A Multi-centre Randomised Controlled Trial To Compare Nasal Balloon Autoinflation Versus No Nasal Balloon Autoinflation For Otitis Media With Effusion In Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Children (the INFLATE Trial)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,534,580.00
Summary
Otitis media with effusion (OME) or ’glue ear’ is a common ear problem in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. In OME, fluid accumulates in the middle ear. This can cause hearing loss and learning difficulties and lead to surgery. We will see if the use of a simple device in which a child blows up a balloon with their nostrils (nasal balloon autoinflation) helps resolve glue ear, improves hearing and is acceptable for the management of this important ear health problem.
Evaluation Of Antibody Levels And Function In Otitis-prone And Healthy Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,040.00
Summary
Middle ear infections are the most common reason for a child to see a doctor, receive antibiotics and undergo surgery. We have collected blood and saliva samples from children with and without ear infections to compare their antibody responses to bacteria that cause middle ear infections. We will also investigate whether there is a good host response at the site of inflammation, i.e. the middle ear.
Impact Of Phasevarions Of Non-typeable Haemophilus Influenzae On Otitis Media Pathobiology And Vaccine Development.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,124.00
Summary
Otitis media (OM), or middle ear infection, is a prevalent pediatric disease worldwide. Haemophilus influenzae causes 40% of acute OM cases, and most chronic OM and recurrent OM. There is a urgent need for vaccines to prevent OM. Our discovery of a novel genetic switch gives new insights into OM and the change from asymptomatic colonization to OM. The role of this switch on virulence in several dominant strains, and the impact on current and future candidates will be studied.
Evaluation Of Haemophilus Haemolyticus As A Preventative Therapy For NTHi Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,659.00
Summary
Middle ear infections are the most common reason for a child to be given antibiotics and undergo surgery. This project will investigate whether a harmless bacterium found in the respiratory tract of children can be used as a probiotic to prevent bacterial ear infections. Benefits from reducing ear infections include fewer children undergoing surgery, fewer GP visits and antibiotic prescriptions, less time off work for parents, reduced hearing loss in children, and improved educational outcomes.
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
Innovative Diagnosis For And Prevention Of Otitis Media In Australian Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,476.00
Summary
Otitis media (OM) in infants is a major health issue, with the affected infants having high risk of chronic illness, hearing loss and speech and language delay. Preventing OM in infants requires accurately diagnosing and determining the causes of OM. This project employs an innovative technology to diagnose OM in infants and determine the risk factors for OM in Australian infants.
Treatment Of Acute Otitis Media (AOM) In Low Risk Aboriginal Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,640,326.00
Summary
A randomised clinical trial design will be used to compare two different approaches to the treatment of acute middle ear infections in Aboriginal children living in urban communities: initial observation or immediate antibiotic prescription. The relative acceptability and cost effectiveness of treatment options will be studied. The evidence will allow primary care clinicians to confidently recommend treatment that maximises health benefits and reduces complications such as hearing impairment.
Construction And Immunogenic Evaluation Of Hepatitis B Virus Like Particles Expressing T And B Cell Epitopes Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae For The Prevention Of Hepatitis B And Pneumococcal Mediated Otitis Media In Australian Indigenous Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,637.00
Summary
Australian Indigenous children suffer abormally high levels of middle ear infections (term otitis media). In many cases the infections become chronic and have a severe dischage. We propose to make a novel vaccine that will protect these children against a major bacterial cause of the ear infection as well as against hepatitis B virus infection as well.
Otitis Media, Hearing Loss And School Readiness Of Indigenous Children Followed From Birth In Two Randomised Controlled Trials Of Novel Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Schedules (VOICES. Vaccines To Prevent Otitis Media In Children Entering School)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,317,169.00
Summary
Educational and health outcomes of Indigenous children are extremely poor, particularly in remote areas. High rates of ear disease, particularly “runny ears” and “glue ear”, and hearing loss throughout early childhood contribute to developmental delay. Vaccines to prevent ear disease could be used more effectively. This project is evaluating a novel combination schedule of two different licenced vaccine formulations to maximise protection and improve ear health, hearing and school readiness.
Povidine-iodine Ear Wash And Oral Cotrimoxazole For Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media In Aboriginal Children: A 2x2 Factorial Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,261,802.00
Summary
Many Aboriginal children in remote communities have severe ear infection. Acute infection with eardrum perforation often leads to long term discharge of pus (chronic suppurative otitis media) usually causing significant hearing loss. This trial will determine the benefit of antiseptic ear washes and a long course of oral antibiotics. We will assess the impact on ear health and hearing.