For those suffering with rheumatic heart disease, early diagnosis and treatment can spell the difference between life and death. However, for those living in rural and remote areas without easy access to healthcare, early intervention is a luxury that many unfortunately don’t receive.
With no simple diagnostic test currently available, a group of researchers from the University of New England, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Auckland, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland, Griffith University and the University of Mumbai are setting out to find a solution.
Thanks to a $485,000 Ideas Grant from The National Health and Medical Research Council, they will undertake a three-year project to develop a simple test similar to the rapid diagnostic tests that we have grown familiar with during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What we have discovered are a group of specific antibodies in a laboratory model of this disease and in blood samples from patients with rheumatic heart disease,” says project lead, UNE Professor in Biomedical Science (Infection & Immunity) Natkunam Ketheesan.
“These antibodies can be used as a marker of rheumatic heart disease and made into a rapid test.”
He says a quick and easy test like this could dramatically improve health outcomes for those suffering with the disease across the globe.
Rheumatic heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in adolescents and children, while the rates of this disease in our Indigenous communities are amongst the highest in the world.
“It’s estimated that approximately 40 million people are currently affected by this condition worldwide with around 400,000 people dying an untimely death each year,” he says.
“Early diagnosis and regular treatment with antibiotics prevent repeat streptococcal infection, thereby stopping the disease process.”
When the body is exposed to repeated streptococcal infections, an autoimmune response is triggered which can not only lead to rheumatic fever but progress to rheumatic heart disease and associated complications affecting the brain, skin and joints.
Dr David McMillan from the University of the Sunshine Coast will work alongside Professor Ketheesan, and says he’s excited to contribute to a project that could dramatically improve health outcomes within the vulnerable groups of our community.
“Rheumatic heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in adolescents and children, while the rates of this disease in our Indigenous communities are amongst the highest in the world,” he says.
“This project is important as it will enable a rapid diagnostic test to be used in these populations, which are often a long way from health care centres.”
The grant funding, which is only awarded to nine percent of applicants, will also allow the team to employ an experienced scientist and provide scholarships to three Indigenous research cadets who will be trained within the research group.
If we have well trained graduates within the regional and remote healthcare workforce with research knowledge, the long-term outcome for those suffering chronic disease would significantly improve.
With First Nations people currently only making up one percent of domestic undergraduates in health-related university courses, Professor Ketheesan says it’s vital that institutions like UNE provide as many opportunities as possible for minority students.
“In collaboration with staff at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre and my colleague and collaborator at Griffith University who is of First Nation heritage, we will select students enrolled in health-related courses at UNE to train within our research team during their summer breaks,” he says.
“If we have well trained graduates within the regional and remote healthcare workforce with research knowledge, the long-term outcome for those suffering chronic disease would significantly improve.
“For the future, we need to ensure that we have an enthusiastic and well-trained research workforce right across Australia.”
