Early Introduction Of Foods Into Infant Weaning Diets To Induce Oral Tolerance And Prevent Food Allergies.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,660.00
Summary
Food allergies can be life threatening, and with no treatment, prevention is crucial. Traditional advice for babies whose parents have allergies has been to delay the introduction of allergy causing foods. However, recent research has questioned this approach. In this study I plan to investigate whether the early introduction of fish and eggs in the weaning diet can reduce the incidence of allergy. The results will be crucial to determine the best approach to reduce the risk of food allergy.
Immunological Changes During Pregnancy And The Impact On Viral Hepatitis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,355.00
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause long term health problems particularly affecting the liver and can be passed from mother to baby. Despite the availability of a HBV vaccine babies can still become infected. During pregnancy there are changes in a woman’s immune system which may impact on HBV infection and make transmission to the baby more likely. This research aims to explore the changes in a woman’s immune system and the impact this has on risks for hepatitis and transmission to the baby.