Functional characterisation of poly-histidine triad proteins. This project aims to understand the role and function of a novel family of surface proteins produced by Streptococci. These so-called polyhistidine triad proteins are known to contribute to capacity to cause disease in animals and humans, but we need to know how they work, as they may be excellent targets for novel drugs or vaccines.
Novel perspectives on the function of AB5 toxin B subunits in pathogenic bacterial. AB5 toxins are produced by bacteria that cause important diseases in humans and livestock. This project tests the hypothesis that the components of the toxins responsible for binding to host cells and tissues also directly contribute to cellular damage, thereby providing a better understanding of how AB5 toxin-producing bacteria cause disease.
A single vaccine for influenza and pneumonia. Influenza and bacterial pneumonia collaborate to kill millions of people each year. This project aims to develop a single vaccine that will provide long-lasting protection against both influenza and pneumonia.
Investigating The Antimicrobial Activity Of Zinc At The Host-pneumococcal Interface
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a human-only bacterium that is responsible for killing more than one million people every year. This project will analyse how the human immune system fights this bacterium, and subsequently, how the bacteria manages to subvert these attacks and survive in the human host. This will provide crucial information for developing new drugs against this pathogen, in an attempt to combat the ever-increasing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Vancomycin is the antibiotic we rely on for the treatment of major infections due to bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics (MRSA). Vancomycin is monitored in each patient to individualise the dose. This is done to improve treatment efficacy, reduce adverse effects and to prevent antibiotic resistance. This project will introduce a vancomycin guideline and train hospital staff to use vancomycin safely, effectively and to minimise the development of resistance.
I am a molecular virologist researching the host response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with the aim of understanding how the liver clears HCV infection. An understanding of this process will hopefully lead to novel antiviral strategies to combat not only HCV but a broad range of other viral infections.
The molecular basis of zinc toxicity to Gram-positive bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are a major cause of infectious diseases in both developed and developing countries. This project will contribute to our understanding of how zinc causes toxicity to these bacteria and facilitate our exploitation of this Achilles heel, by providing new insights into fundamental aspects of microbial physiology.
Blue-banded bees as greenhouse pollinators: healthy and consistent supplies for reliable pollination services. Native blue-banded bee pollination of tomatoes will increase crop yield by 15-20% through improved pollination and simultaneously decrease labour costs by $16,000/Ha/year. The use of blue-banded bees will change the face of the industry. It will cause a 90% decrease in the use of pesticides, increase the use of biological pest management and give rise to a novel industry to provide pol ....Blue-banded bees as greenhouse pollinators: healthy and consistent supplies for reliable pollination services. Native blue-banded bee pollination of tomatoes will increase crop yield by 15-20% through improved pollination and simultaneously decrease labour costs by $16,000/Ha/year. The use of blue-banded bees will change the face of the industry. It will cause a 90% decrease in the use of pesticides, increase the use of biological pest management and give rise to a novel industry to provide pollination services. Blue-banded bee pollination will open up international markets through production of improved quality with less production costs and healthier production methods. Furthermore, the project will remove an environmental threat by providing a native substitute for alien bumblebees.Read moreRead less
STRIVEplus: Refinement And Translation Of An Intervention Designed To Improve Sexual Health Service Delivery In Remote Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,373,952.00
Summary
Curable sexually transmitted infections remain an important public health issue in many remote communities. We will conduct a long term study to find out how successful remote clinics have been in increasing testing and treatment for these infections through a quality improvement program. The study will also identify the types of health clinics that are more likely to succeed, and show whether the program has had any effects, whether positive or negative, on other clinical services.
New Strategies To Increase Testing And Treatment For Endemic Sexually Transmitted Infections In Remote Aboriginal Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$982,228.00
Summary
We will undertake a trial of two new approaches to increase the number of people being tested for curable sexually transmitted infection in remote Aboriginal communities. One strategy will involve offering community members a means of being tested without having to see a clinician unless the result is positive, and the other will involve a financial incentive. The study will provide new ways forward in the long and challenging campaign to rid remote communities of the burden of curable STIs.