Allocating scarce HIV/AIDS antiretroviral drugs in resource-constrained countries: using modelling to develop tools and analyse consequences of ethics and HIV-epidemiology. This project will benefit communities in some of the poorest countries of the world, suffering greatly from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This research is important and timely for these nations in deciding how to distribute the limited treatment in an ethical manner to address treatment principles of these countries. However, the me ....Allocating scarce HIV/AIDS antiretroviral drugs in resource-constrained countries: using modelling to develop tools and analyse consequences of ethics and HIV-epidemiology. This project will benefit communities in some of the poorest countries of the world, suffering greatly from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This research is important and timely for these nations in deciding how to distribute the limited treatment in an ethical manner to address treatment principles of these countries. However, the methods developed can also be applied to other diseases in different regions and people, such as Australian aborigines to increase their quality of health. Specifically, an epidemic of Chlamydia is widespread amongst the aboriginal communities of Australia's Northern Territory. Tools developed in this project will be easily adaptable to address control measures for Chlamydia among this population. Read moreRead less
Antigenic analysis of the surface of Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts. Infection with Cyclospora cayetanensis is an emerging disease that causes significant morbidity in human populations. Although prevalent in developing countries, recent outbreaks in the USA confirm it is now emerging into the developed world. The research described here will analyse and characterise the antigens on the surface of the oocyst of C. cayetanensis which will add significantly to our sparse knowledge on this impor ....Antigenic analysis of the surface of Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts. Infection with Cyclospora cayetanensis is an emerging disease that causes significant morbidity in human populations. Although prevalent in developing countries, recent outbreaks in the USA confirm it is now emerging into the developed world. The research described here will analyse and characterise the antigens on the surface of the oocyst of C. cayetanensis which will add significantly to our sparse knowledge on this important human parasite. We will also develop the first commercial antibodies and technologies which will rapidly and accurately detect the parasite in human patients and our drinking water supplies, thus securing a global market for Australian technology.Read moreRead less
Molecular Ecology of Cryptosporidium in Rural and Urban NSW. Cryptosporidiosis is of particular concern in rural NSW. Significant increases in the incidence of cryptosporidiosis coupled with repeated outbreaks in regional areas demonstrate a need for improved management strategies. This project will identify transmission patterns of this disease relevant to the Australian environment, which is essential for future control. The reduction of economic costs for medical treatment of cryptosporidiosi ....Molecular Ecology of Cryptosporidium in Rural and Urban NSW. Cryptosporidiosis is of particular concern in rural NSW. Significant increases in the incidence of cryptosporidiosis coupled with repeated outbreaks in regional areas demonstrate a need for improved management strategies. This project will identify transmission patterns of this disease relevant to the Australian environment, which is essential for future control. The reduction of economic costs for medical treatment of cryptosporidiosis and improved on-farm management through control of Cryptosporidium transmission from farm animals are significant to public health and of national and community benefit. The primary national benefit will be improved rural community health through prevention of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks.Read moreRead less