Investigators: Andrew Currie, Tobias Strunk
This research programme is led by Clin Prof Tobias Strunk and Prof Andrew Currie from Murdoch University.
Neonatal late-onset sepsis (LOS) is extremely common in very preterm babies. However, diagnosis is difficult due to non-specific clinical signs that overlap with other neonatal conditions. We are testing plasma protein sPLA2-IIA for use as a new rapid and accurate laboratory diagnostic for neonatal sepsis.
Our ongoing studies have shown sPLA2-IIA is a leading candidate biomarker to significantly improve LOS diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis of LOS will enable clinicians to appropriately target therapy and limit antibiotic exposure in very preterm babies. Our target population is babies born less than 29 weeks gestation with suspected late onset sepsis or NEC.