Reports and Findings
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
Research
Improving Wellbeing for Young People Living with Rheumatic Heart Disease: A peer support program through Danila Dilba Health ServiceThis project seeks to conduct a focus group for young people (aged 11-14) and their parents/family members through the Danila Dilba Health Service (DDHS) in Darwin with the aim of identifying consumer needs and perspectives on next steps and priorities for peer support in RHD.
Research
Scabies and impetigo in Timor-Leste: A school screening study in two districtsScabies and impetigo are common in Timor-Leste, with very high prevalence of scabies in the rural district of Ermera
Research
Burden of cardiovascular diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990-2015: findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2015 studyThe age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rates in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are considerably higher than the global average