Host-pathogen Interactions In Burkholderia Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,322.00
Summary
Melioidosis is a fatal tropical disease caused by a bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. We found that when the bacterium infects macrophage-like cells in culture (that normally kills bacteria), the cells turn into a cell like an osteoclast, a cell that normally degrades bone. Since an osteoclast is unable to kill bacteria, we speculate that the bacterium subverts the macrophage differentiation pathway and directs the cells into a state where it is unable to attack the invading bacteria.
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Grant ID: DI0989521
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Effective Infectious and Parasitic Disease Interventions in Aboriginal Communities. This project is significant and innovative as it will enhance current understandings of the experience Indigenous communities have with infectious diseases. To date there have been no significant qualitative studies that examine the perceptions Indigenous communities have about infectious disease treatment interventions that draw on their current knowledge, experiences and on he ....A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Effective Infectious and Parasitic Disease Interventions in Aboriginal Communities. This project is significant and innovative as it will enhance current understandings of the experience Indigenous communities have with infectious diseases. To date there have been no significant qualitative studies that examine the perceptions Indigenous communities have about infectious disease treatment interventions that draw on their current knowledge, experiences and on health, functionality and well-being. This study will develop a model that Indigenous communities, clinicians, policy makers and researchers can use to guide the implementation of sustainable infectious disease interventions. The outcomes of this project will help guide, inform and improve future infectious disease intervention strategies and programs.Read moreRead less
Understanding And Controlling Viral Escape In Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$433,156.00
Summary
Introduction of a new influenza strain into human circulation leads to a rapid global spread of the virus (e.g. H1N1-09 pandemic) due to minimal antibody immunity. Established T-cell immunity towards conserved viral regions promotes rapid recovery. However, the protective immunity exerts pressure on influenza, leading to "escape" mutations. We will unravel how the viral mutants emerge and propose strategies for T cell-based protective immunity and vaccine design against influenza.
Modelling The Impact Of Global Climate Change On The Epidemiology Of Infectious Diseases In Bangladesh
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$118,988.00
Summary
Climate change may impact on human health via a change in the distribution and pathogenicity of infectious diseases, particularly in the South Asian region. This study will use high quality environmental and clinical data from an established time-series collated in Bangladesh, to better inform mathematical models which may predict future changes in infectious diseases epidemiology. Accurate and valid modelling can be valuable in guiding future public health policy for vulnerable populations.
Severe sepsis is characterised by organ dysfunction secondary to infection, typically bacterial. We will quantify bacteria in the bloodstream of patients with septic shock, the most severe form of sepsis, to determine the relationship between bacterial load and clinical outcomes. We hypothesise that the bacterial load on presentation and the change in bacterial load over time determines survival and the evolution of organ failure in patients with septic shock.
There are a number of patients throughout Victoria that are co-infected with both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These patients are currently being treated for HIV with multiple antiviral drugs and are living for longer periods. Lamivudine is one of the drugs in the HIV antiviral treatment regime. This antiviral is also effective against hepatitis B virus and is the only licensed nucleoside analogue that is used in the treatment of hepatitis. The aim of this proj ....There are a number of patients throughout Victoria that are co-infected with both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These patients are currently being treated for HIV with multiple antiviral drugs and are living for longer periods. Lamivudine is one of the drugs in the HIV antiviral treatment regime. This antiviral is also effective against hepatitis B virus and is the only licensed nucleoside analogue that is used in the treatment of hepatitis. The aim of this project is to investigate the liver disease caused by HBV in co-infected patients and the development of antiviral resistance due to the long-term treatment with lamivudine. We will develop a data base to monitor virological, biochemical and histological parameters for each of these co-infected patients. We will collate all information on these patients that are attending these various centres. This data base will be essential for monitoring the disease in patients with a poor immune system versus patients with a normal immune system. The HBV virus isolated from these patients will be characterised by sequence analysis. The sequence analysis of these viruses will be compared before and after treatment to determine any resistance markers that have developed. These resistant markers will be copied into an infectious clone using specialised molecular techniques. Clones containing these resistant markers will be analysed in the laboratory to determine the antiviral sensitivity to lamivudine and a number of new drugs against hepatitis B virus. This information will be important in treating patients that are co-infected with HBV and HIV and have already developed resistance to lamivudine.Read moreRead less
Dissecting The Divisome: Development Of Antibacterial Agents That Inhibit Bacterial Cytokinesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,097.00
Summary
Infectious diseases accounted for 25-30% of the estimated 54 million deaths worldwide in 1998. Unfortunately, the recent spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria from hospitals into the community has coincided with a marked downturn in the rate of development of new antibiotics. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial agents. The aim of this project is to provide essential groundwork for the development of new antimicrobials that inhibit bacterial cell division.
Development of an effective vaccine for chlamydial infection: optimisation of a non-toxic cholera toxin-based adjuvant to generate a protective mucosal response. Chlamydial genital infections are the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia and the world and impose a major health burden on the community. Chlamydial infections are also associated with cardiovascular disease, Australia's biggest killer and asthma, another condition that has increased significantly in prevalence in t ....Development of an effective vaccine for chlamydial infection: optimisation of a non-toxic cholera toxin-based adjuvant to generate a protective mucosal response. Chlamydial genital infections are the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia and the world and impose a major health burden on the community. Chlamydial infections are also associated with cardiovascular disease, Australia's biggest killer and asthma, another condition that has increased significantly in prevalence in the past 10 years. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a new adjuvant as a first step towards the development of a vaccine to target these important infections.Read moreRead less
Australian Partnership (for) Preparedness Research On InfectiouS (disease) Emergencies (APPRISE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,996,416.00
Summary
We have assembled national experts in clinical, laboratory and public health research to ensure Australia is equipped for a coordinated, effective and evidence based response to infectious diseases. This multidisciplinary team will create and share new knowledge to detect, prevent and manage emerging infection threats. We will train a robust cross-sectoral work force and develop sustainable research capacity integrated within the health system to ensure national and regional health security.