Role Title: Systematic review: strength of association between impetigo (skin sores) and the ability to wash clothing and bedding Project Intern
Organisation: The Kids Research Institute Australia
Internship Period: Semester 1 (February - May)
Location: Nedlands
This role at The Kids Research Institute Australia, based at Perth Children's Hospital, is part of the STARFISH (STopping Acute Rheumatic Fever Infections to Strengthen Health) program within the Strep A Translation team. Supervised by Dr Kate Summers and A/Prof Rosemary Wyber, the project involves a systematic review (and possible meta-analysis) to describe the association between pathogens associated with skin infections and the impact of washing clothes/bedding. The work will also explore the strength of association between infestations (scabies and lice) and the development of impetigo.
Impetigo, a highly contagious skin infection caused by Strep A, can lead to acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease. It disproportionately affects children in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where living conditions, climate, and poverty contribute to high disease burden. Improving housing and environmental conditions is key to prevention. The nine ‘Healthy Living Practices’ framework highlights washing clothes and bedding as essential, yet its effectiveness in reducing skin infections is not fully understood.
This project supports STARFISH’s broader landscape analyses, lab research, and community-based studies, led by researchers from around the globe. Funded by the NHMRC, STARFISH partners with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop environmental health strategies for reducing Strep A infections and preventing ARF.
The Kids Research Institute Australia is based within the Perth Children’s Hospital, and is one of the largest, and most successful medical research institutes in Australia, comprising a dedicated and diverse team of around 1,000 staff, students and honoraries. We've created a bold blueprint that brings together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children through excellence in research.