Comparative Pathophysiology And Clinical Epidemiology Of Knowlesi Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$267,172.00
Summary
The simian parasite P. knowlesi is the most common cause of malaria in Malaysia and can cause severe and fatal disease. We are currently conducting a study of all malaria patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Sabah, Malaysia. This will allow us to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of the hospitalised patients, including changes over time. We are also conducting novel pathophysiological studies which will allow us to understand how P. knowlesi causes sever disease.
Using Metagenomics To Determine The Causative Agent(s) Of Tick-Borne Disease In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,428.00
Summary
Tick-borne disease has emerged as a topical and controversial public health problem in Australia. We will employ state-of-the-art techniques in metagenomics to determine what microbial species (bacteria, viruses and eukaryotes) circulate in Australian ticks and whether these or different microbes are also present in humans diagnosed with tick-borne disease. The data generated will provide key information on whether tick-borne disease has a microbiological cause and, if so, the microbes involved.
Spatiotemporal Risk Assessment Of Emerging Infectious Disease Threats To Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$641,204.00
Summary
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) such as dengue and influenza pose a constant and growing threat to Australians. We live in an increasingly connected world in which EIDs cross borders and oceans, carried by infected people or vectors. This research will build an evidence base for allocation of resources to surveillance and preventive health programmes aimed at mitigating the threat of EIDs, through identifying high-risk sources, routes of introduction, incursion locations and communities.
Platform FoR European Preparedness Against (Re-)emerging Epidemics- Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,463.00
Summary
Infectious diseases rank high among the threats to human wellbeing and prosperity- globalisation, migration, tourism, intensive farming and changing climate enhance the likelihood of emergence of outbreaks of infectious disease. The optimal response to an emerging infectious disease requires the rapid acquisition of new knowledge. This project ensures that Australia can contribute to globally coordinated research that will meet the research challenge associated with any new pandemic infection.
A Comparative Study Of The Pathophysiology Of Severe Knowlesi And Falciparum Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,293.00
Summary
Plasmodium knowlesi causes monkey malaria, but has recently been found to infect humans resulting in severe disease and death similar to Plasmodium falciparum. Clinical features of severe P. knowlesi and how it causes complications are poorly described and understanding this could improve treatment and outcomes. In patients with P. knowlesi, we want to describe the clinical features, the ability to cause severe disease, and measure 1) markers of platelet activation and 2) capillary obstruction a ....Plasmodium knowlesi causes monkey malaria, but has recently been found to infect humans resulting in severe disease and death similar to Plasmodium falciparum. Clinical features of severe P. knowlesi and how it causes complications are poorly described and understanding this could improve treatment and outcomes. In patients with P. knowlesi, we want to describe the clinical features, the ability to cause severe disease, and measure 1) markers of platelet activation and 2) capillary obstruction and red cell deformability,Read moreRead less
The control of epidemics requires cross-sectoral engagement across various fields such as health, government, international law and security, at both national and international levels. The changing global landscape poses an increased threat to biosecurity, calling for cross-sectoral collaborative research and engagement. Integrated Systems for Epidemic Response (ISER) will convene and lead multidisciplinary systems research in epidemic response.
Pathogenic Flaviviruses: Molecular Mechanisms Of Disease, Host Response And Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
The application is aimed at advancing our understanding of the viral and host processes determining outcome of infection with pathogenic flaviviruses (i.e. West Nile virus) to the level allowing most comprehensive design of effective vaccines and anti-viral drugs. One of the aims is also to develop novel viral delivery vectors for cancer therapy based on self-replicating RNA of an attenuated Australian strain of West Nile virus, Kunjin.
Australian Partnership (for) Preparedness Research On InfectiouS (disease) Emergencies (APPRISE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,996,416.00
Summary
We have assembled national experts in clinical, laboratory and public health research to ensure Australia is equipped for a coordinated, effective and evidence based response to infectious diseases. This multidisciplinary team will create and share new knowledge to detect, prevent and manage emerging infection threats. We will train a robust cross-sectoral work force and develop sustainable research capacity integrated within the health system to ensure national and regional health security.
The Phylodynamics Of Human Enteroviruses: Informing Vaccine Effectiveness And Outbreak Preparedness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,868.00
Summary
Enteroviruses such as EV-A71 are increasing in frequency and in Australia have resulted in the hospitalization of children with severe encephalitis. However, major aspects of their evolution and epidemiology are unknown. We will provide new insights on these important pathogens by revealing which enteroviruses are circulating in the region and whether they arise in specific localities, whether some are commonly associated with severe encephalitis, and whether some pose a greater epidemic threat.
The Darwin Prospective Melioidosis Study: Years 27-31
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,281,718.00
Summary
The Darwin Prospective Melioidosis Study has documented 914 cases since 1989, with 115 fatalities. A surge in Darwin melioidosis cases over the past 5 years has been linked to urban development and the discovery of a new bacterial strain. Whole genome sequencing of our unique 25+ year set of bacteria and their linked patient data will unravel the changing epidemiology and identify important virulence factors, forming a foundation for future diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.