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Research
Potential immunological effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender people – an unexplored area of researchThere are well-described sex-based differences in how the immune system operates. In particular, cisgender (cis) females have a more easily activated immune system; associated with an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases and adverse events following vaccinations. Conversely, cis males have a higher threshold for immune activation, and are more prone to certain infectious diseases, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

News & Events
COVID tests well tolerated by WA school kidsA study conducted across 40 WA schools has found COVID-19 testing using a combined nose and throat swab was well tolerated by children as young as 4 years.
Research
Efficacy thresholds and target populations for antiviral COVID-19 treatments to save lives and costs: a modelling studyIn 2023 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was declared endemic, yet hospital admissions have persisted and risen within populations at high and moderate risk of developing severe disease, which include those of older age, and those with co-morbidities. Antiviral treatments, currently only available for high-risk individuals, play an important role in preventing severe disease and hospitalisation within this subpopulation.

News & Events
WA’s Omicron wave on a downward trajectory, despite new variantsSophisticated modelling produced is predicting a steady decline in COVID-19 cases in WA throughout August, but hospitalisation rates will remain relatively high.
Research
The inhibitory and inactivating effects of visible light on SARS-CoV-2: A narrative updatePrior to the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, the germicidal effects of visible light were well known. This review provides an overview of new findings that suggest there are direct inactivating effects of visible light - particularly blue wavelengths on exposed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virions, and inhibitory effects on viral replication in infected cells. These findings complement emerging evidence that there may be clinical benefits of orally administered blue light for limiting the severity of COVID-19.
Research
Respiratory syncytial virus in children: epidemiology and clinical impact post-COVID-19Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. RSV seasonality was disrupted by COVID-19-associated nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). We review RSV seasonality, molecular epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and community awareness to inform future prevention strategies.
Research
Superior immunogenicity of mRNA over adenoviral vectored COVID-19 vaccines reflects B cell dynamics independent of anti-vector immunity: Implications for future pandemic vaccinesBoth vector and mRNA vaccines were an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and may be required in future outbreaks and pandemics. The aim of this study was to validate whether immunogenicity differs for adenoviral vectored (AdV) versus mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, and to investigate how anti-vector immunity and B cell dynamics modulate immunogenicity.
Research
A Deep Learning-Based System for the Assessment of Dental Caries Using Colour Dental PhotographsDental caries remains the most common chronic disease in childhood, affecting almost half of all children globally. Dental care and examination of children living in remote and rural areas is an ongoing challenge that has been compounded by COVID.

A number of organisations have created COVID-19 resources specifically developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Research
Evaluating COVID-19-Related Disruptions to Effective Malaria Case Management in 2020–2021 and Its Potential Effects on Malaria Burden in Sub-Saharan AfricaThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to far-reaching disruptions to health systems, including preventative and curative services for malaria. The aim of this study was to estimate the magnitude of disruptions in malaria case management in sub-Saharan Africa and their impact on malaria burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used survey data collected by the World Health Organization, in which individual country stakeholders reported on the extent of disruptions to malaria diagnosis and treatment.