The Significance Of Human Metapneumovirus In The Australian Paediatric Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,625.00
Summary
A newly discovered paramyxovirus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), shows clinical and virological charcteristics very similar to those of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). Human RSV is the major cause of acute lower respiratory illness in infants and accounts for more than 1 million deaths world wide annually. Most infants are infected in their first year of life, and re-infection is common. Genetic variation of the virus is thought to play a critical role in its ability to escape the immun ....A newly discovered paramyxovirus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), shows clinical and virological charcteristics very similar to those of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). Human RSV is the major cause of acute lower respiratory illness in infants and accounts for more than 1 million deaths world wide annually. Most infants are infected in their first year of life, and re-infection is common. Genetic variation of the virus is thought to play a critical role in its ability to escape the immune response and establish multiple sequential infections in the same host. Currently, we have no knowledge of the extent that hMPV exists in the Australian population, nor do we know if hMPV is a significant respiratory pathogen in paediatric patients. This research aims to determine the importance of hMPV as a respiratory agent, and will establish the rate, age of exposure, and incidence of hMPV infection in Australian children. In addition, we will identify the hMPV strains (genotypes) that infect local children, and the difference, if any, between these and virus strains detected in children from other community groups, and from overseas. Such data is invaluable in devising a future vaccine strategy for hMPV, and the study of the genetic variability among Australian strains will have profound implications for public health. This research project is a preliminary study into the clinical and virological significance of hMPV, in children, and will form a basis for future research projects. Once this preliminary data is obtained, further studies are possible to determine the cellular immune response to hMPV infection and its role in long-term protection. Also,it is likely that hMPV, like hRSV, may prove to be an agent associated with long-term decreased pulmonary function and airflow limitation perhaps developing to asthma.Read moreRead less
Immunisation Practice And Policy Development In Australia: Responding To Urgent Priorities In Prevention Of Endemic And Epidemic Infectious Diseases In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Despite high immunisation coverage rates in Australia deaths still occur in young infants from vaccine preventable diseases such as whooping cough, meningitis and influenza. My research in vaccines and immunisation involves trialing new vaccines such as meningococcal B and H1N1 vaccine to ensure their safety and effectiveness in children and investigation of new ways to deliver vaccines to improve uptake of new vaccines in the community to ensure earlier and better protection for infants and chi ....Despite high immunisation coverage rates in Australia deaths still occur in young infants from vaccine preventable diseases such as whooping cough, meningitis and influenza. My research in vaccines and immunisation involves trialing new vaccines such as meningococcal B and H1N1 vaccine to ensure their safety and effectiveness in children and investigation of new ways to deliver vaccines to improve uptake of new vaccines in the community to ensure earlier and better protection for infants and children against severe infectious diseases.Read moreRead less
Can Pentoxifylline Improve Long-term Outcomes In Preterm Infants With Late-onset Sepsis Or Necrotizing Enterocolitis – A Pragmatic, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,901,130.00
Summary
Very preterm infants are at high risk of death and disability. Brain injury is often the result of inflammation caused by infection or bowel disease. To date, there is no treatment to reduce the harmful effects of inflammation. Pentoxifylline reduces inflammation and is a promising, safe and inexpensive treatment option for preterm infants. This study will determine whether Pentoxifylline in addition to antibiotics improves survival without disability in preterm infants.
Bio-molecular Studies For Improved Diagnosis And Management Of Australian Children With Fish Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,602.00
Summary
Allergy to fish among children is often life-long and emerging as a significant healthcare issue worldwide, while management of fish allergy is challenging due to the lack of reliable diagnostic assays. This research grant will lead to the development of novel diagnostics for fish allergy in Australia, addressing aspects of the worldwide food allergy epidemic and forms the ideal platform for the study of fish specific allergens, generating novel knowledge for greatly improved patient management.