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Research
Group A Streptococcus co-ordinates manganese import and iron efflux in response to hydrogen peroxide stressHere, we demonstrate that group A Streptococcus (GAS) utilises Mn(II) import via MtsABC during conditions of hydrogen peroxide stress
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Seasonal and regional patterns of lower leg cellulitis in Western AustraliaIn the warmer tropical regions of WA no seasonality was observed, but overall incidence of LLC presentations were higher
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Baseline incidence of adverse birth outcomes and infant influenza and pertussis hospitalisations prior to the introduction of influenza and pertussis vaccinationThese baseline data are essential to assess the safety and effectiveness of influenza and pertussis vaccinations in pregnant women from the NT
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Vaccine acceptance: Science, policy, and practice in a ‘post-fact’ worldWe must continue our efforts to promote vaccine acceptance and thus increase vaccination uptake, by fostering more effective vaccination communication
End RHD CRE News & Events
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Tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells promote melanoma–immune equilibrium in skinOur results show that TRM cells have a fundamental role in the surveillance of subclinical melanomas in the skin by maintaining cancer-immune equilibrium
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Severe and Complicated Varicella and Associated Genotypes 10 Years After Introduction of a One-Dose Varicella Vaccine ProgramSevere hospitalized varicella still occurs with a 1-dose varicella program, although predominantly in unvaccinated children
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Developing evidence-based recommendations for optimal interpregnancy intervals in high-income countries: Protocol for an international cohort studyWe aim to assess the impact of interpregnancy intervals on maternal and child health outcomes in high-income countries
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Pcv7-and pcv10-vaccinated otitis-prone children in new zealand have similar pneumococcal and haemophilus influenzae densities in their nasopharynx and middle earPCV10 did not reduce NTHi density in the nasopharynx or middle ear, and was associated with increased pneumococcal nasopharyngeal density
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Integration of genetics and miRNA-target gene network identified disease biology implicated in tissue specificityOur result highlighted that miRNA-target gene network contributes to human disease genetics in a cell type-specific manner
News & Events
Rheumatic Heart Disease Endgame Strategy: what does it mean to community?Across Australia, more than 5,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are currently living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) or its precursor, acute rheumatic fever (ARF).
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Are children more vulnerable to mesothelioma than adults?We found no greater susceptibility to mesothelioma among those first exposed to asbestos as children than those first exposed as adults
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Outcomes of rheumatic fever in Uganda: a prospective cohort studyRheumatic heart disease is the largest contributor to cardiac-related mortality in children worldwide. Outcomes in endemic settings after its antecedent illness, acute rheumatic fever, are not well understood. We aimed to describe 3-5 year mortality, acute rheumatic fever recurrence, changes in carditis, and correlates of mortality after acute rheumatic fever.
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Research opportunities for the primordial prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease - streptococcal vaccine development: a national heart, lung and blood institute workshop reportStreptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (StrepA), is a bacterium that causes a range of human diseases, including pharyngitis, impetigo, invasive infections, and post-infection immune sequelae such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. StrepA infections cause some of the highest burden of disease and death in mostly young populations in low-resource settings. Despite decades of effort, there is still no licensed StrepA vaccine, which if developed, could be a cost-effective way to reduce the incidence of disease.
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Subcutaneous infusion of high-dose benzathine penicillin G is safe, tolerable, and suitable for less-frequent dosing for rheumatic heart disease secondary prophylaxis: a phase 1 open-label population pharmacokinetic studySince 1955, the recommended strategy for rheumatic heart disease secondary prophylaxis has been benzathine penicillin G injections administered intramuscularly every 4 weeks. Due to dosing frequency, pain, and programmatic challenges, adherence is suboptimal. It has previously been demonstrated that BPG delivered subcutaneously at a standard dose is safe and tolerable and has favorable pharmacokinetics, setting the scene for improved regimens with less frequent administration.
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A multicentre, retrospective audit of fosfomycin use for urinary tract infections in Australian children and adolescentsUrinary tract infections (UTIs) due to MDR organisms are increasingly common. The lack of paediatric data on efficacious antibiotics makes UTI treatment particularly challenging. Data on the efficacy of fosfomycin use for UTI in children are variable.
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A pilot study to develop assessment tools for Group A Streptococcus surveillance studiesGroup A Streptococcus (GAS) causes pharyngitis (sore throat) and impetigo (skin sores) GAS pharyngitis triggers rheumatic fever (RF) with epidemiological evidence supporting that GAS impetigo may also trigger RF in Australian Aboriginal children. Understanding the concurrent burden of these superficial GAS infections is critical to RF prevention. This pilot study aimed to trial tools for concurrent surveillance of sore throats and skins sore for contemporary studies of RF pathogenesis including development of a sore throat checklist for Aboriginal families and pharynx photography.
The END RHD CRE focuses priority research projects that will help achieve the singular target of producing the Endgame Strategy.
News & Events
Carol's story: losing a parent to RHDAfter being diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease at ten, Elizabeth had to leave country and her family for a large chunk of her childhood so she could be treated in Adelaide.
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Improving primary care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with rheumatic heart disease: What can I do?Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, with devastating impacts on morbidity, mortality and community wellbeing. Research suggests that general practitioners and primary care staff perceive insurmountable barriers to improving clinical outcomes, including the need for systemic change outside their scope of practice.