Early life is marked by distinct and rapidly evolving immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. The vulnerability of the newborn reflects development of a complex immune system in the face of rapidly changing demands during the transition to extra-uterine life. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• September 2021

BCG vaccination modulates immune responses to unrelated pathogens. This off-target effect could reduce the impact of emerging pathogens. As a readily available, inexpensive intervention that has a well-established safety profile, BCG is a good candidate for protecting healthcare workers (HCWs) and other vulnerable groups against COVID-19. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• October 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection rapidly spreads in populations due to the high rates of community transmission. Interrupting the shedding of SARS-CoV-2 may reduce the incidence of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• August 2021

The reported frequency and types of adverse events following initial vaccination and revaccination with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) varies worldwide. Using active surveillance in a randomised controlled trial of BCG vaccination (the BRACE trial), we determined the incidence and risk factors for the development of BCG injection site abscess and regional lymphadenopathy. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• January 2022

Preterm infants are at a high risk of developing late-onset sepsis (LOS). Lactoferrin is one of the most abundant endogenous antimicrobial proteins expressed in breast milk, stools, and blood, and a candidate for preventive intervention. Large clinical trials have recently investigated whether enteral supplementation with bovine lactoferrin reduces LOS. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2020
• August 2020

Neonatal sepsis remains one of the key challenges of neonatal medicine, and together with preterm birth, causes almost 50% of all deaths globally for children younger than 5 years. Compared with advances achieved for other serious neonatal and early childhood conditions globally, progress in reducing neonatal sepsis has been much slower, especially in low-resource settings that have the highest burden of neonatal sepsis morbidity and mortality. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2024
• June 2024

Preterm babies have a heightened risk of infection as their immune system is not mature. The Neonatal Health Team is exploring new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat infections in WA's smallest patients . ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Early Environment
• Early Life & Life-Course Health

Accumulating evidence indicates that an early, robust type 1 interferon (IFN) response to SARS-CoV-2 is important in determining COVID-19 outcomes, with an inadequate IFN response associated with disease severity. Our objective was to examine the prophylactic potential of IFN administration to limit viral transmission. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• July 2023

Implementation of lifelong ART of all HIV-infected women has the potential to improve maternal determinants of protective immunity in the young infant ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2020
• May 2020

Coconut oil has been used on premature babies at King Edward Memorial Hospital since 2017 to help fight off deadly infections. Now, Telethon Kids ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Research Impact
• 2022
• Research translation