Crohn’s disease (CD), an inflammatory disorder of the gut, is thought to result from an inappropriate response to an environmental trigger, likely gut bacteria. This project will assess differences in microbial communities and host gene expression of early- and late-stage CD tissues. A greater understanding of the differences in mucosal gene expression induced by specific bacteria may provide insights into the pathophysiology of CD, and could conceivably guide therapeutic choices in the future.
Host Cell Death Signaling And Susceptibility To Bacterial Gut Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,321.00
Summary
Bacterial infections are a major cause of infectious disease worldwide. Here we aim to characterise immune responses that help fight infection by E. coli and Salmonella. These bacteria have evolved ways to shut down many of our immune responses during infection, allowing them to survive and cause disease. This work will help understand the complex relationship between gut bacteria and our immune system and provide solutions for controlling infection and treating immune disorders of the gut.
Investigation Of The Effects Of Polymicrobial Infection On The Induction Of Otitis Media
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$235,511.00
Summary
Middle ear infection is a highly prevalent paediatric disease characterised by an inflammation of the middle ear and is the most prevalent illness of childhood. It is reported that greater than 80% of children have had at least one episode of acute otitis media by 3 years of age and almost 40% of children have more than 6 episodes by age 7 years. The cause and pathogenesis of middle ear infection are multifactorial and influence of prevalence and chonicity of the infections. Prevention of bacter ....Middle ear infection is a highly prevalent paediatric disease characterised by an inflammation of the middle ear and is the most prevalent illness of childhood. It is reported that greater than 80% of children have had at least one episode of acute otitis media by 3 years of age and almost 40% of children have more than 6 episodes by age 7 years. The cause and pathogenesis of middle ear infection are multifactorial and influence of prevalence and chonicity of the infections. Prevention of bacterial middle ear infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis requires a much better knowledge of how these bacteria interact with each other and with the host. The poor efficacy of the current pneumococcal paediatric vaccine for preventing middle ear infections highlights this deficiency in our knowledge and will impede the development of a suitable multvalent vaccine to prevent infection by the 3 major bacterial pathogens. This study will investigate how the bacteria colonising the respiratory tract interact during infection and how they affect the host.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Proteins Specific To Transmissible Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Cystic Fibrosis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,007.00
Summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in humans, affecting 1:2000 people. Mortality is often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections which have recently been shown to occur not only environmentally but also via person-person contact, usually during CF clinic visits. This project will elucidate the molecular traits responsible for these 'epidemic' P. aeruginosa infections, with the aim of finding novel therapeutics and infection control strategies.