Randomised Trial To Determine The Safety And Efficacy Of Early Versus Deferred Treatment Of Adult HIV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,254.00
Summary
The purpose of this randomised study is to determine whether the use of combination antiviral drugs during early stages of HIV disease is superior to later use in adults with HIV infection. Superiority is defined in terms of reducing the number of serious diseases and deaths that are associated with HIV infection.
Alternative Pneumococcal Vaccination Schedules For Infants In Fiji And Pneumococcal Epidemiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,214.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to find a safe and epidemiologically appropriate pneumococcal vaccination strategy for resource poor countries. A single, blind open-label randomized Phase II study is underway in Fiji documenting the safety, immunogenicity and impact on pneumococcal carriage of various pneumococcal vaccination regimens combining 1, 2, or 3 doses of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in infancy followed by a single booster dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
Understanding The Establishment Of HIV Reservoirs And Development Of HIV Eradication Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,891.00
Summary
Understanding why, when, how and at what pace the HIV virus hides and establishes itself in one's body will allow us to design new ways for preventing and eliminating this reservoir of hidden HIV. As a clinician scientist in HIV and infectious diseases, I will drive clinical studies to explore the kinetics of HIV in patients who recently acquired HIV, those who start HIV treatment early, and those chronically infected with HIV so as to investigate novel means to minimise HIV hiding spots.
Implementation Of Highly Effective Therapy For Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,219.00
Summary
Hepatitis C is a major public health issue in Australia, and globally, with escalating liver disease burden. Highly effective interferon-free HCV regimens will be available from 2016 and have the potential to provide one of the greatest advances in clinical medicine in recent decades. Development of implementation strategies for new HCV therapies, particularly for highly marginalised populations including people who inject drugs and prisoners, is crucial to provide broad public health impact.
Group A Streptococcal Human Challenge Study: Accelerating Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,018,741.00
Summary
Infection with group A streptococcus (GAS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in the Aboriginal population of Australia. Concerted efforts for vaccine development have been hampered by the absence of a suitable animal model. To address this critical knowledge gap we propose to develop a controlled human infection model of GAS infection. This model will provide a direct pathway for the future appraisal of novel GAS vaccines.
Risk Factors, Mechanisms, And Treatment Of Knowlesi Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,138.00
Summary
The monkey parasite P. knowlesi is an increasing cause of human malaria in SE Asia. My studies on the clinical epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of non-severe and severe malaria in Malaysia have changed policy. I will further define the clinical epidemiology of malaria patients in this area over time, assess risk factors for knowlesi malaria, and evaluate the role of human and parasite factors in disease severity, and treatment for reducing acute kidney injury in knowlesi malaria.
Improving Outcomes In Patients With Community-acquired Severe Sepsis: The Role Of Pre-hospital Antibiotics.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,138.00
Summary
Severe sepsis occurs when infection causes organ dysfunction. If not treated early, outcomes remain poor. Foremost in effectively treating this condition is the initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics. This Fellowship will assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of pre-hospital antibiotics administered by paramedics to patients with suspected community-acquired severe-sepsis, as a means to improve patient outcomes in this highly vulnerable group.
Optimising Interventions For Staphylococcus Aureus And Skin Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,381.00
Summary
Staphylococcal and streptococcal infections are major causes of illness and death, particularly in Indigenous Australians. These include invasive bloodstream infections and skin infections that lead to chronic kidney and heart disease. I will conduct clinical trials to optimise the management of staphylococcal bloodstream infections using novel trial methods, and use genomics and mathematical modelling to understand and reduce the burden of skin infections in Indigenous communities.
Comparative Effectiveness Research In Childhood Infections To Improve Decision-making In Health Policy And Clinical Practice.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$293,426.00
Summary
Few high quality studies of antibiotics and vaccines in children are done because they are difficult, and because there is little commercial incentive for companies to fund them. This has slowed the development of better ways to treat and prevent infections, including those which are most important for Aboriginal children. I will address this need by doing high quality studies of new treatments and vaccines in children in a way that will facilitate their rapid adoption into practice.
Enhancing The Cascade Of HIV Care To Maximise The Prevention Benefits Of Antiretroviral Therapy For Populations Living With HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Antiretroviral drugs are effective at preventing death and illness for populations with HIV and preventing HIV transmission. I will undertake a series of studies to measure the impact of current antiretroviral treatment to prevent both illness and new infections in Australia. I will also undertake a series of studies to increase HIV testing, diagnose HIV earlier, and improve people’s linkage and retention HIV in care and evaluate the impact of these interventions on HIV transmission.