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Rates of acute rheumatic fever, a sequelae of group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection, remain unacceptably high in Indigenous Māori and Pacific children in New Zealand. This prospective study aimed to describe GAS antibody titres in healthy children (5–14 years) by ethnicity, and to determine how paired titres vary with GAS culture positive and negative pharyngitis, and GAS skin infections.

Asha Jeffrey Bowen Cannon BA MBBS DCH FRACP PhD GAICD FAHMS OAM BSc(Hons) BBus PhD Head, Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention Health Economist

We explore the acceptability of a novel, outreached-based approach to improve primary and primordial prevention of Strep A skin sores, sore throats and acute rheumatic fever in remote Aboriginal communities. A comprehensive prevention program delivered by trained Aboriginal Community Workers was evaluated using approximately fortnightly household surveys about health and housing and clinical records.

Skin infections are an under-appreciated and dominant reason for presentation to primary healthcare centres in these indigenous communities

Improved public health measures targeting bacterial skin infections are needed to reduce this high burden of skin infections in Western Australia

The association between scabies and skin sores is highly significant and indicates a causal relationship

Scabies and impetigo are common in Timor-Leste, with very high prevalence of scabies in the rural district of Ermera

Prevalence of skin sores and scabies in remote Australian Aboriginal communities remains unacceptably high, with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) the dominant pathogen. We aim to better understand the drivers of GAS transmission using mathematical models.

Scabies and impetigo infections are under-recognised and hence under-treated by clinicians

Three researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia were recognised as being among Western Australia’s brightest and most innovative scientific minds at last night’s 24th Premier's Science Awards.