Using Metagenomics To Determine The Causative Agent(s) Of Tick-Borne Disease In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,428.00
Summary
Tick-borne disease has emerged as a topical and controversial public health problem in Australia. We will employ state-of-the-art techniques in metagenomics to determine what microbial species (bacteria, viruses and eukaryotes) circulate in Australian ticks and whether these or different microbes are also present in humans diagnosed with tick-borne disease. The data generated will provide key information on whether tick-borne disease has a microbiological cause and, if so, the microbes involved.
Evolution Of Pertussis Epidemics And Effect Of Genotypes On Infection Outcomes And Immunisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,781.00
Summary
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite high vaccine coverage, the incidence of pertussis has increased substantially in recent years in Australia. One of the contributing factors is changes in the pertussis strains. This project will determine the genetic composition and virulence characteristics of epidemic strains in Australia and investigate the effect of these strains on disease severity and vulnerability of vaccinated individuals to infection.
Defining The Role Of Nlrp1 And The Inflammasome In Host Defence And Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$634,459.00
Summary
The immune system protects the body from invading pathogens, but it can also attack the body causing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like arthritis and multiple sclerosis. This project will focus on the molecular regulation of the ïinflammasomeÍ, a protein complex that senses invading pathogens and triggers the immune response. Understanding the inflammasome may hold the key to a better understanding of how the good and bad functions of the immune system can be balanced to prevent disease.
A Comparative Study Of The Pathophysiology Of Severe Knowlesi And Falciparum Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,293.00
Summary
Plasmodium knowlesi causes monkey malaria, but has recently been found to infect humans resulting in severe disease and death similar to Plasmodium falciparum. Clinical features of severe P. knowlesi and how it causes complications are poorly described and understanding this could improve treatment and outcomes. In patients with P. knowlesi, we want to describe the clinical features, the ability to cause severe disease, and measure 1) markers of platelet activation and 2) capillary obstruction a ....Plasmodium knowlesi causes monkey malaria, but has recently been found to infect humans resulting in severe disease and death similar to Plasmodium falciparum. Clinical features of severe P. knowlesi and how it causes complications are poorly described and understanding this could improve treatment and outcomes. In patients with P. knowlesi, we want to describe the clinical features, the ability to cause severe disease, and measure 1) markers of platelet activation and 2) capillary obstruction and red cell deformability,Read moreRead less
Economic Evaluation Of Alternative Pneumococcal Vaccination Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,894.00
Summary
Pneumococcal vaccination is a readily available preventive strategy that can offer substantial protection to the elderly but it is important that we carefully evaluate the different potential strategies to ensure the most (cost-) effective approach to prevention is identified. This grant will explore alternative strategies to control pneumococcal-related disease in elderly Australians using the available vaccines.
Providing The Evidence To Guide Adult Immunisation Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$492,414.00
Summary
Australia's population is ageing and strategies to improve health in older adults are necessary to prevent an increasing burden on our health system. Adult vaccination is a relatively under-researched area with great potential to prevent disease in the population. This project focuses on four common vaccine preventable disease in adults, herpes zoster (shingles), influenza, invasive pneumococcal disease and pertussis. It will identify what their impact is on the health system and what groups of ....Australia's population is ageing and strategies to improve health in older adults are necessary to prevent an increasing burden on our health system. Adult vaccination is a relatively under-researched area with great potential to prevent disease in the population. This project focuses on four common vaccine preventable disease in adults, herpes zoster (shingles), influenza, invasive pneumococcal disease and pertussis. It will identify what their impact is on the health system and what groups of adults would benefit most from vaccination.Read moreRead less
Prevention Of Beta Cell Destruction In Type 1 Diabetes By Immunotherapy Using Parasite-derived Molecules.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,443.00
Summary
To prevent type 1 diabetes, compounds that avert the autoimmune destruction of beta cells are needed. We are exploiting the potential of ñworm therapyî by mimicking the beneficial immune effects of parasite worm infection. We have identified the molecules that the parasite uses to influence host immune responses. We have demonstrated that these novel immune-modulatory worm molecules prevent diabetes in a mouse model. This offers great potential for the development of therapeutic interventions.
Elucidating The Role Of Mast Cell Tryptases In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease And Crohn's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,716.00
Summary
Smoking leads to inflammation that causes emphysema and inflammation in the lung and gut, which are major health problems. Once induced, there is a progressive decline in health and there are no effective treatments. Particular proteins and small genes have been discovered that control inflammation in these diseases. We may be able to control these proteins/genes and stop the progression of emphysema and gut inflammation. This project may lead to a completely new way of preventing and treating t ....Smoking leads to inflammation that causes emphysema and inflammation in the lung and gut, which are major health problems. Once induced, there is a progressive decline in health and there are no effective treatments. Particular proteins and small genes have been discovered that control inflammation in these diseases. We may be able to control these proteins/genes and stop the progression of emphysema and gut inflammation. This project may lead to a completely new way of preventing and treating these diseases.Read moreRead less
Determine The Role Of The SAA-Macrophage Axis On Respiratory Pathogen Clearance In Smoke Exposure Related Lung Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,810.00
Summary
Direct or second hand exposure to tobacco smoke significantly increases your risk of acquiring a chest infection. Infants and elderly smokers are particularly susceptible. This will continue to be a major global problem as household smoke exposure remains high in developing countries and disadvantaged indigenous communities. We will investigate how smoke alters important immune cells that normally clear lung infections, which may lead to completely new ways of treating chest infections.
Understanding The Mechanisms Of Respiratory Viral Infection- And COPD-induced Predisposition To Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,888.00
Summary
Bacterial pneumonia is a major health problem particularly for children and the elderly. Bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and new treatments are urgently required. Viral infection and emphysema lead to increased risk of pneumonia. We will investigate the mechanisms of how viral infections and emphysema lead to pneumonia. We will then use new treatments to stop these mechanisms from occurring to prevent and treat pneumonia. This project may produce new treatments and cures for pneumonia.