Reports and Findings

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) after group A streptococcus (GAS) infections is heritable and prevalent in Indigenous populations. Molecular mimicry between human and GAS proteins triggers proinflammatory cardiac valve-reactive T cells.

Prevalence of skin sores and scabies in remote Australian Aboriginal communities remains unacceptably high, with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) the dominant pathogen. We aim to better understand the drivers of GAS transmission using mathematical models.

The rates of RHD in Timor-Leste are among the highest in the world, and prevalence is higher among girls than boys. Community engagement is essential for ensuring follow-up and the effective delivery of secondary prophylaxis.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) or Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for an estimated 500,000 deaths worldwide each year.

The current prophylactic treatment to prevent rheumatic heart disease requires four-weekly intramuscular injection of a suspension of the poorly soluble benzathine salt form of penicillin G (BPG) often for more than 10 years. In seeking to reduce the frequency of administration to improve adherence, biodegradable polymer matrices have been investigated.

Poor sanitation facilities appear to be a major source of Salmonella Typhi in Fiji, with transmission by drinking contaminated surface water and consuming unwashed produce

This project seeks to conduct a focus group for young people (aged 11-14) and their parents/family members through the Danila Dilba Health Service (DDHS) in Darwin with the aim of identifying consumer needs and perspectives on next steps and priorities for peer support in RHD.

Scabies and impetigo are common in Timor-Leste, with very high prevalence of scabies in the rural district of Ermera

The age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rates in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are considerably higher than the global average

The rates of RHD in Timor-Leste are among the highest in the world, and prevalence is higher among girls than boys