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E. coli is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine, but some varieties can cause serious infections that may lead to the premature death of children, especially in less developed countries. The aims of this study are to learn more about these harmful varieties of E. coli and to enhance our ability to detect them in samples from patients and the environment.
Combating E. Coli Diarrhoea By Disarming Bacterial Virulence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,737.00
Summary
E. coli causes severe and persistent diarrhoea which affects the health of millions of people worldwide. Although antibiotics may alleviate E. coli diarrhoea, these bacteria are becoming resistant to most drugs. In this study, we will use state-of-the-art technology to discover novel types of drug that treat and prevent infection with E. coli, without harming the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Class-specific Virulence Determinants Of Atypical Enteropathogeneic E. Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$672,134.00
Summary
Some varieties of E. coli cause diarrhoea, but they are difficult to diagnose in the laboratory. The aim of this study is to find specific genes of disease-associated E. coli that could be used as targets to identify these bacteria in patients with diarrhoea. The discovery of genes from E. coli that could be used as diagnostic targets will provide invaluable tools to study the epidemiology and clinical impact of these bacteria in patients in Australia and overseas.
Novel Antimicrobials That Target Enteropathogenic Escherichia Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,525.00
Summary
Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) cause acute and persistent diarrhoea which affect the health of millions of children each year. In this study, we will use the state-of-the-art-technology to identify small synthetic-compounds that inhibit the virulence of EPEC without affecting normal microflora. Molecular, cellular and animal tests of the compounds will be carried out to determine whether they can be used to treat gastrointestinal infection by EPEC.
Structural And Functional Analysis Of Glucosyltransferases (Gtr) Involved In O-antigen Modification Of Shigella Flexneri
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,976.00
Summary
Shigellosis caused by Shigella flexneri is a medically significant disease in developing countries. Serotypes of S. flexneri are determined by bacterial cell-surface polysaccharides called O-antigens. Bacterial viruses carry the genes which confer O-antigen modification giving rise to different serotypes. The project will address fundamental processes related to the O-antigen modification by studying structure and function of the enzymes encoded by the O-antigen modification gene cluster.
Molecular Basis Of O-antigen Modification And Genomics Of Serotype-converting Bacteriophages Of Shigella Flexneri
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$268,264.00
Summary
There are approximately 165 million cases of shigellosis world wide annually, resulting in 1.1 million deaths. The majority of cases occur in developing countries and most deaths occur in children under 5 years of age. Shigellosis is mainly caused by the bacterium Shigella flexneri. There are 13 different serotypes of S. flexneri determined by bacterial cell-surface polysaccharides called O-antigens. Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) carry the genes which confer O-antigen variation. Infection a ....There are approximately 165 million cases of shigellosis world wide annually, resulting in 1.1 million deaths. The majority of cases occur in developing countries and most deaths occur in children under 5 years of age. Shigellosis is mainly caused by the bacterium Shigella flexneri. There are 13 different serotypes of S. flexneri determined by bacterial cell-surface polysaccharides called O-antigens. Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) carry the genes which confer O-antigen variation. Infection and subsequent incorporation of the virus into the genetic material of the bacterial cell result in modification of the bacterial O-antigen. This phage-mediated O-antigen modification gives rise to different serotypes. The project will address fundamental processes related to the O-antigen modification. This will be achieved by studying structure and function of the enzymes encoded by the O-antigen modification gene cluster. We have isolated several serotype-converting bacteriophages from S. flexneri and we plan to compare and characterise their genomic information to increase understanding of their origin and relationship with the bacterial host.Read moreRead less
Worldwide Molecular Analysis Of Streptococcus Pyogenes Scarlet Fever Outbreaks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,041.00
Summary
The microorganism group A Streptococcus (also called GAS or Streptococcus pyogenes) ranks among the top 10 infectious disease killers of humans. Recently, outbreaks of scarlet fever have occurred in both Asia and the United Kingdom, placing a serious strain on health systems. The reasons underlying these outbreaks remain unknown. Our team will lead the global effort to characterise this rise in scarlet fever, and provide recommendations and solutions to health professionals.
Protein Glycan Interactions In Infectious Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$9,182,220.00
Summary
Infectious diseases remain a serious threat to human health, accounting for over 10 million deaths each year. This is a broad-based collaborative proposal, building on our previous achievements. Its aim is to better understand the dynamic interactions between major disease-causing microbes and their human hosts, and to directly apply this new knowledge to the development of improved vaccines and novel treatment strategies. These are urgently needed to combat infectious diseases in the 21st centu ....Infectious diseases remain a serious threat to human health, accounting for over 10 million deaths each year. This is a broad-based collaborative proposal, building on our previous achievements. Its aim is to better understand the dynamic interactions between major disease-causing microbes and their human hosts, and to directly apply this new knowledge to the development of improved vaccines and novel treatment strategies. These are urgently needed to combat infectious diseases in the 21st century.Read moreRead less