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RSV prevention finally in reach after 20 years of research at The Kids Research Institute AustraliaWorld-first immunisations providing protection against deadly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could be just months away thanks to global research efforts spanning multiple decades.
News & Events
WA leading the race to stop one of the deadliest bugs on the planetIn Perth, The Kids Research Institute Australia is spearheading global efforts to tackle this insidious bacterium and reduce its impact on kids’ health.
Research
Acute rheumatic feverAcute rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disorder resulting from Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis or impetigo in children and adolescents, which may evolve to rheumatic heart disease (RHD) with persistent cardiac valve damage. RHD causes substantial mortality and morbidity globally, predominantly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, with an interplay of social determinants of health and genetic factors determining overall risk.
Research
Randomised controlled trials of behavioural nudges delivered through text messages to increase influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women (EPIC study) in AustraliaInfluenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women is sub-optimal. We assessed the effectiveness of a multi-component behavioural nudge intervention to improve COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake among pregnant women.
News & Events
The Kids Research Institute Australia researcher wins Premier’s Science AwardInfectious diseases researcher, Dr Asha Bowen, has won the Early Career Scientist of the Year Premier's Science Award for 2017.
Research
The genomic evolutionary dynamics and global circulation patterns of respiratory syncytial virusRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in young children and the second leading cause of infant death worldwide. While global circulation has been extensively studied for respiratory viruses such as seasonal influenza, and more recently also in great detail for SARS-CoV-2, a lack of global multi-annual sampling of complete RSV genomes limits our understanding of RSV molecular epidemiology.
Research
Head-to-Head Comparison Between Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus Bronchiolitis in the Setting of Increased Viral TestingWe compared the epidemiology, severity and management of hospitalized respiratory syncytial virus (n = 305) and human metapneumovirus (n = 39) bronchiolitis in a setting with high respiratory virus testing (95% of admissions tested). Respiratory syncytial virus-positive infants were younger and tended to require more hydration support and longer hospital stays compared to human metapneumovirus-positive infants. Respiratory support requirements were similar between groups despite significant age differences.
Research
In Vivo Evidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Persistence in a Subset of Pulmonary Dendritic Cells Following a Primary InfectionRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes annual epidemics of infections affecting the whole population. In vitro, it has been shown to infect and persist in human dendritic cells (DCs) for prolonged periods. Initially persistence is associated with low levels of replication before the virus becomes dormant. Reactivation of viral replication can be triggered many months later.
Research
Targeting the mucosal immune system in a mouse model to prevent pregnancy complications following maternal bacterial infectionThis work is the first step to develop safe treatments for pregnant mums to protect against preterm delivery and low birth weight caused by maternal infections.
The Strep A Translation team aim to understand the epidemiology of Strep A infections in Australia and the world. Alongside this, they explore the implementation of endgame recommendations, health economics and new horizons.