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Research

The study of the respiratory microbiota has revealed that the lungs of healthy and diseased individuals harbour distinct microbial communities. Imbalances in these communities can contribute to the pathogenesis of lung disease. How these imbalances occur and establish is largely unknown. This review is focused on the genetically inherited condition of Cystic Fibrosis.

Research

In recent years the study of the commensal microbiota is driving a remarkable paradigm shift in our understanding of human physiology. However, intrinsic technical difficulties associated with investigating the Microbiomics of some body niches are hampering the development of new knowledge. This is particularly the case when investigating the functional role played by the human microbiota in modulating the physiology of key organ systems. A major hurdle in investigating specific Microbiome communities is linked to low bacterial density and susceptibility to bias caused by environmental contamination.

Research

Noninvasive measurement of respiratory impedance by oscillometry can be used in young children aged from 3 years and those unable to perform forced respiratory manoeuvres. It can discriminate between healthy children and those with respiratory disease. However, its clinical application is limited by the lack of reference data for African paediatric populations. The aim of the present study was to develop reference equations for oscillometry outcomes in South African children and adolescents.

Research

In children, chronic wet cough may be a sign of underlying lung disease, including protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) and bronchiectasis. Chronic (> 4 weeks in duration) wet cough (without indicators pointing to alternative causes) that responds to antibiotic treatment is diagnostic of PBB. Timely recognition and management of PBB can prevent disease progression to irreversible bronchiectasis with lifelong consequences. However, detection and management require timely health-seeking by carers and effective management by clinicians.

Research

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages Kara-mokiny 1, Kara-mokiny 2, and Kara-mokiny 3. These phages have lytic capabilities against P. aeruginosa and belong to the myovirus morphotype. The genomes of Kara-mokiny 1 and Kara-mokiny 2 are 67,075 bp while that of Kara-mokiny 3 is 66,019 bp long.

Research

Pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis are characterized by airway inflammation and may cause irreversible lung damage. Early identification of such exacerbations may facilitate early initiation of treatment, thereby potentially reducing long-term morbidity. Research question: Is it possible to predict pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis, using inflammatory markers obtained from BAL fluid?

News & Events

Congratulations to Dr Montgomery, Dr Iosifidis and Dr D’Vaz on winning the Wal-yan Centre's inaugural seed funding competition.

News & Events

Analysis of worldwide research shows that despite advances in neonatal care, preterm babies have lower lung function throughout their life.

News & Events

September marks the three-month milestone of an intensive health promotion campaign in the East Kimberley region, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of a chronic wet cough in Aboriginal children.

News & Events

A study which set out to determine ways to predict the long-term lung health of young adults born very preterm has shown that a childhood history of respiratory hospital admission should be a key consideration in the management of preterm children and adults.