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Research

Immunisation with the BCG and DTPw vaccines induces different programs of trained immunity in mice

In addition to providing pathogen-specific immunity, vaccines can also confer nonspecific effects (NSEs) on mortality and morbidity unrelated to the targeted disease. Immunisation with live vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine, has generally been associated with significantly reduced all-cause infant mortality. In contrast, some inactivated vaccines, such as the diphtheria, tetanus, whole-cell pertussis (DTPw) vaccine, have been controversially associated with increased all-cause mortality especially in female infants in high-mortality settings.

Research

COVID-19 and changes in the National Immunisation Program: a unique opportunity to optimise the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

Christopher Blyth MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD Centre Head, Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases; Co-Head, Infectious Diseases

Research

A place for neutrophils in the beneficial pathogen-agnostic effects of the BCG vaccine

The BCG vaccine has long been recognized for reducing the risk to suffer from infectious diseases unrelated to its target disease, tuberculosis. Evidence from human trials demonstrate substantial reductions in all-cause mortality, especially in the first week of life. Observational studies have identified an association between BCG vaccination and reduced risk of respiratory infectious disease and clinical malaria later in childhood.

Research

Quality of benzathine penicillin G: A multinational cross-sectional study

Benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is used as first-line treatment for most forms of syphilis and as secondary prophylaxis against rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Perceptions that poor quality of BPG is linked to reported adverse effects and therapeutic failure may impact syphilis and RHD control programs. Clinical networks and web-based advertising were used to obtain vials of BPG from a wide range of countries.

News & Events

Rheumatic heart disease remains a major killer in Oceania region

A new study shows that people living in the Oceania region, including Australia, have the highest risk in the world of dying from rheumatic heart disease.

News & Events

Extra whooping cough shot to protect your bub

Toddlers will now get an additional whooping cough vaccine to protect them against the potentially deadly disease.

News & Events

Taking on a common respiratory infection in kids

Mapping when Respiratory Syncytal Virus (RSV) reaches its seasonal peak will assist how future vaccination programs are carried out.

News & Events

Video: Flu vaccine Q&A

It's that time of year again... Flu vaccine time! Watch Dr Chris Blyth answer commonly asked questions in the video below.

News & Events

The Kids Research Institute Australia research ensures kids are protected against whooping cough

Research by The Kids Research Institute Australia will soon ensure young children are better protected against whooping cough.

Research

Children with otitis media mount a pneumococcal serotype specific serum IgG and IgA response comparable to healthy controls after pneumococcal conjugate vaccination

We investigated the suggestion that otitis-prone children have an impaired antibody response in the context of pneumococcal vaccination.