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.
Novel Epigenetic Regulatory Mechanisms In Moraxella Catarrhalis And Non-typeable Haemophilus Influenzae: Impact On Vaccine Development And Role In Pathobiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,979.00
Summary
Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat) and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) are two major causes of middle ear infections in children, and respiratory disease in adults. This project aims to characterise novel regulatory mechanisms associated with disease isolates of these bacteria. This research will aid vaccine development by defining the repertoire of stably expressed potential vaccine targets of Mcat and NTHi, and will improve our understanding of host-pathogen interactions.