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Rapid Strep A testing unlocks missed infections, offering new path to prevent rheumatic fever

New research has revealed that molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) can significantly improve detection of Group A Streptococcal (Strep A) pharyngitis compared to laboratory culture – particularly in remote communities, where results can take up to seven days – unlocking a major opportunity to prevent rheumatic

Partnering with communities to reduce rheumatic heart disease in the Kimberley

The Kimberley has the highest rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Western Australia – but through the establishment of a new community-led, research-backed project known as END RHD Communities, there’s hope this will change.

Ending deadly heart disease finally within our sights

It's been a huge year for those working to eliminate rheumatic heart disease (RHD), with breakthroughs including $35M in funding to develop a Strep A vaccine.

Finding answers for Tenaya: from a sore throat to open-heart surgery

When Katrina took her daughter Tenaya to the local emergency department for the fourth time, she was determined she wouldn’t be leaving without answers.

Australia a key contributor to global commitment to end deadly rheumatic heart disease

The World Health Organisation resolution for global action to tackle rheumatic heart disease (RHD) will have significant implications for Australia, which has some of the highest rates of the disease in the world.

National honour for The Kids Director

Leading paediatrician, infectious diseases specialist and Executive Director of The Kids Research Institute Australia, Professor Jonathan Carapetis, has been recognised for his significant contribution towards medical research with the award of Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

The economic and health burdens of diseases caused by group A Streptococcus in New Zealand

In preparation for the future arrival of a group A Streptococcus (GAS) vaccine, this study estimated the economic and health burdens of GAS diseases in New Zealand. The annual incidence of GAS diseases was based on extrapolation of the average number of primary healthcare episodes managed each year in general practices (2014-2016) and on the average number of hospitalizations occurring each year (2005-2014). Disease incidence was multiplied by the average cost of diagnosing and managing an episode of disease at each level of care to estimate the annual economic burden.

Quality of benzathine penicillin G: A multinational cross-sectional study

Benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is used as first-line treatment for most forms of syphilis and as secondary prophylaxis against rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Perceptions that poor quality of BPG is linked to reported adverse effects and therapeutic failure may impact syphilis and RHD control programs. Clinical networks and web-based advertising were used to obtain vials of BPG from a wide range of countries.

Strep A Translation

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.