Reports and Findings

Improving delivery of secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic heart disease in a high-burden setting: Outcome of a stepped-wedge, community, randomized trial

This strategy did not improve adherence to rheumatic heart disease secondary prophylaxis within the study time frame.

Evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of a group a streptococcus vaccine candidate (mj8vax) in a randomized clinical trial

Intramuscular administration of novel acetylated peptide-protein conjugate vaccine candidate MJ8VAX was demonstrated to be safe and immunogenic

Developing a human challenge model of GAS infection

NHMRC funding has been awarded for 4 years to Murdoch Childrens Research Institute for this project, with collaboration from Professor Jonathan Carapetis at The Kids.

Calculation of the age of the first infection for skin sores and scabies in five remote communities in northern Australia

The young age of the first infection with skin sores and scabies reflects the high disease burden in these communities

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices of the Western Australian youth custodial workforce

This study aims to establish the current knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices regarding FASD and other neurodevelopmental impairments among youth custodial officers

Development of an opsonophagocytic killing assay for group a streptococcus

This Group A Streptococcus OPKA assay has the potential to provide a robust and reproducible platform to accelerate GAS vaccine development.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Genetic Risk Factors for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Aboriginal Australians Provides Support for Pathogenic Molecular Mimicry

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) after group A streptococcus (GAS) infections is heritable and prevalent in Indigenous populations. Molecular mimicry between human and GAS proteins triggers proinflammatory cardiac valve-reactive T cells.

Calculation of the age of the first infection for skin sores and scabies in five remote communities in northern Australia

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.

Rheumatic heart disease in Timor-Leste school students: an echocardiography-based prevalence study

The rates of RHD in Timor-Leste are among the highest in the world, and prevalence is higher among girls than boys. Community engagement is essential for ensuring follow-up and the effective delivery of secondary prophylaxis.

Development of an opsonophagocytic killing assay for Group A Streptococcus

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) or Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for an estimated 500,000 deaths worldwide each year.