Validation Of A Multiplexed Blood Based Screening Assay For The Diagnosis Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,712.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Australia with poor patient outcome due to late detection of the disease. We have developed a simple blood based test that can diagnose individuals with CRC at an early stage when the chance of cure is greater than 80%.
Development Of Vaccines And Rapid Diagnostic Monoclonal Antibodies Against Micro-organisms Associated With Diseases Of Wild And Cultured Finfish And Shellfish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$166,772.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Identification and characterisation of species-specific antigenic determinants that are heat-stable components of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on pathogenic gram-negative bacteria. 2. Prepare a library of species and genus-specific monoclonal antibodies against the heat-stable LPS components of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria 3. Select appropriate hybridomas, that produce high affinity monoclonal antibodies, for transfer to strategic companies 4. Complete t ....Objectives: 1. Identification and characterisation of species-specific antigenic determinants that are heat-stable components of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on pathogenic gram-negative bacteria. 2. Prepare a library of species and genus-specific monoclonal antibodies against the heat-stable LPS components of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria 3. Select appropriate hybridomas, that produce high affinity monoclonal antibodies, for transfer to strategic companies 4. Complete the testing of specific LPS fragments extracted from one Vibrio species to produce vaccine against all Vibrio pathogens 5. Use the same approach as in (4) to test the genus-specific protection afforded by similar LPS fragrments extracted from additional pathogens, particularly Aeromonas salmonicida 6. Develop and market commercial products for use rapid diagnoses and in research of infections of wild and cultured fish and shellfish Read moreRead less
A Transmission-Blocking Vaccine To Prevent Toxoplasmosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,225.00
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii causes a globally important zoonotic disease. It is transmitted by cats, and finds its way into our food chain via infected meat and contaminated water. We have used a unique functional genomics pipeline to discover proteins crucial for reproduction of Toxoplasma in the cat. We will now test combinations of these proteins to immunise cats and prove that we can develop a vaccine that blocks transmission of this highly significant parasitic disease.
Centre Of Research Excellence In Infectious Diseases Modelling To Inform Public Health Policy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,600,064.00
Summary
Infectious diseases pose a global challenge, with substantial human and economic costs. Mathematical models provide valuable frameworks to assess likely benefits of interventions to control infection spread and burden. Leveraging existing NHMRC support, we will expand modeling capability to inform infectious disease control policy in Australia and our region. Focus areas include vaccine preventable disease, respiratory viruses and emerging pathogens, supported by innovative methods development.
TSGA IPA: The Australian Aquatic Animal Health And Vaccine Centre: First Phase To Establish Atlantic Salmon Biosecure Fish Facility Capabilities And Develop Strategy For An Australian Centre Of Excellence
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,694,600.00
Summary
Commercial in confidence. To know more about this project please contact FRDC. Objectives: Commercial in confidence
Exploring The Occurrence And Potential Associated Risk Factors For Pilchard Orthomyxovirus (POMV) In Tasmanian Farmed Atlantic Salmon
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$209,295.62
Summary
Following basic epidemiology principles, no infectious disease occurs ‘randomly’ and its occurrence follow logical and predictable patterns. The presence of an infectious agent is unlikely sufficient to explain these patterns and most aquatic diseases result from the complex interaction between the agent, the host and its environment. Therefore, the targeted outcome for a POMV control plan is threefold: 1. Decrease transmission between infected and susceptible fish groups – this requires ide ....Following basic epidemiology principles, no infectious disease occurs ‘randomly’ and its occurrence follow logical and predictable patterns. The presence of an infectious agent is unlikely sufficient to explain these patterns and most aquatic diseases result from the complex interaction between the agent, the host and its environment. Therefore, the targeted outcome for a POMV control plan is threefold: 1. Decrease transmission between infected and susceptible fish groups – this requires identifying risk factors associated with the introduction, spread, and maintenance of the pathogen within the industry; 2. Decrease the number of susceptible fish – this mainly requires identifying risk factors associated with the susceptibility of the host (e.g. husbandry-related stress) and the development of a safe and effective prophylaxis; 3. Decrease the amount of virus in the environment - this requires detecting infected fish cage(s) early to implement timely control strategies. Diagnostic capacity to confirmed POMV outbreak has been developed and is currently used in routine by the industry. A vaccine against POMV is currently under development at the Tasmanian Aquatic Animal Health and Vaccines Centre of Excellence and will be available in the future. However, little is known about risk factors specific to POMV and about its full economic impact. We define as a ‘risk factor’ any attribute of the agent, the host or its environment that increases the risk and intensity of a disease outbreak. Most of the environmental risk factors (including farming practices) facilitate the introduction, transmission, or maintenance of the pathogen; while the host risk factors affect the susceptibility of the host and its capacity to become diseased. Like the closely related ISAv, the magnitude and occurrence of POMV outbreaks appeared to be highly variable. This supports the existence of additional factors other than the POMV infection that contribute to the intensity of an outbreak. It is anticipated that by identifying and intervening on some of the manageable risk factors, the frequency and the severity of POMV outbreaks can be reduced. Objectives: 1. Describe the occurrence of POMV outbreaks in the Tasmanian salmon industry 2. Quantify the direct financial impact of POMV mortality to the Tasmanian salmon industry 3. Identify potential management, environmental and stock risk factors directly or indirectly increasing the risk and intensity of a POMV outbreaks Read moreRead less
Viral Endemiology Of Selected Australian Commercial Fish Species And Their Susceptibility To Viral Diseases
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Expand the Australian viral endemiology testing facility to include certified continuous cell lines derived from commercially important Australian fish species, 2. enabling the viral endemiology and susceptibility of these fish to be studied
Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Subprogram: Molecular Genetic Tools For The Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon Industry – Development And Application
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$461,796.00
Summary
The efficiency and effectiveness of selective breeding programs can be greatly enhanced through the use of DNA technology. The application of such technology will be used for pedigree information and identification of markers for economic traits leading to marker-assisted selection. Although various international laboratories and CSIRO have developed a bank of molecular markers for Atlantic salmon, the potential of these and other nuclear DNA markers such as AFLPs need evaluating.
Throu ....The efficiency and effectiveness of selective breeding programs can be greatly enhanced through the use of DNA technology. The application of such technology will be used for pedigree information and identification of markers for economic traits leading to marker-assisted selection. Although various international laboratories and CSIRO have developed a bank of molecular markers for Atlantic salmon, the potential of these and other nuclear DNA markers such as AFLPs need evaluating.
Through this project we would be able to formally collaborate on an international mapping project for salmonids. This would give the local industry access to far more markers and genetic information than would be possible if we worked in isolation.
The extent of genetic variation within the Tasmanian population with respect to overseas endemic populations remains unclear. In time it may be considered advantageous to import new genetic material to enhance various characteristics of the local population. However, at present that is unlikely and the genetic status of the population, and of the effectiveness of breeding protocols, needs to be better understood. Significant progress was made with this and the search for sex differences (project 96/347), but funding is required to further the research. Objectives: 1. To further develop and apply molecular markers for use in industry breeding programs. 2. To genotype selected broodstock with a suite of microsatellite markers to enable efficient pedigree analysis of progeny. 3. To compare microsatellite DNA variation from archival scale samples from the progenitor Canadian population with past and current cohorts of the Tasmanian population. Read moreRead less
SCRC: Seafood CRC: A Review Of Predictive And Rapid Diagnostic Technologies Relevant To The Australian Seafood Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
AS an input to Business Plan development by the Australian Seafood CRC for the Product Quality and Integrity Research Program, conduct a review of predictive and rapid diagnostic technologies relevant to the Australian Seafood Industry