Disease prevention and control, Infectious Disease Research at Otago

Agriculture at Otago

Enhancing agricultural productivity is one of our three research planks that underpins the challenges for NZ's Primary Sector as a global producer of sustainable high value food products.

Agricultural productivity can be significantly enhanced through reducing the impact of plant and animal pests and diseases, and by developing improved breeds of plants and animals.

This research is focused on developing new and / or improved strategies to diagnose and treat disease. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility to diseases, such as tuberculosis, has been a long-term focus of research at Otago and we also have expertise in plant diseases.

To reduce the impact plant pests and animal parasites have on productivity, we are developing pesticides with reduced off-target effects, and novel biocontrol strategies to control pasture pests.

Breeding strategies are being revolutionised through new molecular-genetic approaches. We have strong basic biomedical and plant research that provides extensive expertise in discovering the molecular basis of agriculturally important traits, such as animal fertility and plant flowering. This knowledge is crucial for the efficient incorporation of such traits in modern breeding programmes.

Email ag@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/agriculture

AIDS Epidemiology Group

The AIDS Epidemiology Group (AEG) has been responsible for national surveillance of AIDS and HIV infection in New Zealand since 1989.

Our aims are to:

Monitor the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in New Zealand through ongoing surveillance
Develop, and when appropriate, to apply, new methods of monitoring and evaluation, and
Contribute to the wider knowledge of HIV infection and AIDS

Email aidsepigroup@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/aidsepigroup

Mātai Hāora – Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine

(Formerly the Centre for Free Radical Research)

We carry out research on the regulation of oxidative stress and redox metabolism in cancer cells, and how these pathways may be manipulated to assist treatment.

Research Projects:

Alterations in the redox metabolism of cancer cells during metastasis and the development of drug resistance
Targeting the antioxidant systems of cancer cells
Vitamin C and the regulation of cancer cell epigenetics
Role of innate immune cells in the promotion and progression of cancer
Regulation of cell death pathways

Email mark.hampton@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/free-radical

Centre for International Health

The Centre for International Health facilitates and promotes research to contribute to the understanding and improvement of health in under-resourced countries, and focuses on postgraduate training and strategic mentorship of leaders.

Africa

Asia / Pacific

Email internationalhealth@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/internationalhealth/research

Co-Search: COVID-19 Research Collaborative

Guiding an effective and fair COVID-19 pandemic response in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Co-Search is a collaboration of researchers, universities, community organisations and a Crown Research Institute. It is led by Professor Michael Baker and Dr Amanda Kvalsvig of the Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington.

Email virginia.signal@otago.ac.nz
Email fiona.taylor@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/publichealth/research/heiru/co-search/

COVID-19 Research

COVID-19 Masterclass: Recorded presentations
University of Otago Laboratory unravelling COVID-1d9: Media release
Developing new antiviral drugs: profile of Professor Vernon Ward
New Zealand's strategy for surveillance: Video of presentation by Associate Professor Patricia Priest

D4: Diagnostics, Drugs, Devices and Discovery

D4: Diagnostics, Drugs, Devices and Discovery focuses on translational research for improving care via:

Creating novel point-of-care diagnostics and devices enabling targeted and selective treatments
Developing smart drug delivery systems and devices to improve and optimise therapy
Drug discovery for innovative treatments

The network draws together the disciplines of bioengineering, pharmaceutical science and drug discovery with an emphasis on collaborating with commerce and industry.

Email greg.walker@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/d4

Das Laboratory

Research at the Das Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, focuses on drug delivery via the pulmonary / respiratory route using dry powder inhalers (DPI), to improve drug therapy for chronic lung conditions such as:

Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Corona viral infection
Cystic fibrosis
Lung infections such as bronchiectasis
Tuberculosis

In response to COVID-19 Professor Das has extended his research to investigate delivery of drugs to the lungs with dry powder inhalers, nebulizers, and soft mist inhalers.

Email shyamal.das@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/pharmacy/research/pharmaceutical-sciences/das-lab.html

Department of Biochemistry

Our research groups use a variety of approaches to understand how disease occurs, including molecular genetics and bioinformatics, protein structural biology and cell biology techniques.

We study the infectious agents behind a range of diseases:

Professor Kurt Krause - The structural biology of infectious diseases, particularly targets from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including enzymes involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, like alanine racemase and glutamate racemase, and from poxviruses including immunomodulating factors such as chemokine binding proteins
Professor Iain Lamont - Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which cause lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis
Associate Professor Chris Brown - viruses including hepatitis B

Please visit the Department of Biochemistry's research pages to find out more:
Biochemistry research at Otago: Genetic and molecular basis of disease

Our staff also belong to wider topic-based research centres and themes in the University.

Email biochemistry@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/biochemistry/research

Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Please visit our Research Overview page for the specific research interests and expertise of our staff who work in the disciplines listed.

Immunology

Our department hosts a community of research groups involved in the study of a wide range of topics, from fundamental immunology and applied research on clinical and veterinary biomarkers through to vaccine development. Our research staff and students are experts in immunology, cell biology, blood and lymphatic systems.

Infectious disease-related work:

Microbiology

Our internationally recognized researchers and their teams are investigating areas central to microbiology, both fundamental and applied. Diverse techniques spanning genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry are used to understand the environmental role of microbes, host-microbe interactions that underpin both beneficial and disease processes in plants and animals, and to develop new biotechnologies.

Infectious disease-related work:

Parasitology

Our laboratory focuses on the biology of the parasite Plasmodium vivax (the cause of vivax malaria) and how we can kill it using therapeutics or vaccinations. In addition to vivax malaria we also investigate the biology and epidemiology of protozoal parasites of importance to human health in New Zealand.

Russell Lab

Virology

We have a vibrant virology community undertaking both basic and applied virology. Understanding virus-host interactions, engineering vaccines, the discovery of virus-derived bioactive molecules and identification of targets for antivirals are all key research areas. Our successful and active virology groups are supported by a collegial approach to research that benefits both staff and students.

Infectious-disease-related research collaborations

Research staff of the department collaborate with many other University of Otago researchers in the form of research themes or centres:

Email microbiology@otago.ac.nz
Web micro.otago.ac.nz/research/research-overview/

Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health

Research related to infectious disease in our department includes:

Poor compliance with standard precautions against infections during minor gynaecological procedures
Outcomes in HrHPV positive women with low grade cervical smears and normal or low grade initial colposcopy results

Email ogadmin.uow@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/obstetricsgynaecology/research/

Department of Paediatrics

The Christchurch Department of Paediatrics, which was established in 1972, has played a leading role in the development of teaching, research and professional training for Paediatrics and Child Health in New Zealand.

Infectious disease-related research includes:

Safety Monitoring of Adverse Reactions to Tdap Vaccine in Pregnancy (SMARTVIP)

Email tony.walls@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/christchurch/departments/paediatrics/research/

Department of Pathology

Focused on excellence in both research and teaching, the Department of Pathology is dedicated to investigating the cause of human disease, to applying our knowledge to improve the treatment of patients, and to share that knowledge with others.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The Hibma Laboratory, within the Department of Pathology, is aiming to better understand the biology of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly the interplay between the virus and the host immune system.

Cervical cancer is caused by infection with high-risk, cancer-causing types of HPV. HPV is also associated with around 30% of head and neck cancers, and may contribute to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Email merilyn.hibma@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/dsm-pathology/research/hibma-laboratory.html

Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science

The Department undertakes internationally-renowned research in pathology and biomedical science. This underpins the teaching of postgraduate research students and undergraduate medical students at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.

Zoonotic disease transmission

Around 60% of microorganisms causing human disease are passed between animals and humans ("zoonotic" pathogens). Changing farming practices in New Zealand are creating conditions promoting pathogen transfer between species.

Dr Pippa Scott's HRC project aims to identify interventions to control transmission to humans. Two zoonotic bacteria will be examined: Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Staphylococcus aureus. STEC causes severe diarrhoea, while S. aureus causes serious skin and bloodstream infections.

The Infection Group

We are a research collaboration between the University of Otago and the Canterbury District Health Board based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

See our full listing below
The Infection Group

Email the-infection-group@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/infection-group/research

Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine

The Department is a multidisciplinary unit in which the sub-disciplines of haematology, microbiology, chemical pathology, anatomical pathology and molecular pathology are represented.

Penicillin

Dianne Sika-Paotonu is the Scientific Lead for the Penicillin Research Programme in New Zealand. Selected projects within the VUW Penicillin Research work include: Benzathine Penicillin G (BPG) Reformulation Preferences study, the BPG Pharmacokinetics Study and the BPG Reformulation work. In the past she has worked with the Group A Streptococcal Disease team based in Perth.

Dianne is of Tongan descent and also has strong research interests in areas of health research relevant to Pacific populations living in New Zealand and in the Pacific. She is also the Associate Dean (Pacific) at the University of Otago, Wellington.

Email dianne.sika-paotonu@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/pathologymolecularmedicine/research/

Department of Population Health

HIV: The lived experience

This research explores the intersections between the experience of living with HIV, aging and social isolation in Canterbury across time to inform planning for service delivery models.

Research suggests that people are living longer with HIV and therefore as a group are getting older; more people are being diagnosed with HIV later in life; and there has been a trend in geographical movement of people living with HIV/AIDS from cities to rural areas. These factors all have an impact on access to support and health services.

Email gillian.abel@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/christchurch/research/populationhealth/otago045432.html

Department of Preventive and Social Medicine

We work to understand why some people are healthy and some are not, how to prevent illness and injury, how people's health can be improved through working with communities, how political systems and health organisations affect health, and other issues relating to the health of populations.

Departmental researchers contribute to the following collaborations associated with infectious disease:

Email pa.hodpsm@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/dsm-psm

Department of Public Health

The research groups within the Department of Public Health at our Wellington campus carry out a range of research on critical public health issues. These include cancer and screening, healthy eating, health services research and prioritisation, housing, sustainability and the environment, inequalities, infectious diseases (including Tuberculosis, Rheumatic fever, measles), Māori health, and tobacco.

Our research groups working in infectious disease include:

Email publichealth.wellington@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/publichealth/research

Disease Research Limited

As a diagnostic laboratory DRL have worked closely with New Zealand vets and farmers for the past 30 years to develop and make available custom diagnostic services to better meet their needs.

In addition to routine testing capability for Johne's disease in deer, cattle, sheep and goats from serum, milk and dung samples, DRL also provide testing services for BVDV (cattle) and CAE (goats) and are partnered with CRV Ambreed as their preferred herd testing diagnostic laboratory.

DRL have always been actively engaged in research activities relative to animal health in NZ and in the translation of their laboratory findings into practical and usable frontline diagnostic tools. In 2016, DRL transitioned from a university-administered laboratory service into an independent agri-enterprise under the management of Otago Innovation Limited based at the Invermay Agricultural Centre based in Mosgiel just outside of Dunedin.

DRL was originally Deer Research Laboratory, subsequently Disease Research Laboratory, and more recently reborn as Disease Research Limited. It was established by Professor Frank Griffin in 1985 within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Otago.

Email drl@drl.net.nz
Web www.drl.net.nz
DRL - Diesease Research Limited

Genetics Otago

Genetics Otago is the largest centre for advanced genetics research in Australasia, with researchers and facilities covering the full spectrum of genetics research. In relation to infectious diseases our research includes:

Applied genetics research
Our researchers are at the forefront of selecting and producing new traits for biologically-based industries. These industries are the backbone of the New Zealand economy.
Developmental genetics research
We study genes and development in numerous vertebrates and invertebrates. We work to identify genes associated with human developmental disease, and on epigenetics, and human and plant biology.
Microbial research
Our researchers study the biology of these organisms, including how viruses interact with other organisms and the immune system, and how they might be harnessed to deliver health benefits.

Email go@otago.ac.nz
Web https://www.otago.ac.nz/genetics/nz/

Genomics Aotearoa

Genomics Aotearoa is an agile, leading-edge and collaborative platform, established to ensure that New Zealand is internationally participating and leading in the rapidly developing fields of genomics (the study of the genome, the complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism) and bioinformatics (the development of methods and software tools for understanding the biological data derived from genomics).

Genomics Aotearoa is an alliance of nine partners:

Universities - Auckland, Massey, Otago, Victoria, Waikato
Crown Research Institutes - AgResearch, ESR, Landcare Research, Plant & Food

It also has over 30 associates - organisations that are researchers or end users of genomics and bioinformatics.

Email genomics.aotearoa@otago.ac.nz
Web www.genomics-aotearoa.org.nz

Health, Environment and Infection Research Unit (HEIRU)

The Health, Environment and Infection Research Unit (HEIRU) is a collaboration of researchers focused on the impact of infectious diseases and adverse environmental factors on population health.

We use a range of research methods to investigate these health concerns; to identify effective interventions to reduce the burden of disease and inequalities; and to support the move to greater environmental sustainability.

HEIRU aims to provide evidence-based recommendations and advice to support New Zealand and international agencies and practitioners in their disease prevention and control activities.

Our research includes:

Impact and distribution of infectious disease in New Zealand
Campylobacter epidemiology and impact
Risk factors for Rheumatic Fever (case-control study)
BLIS trial for rheumatic fever prevention (with Julian Crane)
Evaluation of the Rheumatic Fever Prevention Programme (with ESR)
Coalition to Advance New Vaccines for Group A Streptococcus (CANVAS) (with Telethon Kids Institute and University of Auckland)
Southern Hemisphere Influenza and Vaccine Effectiveness, Research and Surveillance (SHIVERS) (with ESR)
Clioepidemiology of pandemic influenza: ongoing projects studying the experience of pandemic influenza in 1918.
Health effects of household crowding (with Housing and Health Research Programme)
Integrated Systems for Epidemic Response (ISER) (with University of NSW, Australia)

Email michael.baker@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/publichealth/research/heiru/

He Kainga Oranga / Housing and Health Research Programme

He Kainga Oranga, the Housing and Health Research Programme, examines and clarifies the links between Housing and Health. Although the association between poor housing and ill health is known, the links that make up the causal chain have until recently been poorly understood.

Conducting our own studies and examining existing evidence enables us to identify and evaluate housing-related interventions to improve individual, family and community health. Our multi-disciplinary team has expertise in both qualitative and quantitative disciplines.

Some of our infectious-disease-related research includes:

Close-contact infectious diseases
Housing Policy, Crowding and Meningococcal Disease
Rental housing warrant of fitness
Rheumatic Fever incidence and housing conditions
Safe Housing Enabling Long Term Effective Recovery (SHELTER)
Tuberculosis

Email healthyhousing@otago.ac.nzWeb healthyhousing.org.nz

HIV: The lived experience

This research is conducted within the Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch. It explores the intersections between the experience of living with HIV, aging and social isolation in Canterbury across time to inform planning for service delivery models.

Email gillian.abel@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/christchurch/research/populationhealth/otago045432.html

The Infection Group

We are a research collaboration between the University of Otago and the Canterbury District Health Board based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Infection Group is also an integral member of One Health Aotearoa, an alliance of New Zealand's leading infectious diseases researchers who are committed to working together to tackle important infectious diseases locally and globally.The Infection Group are interested in all aspects of human infection, and our research aims to provide new insights into the prevention, management, surveillance and control of infections of global importance.

Infection Group research includes:

Antimicrobials
Application of molecular diagnostics in routine diagnostic microbiology
Breath research
Influenza
Invasive bacterial infections
Legionnaires' disease
Pneumonia
Vitamin D
Zoonotic disease transmission

Email the-infection-group@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/infection-group

New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit

Our unit operates a system for the monitoring of acute flaccid paraylsis, as part of the the global certification of eradication of poliomylelitis, required for WHO.
About polio

We also facilitate national surveillance to improve the knowledge of a number of uncommon high-impact childhood conditions in New Zealand.

Current NZPSU studies include those below:

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP)
Congenital rubella
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)
Perinatal HIV exposure
Possible congenital Zika syndrome and/or severe microcephaly

Email nzpsu@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/nzpsu

One Health Aotearoa

One Health Aotearoa is an alliance of New Zealand's leading infectious diseases researchers committed to working together to address important health hazards in New Zealand, and beyond.

A key lesson from recent infectious diseases outbreaks, including Ebola in West Africa, and efforts to control antimicrobial resistance, is that now, more than ever, we need to work across sectors, and reverse the trend towards increasing compartmentalization. Importantly, issues are addressed in a real-world context, with early involvement of key stakeholders and easier translation into policy.

Visit our website for more about our integrative approach to understanding, preventing, and controlling infectious diseases including:

Email: one.health@otago.ac.nz
Web: onehealth.org.nz

Otago Genomics Facility

We provide expertise and sequencing resources to New Zealand researchers and industry including:

Project design and advice
Illumina HiSeq sequencing
Illumina MiSeq sequencing
Nanostring nCounter Analysis System

The Otago Genomics Facility is an Illumina Propel-certified service provider for Illumina HiSeq 2500 and MiSeq sequencing platforms, and is also a Nanostring nCounter Analysis System core facility.

Email genomics@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/genomics

Otago Global Health Institute (OGHI)

We aim to improve global health and save lives, by identifying and evaluating solutions to important health problems in low-resource settings.

We work to address the world's most pressing health problems through research collaborations with low- and middle-income countries, and with disadvantaged groups in New Zealand.

We draw upon New Zealand's unique connections with Asia and the Pacific. Our extensive international partnerships and cross-disciplinary collaborations enable us to carry out innovative and rigorous research to advance global health.

Visit OGHI Selected projects to read more about:

Collaborative fever etiology research in Southeast Asia
Concurrent Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus (TANDEM) in Indonesia
Examining the impact of agricultural intensification on childhood growth in prehistoric SE Asia
Febrile illness, invasive bacterial disease, and antimicrobial resistance among inpatients in Myanmar
Hazards Associated with Zoonotic enteric pathogens in Emerging Livestock meat pathways (HAZEL)
Impact and social ecology of bacterial zoonoses in northern Tanzania
Implications for migration and trade on the presence of infectious and nutritional diseases in past populations in Asia
Invasive Salmonella infections in Africa
Investigating Febrile Deaths in Tanzania (INDITe)
Latent tuberculosis infection among health care workers
Molecular epidemiology of brucellosis in northern Tanzania
Severe typhoid in Tanzania (STT)
Social, Economic and Environmental Drivers of Zoonoses in Tanzania (SEEDZ)
Socioeconomic risk factors for childhood pneumonia in Basse, The Gambia
Typhoid Vaccine Acceleration Consortium (TyVAC)
Whole genome sequencing of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains

Email globalhealth@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/global-health

Otago Micro and Nanoscale Imaging (OMNI)

Four well-established and highly respected research-expertise providers have joined together under one umbrella to offer:

All the expertise, highly sophisticated instrumentation, and stellar support remains in place, as do the existing locations of services on our Dunedin campus.

The four units have collaborated on a new website as a central repository of their capabilities and achievements.

For all you need to know about what can be offered, who can help, what services, training, and specialist expertise and advice is available, please contact us.

Email omni@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/omni

Research Infrastructure Centre

Our Research Infrastructure Centre offers specialist expertise, technology and facilities in protein research, genomics, imaging, and biomedical research.

We support optimum design and analysis of your research, and provide skill development opportunities.

Our academic leadership is of the highest calibre and we have extensively experienced and skilled staff.

Our services are available to researchers in institutions, industry, government and private companies.

Email ric.admin@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/healthsciences/research/ric

School of Pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy has a very active research programme with disciplines ranging from science to humanities with each having a strong contextual link to health sciences.

Our research related to infectious diseases is listed under our three main research areas:

Clinical Pharmacy (optimal use of medicines)

Professor Carlo Marra: Health assessment for people with HIV/AIDS in Kenya

Pharmaceutical Sciences (quality of medicines)

Professor Shyamal Das: Respiratory drug delivery
Dr Allan Gamble: Design and synthesis of biologically-active molecules
Professor Sarah Hook: Development and application of novel therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines
Associate Profesor Arlene McDowell: Veterinary formulations
Professor Ian Tucker: Drug formulation and delivery for human and veterinary applications
Associate Professor Joel Tyndall: Drug design and discovery

Social Pharmacy (Access to medicines)

Dr Susan Heydon: Global vaccination programmes

Research groups and collaborations with relevance to infectious disease:

Email pharmacy.research@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/pharmacy/research

Sir John Walsh Research Institute (Oral health)

Our institute has two programme areas with research related to infectious diseases:

Clinical and translational research

We focus on studies of direct clinical relevance as well as the translation of basic research into clinical practice with the objective of delivering better and more efficient treatments including:

Manuka honey antibacterial action against childhood caries
Manuka honey and Manuka oil antibacterial action against periodontitus
Silver nano-particles as antibacterial agents
Prescription of systemic antibiotics by dental specialists
Cross-infection control practices in New Zealand dental practices

Molecular microbiology

Oral microbes cause disease in a large proportion of our population. In the Molecular Microbiology programme we study how the diseases are caused and how we can prevent or overcome them. Our research includes:

Structure-directed antimicrobial discovery
Candida adherence and drug resistance
Oral bacteriology
Microbial profiling and bacterial genome sequencing

Email sjwri.admin@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/sjwri/research

Webster Centre for Infectious Diseases

Our scope extends from molecular to clinical research of infectious diseases affecting humans, animals, and plants.

We have over forty experts from across the university making fundamental discoveries and translating these discoveries into practical applications against infectious diseases.

Members of the Webster Centre use a variety of methods in their research, ranging from chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, immunology and microbiology.

Key research:

Email webstercentre@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/webster