Improving The Treatment Of Infections In Children And Young Adults With Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,237.00
Summary
Children and young adults undergoing cancer treatment are at an increased risk of infection. This is managed by admission to hospital for antibiotics which can be a frightening experience for the child and expensive for the healthcare system. While many need admission, a proportion of patients can be safely managed at home with oral or intravenous antibiotics. This project aims to identify these children and young adults, so as to improve their quality of life, and decrease cost of treatment.
A vaccine against the bacteria Group A streptococcus (‘strep’) could prevent common minor infections like sore throat and school sores as well as deadly ones like necrotising fasciitis (‘flesh eating disease’). It would also reduce long-term heart (rheumatic heart disease) and kidney problems. We are going to try and deliberately give a sore throat to adult volunteers under very close medical supervision so that we can learn more about immunity to strep and to help make and test new vaccines.
Dengue Host-cell Signalling Interactions: Novel Insights And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Dengue is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes that occurs in many tropical and subtropical regions. Approximately 40% of the world's population is at risk of this infection. Sometimes it can be mild but it can lead to severe illness and death especially with second infections. The body produces a response that over-reacts to the virus in these severe infections. The project aims to understand why the body does this and what parts of the immune system are affected using a model in mice.
Improved Tissue Characterisation With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging And Echocardiography In Identification Of Acute Rheumatic Fever And Its Chronic Sequelae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease, a consequence of acute rheumatic fever, is a disease of poverty. Despite a dramatic reduction of RHD in Australia overall, it continues to be a major contributor to childhood and adult cardiac disease in Indigenous communities. These studies seek to enhance the detection of patients with suspected ARF and improve the prediction of the development of future RHD. We will demonstrate changes in heart muscle and valve structure and function using non-invasive testing.
Enhancing The Prevention, Diagnosis And Management Of Acute Rheumatic Fever And Rheumatic Heart Disease In Aboriginal Australian And Torres Strait Islander Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$73,688.00
Summary
I am a health researcher focused on improving the diagnosis and care of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Indigenous Australians. I am examining the use of heart ultrasounds to detect the earliest stages of RHD in Indigenous children. Earlier detection can lead to earlier treatment and therefore less heart damage. I also intend to improve care for people with RHD by evaluating health services to determine what factors enhance outcomes for people with RHD.