Strain-specific immune responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae in Northern Territory children with bronchiectasis

Chief Investigator:

Dr Susan Pizzutto

Funding Amount:

$74,798

Recipient:

Menzies School of Health Research

Overview:

The prevalence of bronchiectasis (BE), a lung disease characterised by chronic infection, in Northern Territory (NT) Indigenous children is one of the highest on record. Despite a comprehensive immunisation strategy for pneumococcal disease (caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae; Spn), pneumonia accounts for > 60% of BE cases in NT children. Some Spn vaccine strains are associated with lung infection, suggesting suboptimal strain-specific immune responses. This study investigates the contribution of Spn strain-specific immune responses to BE in children, and will inform management strategies.

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