Community-based Surveillance Of Bacterial Respiratory Pathogens In The NT And WA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,905.00
Summary
This surveillance project is a continuation of previous work that describes the strains of respiratory bacterial pathogens in the various community groups - Indigenous and non-Indigenous - across the NT and in WA (urban and remote areas). New vaccines are complex and whilst overall benefits are considerable, there are potential influences on microbiology that may be unwanted. Detailed knowledge of these effects will assist in selection of the best vaccines for use in Australia.
Metabolism-driven Interactions Of Non-typeable Haemophilus Influenzae And Its Host: A Critical Factor In Infection?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,932.00
Summary
Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the underlying cause of many severe acute and chronic respiratory infections, which represent a significant burden to the healthcare system. As NTHi is unable to survive outside the human host, it is is highly adapted to survival in the body niches it colonizes. We are investigating how NTHI is able to survive in the presence of tissue inflammation, and whether it contributes to the inflammatory process through some of its metabolic products.
Impact Of Phasevarions Of Non-typeable Haemophilus Influenzae On Otitis Media Pathobiology And Vaccine Development.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,124.00
Summary
Otitis media (OM), or middle ear infection, is a prevalent pediatric disease worldwide. Haemophilus influenzae causes 40% of acute OM cases, and most chronic OM and recurrent OM. There is a urgent need for vaccines to prevent OM. Our discovery of a novel genetic switch gives new insights into OM and the change from asymptomatic colonization to OM. The role of this switch on virulence in several dominant strains, and the impact on current and future candidates will be studied.
Evaluation Of Haemophilus Haemolyticus As A Preventative Therapy For NTHi Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,659.00
Summary
Middle ear infections are the most common reason for a child to be given antibiotics and undergo surgery. This project will investigate whether a harmless bacterium found in the respiratory tract of children can be used as a probiotic to prevent bacterial ear infections. Benefits from reducing ear infections include fewer children undergoing surgery, fewer GP visits and antibiotic prescriptions, less time off work for parents, reduced hearing loss in children, and improved educational outcomes.