Research Projects

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a bacterial pathogen and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pneumococci are classified into serotypes based on the type of capsule they produce. Although safe and effective vaccines that target of a subset of these serotypes have been available for over two decades, introduction in many low- and middle-income countries (where the burden of pneumococcal disease is greatest) is frustratingly slow. Vaccine introduction also leads to profound changes in the pneumococcal population structure. This can include a decline in vaccine-serotypes and replacement with non-vaccine-serotypes. Changes to the capsule of some strains means they are not recognized by vaccine-induced immunity (serotype switches, variants and new serotypes). However, these changes in the pneumococcal population have rarely been examined in low- and middle-income countries. In this project, you will leverage our unique set of samples from the Asia-Pacific to examine changes in the genetics of the pneumococcal population following vaccine introduction. Key approaches to this project include using genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, genetic manipulation of pneumococcal isolates and testing in a range of microbiological assays in vitro. Optional aspects include testing isolates in murine models of carriage, transmission and disease. Your research will provide new insights into how pneumococcal populations can change following vaccine introduction in high disease burden settings including Asia.

Project Site: Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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