Long-term Macrolide Therapy; Oropharyngeal Dysbiosis And The Spread Of Resistant Pathogens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,153.00
Summary
Use of macrolide therapy for chronic lung diseases is increasing rapidly. We will determine the impact of long-term macrolide antibiotic use on upper airway bacteria in patients with lung disease, and assess its contribution to antibiotic resistance in the wider community. We will investigate the mechanism by which this therapy achieves benefit and assess interference with bacterial signalling as a means to improve treatment efficacy and reduce induction of antibiotic resistance.
The Effect Of Defective Iron Handling On Immune Function And Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection In The Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,213.00
Summary
In this research higher degree I will study the effects of iron on airway sepsis in cystic fibrosis (CF), with a particular focus on the major pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Increased concentrations of iron have been described in the CF lung, and CF airway epithelial cells display abnormal iron handling which facilitates P. aeruginosa growth. I will explore imposed iron limitation combined with conventional antibiotics as a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of chronic airway infection.
Effects Of Antibiotics, Vaccines And Environment On The Population Biology Of Bacterial Respiratory Pathogens In Australian Indigenous Children – A Synthesis Of Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
For over 20 years researchers in the Northern Territory have studied middle ear and lower respiratory infections which severely affect Indigenous children. Projects have included antibiotic and vaccine interventions, however disease rates remain high. Much has been learned about the bacteria causing these infections and the effects of interventions. This study will synthesise these findings, and explore environmental influences, to further inform prevention and treatment strategies.