i Vestfold

The human small intestinal microbiota​
PhD-prosjekt for Heidi Villmones. Prosjektleder: Tore Stenstad, SiV

Etterbehandling av nyrebekkenbetennelse med tabletter​
Pros​jektleder: Tore Stenstad, SiV

Behandling av hepatitt B i fattige land: et pilotprosjekt i Etiopia og Somaliland​​
​Prosjektleder: Asgeir Johannesse​n, SiV

2025

• Rossvoll L, Desalegn H, Gudissa FG, Birhanu D, Hussen A, Cheneke W, Jeylan A, Debela EA, Yusuf M, Sugule A, Berhanu N, Gudina EK, Orlien SMS, Stockdale AJ, Berhe N, Johannessen A.
  Treatment of chronic hepatitis B in Ethiopia: 1-year results from a real-life, multicentre, prospective cohort study - ScienceDirect. Lancet Glob Health. 2025 Nov;13(11):e1914-e1923. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00309-2.

• Vincent JP, Ségéral O, Kania D, Borand L, Adoukara JP, Pivert A, Koné A, Tiendrebeogo ASE, Tall H, Schaeffer L, Vray M, Sanou AM, Njouom R, Cloherty G, Hashimoto N, Miura T, Sugiura W, Sovann S, Yang JS, Delvallez G, Lunel-Fabiani F, Tanaka Y, Shimakawa Y; HBcrAg-RDT Study Group. Hepatitis B core-related antigen rapid diagnostic test for point-of-care identification of women at high risk of hepatitis B vertical transmission: a multicountry diagnostic accuracy study.  Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 May;10(5):452-461. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(25)00015-9. Epub 2025 Mar 13.
• Desalegn H Sr, Berhe N, Rossvoll L, Girma F, Brhane D, Hussen A, Cheneke W, Johannessen A Sr. Time to Initiation of Hepatitis B Treatment is Reduced With the Use of the Xpert HBV Viral Load Kit. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2025 Apr 18;12(5):ofaf238. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofaf238.
• Johannessen A. Early antiviral therapy in adults with moderate to highly viraemic chronic hepatitis B. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 Apr;10(4):276-277. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(25)00008-1. Epub 2025 Feb 3.
• Desalegn H, Rossvoll L, Hunduma F, Berhe N, Johannessen A. Hepatitis B treatment in Africa: learning points from a scale-up programme in Ethiopia. Lancet Gastrienterol Hepatol. 2025 Mar;10(3):190-192. doi: 10.1016/s2468-1253(24)00396-0.  
• Jemutai J, Downs L, Anderson M, Cohen C, Seeley J, Sultan B, Ko J, Flanagan S, Iwuji C, Halford R, Fernandes O, Vickerman P, Johannessen A, Matthews PC. Elimination of hepatitis B requires recognition of catastrophic costs for patients and their families. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 Feb;10(2):100-103. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(24)00384-4. Epub 2024 Dec 13.
• Voeller AS, Johannessen A, Abebe ZZ, Adugna W, Gamkrelidze I, Seyoum E, Gebremedhin LT, Meselu MG, Nigussie SA, Silesh A, Razavi H, Razavi-Shearer D, Tirsite G, Desalegn H. The Disease and Economic Burden of HBV and HCV in Ethiopia. J Viral Hepat. 2025 Feb;32(2):e14053. doi: 10.1111/jvh.14053.
• Polaris Observatory Collaborators. Number of people treated for hepatitis C virus infection in 2014-2023 and applicable lessons for new HBV and HDV therapies. J Hepatol. 2025 Feb 4:S0168-8278(25)00020-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2025.01.013. Epub ahead of print.
• Johannessen A, Reikvam DH, Dalgard O. Letter: Should HBV Therapy Be Stopped Based on HBsAg Level Alone? Authors' Reply.  Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2025 Jan;61(2):404-405. doi: 10.1111/apt.18439. Epub 2024 Dec 9.

2024:

• Madewell ZJ, Keita AM, Das PM, Mehta A, Akelo V, Oluoch OB, Omore R, Onyango D, Sagam CK, Cain CJ, Chukwuegbo C, Kaluma E, Luke R, Ogbuanu IU, Bassat Q, Kincardett M, Mandomando I, Rakislova N, Varo R, Xerinda EG, Dangor Z, du Toit J, Lala SG, Madhi SA, Mahtab S, Breines MR, Degefa K, Heluf H, Madrid L, Scott JAG, Sow SO, Tapia MD, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Hossain MZ, Islam KM, Rahman A, Mutevedzi PC, Whitney CG, Blau DM, Suchdev PS, Kotloff KL; Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Network. Contribution of malnutrition to infant and child deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. BMJ Glob Health. 2024 Dec 5;9(12):e017262. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-017262
• Arefaine M, Johannessen A, Teklehaymanot T, Mihret A, Alemayehu DH, Osman M, Mulu A, Berhe N. A prospective, multicenter study of hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine with or without hepatitis B immunoglobulin in preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia. Vaccine. 2024 Dec 2;42(26):126461. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126461. Epub 2024 Oct 19.
• Desalegn H, Yang X, Yen YS, Berhe N, Kenney B, Siwo GH, Tang W, Zhu J, Waljee AK, Johannessen A. Machine-learning methodologies to predict disease progression in chronic hepatitis B in Africa. Hepatol Commun. 2024 Nov 15;8(12):e0584. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000584.
• Rojahn A, Orlien SMS, Klingenberg C, Døllner H. 3.8 Human immunsvikt virus infeksjon hos barn - Helsebiblioteket Generell veileder i pediatri. [Norwegian Electronic Health Library, Norwegian Clinical Guidelines for Pediatricians; CPG HIV infection in children] Updated 2024, Nov 12
• Mahtab S, Madewell ZJ, Baillie V, Dangor Z, Lala SG, Assefa N, Berihun M, Madrid L, Regassa LD, Scott JAG, Ameh S, Bangura JS, Ita O, Kaluma E, Ogbuanu IU, Gaume B, Kotloff KL, Sow SO, Tapia MD, Ajanovic S, Garrine M, Mandomando I, Varo R, Xerinda EG, Alam M, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Hossain MZ, Rahman A, Akelo V, Igunza KA, Onyango C, Onyango D, Verani JR, Mutevedzi P, Whitney CG, Blau DM, Madhi SA, Bassat Q; CHAMPSconsortium. Etiologies and comorbidities of meningitis deaths in children under 5 years in high-mortality settings: Insights from the CHAMPS Network in the post-pneumococcal vaccine era. J Infect. 2024 Dec;89(6):106341. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106341. Epub 2024 Nov 8.
• Ajanovic S, Madewell ZJ, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Hossain MZ, Islam KM, Rahman A, Assefa N, Madrid L, Abdulahi M, Igunza KA, Murila F, Revathi G, Christopher M, Sow SO, Kotloff KL, Tapia MD, Traor CB, Mandomando I, Xerinda E, Varo R, Kincardett M, Ogbuanu IU, Nwajiobi-Princewill P, Swarray-Deen A, Luke R, Madhi SA, Mahtab S, Dangor Z, du Toit J, Akelo V, Mutevedzi P, Tippett Barr BA, Blau DM, Whitney CG, Bassat Q; Neurological Symptoms and Cause of Death Among Young Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Sep 3;7(9):e2431512. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.31512.
• Johannessen A, Midgard H. Hepatitt-test til alle. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2024 Aug 1;144(9). Norwegian. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.24.0365.
• Ismael NY, Usmael SA, Belay NB, Mekonen HD, Johannessen A, Orlien SM. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Eastern Ethiopia: Clinical characteristics and determinants of cirrhosis. World J Hepatol. 2024 Jul 27;16(7):995-1008. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i7.995.
• Johannessen A, Reikvam DH, Aleman S, Berhe N, Weis N, Desalegn H, Stenstad T, Heggelund L, Samuelsen E, Karlsen LN, Lindahl K, Pettersen FO, Iversen J, Kleppa E, Bollerup S, Winckelmann AA, Brugger-Synnes P, Simonsen HE, Svendsen J, Kran AB, Holmberg M, Olsen IC, Rueegg CS, Dalgard O. Clinical trial: An open-label, randomised trial of different re-start strategies after treatment withdrawal in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2024 Aug;60(4):434-445. doi: 10.1111/apt.18147. Epub 2024 Jul 5.
• Minier N, Johannessen A, Sombié R, Lemoine M, Shimakawa Y. The HEPSANET score to assess treatment eligibility of chronic hepatitis B in Africa - Authors' reply. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Jul;9(7):589-590. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(24)00123-7.
• Minier N, Guingané AN, Okeke E, Sinkala E, Johannessen A, Andersson MI, Davwar P, Desalegn H, Duguru M, Fall F, Mboup S, Maponga T, Matthews PC, Ramírez Mena A, Ndow G, Orlien SMS, Riches N, Seydi M, Sonderup M, Spearman CW, Stockdale AJ, Taljaard J, Vinikoor M, Wandeler G, Lemoine M, Shimakawa Y, Sombié R. Development and evaluation of a simple treatment eligibility score (HEPSANET) to decentralise hepatitis B care in Africa: a cross-sectional study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Apr;9(4):323-332. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00449-1. Epub 2024 Feb 15.
• Skudal H, Lorentzen ÅR, Stenstad T, Quist-Paulsen E, Egeland J, Fevang B, Jaioun K, Hansen BÅ, Solheim AM, Tveten Y, Veje M, Eikeland R, Kersten H. Clinical characteristics and factors affecting disease severity in hospitalized tick-borne encephalitis patients in Norway from 2018 to 2022. Eur J CliMicrobiol Infect Dis. 2024 Jul;43(7):1355-1366. doi: 10.1007/s10096-024-04855-2. Epub 2024 May 27.
• Cao Z, Wong F, Choudhury AK, Kamath PS, Topazian M, Torre A, Hayes PC, George J, Idilman R, Seto WK, Desalegn H, Alvares-da-Silva MR, Bush BJ, Thacker LR, Xie Q, Bajaj JS; CLEARED Consortium. Global prevalence and characteristics of infections and clinical outcomes in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis: a prospective cohort study for the CLEARED Consortium. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Sep 4:S2468-1253(24)00224-3. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(24)00224-3. Epub ahead of print.
• Thakral N, Desalegn H, Diaz LA, Cabrera D, Loomba R, Arrese M, Arab JP. A Precision Medicine Guided Approach to the Utilization of Biomarkers in MASLD. Semin Liver Dis. 2024 Jul 26. doi: 10.1055/a-2364-2928. Epub ahead of print.
• Freeland C, Qureshi A, Wallace J, Kabagambe K, Desalegn H, Munoz C, Lee D, Owusu-Ansah T, Adda D, Ndow G, Yousif S, Abdalla H, Kheir O, Tu T, Cohen C. Hepatitis B discrimination: global responses requiring global data. BMC Public Health. 2024 Jun 11;24(1):1575. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18918-8.
• Desalegn H, Diaz LA, Rehm J, Arab JP. Impact of alcohol use on liver disease outcomes. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken). 2024 Jun 7;23(1):e0192. doi: 10.1097/CLD.0000000000000192.
• Helil AS, Haile SA, Birhanu Y, Desalegn H, Desalegn DM, Geremew RA, Gebreyohannes Z, Mohammed A, Wondimagegnehu DD, Ayana G, Tizazu AM, Desta K. Bacterial profile, drug resistance pattern, clinical and laboratory predictors of ascites infection in cirrhosis patients. BMC Infect Dis. 2024 May 26;24(1):528. doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-09418-6.
• Gupta N, Swindells S, Scarsi KK, Furl R, Thomas DL, Weld ED, Ofimboudem JD, Desalegn H, Hamid S, Rosas AT, Miranda AE, Owen A, Rannard S, Hiebert L, Sun K, Ward JW. Preferences and feasibility of long-acting technologies for treatment of hepatitis C virus in low- and middle-income countries: A survey of providers and policymakers. J Viral Hepat. 2024 May;31(5):221-232. doi: 10.1111/jvh.13921. Epub 2024 Mar 28.
• Cooke GS, Flower B, Cunningham E, Marshall AD, Lazarus JV, Palayew A, Jia J, Aggarwal R, Al-Mahtab M, Tanaka Y, Jeong SH, Poovorawan K, Waked I, Hiebert L, Khue PM, Grebely J, Alcantara-Payawal D, Sanchez-Avila JF, Mbendi C, Muljono DH, Lesi O, Desalegn H, Hamid S, de Araujo A, Cheinquer H, Onyekwere CA, Malyuta R, Ivanchuk I, Thomas DL, Pimenov N, Chulanov V, Dirac MA, Han H, Ward JW. Progress towards elimination of viral hepatitis: a Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology Commission update. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Apr;9(4):346-365. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00321-7. Epub 2024 Feb 15.
• Fouad Y, Ghazinyan H, Alboraie M, Al Khatry M, Desalegn H, Al-Ali F, El-Shabrawi MHF, Ocama P, Derbala M, Barakat S, Awuku YA, Ndububa DA, Sabbah M, Hamoudi W, Ng'wanasayi M, Elwakil R, Ally R, Al-Busafi SA, Hashim A, Esmat G, Shiha G. Joint position statement from the Middle East and North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa on continuing to endorse the MAFLD definition. J Hepatol. 2024 May;80(5):e194-e197. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.033. Epub 2024 Feb 10.
• Sonderup MW, Kamath PS, Awuku YA, Desalegn H, Gogela N, Katsidzira L, Tzeuton C, Bobat B, Kassianides C, Spearman CW; Gastroenterology and Hepatology Association of sub-Saharan Africa. Managing cirrhosis with limited resources: perspectives from sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Feb;9(2):170-184. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00279-0.
• Tazinkeng N, Monteiro JFG, Thomson SR, David Y, Madkour A, Katsidzira L, Ogutu E, Afihene M, Desalegn H, Chukwudike ES, Adekunle AD, Alatise OI, Oyeleke G, Asombang AW. Gastroenterology training in Africa: an assessment of curriculum and perception. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Mar;9(3):195-197. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00396-5.
• Leulseged H, Bethencourt C, Igunza KA, Akelo V, Onyango D, Omore R, Ogbuanu IU, Ameh S, Moseray A, Kowuor D, Bassey IA, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Hossain MZ, Rahman A, Alam M, Assefa N, Madrid L, Alemu A, Abdullahi YY, Kotloff KL, Sow SO, Tapia MD, Kourouma N, Sissoko S, Bassat Q, Varo R, Mandomando I, Carrilho C, Rakislova N, Fernandes F, Madhi S, Dangor Z, Mahtab S, Hale M, Baillie V, du Toit J, Madewell ZJ, Blau DM, Martines RB, Mutevedzi PC, Breiman RF, Whitney CG, Rees CA; Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network. Clinicopathological discrepancies in the diagnoses of childhood causes of death in the CHAMPS network: An analysis of antemortem diagnostic inaccuracies. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2024 Jul 20;8(1):e002654. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002654.
• Garcia Gomez E, Igunza KA, Madewell ZJ, Akelo V, Onyango D, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Hossain MZ, Chowdhury MAI, Islam KM, Assefa N, Scott JAG, Madrid L, Tilahun Y, Orlien S, Kotloff KL, Tapia MD, Keita AM, Mehta A, Magaço A, Torres-Fernandez D, Nhacolo A, Bassat Q, Mandomando I, Ogbuanu I, Cain CJ, Luke R, Kamara SIB, Legesse H, Madhi S, Dangor Z, Mahtab S, Wise A, Adam Y, Whitney CG, Mutevedzi PC, Blau DM, Breiman RF, Tippett Barr BA, Rees CA; Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Network. Identifying delays in healthcare seeking and provision: The Three Delays-in-Healthcare and mortality among infants and children aged 1-59 months. PLOS Glob Public Health. 2024 Feb 8;4(2):e0002494. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002494.
• Mahtab S, Blau DM, Madewell ZJ, Ogbuanu I, Ojulong J, Lako S, Legesse H, Bangura JS, Bassat Q, Mandomando I, Xerinda E, Fernandes F, Varo R, Sow SO, Kotloff KL, Tapia MD, Keita AM, Sidibe D, Onyango D, Akelo V, Gethi D, Verani JR, Revathi G, Scott JAG, Assefa N, Madrid L, Bizuayehu H, Tirfe TT, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Islam KM, Alam M, Zahid Hossain M, Dangor Z, Baillie VL, Hale M, Mutevedzi P, Breiman RF, Whitney CG, Madhi SA; CHAMPS Consortium. Post-mortem investigation of deaths due to pneumonia in children aged 1-59 months in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia from 2016 to 2022: an observational study. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2024 Mar;8(3):201-213. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(23)00328-0.

2023:

• Holmberg M, Aass HCD, Dalgard O, Samuelsen E, Sun D, Björkström NK, Johannessen A, Reikvam DH. Treatment cessation in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: clinical response is associated with increase in specific proinflammatory cytokines. Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 18;13(1):22590. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-50216-y.
• Desalegn H, Orlien SMS, Aberra H, Mamo E, Grude S, Hommersand K, Berhe N, Gundersen SG, Johannessen A. Five-year results of a treatment program for chronic hepatitis B in Ethiopia. BMC Med. 2023 Sep 29;21(1):373. doi: 10.1186/s12916-023-03082-4.
• Woldemedihn GM, Aberra H, Desalegn H, Berhe N, Belay DB, Rueegg CS, Johannessen A. Renal Safety of Long-term Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Treatment in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2023 Aug 7;10(8):ofad404. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofad404.
• Johannessen A. Is it time for a paradigm shift in treatment guidelines for chronic hepatitis B? Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023 Sep;8(9):784. doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00236-4.
• Polaris Observatory Collaborators. Global prevalence, cascade of care, and prophylaxis coverage of hepatitis B in 2022: a modelling study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023 Oct;8(10):879-907. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00197-8.
• Isa YS, Sicsic J, Njuguna H, Ward J, Chakroun M, El-Kassas M, Ramanampamonjy R, Chalal S, Vincent JP, Andersson M, Desalegn H, Fall F, Johannessen A, Matthews PC, Ndow G, Okeke E, Riches N, Seydi M, Sinkala E, Spearman CW, Stockdale A, Vinikoor MJ, Wandeler G, Sombié R, Lemoine M, Mueller JE, Shimakawa Y. Informing a target product profile for rapid tests to identify HBV-infected pregnant women with high viral loads: a discrete choice experiment with African healthcare workers. BMC Med. 2023 Jul 4;21(1):243. doi: 10.1186/s12916-023-02939-y.
• Riches N, Vinikoor M, Guingane A, Johannessen A, Lemoine M, Matthews P, Okeke E, Shimakawa Y, Sombie R, Stockdale A, Wandeler G, Andersson M, Davwar P, Desalegn H, Duguru M, Fall F, Maponga T, Nyam Paul D, Seydi M, Sinkala E, Taljaard J, Sonderup M, Spearman CW. Hepatitis B in Africa Collaborative Network: cohort profile and analysis of baseline data. Epidemiol Infect. 2023 Apr 3;151:e65. doi: 10.1017/S095026882300050X.
• Trøseid M, Arribas JR, Assoumou L, Holten AR, Poissy J, Terzić V, Mazzaferri F, Baño JR, Eustace J, Hites M, Joannidis M, Paiva JA, Reuter J, Püntmann I, Patrick-Brown TDJH, Westerheim E, Nezvalova-Henriksen K, Beniguel L, Dahl TB, Bouscambert M, Halanova M, Péterfi Z, Tsiodras S, Rezek M, Briel M, Ünal S, Schlegel M, Ader F, Lacombe K, Amdal CD, Rodrigues S, Tonby K, Gaudet A, Heggelund L, Mootien J, Johannessen A, Møller JH, Pollan BD, Tveita AA, Kildal AB, Richard JC, Dalgard O, Simensen VC, Baldé A, de Gastines L, Del Álamo M, Aydin B, Lund-Johansen F, Trabaud MA, Diallo A, Halvorsen B, Røttingen JA, Tacconelli E, Yazdanpanah Y, Olsen IC, Costagliola D; EU SolidAct study group. Efficacy and safety of baricitinib in hospitalized adults with severe or critical COVID-19 (Bari-SolidAct): a randomised, double-blind, placebocontrolled phase 3 trial. Crit Care. 2023 Jan 10;27(1):9. doi: 10.1186/s13054-022-04205-8.
• Johannessen A, Stockdale AJ, Henrion MYR, Okeke E, Seydi M, Wandeler G, Sonderup M, Spearman CW, Vinikoor M, Sinkala E, Desalegn H, Fall F, Riches N, Davwar P, Duguru M, Maponga T, Taljaard J, Matthews PC, Andersson M, Mboup S, Sombie R, Shimakawa Y, Lemoine M. Systematic review and individual-patient-data meta-analysis of non-invasive fibrosis markers for chronic hepatitis B in Africa. Nat Commun. 2023 Jan 3;14(1):45. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-35729-w.
• Lazarus JV, Mark HE, Allen AM, Arab JP, Carrieri P, Noureddin M, Alazawi W, Alkhouri N, Alqahtani SA, Arrese M, Bataller R, Berg T, Brennan PN, Burra P, Castro-Narro GE, Cortez-Pinto H, Cusi K, Dedes N, Duseja A, Francque SM, Hagström H, Huang TT, Wajcman DI, Kautz A, Kopka CJ, Krag A, Miller V, Newsome PN, Rinella ME, Romero D, Sarin SK, Silva M, Spearman CW, Tsochatzis EA, Valenti L, Villota-Rivas M, Zelber-Sagi S, Schattenberg JM, Wong VW, Younossi ZM; Healthy Livers, Healthy Lives Collaborators. A global research priority agenda to advance public health responses to fatty liver disease. J Hepatol. 2023 Sep;79(3):618-634. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.035.
• Bajaj JS, Choudhury AK, Xie Q, Kamath PS, Topazian M, Hayes PC, Torre A, Desalegn H, Idilman R, Cao Z, Alvares-da-Silva MR, George J, Bush BJ, Thacker LR, Wong F; CLEARED Investigators. Global disparities in mortality and liver transplantation in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis: a prospective cohort study for the CLEARED Consortium. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023 Jul;8(7):611-622. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00098-5.
• Rees CA, Igunza KA, Madewell ZJ, Akelo V, Onyango D, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Hossain MZ, Rahman A, Alam M, Scott JAG, Assefa N, Madrid L, Belachew A, Leulseged H, Kotloff KL, Sow SO, Tapia MD, Keita AM, Sidibe D, Sitoe A, Varo R, Ajanovic S, Bassat Q, Mandomando I, Tippett Barr BA, Ogbuanu I, Cain CJ, Bassey IA, Luke R, Gassama K, Madhi S, Dangor Z, Mahtab S, Velaphi S, du Toit J, Mutevedzi PC, Blau DM, Breiman RF, Whitney CG; Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Network. Provider adherence to clinical care recommendations for infants and children who died in seven low- and middleincome countries in the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network. EClinicalMedicine. 2023 Aug 31;63:102198. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102198.
• Mahtab S, Madewell ZJ, Madhi SA, Wise A, Swart PJ, Velaphi S, Mandomando I, Bramugy J, Mabunda R, Xerinda E, Scott AG, Assefa N, Madrid L, Bweihun M, Temesgen F, Onyango D, Akelo V, Oliech R, Otieno P, Verani JR, Arifeen SE, Gurley ES, Alam M, Rahman A, Hossain MZ, Sow S, Kotloff K, Tapia M, Keita AM, Sanogo D, Ogbuanu I, Ojulong J, Lako S, Ita O, Kaluma E, Wilson T, Mutevedzi P, Barr BAT, Whitney CG, Blau DM, Bassat Q; CHAMPS Consortium. Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Caused by Group B Streptococcus in Africa and South Asia Identified Through Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS). Open Forum Infect Dis. 2023 Jul 11;10(9):ofad356. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofad356.
• Bassat Q, Blau DM, Ogbuanu IU, Samura S, Kaluma E, Bassey IA, Sow S, Keita AM, Tapia MD, Mehta A, Kotloff KL, Rahman A, Islam KM, Alam M, El Arifeen S, Gurley ES, Baillie V, Mutevedzi P, Mahtab S, Thwala BN, Tippett Barr BA, Onyango D, Akelo V, Rogena E, Onyango P, Omore R, Mandomando I, Ajanovic S, Varo R, Sitoe A, Duran-Frigola M, Assefa N, Scott JAG, Madrid L, Tesfaye T, Dessie Y, Madewell ZJ, Breiman RF, Whitney CG, Madhi SA; Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network. Causes of Death Among Infants and Children in the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Jul 3;6(7):e2322494. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22494.
• Madrid L, Alemu A, Seale AC, Oundo J, Tesfaye T, Marami D, Yigzaw H, Ibrahim A, Degefa K, Dufera T, Teklemariam Z, Gure T, Leulseged H, Wittmann S, Abayneh M, Fentaw S, Temesgen F, Yeshi MM, Dubale M, Girma Z, Ackley C, Damisse B, Breines M, Orlien SMS, Blau DM, Breiman RF, Abate E, Dessie Y, Assefa N, Scott JAG; CHAMPS Ethiopia Study Group. Causes of stillbirth and death among children younger than 5 years in eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia: a population-based postmortem study. Lancet Glob Health. 2023 Jul;11(7):e1032-e1040. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00211-5.
• Madrid L, Vyas KJ, Kancherla V, Leulseged H, Suchdev PS, Bassat Q, Sow SO, El Arifeen S, Madhi SA, Onyango D, Ogbuanu I, Scott JAG, Blau D, Mandomando I, Keita AM, Gurley ES, Mahtab S, Akelo V, Sannoh S, Tilahun Y, Varo R, Onwuchekwa U, Rahman A, Adam Y, Omore R, Lako S, Xerinda E, Islam KM, Wise A, Tippet-Barr BA, Kaluma E, Ajanovic S, Kotloff KL, Hossain MZ, Mutevedzi P, Tapia MD, Rogena E, Moses F, Whitney CG, Assefa N; CHAMPS Consortium. Neural tube defects as a cause of death among stillbirths, infants, and children younger than 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia: an analysis of the CHAMPS network. Lancet Glob Health. 2023 Jul;11(7):e1041-e1052. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00191-2.
• Stubhaug TT, Zecic N, Skaare D. Upregulation of the cfiA carbapenemase gene in a Bacteroides fragilis strain by the novel integrative and conjugative element Tn7563. Anaerobe. 2023 Oct;83:102785. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2023.102785.
• Stubhaug TT, Giske CG, Justesen US, Kahlmeter G, Matuschek E, Sundsfjord A, Skaare D; Nordic Bacteroides AST Study Group. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Bacteroides species by disk diffusion: The NordicAST Bacteroides study. Anaerobe. 2023 Jun;81:102743. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2023.102743.
• Skaare D, Hannisdal A, Kalager M, Berild D. Measuring broad-spectrum antibiotic use in hospitals with established versus new indicators. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2023 Apr 24;143(6). English, Norwegian. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.22.0427.
• Marienborg K, Ambur OH, Økstad OAL, Skaare D. The alginate polymer OligoG alters susceptibility of biofilm-embedded non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2023 Apr 18;5(2):dlad046. doi: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad046.
• Paulsen LK, Dahl ML, Skaare D, Grude N. Correction: Prevalence of M. genitalium and U. urealyticum in urine tested for C. trachomatis. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2023 Jan 11;143(2). English, Norwegian. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.23.0024.

2022

• Vestad B, Ueland T, Lerum T, Dahl TB, Holm K, Barratt-Due A, Kåsine T, Dyrhol-Riise AM, Stiksrud B, Tonby K, Hoel H, Olsen IC, Henriksen KN, Tveita A, Manotheepan R, Haugli M, Eiken R, Berg Å, Halvorsen B, Kildal AB, Johannessen A, et al. Respiratory dysfunction three months after seve​re COVID-19 is associated with gut microbiota alterations. J Intern Med 2022;291(6):801-812.
• WHO Solidarity Trial Consortium. Remdesivir and three other drugs for hospitalized patients with Covid-19: final results of the WHO Solidarity randomized trial and updated meta-analyses. Lancet 2022;399:1941-1953.
• Villmones HC, Svanevik M, Ulvestad E, Stenstad T, Anthonisen IL, Nygaard RM, Dyrhovden R, Kommedal Ø. Investigating the human jejunal microbiota. Sci Rep 2022;12:1682.
• Søvik S, Barratt-Due A, Kasine T, Olasveengen T, Strand MW, Tveita AA, Berdal JE, Lehre MA, Lorentsen T, Heggelund L, Stenstad T, Ringstad J, Müller F, Aukrust P, Holter JC, Nordoy I. Corticosteroids and superinfections in COVID-19 patients on invasive mechanical ventilation. J Infect 2022;85(1):57-63.
• Hansen BÅ, Grude N, Lindbæk M, Stenstad T. The efficacy of pivmecillinam in oral step-down treatment in hospitalized patients with E.coli bacteremic urinary tract infection; a single-arm, uncontrolled treatment study. BMC Infect Dis 2022;22:478.
• Tønnessen R, García I, Debech N, Lindstrøm JC, Wester AL, Skaare D. Molecular epidemiology and antibiotic resistance profiles of invasive Haemophilus influenzae from Norway 2017–2021. Front Microbiol 2022;13:973257.
• Johannessen H, Anthonisen IL, Zecic N, Hegstad K, Ranheim TE, Skaare D. Characterization and Fitness Cost of Tn7100, a Novel Integrative and Conjugative Element Conferring Multidrug Resistance in Haemophilus influenzae. Front Microbiol 2022;13:945411.
• Lindemann PC, Mylvaganam H, Oppegaard O, Anthonisen IL, Zecic N, Skaare D. Case Report: Whole-Genome Sequencing of Serially Collected Haemophilus influenzae From a Patient With Common Variable Immunodeficiency Reveals Within-Host Evolution of Resistance to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Azithromycin After Prolonged Treatment With These Antibiotics. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022;12:896823.
• Spearman CW, Dusheiko G, Jonas E, Abdo A, Afihene M, Cunha L, Desalegn H, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma: measures to improve the outlook in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022:S2468-1253(22)00041-3.
• Tassachew Y, Abebe T, Belyhun Y, Teffera T, Shewaye AB, Desalegn H, et al. Prevalence of HIV and Its Co-Infection with Hepatitis B/C Virus Among Chronic Liver Disease Patients in Ethiopia. Hepat Med 2022;14:67-77.
• Desai AN, Mohareb AM, Elkarsany MM, Desalegn H, Madoff LC, Lassmann B. Viral Hepatitis E Outbreaks in Refugees and Internally Displaced Populations, sub-Saharan Africa, 2010-2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2022;28(5):1074-1076.
• Fouad Y, Dufour JF, Zheng MH, Bollipo S, Desalegn H, Grønbaek H, Gish RG. The NAFLD-MAFLD debate: Is there a Consensus-on-Consensus methodology? Liver Int 2022;42(4):742-748.
• Desalegn H, Tesfaye A, Shume P. Pyogenic Liver Abscess Presenting as an Initial Manifestation of Underlying Hepatocellular Cancer: A Case Report in Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci 2022;32(3):665-668. ​

2021

• ​Barratt-Due A, Olsen IC, Henriksen KN, Kåsine T, Lund-Johansen F, Hoel H, Holten AR, Tveita A, Mathiessen A, Haugli M, Eiken R, Kildal B, Berg Å, Johannessen A, et al. Evaluation of remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine on viral clearance in Covid-19: Results from a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2021;174:1261-1269.
• WHO Solidarity Trial Consortium. Repurposed antiviral drugs for Covid-19 – Interim WHO Solidarity Trial Results. N Engl J Med 2021;384:497-511.
• Lerum TV, Maltzahn NN, Aukrust P, Trøseid M, Henriksen KN, Kåsine T, Dyrhol-Riise AM, Stiksrud B, Haugli M, Blomberg B, Kittang BR, Johannessen A, et al. High prevalence of persistent pulmonary pathology in COVID-19 patients three months after hospital admission is associated with disease severity: potential role of matrix degradation. A NOR-Solidarity sub-study. Sci Reports 2021;11:23205.
• Orlien SMS, Ahmed TA, Ismael NY, Berhe NB, Bakken-Kran AM, Gundersen SG, Johannessen A. Field performance of HBsAg rapid diagnostic tests in rural Ethiopia. J Virol Methods 2021;289:114061.
• Villmones HC, Halland A, Stenstad T, Ulvestad E, Weedon-Fekjær H, Kommedal Ø. The cultivable microbiota of the human distal ileum. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021;27:912.e7-912.e13..
• Johannessen A, Mekasha B, Desalegn H, Aberra H, Stene-Johansen K, Berhe N. Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia. Vaccines 2021;9:430.
• Woldemedihn GM, Rueegg CS, Desalegn H, Aberra H, Berhe N, Johannessen A. Validity of a point-of-care viral load test for hepatitis B in a low-income setting. J Virol Methods 2021;289:114057.
• Antonelli G, Karsensten JG, Bhat P, Ijoma U, Osuagwu C, Desalegn H, Abera H, Guy C, Vilmann P, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Ponchon T, Sabbagh LC, Pausawasdi N, Makharia G, Hassan C, Veitch A, Aabakken L, Ebigbo A; Endoscopy and COVID-19 Cascade Working Group, European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, World Endoscopy Organization and World Gastroenterology Organization. Resuming endoscopy during COVID-19 pandemic: ESGE, WEO and WGO Joint Cascade Guideline for Resource Limited Settings. Endosc Int Open 2021;9(4):E543-E551.
• Spearman CW, Desalegn H, Ocama P, Awuku YA, Ojo O, Elsahhar M, Abdo AA, Ndububa DA, Fouad Y, Borodo MM, Ng'wanasayi M, Ally R, Elwakil R. The sub-Saharan Africa position statement on the redefinition of fatty liver disease: From NAFLD to MAFLD. J Hepatol 2021;74(5):1256-1258.
• Fisseha H, Desalegn H. Perception of students and examiners about objective structured clinical examination in a teaching hospital in Ethiopia. Adv Med Educ Pract 2021;12:1439-1448.
• Mwachiro M, Topazian HM, Kayamba V, Mulima G, Ogutu E, Erkie M, Lenga G, Mutie T, Mukhwana E, Desalegn H, Berhe R, Meshesha BR, Kaimila B, Kelly P, Fleischer D, Dawsey SM, Topazian MD. Gastrointestinal endoscopy capacity in Eastern Africa. Endosc Int Open 2021;9:E1827-E1836.
• Cordie A, Mohamed R, Sonderup MW, Wendy Spearman C, Medhat MA, Debzi N, Desalegn H, Esmat G. Hepatitis C elimination in Africa: seizing the moment for hepatitis C-free future. Arab J Gastroenterol 2021;22:249-251.
• Bhat P, Hassan C, Desalegn H, Aabakken L.. Promotion of gastrointestinal endoscopy in sub-Saharan Africa: what is needed, and how can ESGE and WEO help? Endosc Int Open 2021;9:E1001-E1003. ​

​2020

• Hjelmesæth J, Skaare D. Loss of smell or taste as the only symptom of COVID-19. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 2020;140(7).
• Hegstad K, Mylvaganam H, Janice J, Josefsen E, Sivertsen A, Skaare D. Role of Horizontal Gene Transfer in the Development of Multidrug Resistance in Haemophilus influenzae. mSphere 2020;5(1):e00969-19.
• Ebigbo A, Karstensen JG, Bhat P, Ijoma U, Osuagwu C, Desalegn H, Oyeleke GK, Gebru RB, Guy C, Antonelli G, Vilmann P, Aabakken L, Hassan C. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal endoscopy in Africa. Endosc Int Open 2020;8(8):E1097-E1101.
• Memirie ST, Desalegn H, Naizgi M, Nigus M, Taddesse L, Tadesse Y, Tessema F, Zelalem M, Girma T. Introduction of birth dose of hepatitis B virus vaccine to the immunization program in Ethiopia: an economic evaluation. Cost Eff Resour Alloc 2020;18:23.
• Karstensen JG, Ebigbo A, Bhat P, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Gralnek I, Guy C, Le Moine O, Vilmann P, Antonelli G, Ijoma U, Anigbo G, Afiheni M, Duduyemi B, Desalegn H, De Franchis R, Ponchon T, Hassan C, Aabakken L. Endoscopic treatment of variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Cascade Guideline. Endosc Int Open 2020;8(7):E990-E997.
• Gupta N, Desalegn H, Ocama P, Lacombe K, Njouom R, Afihene M, Cunha L, Spearman CW, Sonderup MW, Kateera F. Converging pandemics: implications of COVID-19 for the viral hepatitis response in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020;5(7):634-636.
• Gupta N, Kateera F, Desalegn H, Ocama P, Njouom R, Lacombe K. Is resistance to direct-acting antivirals in sub-Saharan Africa a threat to HCV elimination? Recommendations for action. J Hepatol 2020;72(3):583-584.
• Sonderup MW, Dusheiko G, Desalegn H, Lemoine M, Tzeuton C, Taylor-Robinson SD, Spearman CW. Hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa-How many patients need therapy? J Viral Hepat 2020;27(6):560-567.
• Fisseha H, Mulugeta W, Kassu RA, Geleta T, Desalegn H. Perspectives of Protocol Based Breaking Bad News among Medical Patients and Physicians in a Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci 2020;30(6):1017-1026.
• Desalegn H, Chanie Y, Shume P, Delil M, Gupta N, Johannessen A. Assessment of non-invasive fibrosis markers in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Ethiopia. Clin Liver Dis 2020;16:168-172.

Nasjonalt

1. Senter for eliminasjon av hepatitt C​ (SELIHEP)
   
2. Akershus universitetssykehus: Olav Dalgard (Nuc-Stop-studien).
3. Oslo universitetssykehus: Dag Henrik Reikvam (Nuc-Stop-studien) og Alexander Rygh Holten og Andreas Barratt-Due (COVID-19-studier).
4. Sykehuset i Telemark: Hege Kersten.
   

Internasjonalt

1. Imperial College London, UK​
   
2. St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Etiopia
3. Addis Ababa University, Etiopia
4. Karolinska universitetssjukhuset, Sverige
5. Hvidovre Hospital, Danmark
   

• ​​Helse Sør-Øst

• Gilead Nordic Medical Grants
• Norsk overvåkingssystem for antibiotikaresistens hos mikrober (NORM)
• Sykehuset i Vestfold​
  
• John C Martin Foundation 
  
• Gavi (The vaccine alliance)
  
• European Association for the Study of the liver (EASL)
  
• Norsk forskningsråd