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.
Vitamin D And Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (ALRI) In Indigenous Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,669.00
Summary
Australian Indigenous children experience extreme rates of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) that medical interventions have failed to reduce. Vitamin D is an important immunoregulatory molecule of the respiratory system that remains uncharacterised in this population. We propose that deficiency contributes to the persistent rates of ALRI. This study will characterise vitamin D levels in a cohort of Indigenous children with and without ALRI. The results will guide future intervention.
Interrogation Of Streptococcal Genomic Epidemiology Within Disease Endemic Regions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,896.00
Summary
Group A streptococcal (GAS) bacterial infections within the Indigenous populations of Northern Australia are amongst the highest in the world. This project uses comparative bacterial genomics to examine current and historical outbreaks of GAS disease in Northern Australia relative to globally sourced GAS. This will be used to examine the spread of disease causing GAS between remote communities as well as investigating genetic markers of disease and informing therapeutic interventions.