Troublesome ticks: a new molecular toolkit to investigate zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in Australia. This project will use the latest molecular diagnostic techniques to address unanswered questions about potential tick-transmitted diseases of humans and companion animals in Australia. The study will identify 'hot-spots' for tick-borne pathogens, identify areas of potential risk for humans, and investigate vector-host-pathogen interactions nationwide.
Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. This project aims to determine the bacterial, protozoal and viral biodiversity in wildlife ticks and their native mammal hosts, and provide new information about the biology and transmission dynamics of these microorganisms and their potential to cause disease in wildlife, domesticated animals and humans. Anticipated outcomes are improved diagnostic tests and management proto ....Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. This project aims to determine the bacterial, protozoal and viral biodiversity in wildlife ticks and their native mammal hosts, and provide new information about the biology and transmission dynamics of these microorganisms and their potential to cause disease in wildlife, domesticated animals and humans. Anticipated outcomes are improved diagnostic tests and management protocols for tick-borne disease in Australia.Read moreRead less
Emergence of a virulent strain of West Nile virus causing fatal equine encephalitis in south-eastern Australia. In 2011 a large outbreak of encephalitis in horses occurred in south-eastern Australia that was caused by a new virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and is related to West Nile virus, known to cause severe disease in humans and horses. This project will study this new virus and develop improved methods for diagnosis and control of this disease.
Developing novel chemistries for removing environmental surface biofilms to reduce hospital acquired infections. This project will develop new detergents that more efficiently clean hospitals. This will increase hospital safety by decreasing infections, thus saving lives and healthcare costs.
Next generation dengue diagnostics. The 2009 dengue epidemic was widespread and the largest in North Queensland for 50 years. The outbreak was not quickly contained despite an extensive education program and a mosquito control taskforce. All four types of Dengue were detected, greatly increasing the chance of more severe complications such as Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome. This project will improve our knowledge of Dengue proteins used in tests to diagnose the virus. The ne ....Next generation dengue diagnostics. The 2009 dengue epidemic was widespread and the largest in North Queensland for 50 years. The outbreak was not quickly contained despite an extensive education program and a mosquito control taskforce. All four types of Dengue were detected, greatly increasing the chance of more severe complications such as Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome. This project will improve our knowledge of Dengue proteins used in tests to diagnose the virus. The new knowledge will be used to develop an easy to use test to diagnose Dengue infection early, rapidly and accurately. Effective diagnosis of Dengue will then allow timely implementation of intervention strategies (mosquito control, public advice, isolation and care).Read moreRead less