Development of improved vaccine strategies for measles using plant-derived edible vaccines [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Steven Wesselingh (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Ian Dry ,  Prof Richard Strugnell

Brief description Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is contracted via the respiratory tract. Severe infection may lead to complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis. Despite our current vaccination strategy outbreaks still occur in Australia and measles is a major problem in developing countries. In developing nations the case fatality rate of measles is several hundred times that of developed nations. Over 800,000 children still die each year due to measles. Problems with the current vaccination strategy are: a) doesn't work in children less than 1 year of age, b) must be kept cold c) must be given by injection. We believe that a plant derived edible vaccine for measles will address the limitations of currently available vaccine i.e. we can give it children under the age of 1 year, it can be eaten and doesn't have to be kept cold.

Funding Amount $AUD 331,980.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant