A Novel Hepatitis B Virus Genotype In Indigenous Australians: Impact On Vaccine Efficacy And Clinical Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,100,960.00
Summary
We have recently identified a novel Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype (C4) circulating in Northern Territory (NT) Indigenous communities. Concurrently, epidemiological studies suggest that the HBV vaccine may not be working well and that there are high rates of liver cancer due to HBV in these communities. Our project will determine if HBV/C4 is linked to poor vaccine responses and accelerated liver disease, with implications for HBV vaccine strategy and clinical management of HBV/C4 infections.
Adaptive Immunity To Non-typeable H. Influenzae In Children With Bronchiectasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,143.00
Summary
Bronchiectasis is a chronic disease of the lungs which affects at least 1 in 68 NT Indigenous children. It causes recurring lung infections, hospitalisations and deteriorating lung function. This study will provide important data on the immune response of Indigenous children to NTHi, the most important pathogen associated with chronic respiratory infections and why this immune response is not protective. This is the first step in targeting therapies to the prevention of bronchiectasis.
Optimising Rotavirus Vaccine Effectiveness In Aboriginal Children: A Double Blinded Randomised Trial Of Rotavirus Vaccine Given To Infants 6 To 12 Months Old.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,333,318.00
Summary
Rotavirus is major cause of diarrhoeal illness in children. A vaccine to protect against rotavirus was introduced into Australia in 2006/7. Unfortunately vaccine protection is lowest in those in whom disease rates are highest, including Aboriginal infants in the Northern Territory. This trial will investigate if offering an additional dose of vaccine between 6 to 12 months is an effective way to improve vaccine protection and thereby reduce this disease disparity.
In the Northern Territory, about twenty per cent of Indigenous children have perforated ear drums. Menzies research already shows medical treatments in high-risk Indigenous settings to be less effective than in non-Indigenous settings. I will lead an interdisciplinary team to develop, pilot, design and evaluate the effect of a comprehensive intervention program including best use of vaccines, reducing risk factors and maximising hygiene to prevent early age of first infection.