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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.

Early nasal microbiota and subsequent respiratory tract infections in infants with cystic fibrosis

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) drive lung function decline in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). While the respiratory microbiota is clearly associated with RTI pathogenesis in infants without CF, data on infants with CF is scarce. We compared nasal microbiota development between infants with CF and controls and assessed associations between early-life nasal microbiota, RTIs, and antibiotic treatment in infants with CF. 

Clinical outcomes and severity of laboratory-confirmed RSV compared with influenza, parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus in Australian children attending secondary care

Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are a major contributor to the global infectious disease burden and a common cause of hospitalisation for children under 2 years. We compared clinical severity in children hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and influenza virus (IFV).

Eating and drinking abilities and respiratory and oral health in children and young adults with cerebral palsy

To investigate the potential risk factors of respiratory illness (ethnicity, oral health, and eating and drinking ability) in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.

Novel coenzyme Q6 genetic variant increases susceptibility to pneumococcal disease

Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) remains a major worldwide cause of childhood mortality, compelling innovation in prevention and treatment. Children in Papua New Guinea (PNG) experience profound morbidity from ALRI caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. As a result of evolutionary divergence, the human PNG population exhibits profound genetic variation and diversity. To address unmet health needs of children in PNG, we tested whether genetic variants increased ALRI morbidity. 

Stability and age-specific patterns of rhinovirus circulation in children observed over 3 decades

Rhinoviruses (RV) are the most common respiratory viruses globally and a major cause of airway symptoms in children and individuals with asthma. Although more than 170 RV types exist across 3 species (RV-A, RV-B, RV-C), type-specific circulation patterns and age-related prevalence remain poorly defined.

Fighting lung disease

Culturally secure intervention to facilitate medical follow up for Aboriginal children, after being hospitalised with chest infections, have proven to improve long-term lung health outcomes.

Blinatumomab limits humoral antibody response despite boosting the influenza vaccine schedule in children with B-ALL

Nick Rishi S. Laurence Sung Gottardo Kotecha Cheung Chiu MBChB FRACP PhD MB ChB (Hons) MRCPCH FRACP PhD BPharm (Hons) MBA PhD MBBS FRACP FRCPA PhD

Predicting regional and temporal incidence of RSV and influenza hospitalizations in a birth cohort of young Australian children

Western Australia experiences multiple climatic zones, influencing the epidemiology of respiratory viruses. We aimed to estimate the true incidence of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza hospitalizations across these different climatic regions using predictive modelling.