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Research

Molecular diagnosis of scabies using a novel probe-based polymerase chain reaction assay targeting high-copy number repetitive sequences in the sarcoptes scabiei genome

The suboptimal sensitivity and specificity of available diagnostic methods for scabies hampers clinical management, trials of new therapies and epidemiologic studies. Additionally, parasitologic diagnosis by microscopic examination of skin scrapings requires sample collection with a sharp scalpel blade, causing discomfort to patients and difficulty in children. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic assays, combined with non-invasive sampling methods, represent an attractive approach.

Research

Estimation of the force of infection and infectious period of skin sores in remote Australian communities using interval-censored data

Prevalence of impetigo (skin sores) remains high in remote Australian Aboriginal communities, Fiji, and other areas of socio-economic disadvantage. Skin sore infections, driven primarily in these settings by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) contribute substantially to the disease burden in these areas. Despite this, estimates for the force of infection, infectious period and basic reproductive ratio-all necessary for the construction of dynamic transmission models-have not been obtained.

Research

Body distribution of impetigo and association with host and pathogen factors

Impetigo or skin sores are estimated to affect >162 million people worldwide. Detailed descriptions of the anatomical location of skin sores are lacking.

Research

The burden of atopic dermatitis and bacterial skin infections among urban-living Indigenous children and young people in high-income countries: A systematic review

A high burden of bacterial skin infections is well documented in remote-living Indigenous children and young people in high-income countries.

Research

Culturally supported health promotion to See, Treat, Prevent (SToP) skin infections in Aboriginal children living in the Kimberley region of Western Australia: a qualitative analysis

While there are many skin infections, reducing the burden of scabies and impetigo for remote living Aboriginal people, particularly children remains challenging. Aboriginal children living in remote communities have experienced the highest reported rate of impetigo in the world and are 15 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with a skin infection compared to non-Aboriginal children.

Research

SToP (See, Treat, Prevent) skin sores and scabies trial: study protocol for a cluster randomised, stepped-wedge trial for skin disease control in remote Western Australia

Skin infection burden in remote Aboriginal communities can be reduced by the See, Treat, Prevent (SToP skin sores and scabies) trial

Research

Scabies and impetigo in Timor-Leste: A school screening study in two districts

Scabies and impetigo are common in Timor-Leste, with very high prevalence of scabies in the rural district of Ermera

Research

Hospital admissions for skin infections among Western Australian children and adolescents from 1996 to 2012

Skin infections are a significant cause of severe disease, requiring hospitalization in Western Australian children, particularly with Aboriginal children

News & Events

Telethon supports vital child health research projects

The generous support of West Australians through Channel 7’s Telethon Trust will help support crucial child health research at The Kids Research Institute Australia in 2022.

News & Events

Six-minute Strep A tests dramatically cut wait time in remote settings

Children at risk of potentially life-threatening Strep A infections no longer have to wait five days for timely treatment, thanks to a The Kids Research Institute Australia study conducted in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.