Understanding the biology of reactive oxygen species. This project will utilise forefront technologies to identify and characterise fundamental biological processes involving toxic free radicals that cause infectious disease and cancer. The approach synergises with researchers across disciplines and universities to ultimately identify future drugs to improve and maintain health.
Age-and Species-related Regulation Of Host Inflammatory Responses In Falciparum And Vivax Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,640.00
Summary
Malaria kills 1 million people every year, mostly children. The cause of death from malaria differs between children and adults, yet the reason for these differences is unknown. We have shown that in adults regulatory immune cells contribute to malaria disease complications. We want to test if these cells also worsen malaria disease in children. Understanding age-related differences in immune cell regulation will help to improve malaria treatment and aid development of effective malaria vaccines ....Malaria kills 1 million people every year, mostly children. The cause of death from malaria differs between children and adults, yet the reason for these differences is unknown. We have shown that in adults regulatory immune cells contribute to malaria disease complications. We want to test if these cells also worsen malaria disease in children. Understanding age-related differences in immune cell regulation will help to improve malaria treatment and aid development of effective malaria vaccines for adults and children.Read moreRead less
Addressing Important Evidence Gaps In The Management Of Severe Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$256,839.00
Summary
There are currently large gaps in the evidence base for management of common severe bacterial infections. My research plan focuses on the most common of these: Staphylococcus aureus infections, bone and joint infections, skin infections, and severe sepsis. In order to both generate important evidence to inform practice, as well as to develop my own skills and experience as an expert in clinical trials, I have initiated randomised controlled trials in each of these areas.
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.
The Role Of Subgenomic Non-coding Viral RNA In Flavivirus Pathogenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,325.00
Summary
Flaviviruses are transmitted by insects and pose a serious health threat to the Australian population. They can cause fever syndromes, encephalitis and death. We aim at better understanding of how these viruses cause disease. We are particularly interested in elucidating the role of small non-coding nucleic acid produced by flaviviruses in the viral pathogenicity. Ultimately, this deeper understanding should lead to the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Alternative Treatments To Intramuscular Penicillin For Impetigo In Aboriginal Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,326,182.00
Summary
We will conduct clinical trials to find an effective, simple and cheap oral alternative to injected penicillin for skin sores which could become the universal standard of care whether the patient is in Melbourne or Milingimbi. It would also likely be adopted by the World Health Organization as a standard of care for developing countries. This would lead directly to a reduced burden of skin sores and their complications. It would also open the way for studies to explore even simpler regimens.
Economic, social and cross cultural issues in non-pharmaceutical protection of front line responders to pandemic influenza and emerging infections. The protection of front line responders in a pandemic is essential to underpin an effective response. This research is the only work internationally which will address a key gap in evidence. This research has major implications for the national stockpile and for management of front line responders in a pandemic. These data are urgently needed, not ju ....Economic, social and cross cultural issues in non-pharmaceutical protection of front line responders to pandemic influenza and emerging infections. The protection of front line responders in a pandemic is essential to underpin an effective response. This research is the only work internationally which will address a key gap in evidence. This research has major implications for the national stockpile and for management of front line responders in a pandemic. These data are urgently needed, not just in Australia, but globally to inform pandemic planning and disease control policy around emerging infections and bioterrorism.Read moreRead less
Visualisation Of Gamma-delta T Cell Responses In Cutaneous Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,876.00
Summary
Mycobacterial infections remain a major burden of modern society. This proposal aims to define the role of an understudied immune cell subset, gamma-delta T cells, in the response against mycobacteria. We will use cutting-edge multi-photon imaging to track these cells in real-time directly within infected tissues. This will facilitate generating a new vista of anti-mycobacterial immune responses and may aid the development of improved vaccines.
Understanding The Biosynthesis Of Complex Polyketide Lipid Toxins In Pathogenic Mycobacteria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$298,898.00
Summary
Some major infectious diseases such as tuberculosis are caused by bacteria that make very unusual lipids (fats) that can kill human cells or interfere with the human immune system. The aim of this project is to work out how bacteria make these lipids. This knowledge will open up new avenues for treatments to stop bacterial lipid production and prevent disease. There are also potential applications in harnessing the bacterial lipid machinery to make new drugs and a wide range of other chemicals.
Comparative Pathophysiology And Clinical Epidemiology Of Knowlesi Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$267,172.00
Summary
The simian parasite P. knowlesi is the most common cause of malaria in Malaysia and can cause severe and fatal disease. We are currently conducting a study of all malaria patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Sabah, Malaysia. This will allow us to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of the hospitalised patients, including changes over time. We are also conducting novel pathophysiological studies which will allow us to understand how P. knowlesi causes sever disease.