Projects

Development of methods to rapidly track pathogen and antibiotic resistance profiles from skin sores in Northern Australia (Hot North)

Indigenous Australian children suffer the highest rates of impetigo (skin sores) in the world, which can result in serious immune complications including chronic kidney and possibly rheumatic heart disease.

Defining Group A Streptococcus interaction with the tonsil epithelium to inform vaccine development

A vaccine that prevents the initial attachment of Strep A to the tonsils would reduce the incidence of Strep throat and severe diseases that result.

Controlled Human Infection for Penicillin Against Streptococcus pyogenes – a double blinded randomised trail (The CHIPS trial)

In Australia, RHD-related death and disability is the leading driver of cardiovascular inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Acceptability of sonicated versus unsonicated reconstituted (powdered) benzathine penicillin G for rheumatic fever prophylaxis

Powdered benzathine penicillin G (BPG) crystals vary widely in size and shape and are larger and less uniform than crystals found in pre-mixed suspensions of BPG like Bicillin ® L-A.

A diagnostic test for acute rheumatic fever (pilot study)

Currently there are no diagnostic tests for ARF, and no treatments targeting immune responses to improve disease outcomes.