Preclinical Studies Of Group A Streptococcal Vaccine Candidates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,492.00
Summary
Group A streptococcus causes 520,000 deaths each year. A safe and effective vaccine is not commercially available. We have identified 2 new protective candidate antigens, and we seek to undertake critical preclinical studies to provide further proof-of-concept data. This work will underpin commercial decisions by our industry partner (Wyeth) leading to human trials and the development of a safe group A streptococcal vaccine for human use.
Evolution Of Pertussis Epidemics And Effect Of Genotypes On Infection Outcomes And Immunisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,781.00
Summary
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite high vaccine coverage, the incidence of pertussis has increased substantially in recent years in Australia. One of the contributing factors is changes in the pertussis strains. This project will determine the genetic composition and virulence characteristics of epidemic strains in Australia and investigate the effect of these strains on disease severity and vulnerability of vaccinated individuals to infection.
Molecular Typing And Epidemiology Of Bordetella Pertussis In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,662.00
Summary
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite more than half a century of vaccination, pertussis has remained endemic in Australia, causing epidemic outbreaks every 3 to 4 years. Indeed the incidence has been increasing in recent years with over 11,000 cases notified in 2005.Pertussis is the commonest of all vaccine preventable diseases targeted by the Australian standard vaccination schedule. To control pertussis, appropriat ....Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite more than half a century of vaccination, pertussis has remained endemic in Australia, causing epidemic outbreaks every 3 to 4 years. Indeed the incidence has been increasing in recent years with over 11,000 cases notified in 2005.Pertussis is the commonest of all vaccine preventable diseases targeted by the Australian standard vaccination schedule. To control pertussis, appropriate epidemiological surveillance must be implemented to monitor the circulating B. pertussis strains and emergence of any new strains, in particular those that escape the protection by vaccines. This project will use a novel genomic comparison approach to find variation known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) present around the genome. We will use these SNPs to analyse a large collection of Australian and worldwide isolates to identify those SNPs most suitable for typing and determine the optimal number of SNPs needed for discrimination. A standardized, consistent and reliable typing method for strain identification will be established. We will further develop an integrated method for detecting known variation in the genes encoding the five acellular vaccine antigens. A combined method for strain identification and detection of antigenic variation will then be developed for culture-independent typing, enabling identification of the strain infecting an individual directly from a clinical sample without the need for culture. This study will establish molecular methods for surveillance of pertussis in Australia, essential for further improvement of acellular pertussis vaccines and public health control measures.Read moreRead less
Impact Of Influenza A Infection On T Cell-mediated Immunity To Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,058.00
Summary
Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death worldwide and there is an urgent need to develop better anti-TB vaccines. Infection with respiratory viruses may reduce memory T cell responses to M. tuberculosis (Mtb). This project will investigate if Influenza A infection reduces memory anti-tuberculosis T cell responses in mice previously exposed to Mtb or BCG. We will then use influenza viruses engineered to carry parts of Mtb proteins to boost anti-Mtb T cell responses and the protective effect of B ....Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death worldwide and there is an urgent need to develop better anti-TB vaccines. Infection with respiratory viruses may reduce memory T cell responses to M. tuberculosis (Mtb). This project will investigate if Influenza A infection reduces memory anti-tuberculosis T cell responses in mice previously exposed to Mtb or BCG. We will then use influenza viruses engineered to carry parts of Mtb proteins to boost anti-Mtb T cell responses and the protective effect of BCG.Read moreRead less
Novel Therapeutic And Preventive Strategies For Clostridium Difficile Infections.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,556.00
Summary
The bacterium Clostridium difficile is the major cause of nosocomial diarrhoea in many countries, including Australia. More virulent isolates have recently emerged, leading to increased incidence and disease severity in many countries. This project will make a major contribution to our understanding of how these bacteria cause disease. Preventive or treatment measures based on these research findings will help to prevent or lessen the severity of any epidemics that occur in Australia.
Effects Of Antibiotics, Vaccines And Environment On The Population Biology Of Bacterial Respiratory Pathogens In Australian Indigenous Children – A Synthesis Of Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
For over 20 years researchers in the Northern Territory have studied middle ear and lower respiratory infections which severely affect Indigenous children. Projects have included antibiotic and vaccine interventions, however disease rates remain high. Much has been learned about the bacteria causing these infections and the effects of interventions. This study will synthesise these findings, and explore environmental influences, to further inform prevention and treatment strategies.