Novel Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies For Children Exposed To High Transmission Of Multiple Plasmodium Species
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,378,408.00
Summary
We recently found that the WHO-recommended combination antimalarial therapy artemether-lumefantrine and the candidate regimen dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine were not fully effective for both falciparum and vivax malaria in young PNG children, a group at risk of complications and death. We plan to study two new combinations (artesunate-pyronaridine and artemisinin-naphthoquine) and hypothesise that at least one will prove superior and be used as first-line treatment in PNG and similar countries.
Improving Protection Against Childhood Tuberculosis: The Influence Of BCG Vaccine Strain And Age On Protective Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,739.00
Summary
BCG vaccine is of vital importance in the fight against the increasing problem of TB worldwide, particularly in children. This project will compare the 3 most commonly used different strains of BCG vaccine to determine which produces the best protective immunity in newborns. It will also determine whether BCG at birth or at 2 months of age provides better protection. Optimising the timing and strain used for BCG immunisation would prevent large numbers of cases and deaths from TB at low cost.
Antibodies Against Erythrocyte Invasion Ligands Of Plasmodium Falciparum And Protection From Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,184.00
Summary
Malaria is a leading cause of childhood death globally. Malaria parasites infect red blood cells and multiply inside them, resulting in severe illness if untreated. Currently there is no vaccine available and effective treatments are limited. In studies of children in Africa and PNG, we aim to identify immune responses that block infection and growth of malaria in the blood. With this knowledge, vaccines can be designed that target malaria to prevent serious illness and death.
Role Of Nucleocytoplasmic Trafficking Of Matrix Protein In RSV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,041.00
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of viral pneumonia in infants and young children throughout the world. By the age of 3, virtually every child has been infected by RSV at least once. RSV is also an important cause of pneumonia in the elderly and is estimated to cause more deaths each winter than influenza. In Australia, an estimated 100,000 infants are infected by RSV every year. In Victoria, RSV is the most common cause of all reported cases of respiratory tract disease, wit ....Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of viral pneumonia in infants and young children throughout the world. By the age of 3, virtually every child has been infected by RSV at least once. RSV is also an important cause of pneumonia in the elderly and is estimated to cause more deaths each winter than influenza. In Australia, an estimated 100,000 infants are infected by RSV every year. In Victoria, RSV is the most common cause of all reported cases of respiratory tract disease, with an estimated annual cost of $1-4 million. Despite more than 40 years of research there is no vaccine to prevent RSV infection, and the only drug (ribavirin) licenced for treatment of RSV infection is expensive, difficult to administer, toxic, and of doubtful efficacy. We propose to examine one of the RSV proteins, the matrix protein (M). M is very important for virus propagation and is responsible for resultant cell injury. We have observed that M enters the cell nucleus (the location for all cellular DNA and RNA synthesis) where it appears to inhibit host cell RNA synthesis early in infection; later, it exits the nucleus in a step required for virus production in the cytoplasm. The signals that regulate transport of M into and out of the nucleus and the effect on the host cell leading to pathogenesis, are the focus of this proposal. The results of this study will be beneficial in many ways. Most importantly, we will gain knowledge about the processes underlying cell injury caused in RSV disease, which may lead to the identification of novel targets for intervention strategies.Read moreRead less