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Immune Development in Early Life (IDEaL) longitudinal cohort study protocol: Identifying biomarkers of vaccine responsiveness, respiratory infection, and asthmaEarly-life immune development is a critical factor in predicting the risk of childhood respiratory infections, asthma, and poor vaccine responses. Identifying immune endotypes that predispose children to these conditions could lead to the development of predictive biomarkers and early interventions, potentially improving long-term health outcomes.
Research
Examining the entire delayed respiratory syncytial virus season in Western AustraliaAn interseasonal resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was observed in Western Australia at the end of 2020. Our previous report describing this resurgence compared the 2019 and 2020 calendar years, capturing only part of the 2020/21 season.
Research
The Interseasonal Resurgence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Australian Children Following the Reduction of Coronavirus Disease 2019-Related PublicFollowing the end of winter, there has been a persistent absence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 community transmission and no increase in influenza detections. Limited physical distancing measures have remained in place, with largely no restrictions on gathering sizes and no mandate for wearing masks.
Research
No association between in utero exposure to emissions from a coalmine fire and post-natal lung functionStudies linking early life exposure to air pollution and subsequent impaired lung health have focused on chronic, low-level exposures in urban settings. We aimed to determine whether in utero exposure to an acute, high-intensity air pollution episode impaired lung function 7-years later.
Research
Lipopolysaccharide-induced interferon response networks at birth are predictive of severe viral lower respiratory infections in the first year of lifeAppropriate innate immune function is essential to limit pathogenesis and severity of severe lower respiratory infections (sLRI) during infancy, a leading cause of hospitalization and risk factor for subsequent asthma in this age group.
News & Events
RSV rates skyrocket among Aboriginal babiesExperts are warning Aboriginal parents in Western Australia with newborn babies to be vigilant about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as winter progresses.
Research
tesG expression as a potential clinical biomarker for chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary biofilm infectionsPseudomonas aeruginosa infections in the lungs affect millions of children and adults worldwide. To our knowledge, no clinically validated prognostic biomarkers for chronic pulmonary P. aeruginosa infections exist. Therefore, this study aims to identify potential prognostic markers for chronic P. aeruginosa biofilm lung infections.
Research
Respiratory infection- and asthma-prone, low vaccine responder children demonstrate distinct mononuclear cell DNA methylation pathwaysnfants with frequent viral and bacterial respiratory infections exhibit compromised immunity to routine immunizations. They are also more likely to develop chronic respiratory diseases in later childhood. This study investigated the feasibility of epigenetic profiling to reveal endotype-specific molecular pathways with potential for early identification and immuno-modulation.
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Rationale for use for monoclonal antibody and anti-cytokine therapy for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: A systematic reviewObjective: To review systematically the rationale for choice and use of monoclonal antibody and anti-cytokine therapy in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.
Research
Surveillance of avian influenza through bird guano in remote regions of the global south to uncover transmission dynamicsAvian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose a growing global health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where limited surveillance capacity and under-resourced healthcare systems hinder timely detection and response. Migratory birds play a significant role in the transboundary spread of AIVs, yet data from key regions along migratory flyways remain sparse. To address these surveillance gaps, we conducted a study between December 2021 and February 2023 using fresh bird guano collected across 10 countries in the Global South.