Genome-based Tools To Support Urogenital Schistosomiasis Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,644.00
Summary
More than 100 million sub-Saharan Africans have urogenital schistosomiasis, a disease that promotes malignant cancer and HIV/AIDS. Control depends on a single drug, making resistance an imminent threat. We will deliver new molecular tools to assess parasite genetic diversity and to prioritise a panel of anti-parasitic drug targets and vaccine candidates. These outcomes will deliver the next generation of interventions against urogenital schistosomiasis.
Development Of A Preventive Strategy For Rheumatic Heart Disease Using An Experimental Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,846.00
Summary
Based on animal studies, we aim to demonstrate that the worsening of heart damage seen in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is due to repeated infections with bacteria (group A streptococci: GAS). The heart damage is caused by continual immune damage to the heart and valves and this has adverse effects on heart function. We will also investigate a novel way to prevent the development of RHD.
Does Environmental Change Drive The Spatiotemporal Transmission Dynamics Of Echinococcus Spp. In Ningxia, China?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,548.00
Summary
Human echinococcosis is a chronic debilitating disease with a death rate that can exceed 90%. In China it is a major public health issue where recent environmental changes are likely to increase transmission rates, thus increasing the disease burden. This project will assess the impact of these environmental changes on the transmission of this disease over space and time, it will predict where new cases will arise, and determine the best methods for sustainable control and then elimination.
Linking Genomics Of Burkholderia Pseudomallei To Melioidosis: Diversity Of Clinical Manifestations, Changing Epidemiology And Microevolution In Chronic Carriage.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,769.00
Summary
The Darwin Prospective Melioidosis Study has documented 761 cases since 1989, with 102 fatalities. This study has led to improved therapy and public health initiatives. New technology to sequence whole bacterial genomes provides an opportunity to determine why urban melioidosis is increasing and to analyse this unique 22+ year set of bacteria and their linked patient data to find the important bacterial virulence factors, forming a foundation for future diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
Mechanisms Of Respiratory Virus Induced Pneumococcal Infection In The Middle Ear.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,304.00
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a common bacterium that temporarily lives in the nose of most young children, usually not causing any disease. Predisposing conditions, such as infection with a respiratory virus, may result in development of clinical disease. We will investigate how influenza virus mediates inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) leading to pneumococcal infection. In particular, modulation of the middle ear innate immune response by viral protein will be stud ....Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a common bacterium that temporarily lives in the nose of most young children, usually not causing any disease. Predisposing conditions, such as infection with a respiratory virus, may result in development of clinical disease. We will investigate how influenza virus mediates inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) leading to pneumococcal infection. In particular, modulation of the middle ear innate immune response by viral protein will be studied.Read moreRead less
Improving The Management Of An Emerging Viral Disease In Australia: Determination Of The Mechanisms Of Neuroinvasion By Hendra Virus And Their Control, Leading To Optimisation Of Post-exposure Therapy Following Contact With Hendra Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,742.00
Summary
Hendra virus causes severe disease in people with >50% mortality; human infection is acquired following contact with affected horses. In nature, Hendra virus is carried by flying foxes and the cause of spill-over events to horses is unknown. The impact of Hendra virus on human health may rapidly increase in response to continued urban expansion; the outcome of this project will be improved decision support for those charged with the medical management of people exposed to this deadly virus.
Using An Established Simulation Model To Determine Effective And Cost-effective Interventions To Mitigate Influenza Pandemics And Inform Public Health Policy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$416,353.00
Summary
A novel disease spread and economic model is used to determine the cost-effectiveness of a range of mitigation strategies aimed at a future influenza pandemic. A simulation model generates data on which individuals become ill, morbidity and mortality characteristics, an economic costing model determines optimal interventions.
A National Population-based Study Of Rheumatic Heart Disease In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$877,826.00
Summary
Whilst overall a rare disease, Indigenous peoples have disproportionately high rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). This study explores the prevalence and distribution of RHD in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand. It details current management, diagnostic and referral process and risk factors. Key attributes of culturally safe models of care for RHD in pregnancy are explored, particularly as they relate to Indigenous women. Findings will inform policy, guidelines and education resources.
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.
Comparative Analysis Of Human And Kangaroo Leishmania: Defining Human Pathogenicity Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,334.00
Summary
Leishmaniasis is a global infectious disease affecting millions and killing thousands each year. This project will utilise the recent discovery in Australia of a related pathogen to identify novel parasite genes and pathways involved in virulence in humans. The latest techniques in comparative genomics and molecular biology will identify the genes that cause human disease . Appropriate genes will then be used to develope a novel vaccine using the Australian parasite.