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Understanding Malaria Transmission and Control within and Between Regions in Zambia Using a Socio-Spatial Determinants of Health Framework

Differential exposure and effect of malaria results from blends of biophysical, geospatial, and social determinants of health (SDoH). Likewise, effective policies and programmatic interventions against malaria must consider the complex interaction of social and spatial factors, while comprehensive health promotion approaches must simultaneously tackle SDoH and the ecological dimensions that drive malaria. 

FeBRILe3: Risk-Stratification and Diagnosis of Serious Bacterial Infections in Febrile Infants Less Than 3 Months Old

Evidence-based recommendations exist for early discharge (before 48 h) of young infants with fever without source (FWS) at low risk of serious bacterial infections (SBIs). However, concerns regarding the applicability of international data to local contexts may hinder implementation. We aimed to describe the local epidemiology of FWS and evaluate a newly implemented risk-stratification guideline to support practice change.

A modular approach to forecasting COVID-19 hospital bed occupancy

Monitoring the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital beds was a critical component of Australia's real-time surveillance strategy for the disease. From 2021 to 2023, we produced short-term forecasts of bed occupancy to support public health decision-making. 

Dual RNA isolation from blood: an optimized protocol for host and bacterial RNA purification for dual RNA-sequencing analysis in whole blood sepsis samples

Dual RNA-sequencing (dual RNA-seq) holds significant promise for deciphering bacterial virulence mechanisms during systemic infections. However, its application in sepsis research is hindered by technical challenges, including a low bacterial burden in blood and limited sample volumes and RNA yield from vulnerable populations, such as neonates.

Conversion or Reversion of Interferon γ Release Assays for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Interferon γ release assays (IGRAs) are widely used for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. However, with repeated testing, IGRA transformation (conversion or reversion) may be detected and is challenging to interpret. We reviewed the frequency of and risk factors for IGRA transformation.

Effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing RSV-hospitalisation among young children in Western Australia 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes a significant burden of illness for children under 2 years of age. Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, was registered for RSV prevention in Australia in 2023. In April 2024, Western Australia (WA) launched the country's first state-wide nirsevimab program for all infants and high-risk children entering their second RSV season. 

Validity of using a semi-automated screening tool in a systematic review assessing non-specific effects of respiratory vaccines

The abstract screening process of systematic reviews can take thousands of hours by two researchers. We aim to determine the reliability and validity of Research Screener, a semi-automated abstract screening tool within a systematic review on non-specific and broader effects of respiratory vaccines on acute lower respiratory infection hospitalisations and antimicrobial prescribing patterns in young children.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Childhood Islet Autoimmunity

This cohort study examines whether there is a temporal association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of islet autoimmunity among Australian children with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes.  

Immune impacts of infant whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccination on co-administered vaccines

We compared the effect of a heterologous wP/aP/aP primary series (hereafter mixed wP/aP) versus a homologous aP/aP/aP primary schedule (hereafter aP-only) on antibody responses to co-administered vaccine antigens in infants and toddlers.

The Spectrum and Burden of COVID-19-Associated Neurologic Disease in Australian Children 2020-2023

We aimed to describe the clinical spectrum and burden of COVID-19-associated neurologic disease in Australian children.