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Research Groups
Clinical Research
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Nicholson Group
Suellen's group fulfills a dual mission of providing a technically first class, reliable diagnostic, reference and public health service to the healthcare system, and being an innovative, adaptable, forward-looking component of the scientific community and a valued collaborator in research projects, not just in Victoria, but nationally and in the region.
Other work areas include:HIV
Current Projects
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Kiribati – confirmatory testing for Hepatitis B using dried blood spots
This is an additional component of the Kiribati project. Suellen’s group is involved in the development and evaluation of a laboratory method for hepatitis B virus confirmation using dried blood spot (DBS) filter paper testing as an alternative method to venous blood collection. Matched DBS are being collected along with serum samples from 100 individuals. These are being analysed to determine if the DBS technology is a feasible method of sample collection in Kiribati.
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Kiribati – improving access to care and treatment of Viral Hepatitis in Kiribati
As a World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Reference Laboratory for Hepatitis B Virus Suellen’s group along with the VIDRL Molecular Microbiology laboratory is involved in a collaborative project with Tungaru Central Hospital, the national referral hospital in Kiribati. Serum samples from HBsAg positive patients are collected and transported to VIDRL for confirmatory laboratory testing for Hepatitis B and D viruses. From the enrolled patients, a treatment cohort will be established according to WHO criteria. The planned enrolment is 1,000 HBsAg positive patients. By identifying and initiating treatment for those with advanced disease this study will reduce the burden due to HBV infection in Kiribati.
Lab Team
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Theo KarapanagiotidisDeputy scientist
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Vicki StambosWHO Measles/Rubella scientist
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Bridget FraserBursary student
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Kim VoBursary student
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Rianne BrizuelaScientist
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Josie CamilleriScientist
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Stavroula CorbyScientist
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Celia DourosScientist
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Thomas HolgateScientist
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Di KaramalakisScientist
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Theodora KaminisScientist
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Alma RedzicScientist
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Kate SharmaScientist
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Daniel SijmonsScientist
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Laura StevensScientist
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Megan TriantafilouScientist
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Bowden Group
Scott’s laboratory is the State Reference Laboratory for molecular testing of the hepatitis viruses and has been involved in outbreak investigation of hepatitis A, B, C and E for the Victorian Department of Health, as well as for other Australian states.
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Cowie Group
Ben’s group focuses on viral hepatitis epidemiological research. The team undertakes a broad range of activities supporting local, national and global control of viral hepatitis, through surveillance, treatment and prevention initiatives, and training and regional capacity building.
Other work areas include:Public Health
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Locarnini Group
The current major research interests of Stephen’s group includes viral hepatitis and antiviral chemotherapy with an emphasis on the basic virology of hepatitis B virus, the molecular pathogenesis of hepatitis, as well as prevention and public health control measures.
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Revill Group
The Revill Group is focusing on developing novel mechanisms to cure chronic hepatitis B disease, targeting multiple aspects of the virus replication cycle and stimulating antiviral host immune responses
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Walsh Group
Renae’s group studies key HBV proteins to predict clinical response during chronic disease towards understanding the interaction with/recognition by the host antibody response to clear infection, and how the antibody response might be enhanced to promote viral clearance and cure.
Now recruiting volunteers
There are currently no Now recruiting volunteers
Current projects
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Hepatitis HIV
A surveillance program for the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance to tenofovir (TDF) in HIV-HBV co-infected patient
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Hepatitis
Characterising Hepatitis B in northern Australia through Molecular epidemiology - longitudinal cohort study
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Hepatitis
Liver Cancer Prevention: linking viral hepatitis diagnosis, treatment and outcomes
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Hepatitis HIV
Long-term persistence of HIV in the liver and the clinical impact on HIV-HBV co-infection (CHHANEL)
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Hepatitis HIV
Towards a Functional cure for HBV: exploiting lessons from HBV-HIV co-infection
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