Infectious Disease

Infectious diseases
 
The global threat of swine flu renewed awareness about the threat of infectious diseases, particularly for the very young and the elderly. 
 
Infectious diseases are still the most common cause of death in children and the most common reason that children under two years of age are admitted to hospital.
 
World-wide, 10 million children under the age of five die from infection each year.
Our research teams are evaluating new vaccines for a range of diseases such as influenza and meningitis.

Common infections such as otitis media (glue ear) can cause life-long problems by seriously impairing hearing and speech, schooling and subsequent wellbeing.
 
 
Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), or chest infections like influenza and pneumonia, are a major cause of illness in young children. Read more>>  
 
Meningococcal disease is a frightening disease that can kill within hours due to septicaemia (blood poisoning) or meningitis. We are looking at new vaccines for meningitis and providing information to families across Australia. Read more>>
 
The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) can cause middle ear infections, meningitis, pneumonia and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Read more>>
 
We are investigating vaccines against the potentially-deadly pneumococcal disease both here and in Papua New Guinea. Read more>>

Influenza is often considered a mild disease but it can cause serious problems. We are testing new vaccines, including those against the ever-threatenting bird flu and a new strain of the influenza virus that emerged in Mexico and the United States early in 2009, known as H1N1 or swine ‘flu. Read more>>

 
We are looking at vaccinating babies at birth against whooping cough to protect them in the first crucial months of life.  Read more>>
 
Otitis media is the most common reason for children to visit a physician in the first years of life, for antibiotic treatment and for surgery in young chidlren.  Read more>>
Last updated 23 June 2010