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Improving Lung Health Of Indigenous Children, Through Identifying Interventional Targets From Long Term Follow-up Studies And Preventive Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Long term consequences of respiratory disease among Indigenous children are a public health issue. Studies included in this research program will provide new data and broaden our understanding on clinical predictors that significantly impact on lung health in Indigenous children. The studies will also direct future interventions and management pathways. This research will also contribute to improved asthma management, prevent uptake of smoking contributing to an overall improvement in health.
Identifying The Microbiological Risk Factors For Acute Lower Respiratory Infection In Indigenous Children To Inform Future Intervention Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,745.00
Summary
Lung infections such as pneumonia are common in Indigenous children, and can lead to repeated hospitalisation and permanent lung damage. They are also an important cause of preventable death in children. This study will look at the role of bacteria and viruses in lung infections, and will inform interventions to reduce the burden and consequences of lung infections in Indigenous children.
Reducing The Community Burden Of Respiratory Infections In Indigenous Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Lower respiratory infections are the leading cause of preventable mortality among Indigenous children in the Northern Territory. Streptococcus pneumoniae remain one of the major paediatric respiratory pathogens. In this proposal I will describe the impact of past and present pneumococcal vaccination strategies on the burden of infant respiratory infections in this region.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Azithromycin To Reduce The Morbidity Of Severe Bronchiolitis In Indigenous Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,456,802.00
Summary
Acute lower respiratory infections are the commonest cause of hospitalisations and retrievals from remote communities. Early severe respiratory infections likely impair lung growth. We will examine whether azithromycin (antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties) should be used to treat infants hospitalised with bronchiolitis to reduce the severity of bronchiolitis and prevent rehospitalisation. The study potentially improves acute clinical care as well as prevents future respiratory illness.
Infection With The Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Among Indigenous Australian Residents Of Remote Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$902,865.00
Summary
The Human T Lymphotropic Virus type 1 is endemic to Aboriginal communities in WA, SA and the NT. HTLV-1 Infection is associated with life-threatening sequelae including leukaemia and chronic lung disease. This project will determine rates of HTLV-1 infection and of HTLV-1 associated conditions in a remote community setting.
Vitamin D Supplementation To Prevent Respiratory Infections Among Indigenous Children In The Northern Territory: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,164,379.00
Summary
Acute respiratory infections remain unacceptably common among Indigenous children in the Northern Territory. Most Indigenous infants are born with suboptimal vitamin D levels and this is associated with an increased risk of ARI. We propose to conduct a clinical trial to determine whether daily vitamin D supplementation, during the third trimester of pregnancy and early infancy, can reduce the risk of infant ARI during the first 12 months of life.
A Novel Hepatitis B Virus Genotype In Indigenous Australians: Impact On Vaccine Efficacy And Clinical Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,100,960.00
Summary
We have recently identified a novel Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype (C4) circulating in Northern Territory (NT) Indigenous communities. Concurrently, epidemiological studies suggest that the HBV vaccine may not be working well and that there are high rates of liver cancer due to HBV in these communities. Our project will determine if HBV/C4 is linked to poor vaccine responses and accelerated liver disease, with implications for HBV vaccine strategy and clinical management of HBV/C4 infections.
Spirometry And Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Reference Values For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,790.00
Summary
Lung diseases are one of the leading contributors to the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Simple tests, such as spirometry, are needed for early diagnosis and good management of lung diseases. My study aims to develop healthy reference values which are lacking for this population. Results from my study will improve the accuracy of test interpretation, aid in diagnosis and clinical care, and reduce morbidity of lung disease for Indigenous Australians.
Improving Outcomes For Indigenous Children With Bronchiectasis Through Understanding Its Pathobiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Bronchiectasis (BE) is an illness of the lungs that can lead to poor lung function, and reduced life expectancy. Children with bronchiectasis have persistent wet cough and an increased susceptibility for chest infections. The burden of BE in Australian Indigenous children is one of the highest in the world. The purpose of this fellowship is to identify key features responsible for the development of BE, to target in future management strategies aimed at preventing BE in Indigenous children
Improving The Understanding And Management Of Children Hospitalised With Bronchiolitis In Northern Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,506.00
Summary
Acute bronchiolitis remains one of the most common serious lower respiratory tract infections. Children can be treated effectively at home; however many require hospitalisation and current treatment is essentially supportive with oxygen and fluid therapy. In Indigenous settings where high colonisation of bacteria and burden of respiratory disease exist, antibiotics such as azithromcyin may provide clinical improvement in the short term outcomes for those children hospitalised with bronchiolitis.