The MetaFIND (Metagenomics For INfectious Diseases) Project: Developing Clinical Metagenomics To Improve The Healthcare Of Patients With Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,014.00
Summary
The MetaFIND (Metagenomics For INfectious Diseases) project is a combined laboratory and clinical study that aims to develop and investigate the use of cutting-edge genome sequencing technology to improve the healthcare of patients with severe infections. It involves developing and optimising a method to determine the cause of an infection by analysing all the DNA present in a clinical sample – a promising “one-stop-shop” test to help improve diagnosis and subsequent treatment of infections.
Eradication Of High-risk Bacterial Clones Using Bacteriophages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$685,070.00
Summary
Nature offers remedies to the spread of dangerous antibiotic resistant bacteria in the form of predatory viruses (bacteriophages). In this project, we will define optimal mixtures of these for killing problem bacterial types, the mechanisms by which bacterial resistance develops, the best approach to identifying susceptible bacteria and to using these viruses to eradicate them, and we will test a carefully optimised bacteriophage therapy in humans colonised by the dangerous E. coli ST131 strain.
Integrated Clinical And Scientific Studies In Post-Operative Crohn’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$71,606.00
Summary
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition; the incidence in Australia is now amongst the highest in the world. Most patients require repeated invasive bowel surgeries when disease recurs. Using data from a past clinical trial comparing preventive treatments for recurrence; genetic, immunological and microbiological testing will be done on existing patient samples. This extensive data set will be analysed using systems biology methods to identify the cause of Crohn’s disease.
A Prospective, Open-label, Single-centre/multi-site, Randomized Clinical Trial Of A Novel Maternal Microbiological “screen & Treat” Program Compared With Normal Care For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,708,561.00
Summary
In 2014, our team launched the world-unique Western Australian Preterm Birth (PTB) Prevention Initiative and reduced the rate of PTB state-wide by 8%. Our next step is to trial a “screen & treat” program to detect women in mid-pregnancy at high risk of infection-driven PTB and treat them with antimicrobial medications. The study will involve more than 6000 women and aims to lower the rate of spontaneous PTB rate by 30%, which if applied nationally, may prevent 4500 PTBs each year.
Design And Implementation Of A Human Challenge Model For Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Gonorrhoea is a major public health problem that can lead to severe disease and promote the spread of HIV. Gonorrhoea infections are increasing worldwide and the spread of antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea is a critical health threat. This study aims to develop a controlled infection model for male throat and genital gonorrhoea infection in order to improve scientific understanding of gonorrhoea infection and responses to novel antibiotic treatment; and provide insights into vaccine development.
Testing The Lung Microbiome To Predict Risk Of Frequent Exacerbations In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,052.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of global importance. Exacerbations, mostly due to respiratory infection, are complications that lead to significant illness. This study will characterise the communities of microbes in the lung, and use this information to predict frequency of exacerbations of COPD measured over 12 months.
Antimicrobial Stewardship – Establishing An Effective Model For Australian Private Hospitals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$55,807.00
Summary
Inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics in hospitals has accelerated world-wide antimicrobial resistance. Strategies to improve antibiotic prescribing have been effective in slowing down antibiotic resistance, however there has been little uptake of these strategies in Australian private hospitals. Needs, resources, and current barriers for these strategies will be investigated in the private hospital setting and results will be used to construct a program model that can be adopted by private h ....Inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics in hospitals has accelerated world-wide antimicrobial resistance. Strategies to improve antibiotic prescribing have been effective in slowing down antibiotic resistance, however there has been little uptake of these strategies in Australian private hospitals. Needs, resources, and current barriers for these strategies will be investigated in the private hospital setting and results will be used to construct a program model that can be adopted by private hospitals in AustraliaRead moreRead less
Interdisciplinary Clinical And Health Ethic Research And Training To Improve Outcomes In Immunosuppressed Haematology Pa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,000,000.00
Summary
The Centre will improve Australia's capacity to combat and prevent life-threatening infections, and reduce adverse social outcomes, in high-risk children and adults with heavily suppressed immune systems. Infections cause most preventable disease and death in these patients. We will establish multidisciplinary training programmes in clinical and ethics research and build on our expertise in infectious diseases and microbiology, diagnostics, haematology, immunisation, health informatics and bioet ....The Centre will improve Australia's capacity to combat and prevent life-threatening infections, and reduce adverse social outcomes, in high-risk children and adults with heavily suppressed immune systems. Infections cause most preventable disease and death in these patients. We will establish multidisciplinary training programmes in clinical and ethics research and build on our expertise in infectious diseases and microbiology, diagnostics, haematology, immunisation, health informatics and bioethics to improve patient outcomes. These outcomes will be translatable to other high-risk patients such as those with cancer and the critically ill.Read moreRead less
This Fellowship will enable research into the basis for life-threatening infection in the critically ill, including severe pneumonia, septic shock and the complexities of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, as well as the translation of this research into practice (including rapid diagnostics).