Development of novel vaccine strategies to prevent genital tract chlamydial infection [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Kenneth Beagley (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Shisan Bao ,  Prof Dorothy Patton ,  Prof Louise Hafner ,  Prof Peter Timms

Brief description Genital tract chlamydial infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease world wide with 4-5 million cases occurring annually throughout the world. The incidence of chlamydial infection is increasing in the Australian population. The majority of infections in women are asymptomatic and, if untreated, go on to cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. These conditions can be life threatening and are a significant public health cost. In the proposal we will develop novel vaccine strategies, involving both intranasal immunisation and immunisation by direct application to the skin, to induce protection against genital tract chlamydial infection. These studies will lay the basis for human trials of a vaccine to prevent what is now the most common STD in Australia. Such a vaccine to target this chronic infection would represent a major advance in preventive healthcare for the maintenance of good health.

Funding Amount $AUD 408,556.25

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant