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Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a bacteria that causes a wide range of disease in humans. GAS diseases are more common in Australias Indigenous population, and other health and economically disadvantaged groups than more affluent groups. In this study we will evaluate the effectiveness of novel vaccine candidates designed to prevent infection from all strains of GAS.
PrtFII, A Streptococcus Pyogenes Fibronectin Binding Protein, And Invasive Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$296,540.00
Summary
Our recent work revealed that, in the Aboriginal population, young age is a risk factor for severe invasive diseases caused by group A streptococcus. For group A streptococcus infection to occur, bacterial attachment is the first step. The bacterium attaches to host cells through interactions involving host fibronectin and the pathogen's fibronectin-binding proteins. We have found that streptococcal strains from severe disease cases are more likely to have the gene for PrtFII, a fibronectin bind ....Our recent work revealed that, in the Aboriginal population, young age is a risk factor for severe invasive diseases caused by group A streptococcus. For group A streptococcus infection to occur, bacterial attachment is the first step. The bacterium attaches to host cells through interactions involving host fibronectin and the pathogen's fibronectin-binding proteins. We have found that streptococcal strains from severe disease cases are more likely to have the gene for PrtFII, a fibronectin binding protein, than those from uncomplicated skin sores. In this application we propose to extend this observation and compare biochemical properties of PrtFII from strains belonging to the above two sets of collections. We hypothesise that PrtFII from invasive strains bind to fibronectin more tightly than the proteins from strains that cause uncomplicated infection. We also will test whether sera from invasive disease cases have lower titre of antibodies to the conserved region of PrtFII than sera from uncomplicated cases. A streptococcal vaccine by necessity has to be a multi-component vaccine to cover a wide spectrum of diseases and epidemiological differences. The study proposed here may provide a basis to argue whether or not to include PrtFII in such a multi-component vaccine.Read moreRead less
AusDiab 3: Emerging Risk Factors For And Long-term Incidence Of Cardio-metabolic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,616,397.00
Summary
This study will track 11,000 Australian adults over 12 years to determine how many develop diabetes, obesity, kidney and heart disease. The study will develop ways to best predict those who are going to develop these conditions before they have arisen, and will explore a range of novel risk factors to better understand these conditions.
Optimising Heart Disease Prevention And Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,647,175.00
Summary
As we become older and risk factors such as obesity become more common, our biggest contributor to death and disability, cardiovascular disease (including heart disease), will continue to exert an enormous burden on our health care system and society. We will extend our ground-breaking research on multidisciplinary teams to create new and innovative health care programs to optimise the prevention and management of new heart disease and chronic forms of heart disease.
The Burden And Risk Factors Of Depressive Disorders In Indigenous Australians: Implications For Early Detection And Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
This Fellowship addresses the high rates of depression amongst Indigenous Australians. The proposed work will quantify the extent to which two major risk factors contribute to the burden of depression in this population and the burden avertable from interventions to modify these risk factors. Findings would inform resource allocation and health service delivery, and in doing so, present opportunities for improvements in the health of Indigenous Australians.
Novel Insights Into The Pathobiology Of Alphavirus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$827,660.00
Summary
Infections with mosquito-borne viruses are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Ross River virus is endemic in parts of Australia, PNG and Pacific islands, while chikungunya virus is distributed globally and causes recurrent pandemics that involve millions of people. These viruses cause severe musculoskeletal disease for several months after infection. This project aims to establish how these viruses interact with the human host to cause disease and may provide a basis for new treatments.
CENTRE OF RESEARCH EXCELLENCE TO REDUCE INEQUALITY IN HEART DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,607,253.00
Summary
There is increasing recognition of a societal responsibility to provide effective and sustainable health care to the entire population and not just to selected parts. Indigenous and regional Australians are most affected by Australia's biggest killer - heart disease. In response, the CRE to Reduce Inequality in Heart Disease, is a national collaboration of researchers from a range of health disciplines. Together they aim to address this problem by developing sustainable and cost-effective health ....There is increasing recognition of a societal responsibility to provide effective and sustainable health care to the entire population and not just to selected parts. Indigenous and regional Australians are most affected by Australia's biggest killer - heart disease. In response, the CRE to Reduce Inequality in Heart Disease, is a national collaboration of researchers from a range of health disciplines. Together they aim to address this problem by developing sustainable and cost-effective health care services.Read moreRead less
A National Population-based Study Of Rheumatic Heart Disease In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$877,826.00
Summary
Whilst overall a rare disease, Indigenous peoples have disproportionately high rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). This study explores the prevalence and distribution of RHD in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand. It details current management, diagnostic and referral process and risk factors. Key attributes of culturally safe models of care for RHD in pregnancy are explored, particularly as they relate to Indigenous women. Findings will inform policy, guidelines and education resources.
Genetic Investigations For Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$719,374.00
Summary
The disease process in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) begins decades before a diagnosis is made. We urgently need to investigate this pre-symptomatic stage to learn how the disease process begins, and allow the development of treatments that work before the brain is irreparably damaged. I will use genetic risk factors for AD to predict who is most at risk of developing AD. I will look for early changes and easily accessible markers, including the use of state of the art brain imaging.