Improving Reproductive Health Through Infectious Diseases Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,957,108.00
Summary
Infectious diseases that impact upon reproductive health remain a major problem worldwide. This proposal will examine human papillomavirus infection, the role of the human microbiota in a number of conditions (necrotising enterocolitis, bacterial vaginosis, and human papillomavirus infection), and antibiotic resistance in sexually transmitted infections. The knowledge generated will be used to improve diagnostics.
False Positives In The Diagnosis Of Sexually Transmitted Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$724,313.00
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis causes sexually transmitted infections, and also the eye disease trachoma. The detection of Chlamydia in urine sample from a child can be seen as evidence for sexual abuse. We will assess the potential impacts of three mechanisms that could conceivably lead to urogenital Chlamydia diagnosis in a child in the absence of sexual abuse: contamination of the urogenital site with ocula Chlamydia, contamination of urine samples after collection, and diagnostic test malfunction.
Implementation Research To Guide The Elimination Of HIV Transmission In NSW
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,499,409.00
Summary
The implementation of new biomedical forms of HIV prevention since 2015 has been accompanied by a 40% reduction in HIV diagnoses in gay and bisexual men in New South Wales (NSW). Reductions in HIV have been much smaller in the overseas-born, the young, and in those living outside of inner Sydney. We propose a 5-year program of implementation research, integrated with the NSW HIV Strategy 2021-25, which will see NSW become the first jurisdiction globally to virtually eliminate HIV.
Uptake, Sustainability And Impact Of Scaling Up Point-of-care Testing For Sexually Transmissible Infections In Remote And Regional Aboriginal Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,461,788.00
Summary
Aboriginal youth experience unacceptably high rates of curable sexually transmissible infections (STI). Coverage of testing and treatment is insufficient for disease control but could be enhanced via point-of-care (POC) testing. We have been trialling a highly accurate STI/POC diagnostic in the TTANGO (Test, Treat ANd GO) trial. The TTANGO2 partnership will assess the long-term uptake, sustainability and impact of POC testing in 20 Aboriginal health services in regional/remote WA over 5 years.
Genital Chlamydia infections have increased over 4-fold in the last decade. Untreated infections lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. These conditions are due to the inflammatory immune response elicited by infections that cause scarring and oviduct blockage. The proposed studies will determine how the immune system causes tissue damage and how this damage can be avoided to enable the development a vaccine that protects women against infection and infertility.
New Technologies To Reduce The Population Burden Of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,605.00
Summary
I propose a five year program of public health research on the evaluation of innovative technologies to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their adverse consequences in populations at highest risk; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, youth, men who have sex with men and people in high STI-burden resource-limited countries. My research over the next five years will lead to substantial improvements in the health of people at greatest risk of STIs.
Design And Implementation Of A Human Challenge Model For Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Gonorrhoea is a major public health problem that can lead to severe disease and promote the spread of HIV. Gonorrhoea infections are increasing worldwide and the spread of antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea is a critical health threat. This study aims to develop a controlled infection model for male throat and genital gonorrhoea infection in order to improve scientific understanding of gonorrhoea infection and responses to novel antibiotic treatment; and provide insights into vaccine development.
Enhanced Prevention And Control Of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,370.00
Summary
The entire developed world is witnessing dramatic increases in bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the likes of which have not been seen since prior to the emergence of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s. My vision is to reduce the burden of STIs by identifying innovative, cost-effective approaches to STI prevention and management that are acceptable to the populations affected (including healthcare workers and people are risk of STIs) and able to be implemented on a broad scale.
An Evidence Based Framework For Establishing Public Health Microbial Genomics In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,413,093.00
Summary
Microbial genomics is a powerful laboratory tool to characterise human pathogens at the highest level, allowing greater understanding of the source and spread of pathogens that infect humans. In this project, through close links with the Victorian Government, we will determine how this exciting new technology can best be applied to prevent the spread of high risk human pathogens, and inform public health action.