Investigators: Clancy Read, Jennie Blackwell, Jonathan Carapetis, Katherine Gray
External collaborators: Heather D'Antoine, Bo Remenyi, Steven Tong (Menzies School of Health Research)
Rheumatic heart disease is highly prevalent in Aboriginal people in Australia and leads to early cardiac disease. Despite decades of research, the underlying genetic mechanisms for why it occurs are not well understood. We are conducting a genetic study to better understand why some people are susceptible to RHD and others are not. The study will involve substantial Aboriginal leadership and consultation and will be a model for the conduct of genetic studies in Aboriginal populations.