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Parasitic and viral infections involving the retina are serious eye conditions that are poorly understood and lack effective treatments. My PhD studies will focus on how human retinal cells fight infections caused by the Toxoplasma parasite, and dengue and Ebola viruses. The results of my investigations will inform the development of better treatments for these blinding eye diseases.
Clearing Chronic Infectious Diseases – Enhancing Host Immune Effector Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Chronic infections produced by pathogens such as HIV, overwhelm our immune system leading to an exhausted state where cells responsible for the clearance of invading microorganisms are unable to respond effectively. We have recently identified a highly promising therapeutic target that enhances immune effector function. We seek to understand the underlying mechanism, and to explore the therapeutic potential of this approach for the treatment of a broad range of pathogens, including those respons ....Chronic infections produced by pathogens such as HIV, overwhelm our immune system leading to an exhausted state where cells responsible for the clearance of invading microorganisms are unable to respond effectively. We have recently identified a highly promising therapeutic target that enhances immune effector function. We seek to understand the underlying mechanism, and to explore the therapeutic potential of this approach for the treatment of a broad range of pathogens, including those responsible for chronic disease.Read moreRead less
Predicting Infections In Cancer Of The Plasma Cells In Bone Marrow (myeloma)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,764.00
Summary
The study will look for new risks for infection in patients with multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Currently these patients are expected to live longer because of the discovery and use of new generation cancer drugs. By finding new infection risks, the treatment of life threatening infections can be improved or infection can be prevented so patients have a better quality of life whilst on cancer treatment.
Studies On The Pathogenesis And Early Diagnosis Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,082.00
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and worldwide is the third and fifth leading cause of cancer death in men and women respectively. Early diagnosis is vital to patient survival. Our research investigates new methods in the early diagnosis of HCC, including new protein markers of the cancer and non-invasive measurements of liver scarring. We also study the genetics of HCC and investigate new genes that could be targets for future therapies.
Hepatitis B Virus Drug Resistance: Impact On The Immunisation Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,322.00
Summary
ñAntiviral drug-associated vaccine escape mutantsî have the potential to jeopardize the hepatitis B immunization program. Which particular viral mutations or combination of mutations that can directly affect the clinical outcome of infection, especially in the context of vaccine induced immunity, are not known. In this study we will identify the clinical sequelae and public health consequences arising from the selection of these mutants.
The Impact Of Maternal Nutrition And Depression On Infant Morbidity, Growth And Development In Vulnerable Populations.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Malarial infection in pregnant women can lead to serious consequences for the baby including death, low birth weight and bacterial infection. Babies born in the community are more likely to die than babies born in hospital, therefore improving basic medical care for babies at the community level should be an important priority. We aim to evaluate the causes of death and severe illness in newborn infants in Papua New Guinea, and to determine community based strategies to improve these outcomes.
Genetic And Environmental Factors And Early Lung Problems Can Be Related To Allergy And Poor Lung Development In Preschool Age Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,032.00
Summary
This important new collaboration between the Murdoch ChildrenÍs Research Institute and Barwon Health explores the impact of early lung development on longer term respiratory health. It utilises a newly validated, accurate and safe technique to measure lung function in young babies and children. Data on environmental factors and lung function will help us explore the risk factors for the development of allergy, asthma and lung infections in early life.
What Is The Profile, Burden And Consequences Of Cerebral Palsy (CP) Due To Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,130.00
Summary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that can be transmitted from mother to the unborn child. It is a potentially preventable cause of cerebral palsy (CP). The incidence of CP due to CMV remains unclear in Australia as screening for CMV is not routinely performed in the newborn. Our preliminary data suggests that severe CP is strongly associated with CMV. Here we will use link recorded data and test CMV in newborn screening cards to determine the burden and profile of CP due to congenital CMV in Aus ....Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that can be transmitted from mother to the unborn child. It is a potentially preventable cause of cerebral palsy (CP). The incidence of CP due to CMV remains unclear in Australia as screening for CMV is not routinely performed in the newborn. Our preliminary data suggests that severe CP is strongly associated with CMV. Here we will use link recorded data and test CMV in newborn screening cards to determine the burden and profile of CP due to congenital CMV in Australia.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of Extrinsic Death Pathways In Neutrophils
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,656.00
Summary
During infection, the lifespan of neutrophils normally increases despite an abundance of neutrophil death signals in inflamed tissues. Altered lifespan of neutrophils has been reported in diseases associated with influenza, Streptococcus, RSV and cytomegalovirus infection. Our research has discovered a relationship between the two dominant death pathways in neutrophils, indicating that alterations in one death pathway protect the neutrophil from death signals from the second death pathway.
Improving The Treatment Of Infections In Children And Young Adults With Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,237.00
Summary
Children and young adults undergoing cancer treatment are at an increased risk of infection. This is managed by admission to hospital for antibiotics which can be a frightening experience for the child and expensive for the healthcare system. While many need admission, a proportion of patients can be safely managed at home with oral or intravenous antibiotics. This project aims to identify these children and young adults, so as to improve their quality of life, and decrease cost of treatment.