Vancomycin is the antibiotic we rely on for the treatment of major infections due to bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics (MRSA). Vancomycin is monitored in each patient to individualise the dose. This is done to improve treatment efficacy, reduce adverse effects and to prevent antibiotic resistance. This project will introduce a vancomycin guideline and train hospital staff to use vancomycin safely, effectively and to minimise the development of resistance.
Understanding The Complex Relationship Between Host, Pathogen And Antibiotic Factors On Treatment Outcome In Serious Bacterial Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,945.00
Summary
Millions of people still die every year from bacterial infections despite the availability of antibiotics. The same bacterial infection in one person can behave very differently in another person, so infections can range from trivial to life-threatening or fatal. Understanding the relationship between the patient, the infecting bacteria and the antibiotic treatment given will ultimately help to predict and improve outcomes for patients with serious bacterial infections.
Improving The Therapeutic Use Of Anti-infective Agents: Application Of Pharmacometrics For Rational Dosing Regimen Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$313,390.00
Summary
There is no field of medicine in which the individualisation of medicines is more important than in infectious diseases – appropriate doses must be administered to maximise efficacy and to minimise side effects and the emergence of drug-resistance. This fellowship will use the emerging science of pharmacometrics to investigate factors contributing to the variability in response to anti-infective medications and to optimise dosing regimens for the best use of these drugs in clinical practice.
Investigating The Role Of MtrA In Antimicrobial Resistance Of N. Gonorrhoeae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,023.00
Summary
The main aim of this project is to investigate how genes are regulated by a specific protein called MtrA. This protein has been involved in antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and has recently been shown to be important for the survival of N. gonorrhoeae in early infections. Understanding the exact mechanisms of this resistance, and how the genes regulated by MtrA are important for early N. gonorrhoeae infections would aid in treatment options.
Structural Studies On The Conjugative Apparatus Of The Gram-positive Bacteria, Clostridium Perfringens.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide health problem. It has severely reduced the effectiveness of many antibiotics driving up the health care costs and death rates associated with bacterial infections. This project aims to investigate how antibiotic resistance determinants are transferred in the pathogenic bacteria, Clostridium perfringens. By understanding the mechanism of antibiotic resistance transfer in bacteria we will be better armed to combat antibiotic resistance.
Understanding, Reducing And Preventing Communicable Diseases Using Applied Pathogen Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,014.00
Summary
Infectious diseases are a major threat to human health. New molecular methods, particularly whole genome sequencing, promise a revolution in the way in which infections are diagnosed, detected and tracked in the 21st century. This research will use cutting edge molecular technologies to understand the factors that lead to the emergence, evolution and spread of important bacteria, including bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Novel Antibiotics Targeting Bacterial Secretion Systems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,357.00
Summary
Infection caused by pathogenic bacteria is a major health concern. Strains of bacteria are constantly becoming resistant to front line antibiotics, driving the need for more effective treatments. A drug target that is not currently utilized in clinical treatment is a family of molecular nano-machines embedded in the bacterial cell wall. These machines are called sectretins. The aim of this research is to fundamentally understand their molecular architecture in order to guide the design of potent ....Infection caused by pathogenic bacteria is a major health concern. Strains of bacteria are constantly becoming resistant to front line antibiotics, driving the need for more effective treatments. A drug target that is not currently utilized in clinical treatment is a family of molecular nano-machines embedded in the bacterial cell wall. These machines are called sectretins. The aim of this research is to fundamentally understand their molecular architecture in order to guide the design of potent and selective inhibitory drugs.Read moreRead less