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Group A streptococcal diseases, including rheumatic heart disease, are major causes of illness globally, mostly in developing countries. This proposal is an investigation into how best to tackle control these diseases. It focuses on 1) a novel way to detect rheumatic heart disease in its earliest phases using ultrasound, 2) using a single drug once per year to stop streptococcal skin sores by controlling scabies infestation in whole communities and 3) developing a new vaccine that is applicable ....Group A streptococcal diseases, including rheumatic heart disease, are major causes of illness globally, mostly in developing countries. This proposal is an investigation into how best to tackle control these diseases. It focuses on 1) a novel way to detect rheumatic heart disease in its earliest phases using ultrasound, 2) using a single drug once per year to stop streptococcal skin sores by controlling scabies infestation in whole communities and 3) developing a new vaccine that is applicable across all regions of the world.Read moreRead less
Developing A Safe Vaccine Against Group A Streptococci
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$768,530.00
Summary
Group A streptococcus causes 520,000 deaths each year. A safe and effective vaccine is not commercially available. We have identified new protective candidate antigens, and we seek to undertake critical non-human primate studies to provide further proof-of-concept data. This work will underpin commercial decisions by our industry partner (Sanofi Pasteur) leading to human trials and the development of a safe group A streptococcal vaccine for human use.
Towards The Elimination Of Tuberculosis And Rheumatic Heart Disease In Northern Australia And Our Region
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$258,600.00
Summary
My research program addresses tuberculosis and rheumatic heart disease, which are leading challenges for Northern Australia and our region. Both are diseases caused by infections with long-term complications. They cause illness and death in young Aboriginal people and neighbouring Southeast Asian populations. There are many gaps in our ability to effectively detect and prevent these diseases. My research targets these gaps, from cutting-edge science to translation of guidelines into practice.
The END RHD CRE: Developing An Endgame For Rheumatic Heart Disease In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,601,147.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to some bacterial infections. Although RHD is rare in developed countries, Indigenous Australians still live with the burden of RHD. The END RHD CRE will explore risk factors for RHD, prevention with antibiotics, management of RHD and the potential for vaccine development. Individuals and communities experiencing RHD are integral partners to this work. The CRE will establish a strategy for ending RHD in Australia.
Translating Rheumatic Fever Prevention Strategies Into Practice In Australia's High Burden Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$178,157.00
Summary
Rheumatic fever is a serious preventable disease causing premature illness and death, yet unacceptably high rates occur in Australian Indigenous communities. Prevention can be achieved with regular penicillin injections, but there are many barriers, so people needing this treatment frequently miss doses. This program proposes to close the evidence-practice gap by forming effective partnerships to effectively roll out rheumatic fever prevention strategies in clinics across the Northern Territory.
Improved Tissue Characterisation With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging And Echocardiography In Identification Of Acute Rheumatic Fever And Its Chronic Sequelae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease, a consequence of acute rheumatic fever, is a disease of poverty. Despite a dramatic reduction of RHD in Australia overall, it continues to be a major contributor to childhood and adult cardiac disease in Indigenous communities. These studies seek to enhance the detection of patients with suspected ARF and improve the prediction of the development of future RHD. We will demonstrate changes in heart muscle and valve structure and function using non-invasive testing.
The Two Hearts Beat Study: Determining The Benefits And Barriers Of Echocardiographic Screening In Pregnancy For Indigenous Women In The Top End Of The Northern Territory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
The Two Hearts Beat project is a novel study utilising technology and multi-disciplinary care to improve health outcomes for Indigenous pregnant women living in the Top End of the Northern Territory. In this study a heart ultrasound scan will be integrated into standard antenatal care. The scan will screen for RHD and other heart disease that may impact the pregnancy, determining the rates of RHD in this population. The acceptability, cost and impact of this initiative will be determined.
Evaluating The Genetic Contribution To Rheumatic Heart Disease Pathogenesis In Australian Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,782,074.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease is highly prevalent in Aboriginal people in Australia and leads to early cardiac disease. Despite decades of research, the underlying genetic mechanisms for why it occurs are not well understood. We are conducting a genetic study to better understand why some people are susceptible to RHD and others are not. The study will involve substantial Aboriginal leadership and consultation and will be a model for the conduct of genetic studies in Aboriginal populations.
A Dual Antigen Synthetic Peptide Subunit Vaccine Approach To Prevent Streptococcal Associated Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,017.00
Summary
Infection with streptococcus is responsible for causing more than 500,000 deaths each year, the majority of which are due to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, which contributes to cardiovascular disease. Our research is aimed at the development of a vaccine to prevent heart disease and involves targeting multiple molecules present on the bacterial surface. We will use a novel vaccine delivery system developed in the laboratory, which will enable the vaccine to be delivered nasally.