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Molecular diagnosis of scabies using a novel probe-based polymerase chain reaction assay targeting high-copy number repetitive sequences in the sarcoptes scabiei genomeThe suboptimal sensitivity and specificity of available diagnostic methods for scabies hampers clinical management, trials of new therapies and epidemiologic studies. Additionally, parasitologic diagnosis by microscopic examination of skin scrapings requires sample collection with a sharp scalpel blade, causing discomfort to patients and difficulty in children. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic assays, combined with non-invasive sampling methods, represent an attractive approach.
Research
COVID-19 Response and Lessons Learned on Dengue Control in BhutanCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 initially was identified from a cluster of patients admitted with ‘pneumonia of unknown etiology’ in late December 2019 to hospitals in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Research
COVID-19 and changes in the National Immunisation Program: a unique opportunity to optimise the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)Christopher Blyth MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD Centre Head, Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases; Co-Head, Infectious Diseases
Research
Echinocandins in Pediatric Invasive Candidiasis and the Challenges of Antifungal Use in ChildrenIn pediatric invasive candidiasis (IC), epidemiology and risk factors differ compared to adults. Furthermore, the use of antifungals in children is challenging and requires consideration of availability and tolerability of formulations, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variations, and safety in different age groups.
Research
Prospective surveillance of primary healthcare presentations for scabies and bacterial skin infections in Fiji, 2018-2019Scabies, impetigo, and other skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are highly prevalent in many tropical, low-middle income settings, but information regarding their burden of disease is scarce. We conducted surveillance of presentations of scabies and SSTIs, including impetigo, abscesses, cellulitis, and se≈vere SSTI, to primary health facilities in Fiji.
Research
Revisiting the inoculum effect for Streptococcus pyogenes with a hollow fibre infection modelSevere, invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) infections result in greater than 500,000 deaths annually. First line treatment for such infections is benzylpenicillin, often with the addition of clindamycin, but treatment failure can occur with this regimen. This failure has been partially attributed to the inoculum effect, which presents as reduced antibiotic susceptibility during high bacterial density and plateau-phase growth.
News & Events
Whooping Cough Day marks 10 years of vaccine advocacy efforts for Catherine Hughes AMWhooping Cough Day in 2025 has a special significance to Catherine Hughes AM and her family - it marks a decade of dedication to vaccine advocacy after the loss of their four-week-old baby son Riley in 2015.
News & Events
WA Government launches ‘game-changing’ nasal influenza vaccine program for kidsWestern Australian kids will have access to a needle-free nasal flu vaccine for the first time in 2026 as part of a new initiative to boost vaccination rates against the life-threatening virus.
News & Events
Spectacular sunset launch for the Missing Piece Story BooksWesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases researchers Dr Janessa Pickering and Dr August Mikucki travelled to Broome last week for the official launch of the long-awaited Missing Piece story books.
News & Events
$3.4 million funding boost supercharges fight against RSVNational research led by the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, has secured more than $3.4 million to assess the epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) throughout the country and optimise Australia’s immunisation strategy.