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Determinants of secondary prophylaxis for childhood rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: A qualitative study of children and caregivers

Rheumatic heart disease remains a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, particularly among children. Monthly intramuscular benzathine penicillin G is the cornerstone of secondary prophylaxis, yet adherence and delivery are suboptimal. This study explores the lived experiences of children and adolescents with RHD, capturing their direct voices and those of their caregivers to understand determinants of secondary prophylaxis uptake.

TrialR: critical enablers and the need for reusable Rare Disease Clinical Trial infrastructure in Western Australia

Citation: MacDonald B, Burmaz M, Baker S, et al. TrialR: critical enablers and the need for reusable Rare Disease Clinical Trial infrastructure in

Is Systemic Dissemination of BCG Following Neonatal Vaccination Required for Protection Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and is a leading cause of death. BCG is the only licensed TB vaccine. Preclinical studies have shown that in adults, intravenous administration of BCG improves protection against TB. We hypothesize that intradermal administration of BCG to the human newborn leads to low-grade BCG bacteremia and that this systemic dissemination improves protection against Mtb infection. This hypothesis is based on supporting observations including animal and human studies. It is a testable hypothesis and offers to deliver immediately actionable insight to advance the global efforts against TB.

Unpacking the “black box” of safe respiratory physiotherapy interventions delivered in the home for children with cerebral palsy and medical complexity

Describe the physiotherapy interventions provided to children with cerebral palsy at risk of respiratory illness and determine criteria for safe in-home treatment.

Challenges and insights in self-swab surveillance for asymptomatic Streptococcus pyogenes carriage

Asymptomatic carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) may contribute to transmission, yet its role remains poorly understood and evidence on optimal detection methods is limited. While self-collected throat swabs are used in infectious disease surveillance, their value for identifying asymptomatic Strep A carriage in adults is uncertain. This pilot prospective cohort study, conducted at a Perth medical research institute between August and October 2024, assessed feasibility and acceptability of self-collection, with sensitivity as a secondary objective. 

A whole of country analysis of antimicrobial stewardship resources, activities and barriers for children in Australian hospitals pre- and post COVID-19

We aimed to assess and identify any gaps in antimicrobial stewardship resources and activities for all hospitalised children in Australia pre- and post- the COVID-19 pandemic

Burden and Experiences of Head Lice Infestation Among Children in Western Australia

Head lice is an ectoparasitic skin infection commonly seen in primary school-aged children. In remote Australia, where rates of other skin infections and downstream sequelae are endemic, the rate of head lice infestation is unknown.

Therapeutic potential of plant-based therapies in pediculosis capitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Pediculosis capitis is a worldwide prevalent public health issue, mostly involving children. Resistance has been increasingly identified with conventional treatments such as permethrin or malathion. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of plant-based therapies for pediculosis capitis. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, EmCare, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect were searched for studies.

Subcutaneous Infusion of Benzathine Penicillin G Is Acceptable and Preferred Over Intramuscular Injections for Syphilis in Western Australian Sexual Health Clinic Attendees

Controlling the syphilis epidemic in Australia is a public health priority. Regular intramuscular (IM) injections of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) are the current standard of care for late latent syphilis in Australia; however, repeated IM BPG injections are painful, and treatment completion rates are low. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the tolerability and safety of high-dose subcutaneous infusions of BPG (SCIP), where the total treatment dose can be delivered at a single visit. Here we describe the experiences and preferences of attendees of Western Australian sexual health clinics in the Perth metropolitan region who have syphilis and were treated with SCIP.