Rapid, Point Of Care Diagnostic Tests To Differentiate HA Subtypes In Patients Samples
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$168,293.00
Summary
A number of rapid, point-of-care tests are available for the detection of human and avian influenza types, but they vary greatly in sensitivity. In particular, these tests are based on current strains of H5 (avian) influenza, and may be unable to detect variant or pandemic strains, and negative results can give the false impression that patients do not have H5 influenza. We will develop rapid, point-of-care tests based on highly conserved parts of the virus, so that all H5 strains (current and f ....A number of rapid, point-of-care tests are available for the detection of human and avian influenza types, but they vary greatly in sensitivity. In particular, these tests are based on current strains of H5 (avian) influenza, and may be unable to detect variant or pandemic strains, and negative results can give the false impression that patients do not have H5 influenza. We will develop rapid, point-of-care tests based on highly conserved parts of the virus, so that all H5 strains (current and future) can be detected with equal sensitivity, along with the H1 and H3 strains that are currently found in man to provide a definitive diagnosis. These tests will be valuable in the identification and differentiation of pandemic influenza cases, allowing better use of public health resources, especially against a background of continuing standard (H1 and H3) influenza infections.Read moreRead less
Rapid Point Of Care Detection Of Avian Influenza Virus Using Ion-Channel Switch Biosensor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,400.00
Summary
The project aims to demonstrate a rapid, Point-of-Care test based on the Ion Channel Switch (ICS_) Biosensor for the detection and identification of Avian Influenza (AI) Virus in respiratory specimens. This proposal combines the extensive scientific skills and experience of the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS), Adelaide with the experience and existing capability of Ambri Ltd, Chatswood Sydney, to adapt an existing ICS_ Biosensor for the detection of avian influenza virus in cl ....The project aims to demonstrate a rapid, Point-of-Care test based on the Ion Channel Switch (ICS_) Biosensor for the detection and identification of Avian Influenza (AI) Virus in respiratory specimens. This proposal combines the extensive scientific skills and experience of the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS), Adelaide with the experience and existing capability of Ambri Ltd, Chatswood Sydney, to adapt an existing ICS_ Biosensor for the detection of avian influenza virus in clinical specimens. The existing ICS_ Biosensor has been shown to have reactivity with inactivated Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2 _ current, circulating human strains) and with recombinant Nucleoprotein. This unique mix of experience and infrastructure will permit the demonstration a rapid, point-of-care test for Avian Flu within the tight six months schedule.Read moreRead less
Confirming The Burden Of Disease Associated With Dementia Using New Empirically Driven Australian Based Disability Rati
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,084.00
Summary
The amount of burden the population experiences as a result of individual diseases influences health policy. The Australian Burden of Disease project quantifies the relative burden associated with each disease. New estimates are to be released this year will outline the magnitude of burden associated with dementia now and estimate that for the year 2023. Although the projections use the best data available, three improvements to the methodology would improve the accuracy of the dementia burden e ....The amount of burden the population experiences as a result of individual diseases influences health policy. The Australian Burden of Disease project quantifies the relative burden associated with each disease. New estimates are to be released this year will outline the magnitude of burden associated with dementia now and estimate that for the year 2023. Although the projections use the best data available, three improvements to the methodology would improve the accuracy of the dementia burden estimates. First, the dementia calculations currently use a “disability weight” metric derived from a Dutch study. This is problematic in that the weights do not reflect an Australian experience of dementia, nor do they reflect the preferences of people closely affected by the disease (e.g. carers). Second, the dementia estimates do not include cases of mild cognitive impairment (considered a precursor state of dementia). Hence the dementia estimates may not estimate the full impact of dementia in Australia. Finally, there is no evidence that the method used by the Burden of Disease study to account for the impact of disease comorbidity adequately deals with the comorbidity associated with dementia. Consequently, there is need to develop a new and comprehensive set of disability weights for dementia that are Australian-based, include all stages of dementia severity and account for comorbidity. The proposed project aims to develop a new set of empirically derived Australian-based disability weights for dementia. The project will entail three studies. The first study will generate empirically based case vignettes that describe a range of dementia case scenarios. These descriptions will then be used in rating exercises (Study 2) to develop new disability weights. The second study involves Australian health practitioners, carers and lay persons reading case vignettes and completing health valuation rating exercises to generate new disability weights for dementia. The third study uses the new disability weights to re-calculate the burden of disease estimates for dementia. The new estimates will be compared to those reported by the 2007 Australian Burden of Disease project. In knowing the accuracy of the estimates, policy makers can use the burden data for dementia with confidence when engaging in service planning for the future.Read moreRead less
Statistical Methods And Algorithms For Analysis Of High-throughput Genetics And Genomics Platforms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,557,500.00
Summary
Through rapid advances in high-throughput -omics technologies, the number of phenotypes and the number of genotypes in gene mapping studies are or will be orders of magnitudes larger than in previous studies. Current algorithms and analysis methods have not kept up with the speed of data collection, nor has the training of qualified researchers. We will develop quantitative trait loci (fine) mapping analysis methods and bioinformatics algorithms and train (post)graduates in these research areas.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) - Improved Diagnosis With Quality Assurance Of Serological & Molecular Diagnost
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$249,019.00
Summary
This project aims to produce Quality Assurance (QA) algorithms to ensure accurate diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) using serological and molecular techniques. The project will assess HPAI diagnosis accurately within the setting of other circulating respiratory illnesses, utilising a new HPAI module, ,in combination with existing modules within the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (RCPA) Serology Quality Assurance Program (SQAP). This will ensure rapid, cost-efficie ....This project aims to produce Quality Assurance (QA) algorithms to ensure accurate diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) using serological and molecular techniques. The project will assess HPAI diagnosis accurately within the setting of other circulating respiratory illnesses, utilising a new HPAI module, ,in combination with existing modules within the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (RCPA) Serology Quality Assurance Program (SQAP). This will ensure rapid, cost-efficient improvements in diagnostics by utilizing existing infrastructure. The key elements of the project are: Introduction of quality assurance processes to ensure accurate diagnosis and to evaluate existing and developing laboratory testing procedures, test accuracy, and result interpretation; Involvement of human and veterinary laboratories in the QA and development processes; Production of suitable antigenic material through molecular virology as targets for HPAI antibody and molecular diagnostics in QA programs. This will thereby allow large quantities of non-infectious material for HPAI QA assessment of serological and molecular assays around Australia, using baculovirus expressed antigens and cloned gene targets respectively. These projects are designed within a short (<12 month) time frame in order to fulfil the needs of the Australian community in controlling the developing HPAI avian pandemic, and the possible human pandemic. Significant positive outcomes in the next six months are assured by the existence of current QA processes, experience in influenza research already available in the human and animal health laboratories involved, the research records of the groups, and the close existing linkages between the research, QA, diagnostic and avian virology groups.Read moreRead less