Investigators: Dr. Elke Seppanen, Dr. Kelly Martinovich, Assoc Prof Lea-Ann Kirkham, Dr Michael Binks, Professor Ross Andrews, Dr Ruth Thornton, Professor Peter Richmond
Project description
Aboriginal children suffer disproportionately high rates of respiratory infections including pneumonia and middle ear infection. These infections lead to increased hospitalisation rates, development of chronic disease, potential hearing loss and speech delay (for ear infections) and increased risk of death (for pneumonia). Previously we have shown that Aboriginal children undergoing ear surgery have deficient levels of antibody to several important proteins from the main bacteria that causes chronic and recurrent ear and lung disease. We have recently found that Papua New Guinean babies, who are also at high risk from these diseases, do not make antibody to proteins from the bacteria that cause pneumonia and ear infections. We think that this may be due to the mother having reduced antibody to pass on to her baby, both across the placenta (tested by measuring blood from the umbilical cord) and from breastmilk in the following months.
In this project we will test stored blood and breastmilk samples to see if Aboriginal mothers are making these antibodies and if they are able to pass them onto their babies. New vaccines that use bacterial proteins are being developed to improve protection from pneumonia and middle ear infections. If mothers are deficient in antibody to these proteins, but they can transfer any antibody that is produced, vaccination of expectant mothers with these new vaccines may be the best strategy to protect babies from these diseases to give them a healthy start to life.
External collaborators
- Dr Michael Binks
- Professor Ross Andrews
Funders
- WCVID