Identifying The Correlates Of Protective Immunity Against Invasive Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,131.00
Summary
The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) remains a major cause of human infections, and the rise of highly pathogenic, antibiotic-resistant strains is making treatment increasingly difficult. In this project we will examine the immune response to S.aureus to determine which parts of the immune system are involved in responding to the bacteria. This knowledge will lay the foundation for which new innovative S. aureus vaccines will ultimately emerge.
Characterisation Of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia Coli Lacking Classical Virulence Markers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,660.00
Summary
Some intestinal infections with the intestinal bacterium, E. coli, can result in severe, often fatal, kidney disease called the haemolytic uraemic syndrome. It is important for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition that the infections are detected swiftly. Current means of identifying this virulent form of E. coli are inadequate and do not account for all types of the bacteria that can cause severe disease. Children are particularly susceptible to life threatening infections with this ty ....Some intestinal infections with the intestinal bacterium, E. coli, can result in severe, often fatal, kidney disease called the haemolytic uraemic syndrome. It is important for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition that the infections are detected swiftly. Current means of identifying this virulent form of E. coli are inadequate and do not account for all types of the bacteria that can cause severe disease. Children are particularly susceptible to life threatening infections with this type of E.coli and usually acquire the infection by consuming contaminated food or water. This organism is currently a global food safety problem and the bacteria are especially prevalent in ground beef products and water or vegetables that have been contaminated with cattle faeces. In this study we aim to identify new bacterial genes and proteins that may be used to improve current means of detecting and diagnosing this kind of E.coli. A great deal is known about the way in which the classical strains of this virulent E .coli colonise the intestine however a small but significant group of these organisms do not carry known colonisation factors. We aim to identify bacterial proteins in these non-classical strains of E.coli which are needed for attachment of the bacteria to the host. Identifying how these bacteria interact with the host may help us to develop improved means of detecting and diagnosing this life-threatening infection.Read moreRead less
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.
Does Dietary Modulation Of The Colonic Microflora Attenuate The Effects Of Advanced Glycation Endproducts?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,913.00
Summary
This research aims to determine whether the daily consumption of a prebiotic (fibre) supplement can encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria living in the human colon. Substances produced by these friendly bacteria may help to reduce inflammation, insulin resistance and harmful levels of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), which can increase the risk of diabetets in susceptible individuals.