Reports and Findings
Research
Developing a human challenge model of GAS infectionNHMRC funding has been awarded for 4 years to Murdoch Childrens Research Institute for this project, with collaboration from Professor Jonathan Carapetis at The Kids.
Research
Calculation of the age of the first infection for skin sores and scabies in five remote communities in northern AustraliaThe young age of the first infection with skin sores and scabies reflects the high disease burden in these communities
Research
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices of the Western Australian youth custodial workforceThis study aims to establish the current knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices regarding FASD and other neurodevelopmental impairments among youth custodial officers
Research
Development of an opsonophagocytic killing assay for group a streptococcusThis Group A Streptococcus OPKA assay has the potential to provide a robust and reproducible platform to accelerate GAS vaccine development.
Research
Genome-Wide Analysis of Genetic Risk Factors for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Aboriginal Australians Provides Support for Pathogenic Molecular MimicryRheumatic heart disease (RHD) after group A streptococcus (GAS) infections is heritable and prevalent in Indigenous populations. Molecular mimicry between human and GAS proteins triggers proinflammatory cardiac valve-reactive T cells.
Research
Calculation of the age of the first infection for skin sores and scabies in five remote communities in northern AustraliaPrevalence of skin sores and scabies in remote Australian Aboriginal communities remains unacceptably high, with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) the dominant pathogen. We aim to better understand the drivers of GAS transmission using mathematical models.
Research
Rheumatic heart disease in Timor-Leste school students: an echocardiography-based prevalence studyThe rates of RHD in Timor-Leste are among the highest in the world, and prevalence is higher among girls than boys. Community engagement is essential for ensuring follow-up and the effective delivery of secondary prophylaxis.
Research
Development of an opsonophagocytic killing assay for Group A StreptococcusGroup A Streptococcus (GAS) or Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for an estimated 500,000 deaths worldwide each year.
Research
Lessons learned in the development of sustained release penicillin drug delivery systems for the prophylactic treatment of rheumatic heart disease (RHD)The current prophylactic treatment to prevent rheumatic heart disease requires four-weekly intramuscular injection of a suspension of the poorly soluble benzathine salt form of penicillin G (BPG) often for more than 10 years. In seeking to reduce the frequency of administration to improve adherence, biodegradable polymer matrices have been investigated.
Research
Epidemiology and risk factors for typhoid fever in Central Division, Fiji, 2014-2017: A case-control studyPoor sanitation facilities appear to be a major source of Salmonella Typhi in Fiji, with transmission by drinking contaminated surface water and consuming unwashed produce