Modelling The Cost-effectiveness Of Therapeutic Strategies For Invasive Candidiasis Among The ICU Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$282,733.00
Summary
ICU patients are vulnerable to fungal infections during their stay in hospital. These infections are costly to treat and pose real dangers to the patient with up to 1270 lives lost each year. The best way to diagnose and treat these infections is currently not known. Making an early and accurate diagnosis is difficult but important if the infection is to be managed appropriately. This research will show which management strategies are optimal for patients and health services.
An Investigation Into Mitochondrial Dynamics In The Human Pathogen Candida Albicans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,966.00
Summary
Our goal is to find new therapies to treat infections with Candida albicans, a major human pathogen that causes highly fatal hospital-associated disease. We have identified the mitochondrion, the cellular powerhouse, as a promising target for the development of new anti-candida drugs. We will use innovative imaging and molecular approaches, together with experimental animal infection models to understand how mitochondria could be inhibited to treat life-threatening infections with Candida.
Treatment Of Asymptomatic Candidiasis In Pregnant Women For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,714,148.00
Summary
Prevention of early birth is a global priority. This study will establish if a simple process of screening and treating asymptomatic thrush in pregnancy prevents early birth. If positive the results of this study will change pregnancy management across the world to ensure a healthier start to life.
Treatment Of Asymptomatic Candidiasis In Pregnant Women For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,120,373.00
Summary
Being born too early is a leading cause of perinatal death and morbidity. This trial seeks to determine whether screening for and treating candidiasis in pregnancy reduces the risk of this serious health problem. The trial will discover whether a simple treatment in pregnancy can reduce preterm birth. If positive, the results will be relevant to the management of every pregnancy.
Host Resistance And Protection Against Oral Candidasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen, that is widely represented in general medical and dental practice, as well as in the hospital environment. Clinical observations indicate that defects in innate immunity predispose patients to disseminated infection, whereas a weakened cell-mediated immune response is commonly associated with chronic oral infections. Animal models of both chronic and acute oral candidiasis have been developed and characterised by the applicants, and these ....Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen, that is widely represented in general medical and dental practice, as well as in the hospital environment. Clinical observations indicate that defects in innate immunity predispose patients to disseminated infection, whereas a weakened cell-mediated immune response is commonly associated with chronic oral infections. Animal models of both chronic and acute oral candidiasis have been developed and characterised by the applicants, and these have clearly implicated T cells in the process of recovery from primary infection. The models will now be used to analyse the effector mechanisms that lead to clearance of the yeast from the oral cavity, with a particular focus on the role of phagocytic cells, and their interaction with T cells. The acute model will be used to identify immunological variables that can act as markers of protection, and the effectiveness of therapeutic manipulations will be evaluated in the chronic model, with the ultimate aim of developing a protective vaccine for human infections.Read moreRead less
Genomic Characterisation Of Novel Inflammatory Regulators In A Mouse Model Of Disseminated Candidiasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,427.00
Summary
Genome biology offers great promise for the study of immune function, but new approaches are needed to build insights between data and disease. This project looks at the gene products used by mice susceptible to yeast infection and asks if the information is used differently in resistant animals. Blood-borne fungal infections are increasing in hospitals; we want to discover new immune gene products and understand how they contribute, so we can better predict the outcome of an infection.