Infectious Diseases
Group Leader: Dr Joanna Kirman
Reducing the incidence of infectious disease in New Zealand through vaccination is the ultimate goal of the research conducted by the Infectious Diseases Group.
Although it was once considered a problem of third world countries only, globalisation has meant that many New Zealanders are now exposed to, and contract Tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is the most lethal known bacteria, claiming 1.8 million lives and newly infecting >8 million people each year. It is estimated that one New Zealander a day is being newly diagnosed with TB, a rate that is expected to rise unless preventative measures, such as new vaccines, are developed soon.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of infant hospitalisation, affecting more than 95 % of children under the age of two. One of the aims of our research is to identify the factors that contribute to our high RSV hospitalisation rates so that we can start to look at possible interventions to reduce the rate of severe RSV infection in New Zealand.
Studies of these and other viruses of particular relevance to New Zealanders are crucial to determining appropriate vaccine design and administration.
