Research Projects

Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes, Strep A) is a ubiquitous pathogen that is a common cause of skin sores and pharyngitis.  While often mild, these superficial infections are the precursors of both invasive disease and immune-mediated conditions such as acute rheumatic fever (ARF), rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have some of the highest rates of these diseases globally. One of the main drivers of Strep A infections in these populations is scabies, an infestation of tiny mites that burrow under the skin and cause severe itching. Using an individual-based model, we have recently quantified the benefits of targeting primordial factors associated with an increased risk of Strep A infection as an approach to reduce the burden of the Strep A immune-mediated diseases. Separately, we have developed transmission models to estimate the impact of mass drug administration, a common intervention for neglected tropical diseases, on the prevalence of scabies.  This project will develop models that merge the transmission dynamics of both Strep A and scabies, to investigate the combined impacts of controlling scabies through mass drug administration and targeting primordial factors underlying Strep A infections. Results of the modelling will be used to better inform prioritization of intervention strategies against these diseases in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.   

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