Molecular Analysis Of Endocarditis Causing Strains Of Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,960.00
Summary
"Staphylococcus aureus" or "Golden Staph” is one of the principal causes of infective endocarditis, the infection of the endocardial surfaces of the heart and heart valves that may result in valvular insufficiency and eventual heart failure. This work will define the molecular mechanisms that allow S. aureus to survive and persist on endocardial surfaces. Such insight may lead to new future treatment regimes for infective endocarditis.
Clinical, Pathological And Genetic Basis Of Familial Valvular Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Mitral valve prolapse and bicuspid aortic valve are two common valve syndromes that are characterized by remarkable clinical diversity, ranging from no symptoms to potentially life threatening complications, heart failure and sudden death. Both disorders seem to run in families in a significant proportion of patients and thus are likely to have genetic causes, which remains unknown to date. This project aims to identify the underlying genetic basis of these common familial valve syndromes.