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Research

Evidence of maternal transfer of antigen-specific antibodies in serum and breast milk to infants at high-risk of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae disease

Children in low-mid income countries, and First Nations children in high-income countries, experience disproportionately high rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae infections and diseases including pneumonia and otitis media.

Research

PneuMum: Impact from a trial of maternal pneumococcal vaccination on middle ear disease amongst Indigenous infants

This study was unable to demonstrate efficacy of 23vPPV in pregnancy against the co-primary outcomes of either all-cause infant ear disease.

Research

High pneumococcal serotype specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 levels in serum and the middle ear of children with recurrent acute otitis media

Recurrent acute otitis media (AOM), frequently caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a major paediatric health problem.

Research

Predominance of nontypeable haemophilus influenzae in children with otitis media

In Australia the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) is administered at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, with no booster dose.

Research

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Haemophilus haemolyticus in otitis-prone and healthy children

Haemophilus haemolyticus is often incorrectly categorized as nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) upon culture. PCR analyses of 266 NTHI-like nasopharyngea

News & Events

A new job for a specialised drug

The Kids is investigating whether a cystic fibrosis medication may be the answer to ear infections, reducing the need for antibiotics and surgery.

Research

Glue Ear

Glue ear is when a child's middle ear fills with sticky fluid behind the ear drum. A common condition, glue ear usually goes undetected, as it's not an obvious condition from the outside.

Research

Paediatric post-grommets surgery review: Audiology-led clinic

Otitis media has a high prevalence in childhood, and grommet insertion is the most common surgical treatment for OM. The public health system in Australia faces considerable strains, including high demand for Ear, Nose and Throat specialists. Extending the scope of practice for audiologists to manage post-operative care for children receiving grommets has the potential to alleviate this burden.

Research

An infant mouse model of influenza-driven nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae colonization and acute otitis media suitable for preclinical testing of novel therapies

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a major otitis media (OM) pathogen, with colonization a prerequisite for disease development. Most acute OM is in children <5 years old, with recurrent and chronic OM impacting hearing and learning. Therapies to prevent NTHi colonization and/or disease are needed, especially for young children. Respiratory viruses are implicated in driving the development of bacterial OM in children.