Role Title: Systematic review of the association between Strep A transmission and animal vectors 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 transmission of Strep A between animal vectors and humans.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) infections can lead to acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. While Strep A transmission is historically attributed to respiratory droplets, emerging evidence suggests airborne, vehicle, and vector modes, including potential transmission via animals (e.g., dogs, cats, farm animals). This project contributes to STARFISH’s broader research on environmental health interventions for Strep A prevention. The program, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council Australia, is a collaboration between Telethon Kids Institute, University of Queensland, Menzies, Harvard, and the Peter Doherty Institute, working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
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.