Genetic Variation And Host-parasite Interactions Of Sarcoptes Scabiei
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,536.00
Summary
Scabies is a disease of skin caused by the burrowing of the 'itch' mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Although up to 45 different host species can be infested by this mite, this organism is currently classified as a single species existing as multiple strains or varieties. Previous studies have failed to identify any structural differences between host-associated populations, suggesting a single gene pool. Our recent molecular study of scabies in people and dogs, from Aboriginal communities in the Northern ....Scabies is a disease of skin caused by the burrowing of the 'itch' mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Although up to 45 different host species can be infested by this mite, this organism is currently classified as a single species existing as multiple strains or varieties. Previous studies have failed to identify any structural differences between host-associated populations, suggesting a single gene pool. Our recent molecular study of scabies in people and dogs, from Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory and the North and South Americas, using DNA fingerprinting techniques, suggested mites cluster by host species with no evidence of cross-transmission. However although this data seems to suggest that these sub-species deserve species status, another molecular study suggests Sarcoptes is a single species, presumably a result of interbreeding. Understanding interbreeding between populations is important in the control of the disease and in controlling resistance to acaricides. We wish to further characterise the genetic separation of different 'strains' or populations of mites by studying the evolutionary gene flow between host-associated populations. We will use a mitochondrial DNA marker that will clarify fine scale transmission processes and more clearly delineate the biological species status of S. scabiei. Recent in vitro data and clinical evidence in a patient with severe crusted scabies indicated resistance to ivermectin, the treatment of choice for these patients. We will investigate the role and genetic mechanisms of ivermectin resistance. This is important for future control programs, as acaricide resistance can spread rapidly in parasite populations.Read moreRead less
Advancing Enhanced Biosecurity Of Major Arboviral And Other Vector-borne Diseases In Australia Through Near Infrared Spectroscopy Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,983.00
Summary
Infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks represent a significant health threat to the Australian biosecurity. Current detection methods for these pathogens are expensive, time consuming and require highly trained personnel. We propose to conduct a set of experiments to test an innovative, real time technique based on infrared light to identify infected mosquitoes and ticks and demonstrate its capacity as surveillance tool for vector control programs against these pathogens.
A Functional And Structural Approach To Understanding Leptospiral Host-pathogen Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,097.00
Summary
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution caused by infection with pathogenic Leptospira. Infection occurs due to contact with water contaminated by urine of domestic animals. It occurs infrequently in Australia, but recent local surveillance data indicate hospitalisation rate of 56% with an average duration of 5.3 days. Through the combined approach of structural biology and functional microbiology we hope to understand how leptospira interacts with the human host.
The Genetics And Mechanisms Of Resistance To The Zoonotic Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus In Avian Species
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,373.00
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a serious pandemic risk. This project will investigate the genetic basis and mechanisms underlying resistance to HPAI in birds. It will explore the role of immune genes in resistance to HPAI in six bird species which vary in their susceptibility to HPAI. Functional tests of resistance genes will be performed to determine how these genes can provide resistance to HPAI. This study will assist in the development of strategies to mitigate disease risks.
Ecto-nucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolases Of Leishmania: Role In Virulence And Potential As Antimicrobial Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,658.00
Summary
Leishmaniasis is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The disease is caused by a number of species of parasites, and current treatment regimes are not ideal. This research aims to target certain proteins produced by the parasite and define the role of the proteins in causing disease. Furthermore this research will identify new drugs that will block these parasite proteins and may contribute to new therapies for this serious disease.
Can One Health Strategies Be More Effectively Implemented Through Prior Identification Of Public Values?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,331.00
Summary
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a significant risk to our region. One Health approaches to EIDs emphasize connections between human,animal and ecological health, enhancing capacity for disease prediction and intervention. This project will examine existing EID legislation,identify social and ethical barriers to effective EID risk governance and create a comprehensive statement of values to ensure the acceptability of One Health approaches to EID control to the Australian community.
Is Mycobacterium Ulcerans A Zoonotic Agent Spread By Mosquitoes?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,853.00
Summary
Last year record numbers of a mysterious flesh-eating bacterial disease called Buruli ulcer were reported in Australia. Wild animals such as possums and rats harbour the bacteria in their guts but we don't know how the disease is transmitted to humans. In this project we will work out how the bacteria survives in the guts of animals and how people contract Buruli ulcer. With this information we can stop the spread of this debilitating disease.
Understanding Pathogenicity And Immunity In An Encephalitic Mouse Model Of Hendra Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,342.00
Summary
Our understanding of Hendra virus infection and immunity is extremely limited and has been hampered by a lack of appropriate animal models of disease and reagents. This Project will employ a newly-established mouse model to study encephalitis, the most life-threatening manifestation of this infection. We will use unique, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a plethora of mouse-specific reagents to investigate the mechanisms involved in regulating the host response to infection.
Elimination Of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis And Echinococcosis Through Integrated Morbidity Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,008.00
Summary
I am a parasitologist researching the biology, immunology and epidemiology of human parasitic worms, particularly the schistosome bloodflukes and the hydatid tapeworms, which cause bilharzia and hydatidosis, diseases of the world’s poorest people that cause both major suffering and economic loss. My goal is to develop new methods, including vaccination, to control and eventually eliminate these parasites.