Interaction Of Group A Streptococci With Intracellular Innate Immune Defence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$824,252.00
Summary
The pathogenic bacterium group A streptococcus (GAS) is estimated to cause ~700 million cases of self-limited throat or skin infection each year worldwide. GAS infections result in over 600,000 human deaths. This disease burden places GAS in the “top 10” causes of human infectious disease deaths worldwide. We have discovered a hitherto unknown mechanism by which GAS subvert the human immune system. An improved understanding of this mechanism will lead to novel ways to combat GAS infections.
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.
Blood Group Antigen Recognition By Group A Streptococcus Mediates Host Colonisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,821.00
Summary
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is responsible for approximately 700 million cases of localised infection and 600,000 cases of invasive infection globally each year. Certain bacteria have been shown to recognise sugars (known as glycans) on host cells. This project will look at how GAS use sugars at the surface of host cells to initiate disease, and determine if differences in the types of sugars present on host cells alter the ability of GAS to initiate infection.
Characterising The Molecular Pathogenesis Of Newly Emergent Invasive Group A Streptococcus M4 Serotypes In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,756.00
Summary
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen of global significance, responsible for life-threatening invasive infections such as flesh-eating disease (>650,000 cases per year), with a mortality rate of 25%. A recent outbreak of serotype M4 GAS caused severe invasive infections in Queensland Australia. The aim of this work is to determine how M4 GAS causes invasive disease. Understanding this mechanism will allow the development of new generation therapeutics, treatments and improved healt ....Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen of global significance, responsible for life-threatening invasive infections such as flesh-eating disease (>650,000 cases per year), with a mortality rate of 25%. A recent outbreak of serotype M4 GAS caused severe invasive infections in Queensland Australia. The aim of this work is to determine how M4 GAS causes invasive disease. Understanding this mechanism will allow the development of new generation therapeutics, treatments and improved health outcomes.Read moreRead less
Role Of The Host Fibrinolytic System In Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,444.00
Summary
The flesh-eating bacterium group A streptococcus (GAS) is estimated to cause 700 million cases of self-limiting disease, and 600,000 cases of serious invasive disease each year. Approximately 25% of invasive infections are fatal. We have shown that GAS are able to hijack the host fibrinolytoc system to cause severe invasive infections. We plan to further examine the details of how this contributes to GAS disease. This research may contribute to the future devlopment of new therapeutics.
Viral Load, HIV Treatment, And HIV Transmission In Serodiscordant Male Homosexual Couples
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,452,298.00
Summary
HIV treatment reduces the concentration of HIV in the body. In heterosexuals, current studies will determine the effectiveness of HIV treatment in preventing onwards HIV transmission. In contrast, there has been very little such research in homosexual men, who comprise 70% or more of people with HIV in Australia. This study will follow for four years over 200 male homosexual couples in which one is HIV positive and the other negative, to investigate the role of HIV treatment in HIV prevention.
Mechanisms Of Immune-evasion By Group A Streptococcus During Skin Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,609.00
Summary
Infections by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), or Streptococcus pyogenes, represent a global health concern. Currently no vaccine exists against GAS thereby mandating a better understanding of the immune response against the bacterium. Using in vivo microscopy, the aim of this proposal is to dissect in real time how neutrophils detect and destroy GAS following skin infection, and how the bacterium manages to circumvent the attack by innate immune cells.
A Randomised Controlled Trial To Evaluate The Effectiveness And Cost-effectiveness Of Chlamydia Testing In General Practice.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,377,557.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection in Australia that can lead to infertility in women. About 4% of young adults have it. Most people with chlamydia do not have any symptoms and will be unaware they have it. Chlamydia is easy to diagnose and treat, but it is not known whether regular testing can reduce its spread. We propose to conduct a trial to evaluate whether annual testing for 16 to 29 year olds works and whether it would be a good use of public health funds.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a bacteria that causes a wide range of disease in humans. GAS diseases are more common in Australias Indigenous population, and other health and economically disadvantaged groups than more affluent groups. In this study we will evaluate the effectiveness of novel vaccine candidates designed to prevent infection from all strains of GAS.
A Novel Paradigm For Immunity And Vaccine Development Against Group A Streptococcus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,229.00
Summary
Serious disease caused by the group A streptococcus (GAS) is responsible for more than 500,000 deaths per year. With no effective control strategies available, a vaccine is urgently needed. One vaccine shows great promise, but there are concerns it may not cover all GAS strains. Our project aims to show that the vaccine may in fact have very broad coverage because of cross-protection between strains using natural immunity model, and may lead to a new paradigm in understanding of GAS immunity.