The Optimization Of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) For Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$44,934.00
Summary
The ability to reliably diagnose malaria infections is key to both the management of individual patients as well as public health efforts to control the disease. Current Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for malaria have unacceptable sensitivity. The project will determine the low sensitivity of current malaria RDTs available on the market and help produce a malaria RDT with higher sensitivity and stability. This will bring great health benefits to millions of people.
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
Development And Prototype Manufacture Of A High-throughput CD4 T-cell Test For Management Of HIV/AIDS Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$163,150.00
Summary
CD4 T-cells are the target of HIV-AIDS infection, and monitoring of HIV-infected patients for these cells is an essential part of disease management. Current CD4 testing methods rely on expensive equipment and reagents and high levels of training, or else they have low throughput that limits their use. This project will develop a standard laboratory assay method for testing CD4 T-cells, increasing the access of patients to CD4 testing, and to HIV therapy, worldwide.
I am a virologist exploiting basic and applied research on hepatitis viruses to develop biotechnology innovations in diagnostics and vaccines for a broad range of infectious diseases
The Risks Of Thin Basement Membrane Nephropathy (TBMN)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$253,500.00
Summary
Our aims are to save the $10 million spent on inappropriate investigations in TBMN each year by the Australian community; to identify and treat individuals with TBMN at risk of renal impairment in order to delay the onset of kidney failure; to understand the underlying disease mechanisms in order to develop specific treatments; and to contribute to the development of a diagnostic assay for TBMN that flags mutations associated with renal impairment and includes a screening test for modifying gene ....Our aims are to save the $10 million spent on inappropriate investigations in TBMN each year by the Australian community; to identify and treat individuals with TBMN at risk of renal impairment in order to delay the onset of kidney failure; to understand the underlying disease mechanisms in order to develop specific treatments; and to contribute to the development of a diagnostic assay for TBMN that flags mutations associated with renal impairment and includes a screening test for modifying genes. The proposed project will change the practice of clinicians by providing evidence for our clinical definition of TBMN and reduce the need for renal biopsies and other investigations thus saving the Australian community up to $10 million annually. demonstrate that a peripheral retinopathy distinguishes between TBMN and X-linked Alport syndrome. This will be a major advance in the diagnosis of Alport syndrome too. determine how often individuals with persistent haematuria who have proteinuria >500 mg-day or renal impairment actually have TBMN. identify the genetic risk factors for renal impairment in TBMN in both the genes directly responsible for TBMN as well as in the modifying genes. determine the mechanisms by which genetic mutations and modifying genes in TBMN cause disease and predispose to renal impairment. Understanding these mechanisms is the first step in the development of specific treatments.Read moreRead less
A SYSTEMS BIOLOGY APPROACH TO SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS FOR LYSOSOMAL STORAGE DISORDERS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$900,781.00
Summary
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are inherited and, at present, can only be detected in children after symptoms are obvious. We are developing newborn screening for LSD to detect affected babies before the onset of irreversible symptoms. As most LSD babies appear normal at birth it is important to be able to predict disease severity or rate of disease progression; this will help doctors know when to give therapy, which therapy is best and provide families with appropriate genetic counseling.