Optimising Large-scale Public Health Interventions To Control Neglected Tropical Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are a group of health conditions that affect the poorest of the poor, particularly in remote and rural areas. They affect the most vulnerable communities and cause substantial, chronic health harms impairing personal and social development. Several debilitating NTD are common in remote indigenous communities and Pacific islands. I propose a series of studies to investigate new strategies to control NTD in large populations where these diseases are endemic.
Human Genetic Susceptibility To Bacterial Invasion And The Interaction With Chronic Helminth Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$377,040.00
Summary
A genetic study will be undertaken to identify genes that increase an individual’s risk of developing a bloodstream bacterial invasion following severe pneumonia, a leading cause of infant death world-wide. The risk of getting a bacterial infection is increased in individuals already infected with parasitic intestinal worms. This may also reduce drug and vaccine efficacy. Research will be undertaken to investigate these relationships for future drug and vaccination development.
The Genetics And Mechanisms Of Resistance To The Zoonotic Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus In Avian Species
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,373.00
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a serious pandemic risk. This project will investigate the genetic basis and mechanisms underlying resistance to HPAI in birds. It will explore the role of immune genes in resistance to HPAI in six bird species which vary in their susceptibility to HPAI. Functional tests of resistance genes will be performed to determine how these genes can provide resistance to HPAI. This study will assist in the development of strategies to mitigate disease risks.
Ecto-nucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolases Of Leishmania: Role In Virulence And Potential As Antimicrobial Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,658.00
Summary
Leishmaniasis is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The disease is caused by a number of species of parasites, and current treatment regimes are not ideal. This research aims to target certain proteins produced by the parasite and define the role of the proteins in causing disease. Furthermore this research will identify new drugs that will block these parasite proteins and may contribute to new therapies for this serious disease.
This fellowship aims to develop evidence-based clinical and public health approaches to the control of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Projects include identifying optimal treatment approaches to drug resistant tuberculosis by using meta-analyses; analysing the cost-effectiveness of strategies to prevent drug resistant tuberculosis; understanding transmission of drug resistance within households and implementing a major clinical trial of antibiotic therapy to prevent the disease.
Enhancing The Efficacy Of Pneumococcal Vaccination Using A Probiotic Adjuvant
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
This study will examine the ability of probiotics to enhance the human immune system response of infants immunised with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Probiotics able to improve the immune system would provide greater protection against pneumococcal disease, a major cause of childhood illness and death of Indigenous Australians and among the developing world.