I am a molecular parasitologist exploring parasitism in blood-feeding human helminths, with a particular focus on the molecular biology of parasite feeding and immune evasion. I am utilizing this information to develop anti-helminth recombinant vaccines a
Next Generation Of Medical Devices And Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,738,220.00
Summary
This Investigator Project will deliver innovative technologies that improve patient wellbeing, make significant economic impact and contribute to answering complex biological questions. This will happen via delivering breakthrough technologies to prevent infections and diagnose diseases – two area that currently require substantial technological advances. In addition to helping patients and clinicians, the project will also deliver solid body of new knowledge that is currently missing.
Clinical Impact Of Clonal Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,238.00
Summary
In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the normal defence mechanisms are compromised by an inherent genetic fault which results in an extremely sticky and dehydrated mucus. The respiratory system is unable to eradicate microbes (infection) from the lungs of patients with CF which begin to multiply and cause infection and inflammation. Recurring infections are treated with multiple courses of antibiotics and frequent hospitalisation and eventually result in premature death. This study focuses on ....In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the normal defence mechanisms are compromised by an inherent genetic fault which results in an extremely sticky and dehydrated mucus. The respiratory system is unable to eradicate microbes (infection) from the lungs of patients with CF which begin to multiply and cause infection and inflammation. Recurring infections are treated with multiple courses of antibiotics and frequent hospitalisation and eventually result in premature death. This study focuses on the major bacterial problem, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Several studies from Australia and the UK, including our own have shown that about 30% to 45% of patients share the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within a centre. We know that two dominant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are found in CF centres on the eastern board of Australia. This is unexpected as this bacterium is usually acquired from the environment. The emergence of these clonal strains is causing increasing anxiety in the CF community. This study is designed to provide vitally needed information on the clinical implications of being infected by an clonal strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the risk factors for the acquisition of an clonal strain. This new information will provide a rationale basis for the need for changes to infection control policies (including patient segregation), better outcome predictors for patients infected with clonal strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Read moreRead less
Treatment Of Cerebral Palsy - An Experimental Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,544.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is characterised by disordered movement evident early in life leading to lifelong disability. The motor disorder arises from an abnormality within the white-matter of the brain that is non-progressive and is identifiable soon after birth. In humans and experimental models of fetal infection there is an increase in markers of inflammation. We will use induce ovine fetal infection and white matter injury to examine if anti-inflammatory treatments can prevent fetal brain damage.
Mechanisms Regulating Establishment Of Persistent Herpesvirus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,446.00
Summary
Herpesviruses are a major cause of disease worldwide and are amongst the most successful human pathogens, with some viruses infecting more than 80% of the world's population. This group of viruses persist and reactivate in hosts and induce immunosuppression.The control of herpesviruses infections thus represents an important clinical goal. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the induction of viral persistence and immunosuppression is a crucial step towards developing better therapies.
Determinants Of Cytomegalovirus Salivary Gland Persistence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,308.00
Summary
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) persists for extended periods in the salivary gland, an organ of viral transmission. It is not clear how the virus avoids immune mediated control in this tissue. This aspect of viral pathology will be assessed in a mouse model using two strains of murine CMV which exhibit marked differences in salivary gland persistence. The role of tissue tropism (inhibition of apoptosis), viral immune evasion and host immunity in salivary gland persistence will be studied.
Cluster Randomised Trial Comparing One Versus Two Doses Of Ivermectin For Mass Drug Administration To Control Scabies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,512.00
Summary
Scabies is a common skin disease in developing countries, in particular in the Pacific region. In the Western Province of Solomon Islands, one in two children suffer from the infestation, and 20% of the population. We know that mass drug administration with two doses of oral ivermectin is effective to reduce the burden of scabies in the community. We now propose a study to determine whether one single dose is as effective. This would have major public health benefits.
Novel Octapeptin Antibiotics Targeting Extremely Drug Resistant 'superbugs'
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$946,024.00
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the three greatest threats to human health. Many clinicians worldwide have already been confronted with the reality of infections caused by extremely drug resistant (XDR) bacterial 'superbugs' resistant to all available antibiotics. This project aims to develop safe and efficacious octapeptin antibiotics for the treatment of life-threatening infections caused by problematic XDR ‘superbugs'.
Developing New Immunotherapeutics Through Studying Immune Effectors In Situ
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,369,054.00
Summary
The immune system deploys pore forming proteins to clear viral and bacterial infections and to eliminate cancerous cells. The unwanted activities of these molecules, however, results in chronic disease and in transplant rejection. We aim to understand how pore forming immune weapons interact with our own cells, with the goal of using this information to develop new approaches to treat immune driven disease and to improve the success of transplantation therapy.
Does Mass Drug Administration For Scabies Result In Control Of Serious Bacterial Complications? A Proof Of Concept Towards Global Elimination.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,760.00
Summary
Scabies is common skin disease in developing countries, in particular in the Pacific region. In Fiji, one in two children suffer from the infestation, which affects over 20% of the population. A recent study conducted in Fiji on 2000 people showed that mass drug administration (MDA) with oral ivermectin is a safe and effective way to reduce the burden of scabies in the community. We will expand the MDA program to 100,000 people, the largest study of MDA ivermectin for scabies ever undertaken.