In a major advancement in the global battle against StrepA, Professor Martina Sanderson-Smith from the University of Wollongong and an interdisciplinary team of researchers have been awarded the Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research.
The project, Protecting Young Hearts conducted by Professor Sanderson-Smith from UOW’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and the Molecular Horizons Research Institute and a team of Australian researchers aims to mitigate the effects of StrepA, specifically in vulnerable populations like Indigenous Australians.
StrepA, a bacterial infection that often causes sore throats, can escalate into life-threatening conditions such as rheumatic heart disease, scarlet fever, and necrotising fasciitis.
Professor Sanderson-Smith highlighted the global significance of the research, noting its potential to lead to life-saving treatments, preventive measures and vaccine development for StrepA infections worldwide.
“StrepA can be devastating for children and vulnerable members of society. Our team is at the forefront of the global effort to characterise and contain StrepA outbreaks and to develop treatments for infection. It is a public health concern that has not yet been met, with hundreds of thousands of deaths each year linked to StrepA and its associated impacts,” Professor Sanderson-Smith said.
“A vaccine is a vital step in eradicating StrepA. The development of a vaccine will not only keep our children safe in Australia but will benefit communities around the world,”
UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures), Professor David Currow, praised the team’s contributions to science, acknowledging the far-reaching impact of their research.
“This project will have a global impact in the fight to eradicate StrepA and develop a vaccine. We are thrilled to see Professor Sanderson-Smith and her team’s contributions recognised on such a distinguished platform,” Professor Currow said.
