Ear Nose and Throat Studies

Biofilm in Ear Nose and Throat Infections

Many children suffer from chronic and/or recurrent ear,nose and throat infections. Even following many courses of antibiotics, infections often do not improve, or get better for only a short time before returning. Our research in ENT infections is focussed on why some children are particularly prone to these infections, especially populations such as Aboriginal children who have very high rates of chronic ear disease and associated complications such as hearing loss.

STUDY STATUS: Recruitment Closed ~ Results pending.

The GROMIT Study

The GROMIT study will investigate the Genetics of Recurrent Otitis Media and Immunology in Toddlers. The study will aim to get better insight into why some young children sufffer from recurrent ear infections. We will study the immune function and genetic factors underlying this increased susceptibility to otitis media.

STUDY STATUS:  Recruitment Closed ~ Results pending.

GAS (group A strep) is a common cause of throat and skin infections, but is also responsible for some rare but more serious diseases such as scarlet fever, Toxic Shock Syndrome and rheumatic fever. GAS infection can cause permanent damage to the heart and kidneys. This study will aid future work on a vaccine against GAS infection.

STUDY STATUS: Completed. 

The recurrent ear infection (otitis media) study looked at the effects of Prevenar™ (a vaccine against the pneumococcal germ, which is the most common cause of ear infections) in children who have recurrent ear infections. Children eligible for the study were aged between 12 and 24 months, and had 3 or more episodes of ear infections diagnosed by a doctor in the last 6 months or 4 or more episodes in the last 12 months. The control group included children of the same age who did not have recurrent ear infections (ie no more than one ear infection) and were otherwise healthy. The participants have completed their study visits and the data is currently being analysed.

STUDY STATUS: Completed.