Pneumococcal disease is one of the biggest killers of children under 5 years of age worldwide, mostly in developing countries. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are highly effective at reducing pneumococcal disease however the duration of protection and the immune factors involved is unknown, particularly when fewer than the recommended number of doses are used. My fellowship aims to examine the key immune factors that provide long-term protection following pneumococcal vaccination.
RV3 Rotavirus Vaccine: Developing A Neonatal Rotavirus Vaccine Formulation For The Global Community
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$135,075.00
Summary
Rotavirus infection is the leading cause of severe dehydrating gastroenteritis responsible for approximately 600,000 deaths per year in children under 5 years of age worldwide. There is a commercial and public health opportunity to develop a new rotavirus vaccine that can be given at birth. By modifying the way the vaccine is made we hope that it will be more acceptable and easily delivered to children in remote communities and developing countries without the need for refrigeration.
Causes And Consequences Of Acute Encephalitis In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,695.00
Summary
This study involves a national surveillance of children hospitalised with inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) to identify new and emerging causes of acute encephalitis in children, opportunities for treatment and prevention and also to study the long term outcome of this brain damaging condition. This information will be helpful to better understand the disease and would be used to develop clinical guidelines, policy and public health interventions.
Development Of Improved Vaccine Strategies For Measles Using Plant-derived Edible Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,980.00
Summary
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is contracted via the respiratory tract. Severe infection may lead to complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis. Despite our current vaccination strategy outbreaks still occur in Australia and measles is a major problem in developing countries. In developing nations the case fatality rate of measles is several hundred times that of developed nations. Over 800,000 children still die each year due to measles. Problems with the cur ....Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is contracted via the respiratory tract. Severe infection may lead to complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis. Despite our current vaccination strategy outbreaks still occur in Australia and measles is a major problem in developing countries. In developing nations the case fatality rate of measles is several hundred times that of developed nations. Over 800,000 children still die each year due to measles. Problems with the current vaccination strategy are: a) doesn't work in children less than 1 year of age, b) must be kept cold c) must be given by injection. We believe that a plant derived edible vaccine for measles will address the limitations of currently available vaccine i.e. we can give it children under the age of 1 year, it can be eaten and doesn't have to be kept cold.Read moreRead less
Do Respiratory Viruses Explain High Rates Of Acute Otitis Media With Perforation In Young Aboriginal Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$207,159.00
Summary
Aboriginal children living in remote communities have very high rates of acute otitis media with perforation. Antibiotics can prevent about half these episodes but long courses are needed. No studies have assessed the potential contribution of respiratory viruses to this burden. This study will use samples (already stored in freezers) from children with perforation and children without perforation to screen for respiratory viruses. Direct clinical and research implications are anticipated.
RV3 Rotavirus Vaccine: A Human Neonatal Rotavirus Vaccine For The Asia-Pacific Region
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,264,330.00
Summary
Rotavirus infection is the leading cause of severe dehydrating gastroenteritis responsible for ~600,000 deaths per year in children <5 years of age worldwide. In this proposal we outline plans for the development of a human neonatal rotavirus vaccine in Indonesia. The goal is a safe and effective rotavirus vaccine affordable for children within the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide.