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Research
A modelling approach to estimate the transmissibility of SARS-CoV 2 during periods of high, low, and zero case incidenceAgainst a backdrop ofwidespread global transmission, a number of countries have successfully brought large outbreaks of COVID-19 under control and maintained near-elimination status. A key element of epidemic response is the tracking of disease transmissibility in near real-time. During major out-breaks, the effective reproduction number can be estimated froma time-series of case, hospitalisation or death counts. In low or zero incidence settings, knowing the potential for the virus to spread is a response priority.
Research
The Emerging Omicron Variant, Children and SchoolMany publications have demonstrated the detrimental effects of school closures on children, families and communities in the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there is a surge of Omicron cases as children prepare to return to school around the world. While many children are asymptomatic or have mild disease, it is nevertheless an important problem.
Research
The role of fit testing N95/FFP2/FFP3 masks: a narrative reviewFor healthcare workers performing aerosol-generating procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, well fitted filtering facepiece respirators, for example, N95/FFP2 or N99/FFP3 masks, are recommended as part of personal protective equipment. In this review, we evaluate the role of fit checking and fit testing of respirators, in addition to airborne protection provided by respirators. Filtering facepiece respirators are made of material with sufficient high filter capacity to protect against airborne respiratory viruses.
Research
Preparing for Life: Plasma Proteome Changes and Immune System Development During the First Week of Human LifeNeonates have heightened susceptibility to infections. The biological mechanisms are incompletely understood but thought to be related to age-specific adaptations in immunity due to resource constraints during immune system development and growth. We present here an extended analysis of our proteomics study of peripheral blood-plasma from a study of healthy full-term newborns delivered vaginally, collected at the day of birth and on day of life (DOL) 1, 3, or 7, to cover the first week of life. The plasma proteome was characterized by LC-MS using our established 96-well plate format plasma proteomics platform.
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Current Status of Schistosomiasis Control and Prospects for Elimination in the Dongting Lake Region of the People's Republic of ChinaSchistosomiasis japonica is an ancient parasitic disease that has severely impacted human health causing a substantial disease burden not only to the Chinese people but also residents of other countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and, before the 1970s, Japan. Since the founding of the new People's Republic of China (P. R. China), effective control strategies have been implemented with the result that the prevalence of schistosomiasis japonica has decreased markedly in the past 70 years.
Research
Impact of Childhood Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Nonnotified Clinically Suspected Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in AustraliaThis study provides a quantitative estimate of the total burden of invasive pneumococcal disease preventable by vaccination programs in Australia
Research
A cluster-randomised controlled trial comparing school and community-based deworming for soil transmitted helminth control in school-age childrenThe first large-scale trial comparing mass and targeted deworming for soil-transmitted helminth control in South East Asia
Research
Complicated skin and soft tissue infections in remote indigenous communitiesThe burden and consequences of skin infections for remote living indigenous people are high
News & Events
National honour for infectious diseases researcherPerth researcher dedicated to reducing serious chest and ear infections in children has been recognised with the award of Officer in the Order of Australia
News & Events
Trial begins of first vaccine against Ross River VirusPerth researchers are seeking volunteers to test the effectiveness of a vaccine against the debilitating Ross River Virus.