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SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein antibodies can be used to identify the serological response to natural infection in those who have previously received a COVID-19 spike-based vaccine. Anti-N antibody responses can also be induced by inactivated whole SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccines, such as CoronaVac. We aimed to characterise antibody responses to the N protein following COVID-19 and following vaccination with CoronaVac.
The global invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) landscape changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by decreased incidence rates due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as limited social contact, physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Vaccination rates were also lower during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels.
Top infectious disease experts in Australia will lead a clinical trial to determine whether combining different Covid-19 vaccines in the nation’s booster immunisation will increase effectiveness.
In 2017, a steep rise in cases of meningococcal disease caused by the W strain sparked a wave of concern for parents in Western Australia.
The Platform trial In COVID-19 priming and BOOsting (PICOBOO) is a multi-site, adaptive platform trial designed to generate evidence of the immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and cross-protection of different booster vaccination strategies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and its variants, specific for the Australian context.
Chris Jennifer Lea-Ann Peter Ruth Brennan-Jones Kent Kirkham Richmond Thornton PhD RN PhD MBBS MRCP(UK) FRACP PhD Head, Ear and Hearing Health
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that survivors of acute burn trauma are at long-term increased risk of developing a range of morbidities. The mechanisms underlying this increased risk remain unknown. This study aimed to determine whether burn injury leads to sustained immune dysfunction that may underpin long-term morbidity. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 36 pediatric burn survivors >3 years after a non-severe burn injury (<10% total body surface area) and from age/sex-matched non-injured controls.
There is a wide spectrum of disease severity in paediatric Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia
Reliance on hospital discharge diagnosis codes alone will likely underestimate the burden of respiratory viruses
Seasonal influenza is an important cause of acute neurological disease in Australian children.