Troublesome ticks: a new molecular toolkit to investigate zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in Australia. This project will use the latest molecular diagnostic techniques to address unanswered questions about potential tick-transmitted diseases of humans and companion animals in Australia. The study will identify 'hot-spots' for tick-borne pathogens, identify areas of potential risk for humans, and investigate vector-host-pathogen interactions nationwide.
Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. This project aims to determine the bacterial, protozoal and viral biodiversity in wildlife ticks and their native mammal hosts, and provide new information about the biology and transmission dynamics of these microorganisms and their potential to cause disease in wildlife, domesticated animals and humans. Anticipated outcomes are improved diagnostic tests and management proto ....Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. Ecology and transmission of tick-borne disease in Australia. This project aims to determine the bacterial, protozoal and viral biodiversity in wildlife ticks and their native mammal hosts, and provide new information about the biology and transmission dynamics of these microorganisms and their potential to cause disease in wildlife, domesticated animals and humans. Anticipated outcomes are improved diagnostic tests and management protocols for tick-borne disease in Australia.Read moreRead less
Molecular dissection of malaria parasite motility and host-cell invasion across the lifecycle. Malaria parasites move in a unique way, gliding across cell surfaces and infecting host cells using a unique molecular motor. This research aims to understand the molecular mechanics behind parasite movement and use this to develop novel drugs that might throw a spanner in the parasite motor, blocking movement and thereby preventing malaria disease.
Herpesvirus entry into mammalian hosts. Herpesviruses infect most mammals and cause much chronic disease. Our poor understanding of their host entry pathways limits infection control. The olfactory neuroepithelium has been identified as a key entry portal for both a murid herpesvirus and a human pathogen, Herpes simplex virus, suggesting that many herpesviruses use this route. Virions cross the olfactory mucus on neuronal cilia, then either infect neurons or transfer to glial cells for local spr ....Herpesvirus entry into mammalian hosts. Herpesviruses infect most mammals and cause much chronic disease. Our poor understanding of their host entry pathways limits infection control. The olfactory neuroepithelium has been identified as a key entry portal for both a murid herpesvirus and a human pathogen, Herpes simplex virus, suggesting that many herpesviruses use this route. Virions cross the olfactory mucus on neuronal cilia, then either infect neurons or transfer to glial cells for local spread. This project will identify key receptor interactions and map the extent of invasion. By advancing our basic understanding of these important viruses and their uptake at an abundantly exposed but little explored anatomical site, the project can establish a basis for vaccinating against chronic disease.Read moreRead less
New methods for integrating population structure and stochasticity into models of disease dynamics. Epidemics, such as the 2007 equine 'flu outbreak and 2009 swine 'flu pandemic, highlight the need to make informed decisive responses. This project will develop new methods that incorporate two important aspects of disease dynamics---host structure and chance---into mathematical models, and determine their impact in terms of controlling infections.
Emergence of a virulent strain of West Nile virus causing fatal equine encephalitis in south-eastern Australia. In 2011 a large outbreak of encephalitis in horses occurred in south-eastern Australia that was caused by a new virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and is related to West Nile virus, known to cause severe disease in humans and horses. This project will study this new virus and develop improved methods for diagnosis and control of this disease.
Developing novel chemistries for removing environmental surface biofilms to reduce hospital acquired infections. This project will develop new detergents that more efficiently clean hospitals. This will increase hospital safety by decreasing infections, thus saving lives and healthcare costs.
Next generation dengue diagnostics. The 2009 dengue epidemic was widespread and the largest in North Queensland for 50 years. The outbreak was not quickly contained despite an extensive education program and a mosquito control taskforce. All four types of Dengue were detected, greatly increasing the chance of more severe complications such as Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome. This project will improve our knowledge of Dengue proteins used in tests to diagnose the virus. The ne ....Next generation dengue diagnostics. The 2009 dengue epidemic was widespread and the largest in North Queensland for 50 years. The outbreak was not quickly contained despite an extensive education program and a mosquito control taskforce. All four types of Dengue were detected, greatly increasing the chance of more severe complications such as Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome. This project will improve our knowledge of Dengue proteins used in tests to diagnose the virus. The new knowledge will be used to develop an easy to use test to diagnose Dengue infection early, rapidly and accurately. Effective diagnosis of Dengue will then allow timely implementation of intervention strategies (mosquito control, public advice, isolation and care).Read moreRead less
How infectious diseases became ecological: a global history. This project aims to investigate the conceptual history of disease ecology. During the twentieth century, infectious diseases researchers, many of them Australian, drew on animal ecology and evolutionary theory so our knowledge of how germs and parasites interact with human hosts might become more dynamic and broadly biological. The goal of this transnational historical research is to clarify the connections of animal ecology and evolu ....How infectious diseases became ecological: a global history. This project aims to investigate the conceptual history of disease ecology. During the twentieth century, infectious diseases researchers, many of them Australian, drew on animal ecology and evolutionary theory so our knowledge of how germs and parasites interact with human hosts might become more dynamic and broadly biological. The goal of this transnational historical research is to clarify the connections of animal ecology and evolutionary biology with biomedicine, and show how contemporary understandings of biosecurity and disease preparedness emerged from this conjunction.Read moreRead less
The role of a novel protein, interferon epsilon, in reproductive tract immunity. This project aims to develop a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against female reproductive tract infections. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in diseases such as Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex Virus.