Hepatitis C affects between 1-3% of Australians. Currently, there is no effective vaccine and only 30% will spontaneously clear infection, while the remained develop a chronic disease with a small risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer over time. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a two different treatment regimens among individuals with recent Hepatitis C infection; and define the risk factors and natural history of Hepatitis C superinfection during treatmen ....Hepatitis C affects between 1-3% of Australians. Currently, there is no effective vaccine and only 30% will spontaneously clear infection, while the remained develop a chronic disease with a small risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer over time. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a two different treatment regimens among individuals with recent Hepatitis C infection; and define the risk factors and natural history of Hepatitis C superinfection during treatment.Read moreRead less
The Elimination Of Viral Hepatitis And Ending HIV/AIDS As Global Health Threats.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,114,215.00
Summary
Over the next five years my research will focus on reducing the impact of blood-borne viruses (BBVs), , particularly HCV, in vulnerable populations. Using innovative surveillance systems, research methods, implementation science and mathematical modelling, I will study BBV transmission and develop interventions to reduce it and associated risk behaviours (drug and alcohol use and sexual risk) and increase testing and treatment. My work will advance elimination of BBVs as public health threats.
Mosquito-borne alphaviruses such as Ross River and chikungunya viruses cause widespread epidemics and exert extreme pressure on the public health systems of affected regions. Alphaviruses spreads to joints and triggers a severe disease in those affected. There are no effective treatments or vaccines. The project will investigate virus-host interaction at the bite site. The outcome will be new knowledge to treat infection at the mosquito bite site to prevent joint disease.
Novel Use Of Fungal Entomopathogens For Sustainable Control Of Mosquito-borne Viruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,993.00
Summary
Mosquito-born viruses such as Dengue, Ross River and Barmah Forest are increasing in regional significance. At a broader scale, an estimated 2.5 billion people live in areas at risk of epidemic Dengue transmission. Chemical insecticides are the mainstay of current mosquito control throughout many parts of the world. However, problems of insecticide resistance, environmental contamination and risks to human health, mean that chemical pesticides have not provided a universal solution, either as ou ....Mosquito-born viruses such as Dengue, Ross River and Barmah Forest are increasing in regional significance. At a broader scale, an estimated 2.5 billion people live in areas at risk of epidemic Dengue transmission. Chemical insecticides are the mainstay of current mosquito control throughout many parts of the world. However, problems of insecticide resistance, environmental contamination and risks to human health, mean that chemical pesticides have not provided a universal solution, either as outdoor sprays, residual house sprays or as insecticide treated nets. This creates a pressing need for practical alternatives. Building on approaches and technologies developed for control of locusts in Australia and Africa, we have recently discovered that the ability of mosquitoes to transmit malaria can be substantially reduced with insect fungal pathogens used as biological pesticides. We found that exposure to biopesticide-treated surfaces reduced the number of mosquitoes able to transmit malaria 80-fold. Other supporting data from semi-field trials confirm the feasibility of infecting mosquitoes under real field conditions. Together, these results represent a significant advance in the development of a cheap and sustainable biological alternative to chemical insecticides for disease control. We now wish to extend this research to explore the potential for use of fungal pathogens in control of mosquito-borne viruses. Preliminary studies already confirm that we can infect the key mosquito species responsible for transmitting Dengue. The aim of the current project is to conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of a wider range of fungal isolates to identify strains with the greatest potential to stop transmission of mosquito-borne viruses. The longer term goal is to translate this research into a practical product. Such a product would offer a cheap, environmentally friendly disease control measure, with reduced potential for resistance evolution.Read moreRead less
Novel Insights Into The Pathobiology Of Alphavirus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$827,660.00
Summary
Infections with mosquito-borne viruses are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Ross River virus is endemic in parts of Australia, PNG and Pacific islands, while chikungunya virus is distributed globally and causes recurrent pandemics that involve millions of people. These viruses cause severe musculoskeletal disease for several months after infection. This project aims to establish how these viruses interact with the human host to cause disease and may provide a basis for new treatments.
The Role Of Glycans In Arboviral Disease; From Immunomodulation To Glycotherapeutic Treatment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Dengue and chikungunya viruses are leading causes of emerging mosquito-transmitted (arboviral) disease worldwide. Currently there are no available vaccines or therapeutics making combatting these arboviral diseases one of our most pressing global health challenges. Preliminary evidence shows that glycan recognition is critical for disease immunopathogenesis. This project focuses on the role of viral glycans in arboviral disease with the aim of identifying and expanding on new therapeutic targets
The Genetic Basis Of Pathogen Blocking: Elucidating The Contributions Of The Wolbachia, Dengue Virus And Mosquito Genomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$736,339.00
Summary
A bacterium called Wolbachia has been shown to stop dengue virus from replicating inside mosquitoes and so is being field-tested as a biocontrol agent against dengue fever. A major threat to this strategy is the emergence of resistance either in the mosquito or virus. This proposal addresses two fundamental knowledge gaps – how does Wolbachia block virus growth and how might resistance evolve? This research is significant as it will inform the development of strategies to counter resistance.