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Research

The STAMP RSV Program

STAMP RSV is a multifaceted program of work with the single focus to prepare the community for the uptake of new and emerging RSV immunisation strategies by providing the evidence to inform public health policy.

Research

Molecular diagnosis of scabies using a novel probe-based polymerase chain reaction assay targeting high-copy number repetitive sequences in the sarcoptes scabiei genome

The suboptimal sensitivity and specificity of available diagnostic methods for scabies hampers clinical management, trials of new therapies and epidemiologic studies. Additionally, parasitologic diagnosis by microscopic examination of skin scrapings requires sample collection with a sharp scalpel blade, causing discomfort to patients and difficulty in children. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic assays, combined with non-invasive sampling methods, represent an attractive approach.

Research

OPTIMUM study protocol: an adaptive randomised controlled trial of a mixed whole-cell/acellular pertussis vaccine schedule

Combination vaccines containing whole-cell pertussis antigens were phased out from the Australian national immunisation programme between 1997 and 1999 and replaced by the less reactogenic acellular pertussis (aP) antigens. In a large case-control study of Australian children born during the transition period, those with allergist diagnosed IgE-mediated food allergy were less likely to have received whole-cell vaccine in early infancy than matched population controls (OR: 0.77 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.95)). We hypothesise that a single dose of whole-cell vaccine in early infancy is protective against IgE-mediated food allergy.

Research

Pediatric Burn Survivors Have Long-Term Immune Dysfunction With Diminished Vaccine Response

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that survivors of acute burn trauma are at long-term increased risk of developing a range of morbidities. The mechanisms underlying this increased risk remain unknown. This study aimed to determine whether burn injury leads to sustained immune dysfunction that may underpin long-term morbidity. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 36 pediatric burn survivors >3 years after a non-severe burn injury (<10% total body surface area) and from age/sex-matched non-injured controls.

News & Events

Major NHMRC grant prioritises strong skin for Aboriginal children

Efforts to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal children have been accelerated thanks to almost $1 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funds awarded to skin health researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia.

News & Events

Funding boost for groundbreaking child health research

Researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia will share in almost $4 million in grants to continue groundbreaking research to tackle childhood cancer, asthma, respiratory viral infections and more.

News & Events

Top-up funding announced to fast-track clinical trials of Spritz-OM

Researchers developing a nasal therapy to prevent childhood ear infections and reduce overuse of antibiotics have received $300,000 in top-up funding.

News & Events

New partnership with Down Syndrome WA

Researchers from the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, are partnering with Down Syndrome WA to learn more about how respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, affects children with increased medical vulnerability.

Research

Australian Group on Antimicrobial Resistance surveillance outcome programs - bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Australian children and adolescents 2022 - 2023

Between January 2022 and December 2023, there were 1,827 bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates in 1,745 children and adolescents reported to the Australian Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (AGAR) surveillance outcome programs, with 40% of episodes in children aged < 12 months. 

Research

Impact of Host and Bacterial Metabolism on Antibiotic Susceptibility

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global healthcare emergency, directly causing 1.3 million deaths per year and predicted to increase dramatically over the coming decades. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning antibiotic resistance is central to approaches for AMR surveillance and diagnosis in a clinical laboratory.