Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. This project aims to determine the bacterial, protozoal and viral biodiversity in wildlife ticks and their native mammal hosts, and provide new information about the biology and transmission dynamics of these microorganisms and their potential to cause disease in wildlife, domesticated animals and humans. Anticipated outcomes are improved diagnostic tests and management proto ....Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. This project aims to determine the bacterial, protozoal and viral biodiversity in wildlife ticks and their native mammal hosts, and provide new information about the biology and transmission dynamics of these microorganisms and their potential to cause disease in wildlife, domesticated animals and humans. Anticipated outcomes are improved diagnostic tests and management protocols for tick-borne disease in Australia.Read moreRead less
Herpesvirus entry into mammalian hosts. Herpesviruses infect most mammals and cause much chronic disease. Our poor understanding of their host entry pathways limits infection control. The olfactory neuroepithelium has been identified as a key entry portal for both a murid herpesvirus and a human pathogen, Herpes simplex virus, suggesting that many herpesviruses use this route. Virions cross the olfactory mucus on neuronal cilia, then either infect neurons or transfer to glial cells for local spr ....Herpesvirus entry into mammalian hosts. Herpesviruses infect most mammals and cause much chronic disease. Our poor understanding of their host entry pathways limits infection control. The olfactory neuroepithelium has been identified as a key entry portal for both a murid herpesvirus and a human pathogen, Herpes simplex virus, suggesting that many herpesviruses use this route. Virions cross the olfactory mucus on neuronal cilia, then either infect neurons or transfer to glial cells for local spread. This project will identify key receptor interactions and map the extent of invasion. By advancing our basic understanding of these important viruses and their uptake at an abundantly exposed but little explored anatomical site, the project can establish a basis for vaccinating against chronic disease.Read moreRead less
Emergence of a virulent strain of West Nile virus causing fatal equine encephalitis in south-eastern Australia. In 2011 a large outbreak of encephalitis in horses occurred in south-eastern Australia that was caused by a new virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and is related to West Nile virus, known to cause severe disease in humans and horses. This project will study this new virus and develop improved methods for diagnosis and control of this disease.
Next generation dengue diagnostics. The 2009 dengue epidemic was widespread and the largest in North Queensland for 50 years. The outbreak was not quickly contained despite an extensive education program and a mosquito control taskforce. All four types of Dengue were detected, greatly increasing the chance of more severe complications such as Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome. This project will improve our knowledge of Dengue proteins used in tests to diagnose the virus. The ne ....Next generation dengue diagnostics. The 2009 dengue epidemic was widespread and the largest in North Queensland for 50 years. The outbreak was not quickly contained despite an extensive education program and a mosquito control taskforce. All four types of Dengue were detected, greatly increasing the chance of more severe complications such as Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome. This project will improve our knowledge of Dengue proteins used in tests to diagnose the virus. The new knowledge will be used to develop an easy to use test to diagnose Dengue infection early, rapidly and accurately. Effective diagnosis of Dengue will then allow timely implementation of intervention strategies (mosquito control, public advice, isolation and care).Read moreRead less