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Worldwide Molecular Analysis Of Streptococcus Pyogenes Scarlet Fever Outbreaks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,041.00
Summary
The microorganism group A Streptococcus (also called GAS or Streptococcus pyogenes) ranks among the top 10 infectious disease killers of humans. Recently, outbreaks of scarlet fever have occurred in both Asia and the United Kingdom, placing a serious strain on health systems. The reasons underlying these outbreaks remain unknown. Our team will lead the global effort to characterise this rise in scarlet fever, and provide recommendations and solutions to health professionals.
Interaction Of Group A Streptococci With Intracellular Innate Immune Defence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$824,252.00
Summary
The pathogenic bacterium group A streptococcus (GAS) is estimated to cause ~700 million cases of self-limited throat or skin infection each year worldwide. GAS infections result in over 600,000 human deaths. This disease burden places GAS in the “top 10” causes of human infectious disease deaths worldwide. We have discovered a hitherto unknown mechanism by which GAS subvert the human immune system. An improved understanding of this mechanism will lead to novel ways to combat GAS infections.
Blood Group Antigen Recognition By Group A Streptococcus Mediates Host Colonisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,821.00
Summary
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is responsible for approximately 700 million cases of localised infection and 600,000 cases of invasive infection globally each year. Certain bacteria have been shown to recognise sugars (known as glycans) on host cells. This project will look at how GAS use sugars at the surface of host cells to initiate disease, and determine if differences in the types of sugars present on host cells alter the ability of GAS to initiate infection.
Characterising The Molecular Pathogenesis Of Newly Emergent Invasive Group A Streptococcus M4 Serotypes In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,756.00
Summary
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen of global significance, responsible for life-threatening invasive infections such as flesh-eating disease (>650,000 cases per year), with a mortality rate of 25%. A recent outbreak of serotype M4 GAS caused severe invasive infections in Queensland Australia. The aim of this work is to determine how M4 GAS causes invasive disease. Understanding this mechanism will allow the development of new generation therapeutics, treatments and improved healt ....Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen of global significance, responsible for life-threatening invasive infections such as flesh-eating disease (>650,000 cases per year), with a mortality rate of 25%. A recent outbreak of serotype M4 GAS caused severe invasive infections in Queensland Australia. The aim of this work is to determine how M4 GAS causes invasive disease. Understanding this mechanism will allow the development of new generation therapeutics, treatments and improved health outcomes.Read moreRead less
Unified Model For Group A Streptococcal Invasive Disease Initiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,221.00
Summary
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus; GAS) is a bacterium that causes human skin and throat infections as well as highly invasive diseases including necrotising fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome. We have recently discovered the trigger mechanism for GAS invasive disease. We hypothesise that the initial host response at the site of infection selects for a GAS invasive phenotype. We propose to examine the chain of events which result in tissue invasion in order to unde ....Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus; GAS) is a bacterium that causes human skin and throat infections as well as highly invasive diseases including necrotising fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome. We have recently discovered the trigger mechanism for GAS invasive disease. We hypothesise that the initial host response at the site of infection selects for a GAS invasive phenotype. We propose to examine the chain of events which result in tissue invasion in order to understand these disease processes and allow the development of future therapeutic interventions.Read moreRead less
Role Of Bacteriophage-encoded Streptodornase In Invasive Disease Caused By Diverse Group A Streptococcal M Serotypes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$832,544.00
Summary
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, GAS) is estimated to cause ~700 million cases of self-limited throat or skin infection each year worldwide. Invasive GAS disease occurs in approximately 1-1000 cases, with associated mortality of 25%. We have recently discovered that a viral infection can reprogram GAS for invasive disease propensity. We will investigate whether this phenomenon is widespread, in order to understand this process and develop future therapeutics.
Role Of The Host Fibrinolytic System In Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,444.00
Summary
The flesh-eating bacterium group A streptococcus (GAS) is estimated to cause 700 million cases of self-limiting disease, and 600,000 cases of serious invasive disease each year. Approximately 25% of invasive infections are fatal. We have shown that GAS are able to hijack the host fibrinolytoc system to cause severe invasive infections. We plan to further examine the details of how this contributes to GAS disease. This research may contribute to the future devlopment of new therapeutics.
Scarlet Fever Pandemic And Reversing Antibiotic Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,414,215.00
Summary
(1) Scarlet fever is a disease caused by the bacterial pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) that has abruptly re-emerged (>600,000 cases since 2011). To contain this outbreak, my team will develop a scarlet fever vaccine. (2) My team has discovered a class of safe compounds that break antibiotic resistance, restoring antibiotic efficacy. We will now translate this exciting and unparalleled discovery into the clinic for the treatment of antibiotic resistant superbugs.