Specificity Of Chlamydia Pneumoniae For Humans : Analysis Of Previous Cross-host Transmission Events And The Role Of Tryptophan Availability In Host Specificity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,568.00
Summary
Chlamydia are major causes of sexually transmitted disease but they also cause respiratory disease (Chlamydia pneumoniae) which is widespread across Australia and indeed the whole world (80% of people have been infected at some time in their life). Recent results suggest that the respiratory infections in humans came from animals and in this project we aim to identify which animals might have transmitted this infection to humans and determine if there is a continuing risk. We also plan to determ ....Chlamydia are major causes of sexually transmitted disease but they also cause respiratory disease (Chlamydia pneumoniae) which is widespread across Australia and indeed the whole world (80% of people have been infected at some time in their life). Recent results suggest that the respiratory infections in humans came from animals and in this project we aim to identify which animals might have transmitted this infection to humans and determine if there is a continuing risk. We also plan to determine what defines animal versus human infections.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of The Key Role Played By The Persistent Phase Of Chlamydia Pneumoniae In Disease Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$286,320.00
Summary
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a relatively newly identified pathogen that is responsible for several respiratory conditions such as, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has been strongly linked to heart disesae. Serious disease is due to low grade chronic infections, but we do not understand how the bacterium causes these chronic diseases. This project will identify markers of chronic C. pneumoniae infections and relate these to the disease that results. Identifying these markers o ....Chlamydia pneumoniae is a relatively newly identified pathogen that is responsible for several respiratory conditions such as, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has been strongly linked to heart disesae. Serious disease is due to low grade chronic infections, but we do not understand how the bacterium causes these chronic diseases. This project will identify markers of chronic C. pneumoniae infections and relate these to the disease that results. Identifying these markers of chronic disease should lead to improved methods of disease control, including new diagnostic tests, vaccines and new drug therapies.Read moreRead less
Defining The Role Of Zinc At The Host-pneumococcal Interface
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,925.00
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the world’s foremost bacterial pathogen. In Australia, bacterial infections are responsible for more than 9000 deaths every year, and the economic burden associated with treating diseases arising from pneumococcal infections is more than $1 billion annually. This proposal aims to define the role of the transition metal zinc in innate immune resistance to bacterial infection. This knowledge will reveal new targets for next generation antimicrobial therapeutics.
Investigating The Antimicrobial Activity Of Zinc At The Host-pneumococcal Interface
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a human-only bacterium that is responsible for killing more than one million people every year. This project will analyse how the human immune system fights this bacterium, and subsequently, how the bacteria manages to subvert these attacks and survive in the human host. This will provide crucial information for developing new drugs against this pathogen, in an attempt to combat the ever-increasing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Persistent Chlyamdial Infection In The Testes : Development Of A Successful Vaccine Strategy For Males
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,019.00
Summary
Males are a reservoir of infection and novel vaccine approaches to control Chlamydia infections in young men are needed urgently. This study will be essential for the development of interventions to control infection and will inform strategies for manipulating the immune system within the male reproductive tract that may be applied to other sexually transmitted pathogens. The studies will benefit the health and welfare of the Australian people under National Research Priority 2, promoting and ma ....Males are a reservoir of infection and novel vaccine approaches to control Chlamydia infections in young men are needed urgently. This study will be essential for the development of interventions to control infection and will inform strategies for manipulating the immune system within the male reproductive tract that may be applied to other sexually transmitted pathogens. The studies will benefit the health and welfare of the Australian people under National Research Priority 2, promoting and maintaining good health and a healthy start to life.Read moreRead less
Impact Of Pneumococcal Vaccination And Environmental Factors On Pneumococcal Carriage And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,872.00
Summary
Pneumonia is the leading killer of children <5y of age worldwide, and the pneumococcal bacterium is a common cause. Pneumococci are carried in the noses of healthy children. In this project we will determine 1) whether carriage can be used to monitor the impact of vaccination in resource-poor settings, 2) the effect of new vaccines on ear disease and transmission using infant mouse models and 3) if exposure to smoke effects the ability of pneumococci to cause disease and altered gene expressi ....Pneumonia is the leading killer of children <5y of age worldwide, and the pneumococcal bacterium is a common cause. Pneumococci are carried in the noses of healthy children. In this project we will determine 1) whether carriage can be used to monitor the impact of vaccination in resource-poor settings, 2) the effect of new vaccines on ear disease and transmission using infant mouse models and 3) if exposure to smoke effects the ability of pneumococci to cause disease and altered gene expression.Read moreRead less