Biomedical methods to prevent HIV include vaccines, gels used vaginally or rectally, oral medicines taken before or after potential exposure to HIV, and male and female condoms. We aim to investigate the impact of several such prevention methods, both on HIV transmission in Australia and on the behaviour of people using these technologies. Potential users' knowledge and attitudes towards such products will be explored. Results will contribute to the design of future HIV prevention studies.
EFFECT OF EBV AND HHV-6 LATENT INFECTION OR REACTIVATION ON MS ACTIVITY: A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL COHORT STUDY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,845.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a severely debilitating neurodegenerative disease, affecting over 16,000 Australians. There is a need to examine which factors drive the progression of this disease. We examine the role of two viral infections on MS activity. It has the potential to contribute to antiviral interventions that might prevent relapses and-or decrease the clinical progression of this debilitating disease.
I am an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases. My research focuses on the risk behaviours associated with the transmission and prevention of blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections, in particular drug and alcohol-related ris
Genes And Environment In The Risk Of Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Population-based Case-Control Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$949,588.00
Summary
This study will pool data from three well-conducted population-based cohorts of older persons to gain a large sample size in order to investigate the interplay of genes and environmental factors on the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study will give insights into AMD pathogenesis, and enable potential targeting of people with AMD susceptibility genes for preventive approaches. These could ultimately reduce the burden of this blinding condition.
Molecular Epidemiology Of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae In Different Communities In Sydney, :informing Control Measures
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$22,677.00
Summary
Gonorrhoea is the second most common notifiable bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Australia. This project seeks to evaluate typing methods to identify transmission patterns of different strains of gonorrhea. The molecular strain typing methods and the antimicrobial resistance surveillance outcomes employed in this study when integrated with STD control strategies will provide pragmatic and cost effective approaches whereby the enhancement of HIV spread by STIs will be curtailed.
Genes And Environment In Late AMD: Pooling A State And Population Resource
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,642.00
Summary
This study will pool cases from the West Australian Macular Degeneration database with the Blue Mountains Eye Study (NSW), to investigate the interplay of genes and environmental factors on risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in particular the late, vision threatening stage. It will provide insights into the underlying causes of AMD, and could allow us to target people with AMD susceptibility genes for preventive approaches, which could reduce the burden of this disease.