Infectious disease
Our infectious disease researchers are involved in understanding the inner workings of disease, including the pathway from immunity to infection; disease surveillance; risk factors in the development of disease; vaccine development and trials.
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.
Worldwide, 10 million children under the age of five die from
infection each year.
- Video: Clinical Associate Professor Deborah Lehmann talks about her work in infectious disease research
We use a comprehensive range of methods in our research including (epi)genetics and genomics, molecular and cellular biology, epidemiology and microscopy to explore a range of diseases including
- otitis media (middle ear infections)
- neonatal sepsis
- respiratory infections
- meningitis
- toxoplasmosis and
- leishmaniasis
Our Infectious Diseases Community Reference Group informs the wider community about research conducted and for community members to provide researchers with their valuable input into research projects.
Our Vaccine Trials Group aims to improve the health of the community through immunisation and the prevention of infectious diseases, including:
- Ross River Virus
- Meningitis
- Influenza
- Dengue Fever
The
Meningitis Centre aims to eliminate meningitis in Australia.
Meningitis is a potentially deadly disease that, given its sudden
onset and flu-like symptoms, is difficult to diagnose. If left
untreated it has the potential to leave victims with long term
disabilities or even worse, lose their lives.
The Meningitis Centre is dedicated to educating the community to
be aware of the signs and symptoms, provides support for families
affected by the disease and advocates for prevention through
vaccination.
Read more about meningitis and the work of the Meningitis Centre...
Related media releases
- Large-scale study uncovers a single major genetic risk factor for fatal parasitic disease (January, 2013)
Epidemiology Research Team:
Head: Associate Professor Deborah Lehmann
Dr Hannah
Moore, NHMRC Early Career Fellow
Dr Anke
Hoskins
Deirdre
Collins
Peter Jacoby,
Statistics
Kirsten
Alpers
Janice Lim
Wendy (Wenxing) Sun, Research Assistant, Kalgoorlie
Ruth Monck, Research Assistant, "Pina Palya, Pina Kulilku, (Good Ear, Good Learning) project", Kalgoorlie
Lorraine Sholson, Research Assistant, "Pina Palya, Pina Kulilku, (Good Ear, Good Learning) project", Kalgoorlie
Vaccine Trials Group:
Head: Dr Peter Richmond
Meet the dedicated team of experienced doctors, nurses, scientists, researchers, phlebotomists, pharmacists, and administration staff.
