The Effect Of Defective Iron Handling On Immune Function And Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection In The Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,213.00
Summary
In this research higher degree I will study the effects of iron on airway sepsis in cystic fibrosis (CF), with a particular focus on the major pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Increased concentrations of iron have been described in the CF lung, and CF airway epithelial cells display abnormal iron handling which facilitates P. aeruginosa growth. I will explore imposed iron limitation combined with conventional antibiotics as a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of chronic airway infection.
The Biology Of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Biofilm Formation On Silicone Implantable Medical Devices And The Role Of Implant Surface Antibiotic Technology In The Prevention Of Bacterial Biofilm In And Animal Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,322.00
Summary
Hospital acquired infections continue to rise with over 60% occuring in patients with medical implants. Infections are due to skin bacteria forming a microscopic slime, or biofilm, around the implant. Biofilm infection is only diagnosed after implant removal, responds poorly to antibiotics, and can cause implant failure, such as joint loosening & bone infection in joint replacements and breast deformity with silicone implants. This project uses an animal model to evaluate different surface treat ....Hospital acquired infections continue to rise with over 60% occuring in patients with medical implants. Infections are due to skin bacteria forming a microscopic slime, or biofilm, around the implant. Biofilm infection is only diagnosed after implant removal, responds poorly to antibiotics, and can cause implant failure, such as joint loosening & bone infection in joint replacements and breast deformity with silicone implants. This project uses an animal model to evaluate different surface treatments to prevent bacterial biofilm formation.Read moreRead less
Bacteriology Of Bronchiectasis In Australian Indigenous Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,209.00
Summary
Many Indigenous children in the Northern Territory suffer from a chronic lung condition called bronchiectasis. This disease causes a lot of illness and can lead to early death in adulthood. Little is known about how the disease starts and how it can be prevented, but many children are being treated with the antibiotic azithromycin. My project aims to find out which bacteria are associated with bronchiectasis, how azithromycin affects the bacteria, and whether it leads to antibiotic resistance.
Identifying Novel Disease Genes In Abnormalities Of The Eye
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,454.00
Summary
The macula is located in the centre at the back of the eye and is essential for detailed and colour vision. There are familial forms of macular abnormalities and many elderly patients suffer from age-related macular degeneration. The gene function that is critical for the maintenance of a healthy macula is not fully known. In this project, a novel process in maintaining macular health will be investigated to identify the underlying genetic cause and associated functional defects.
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.