Microbiology and Immunology

Jenny Elliman

Senior Lecturer
jennifer.elliman@jcu.edu.au

Daniel Browne

Lecturer, Microbiology and Immunology
daniel.browne@jcu.edu.au

Hillary Vanderven

Senior Lecturer, Immunology/Infectious Disease
hillary.vanderven@jcu.edu.au

Jessica Watt

Lecturer, Biomedicine
jessica.watt1@jcu.edu.au

Subir Sarker

Associate Professor, Microbiology
subir.sarker@jcu.edu.au

Catherine Rush

Associate Professor
catherine.rush@jcu.edu.au

Yaoqin Hong

Lecturer, Microbiology
yaoqin.hong@jcu.edu.au

Sequence identification of a new virus impacting the crayfish industry for RNAi intervention. (Old ID 22431)

Jenny Elliman

01 Dec 2015 - 31 Dec 2017

The crayfish industry is set to bloom as hatchery technology has started to sustainably produce craylings to stock farms. Both hatchery and table demand for crayfish are completely unmet with farm gate prices consistently at $34/kg with a huge potential market. The crayfish industry has a pressing issue of chronic, stress-related mortality events. We have identified a positive sense, single stranded RNA virus (+ve ssRNA) from partial sequences taken from these crayfish. Crayfish cannot be vaccinated against this virus due to a lack of B-cell lineage (antibody producing cells). However, we can use RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down the load of the virus to a minimum, manageable load. To do this, we need to know the sequence of the virus. Positive ssRNA viruses make up about 1/3 of the virosphere, so we cannot assume what virus are likely to have in our crayfish based on our preliminary viral sequence.

Development of a preventive strategy for rheumatic heart disease using an experimental model (Old ID 19355)

Catherine Rush

01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2016

Based on animal studies, we aim to demonstrate that the worsening of heart damage seen in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is due to repeated infections with bacteria (group A streptococci: GAS). The heart damage is caused by continual immune damage to the heart and valves and this has adverse effects on heart function. We will also investigate a novel way to prevent the development of RHD.

Investigating a potential viral aetiology for the development of multi-focal chondro-osseous proliferations in lovebirds

Subir Sarker

01 Aug 2024 - 01 Aug 2026

From the year June 2017 – 2024, 25 lovebirds (Agapornis roseicolli) presented for multi-focal, proliferative bony masses across two veterinary clinics in Australia and Europe (Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic, Victoria, Australia; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France, respectively).

Understanding the virome and microbiome of the Australia's most endangered psittacine parrots

Subir Sarker

03 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2024

This project focuses on understanding the virome and microbiome of Australia’s most endangered psittacine parrots to enhance conservation efforts. Using advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, we aim to characterize the viral and microbial communities within these birds, identifying known and novel pathogens and assessing their potential impacts on health and survival. The study will explore the interplay between host genetics, environmental factors, and microbial ecosystems, offering insights into disease dynamics. This foundational knowledge will inform targeted disease management strategies and conservation plans, helping safeguard these iconic species against extinction threats posed by infectious diseases and environmental changes.

Melioidosis on the move: Informing the public health response.

Catherine Rush

01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2029

Melioidosis is an often fatal infectious disease acquired from the environment and cases are rising in Australia. It mostly affects people living in regional locations who suffer from conditions like diabetes. Without the correct treatment, people die so awareness that this disease exists in communities is important for successful outcomes. This study will use innovative microbiology, genome and public health tools to detect and predict current and future melioidosis risk across the country

SARS_CoV2 Immune Landscape in the Tropics

Daniel Browne

27 Jan 2025 - 26 Jan 2026

COVID-19 continues to pose a significant health risk in tropical regions of Australia, where high-risk populations are often concentrated. This project aims to establish an immunology research group within James Cook University's College of Medicine and Dentistry to explore the T-cell immune responses to COVID-19 in these tropical populations. Leveraging a cost-effective, high-throughput RT-qPCR technique developed at JCU, we will assess and track the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 peptide epitopes in donors over several months. The study will optimize this method for fresh blood samples, gather preliminary data on immune variability, and inform the design and budgeting of a larger-scale future investigation.

Leveraging native soil microbiota to target melioidosis pathogens in Northern Queensland

Catherine Rush

01 Jul 2025 - 31 Dec 2025

Melioidosis is a serious disease caused by the soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bps). It is a major health concern in Northern Queensland and other tropical regions. As our modelling predicted, and as confirmed by the sharp rise in local cases in 2025, the incidence of melioidosis is likely to increase with ongoing climate change. At the same time, growing resistance to life-saving carbapenems is making treatment more difficult. In previous work, we identified Burkholderia ubonensis, a harmless soil bacterium that can selectively inhibit Bps. This finding suggests that native soil microbes may offer a new way to control Bps in the environment and could also provide a source of novel antimicrobial compounds. This project builds on that discovery. We will identify and characterise additional Bps-inhibiting microbes and compounds from Northern Queensland soils, with the aim of developing both environmental control strategies and new therapeutic options for melioidosis.

Leveraging native soil microbiota to target melioidosis pathogens in Northern Queensland

Yaoqin Hong

01 Jul 2025 - 31 Dec 2025

Tackling Antibiotic Resistance with Structure Destabilizing Compounds

Yaoqin Hong

01 Jul 2025 - 31 Dec 2025

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning of a "post-antibiotic era" where common infections become deadly. The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria necessitates innovative solutions to combat this growing crisis. Our proposal, "Tackling Antibiotic Resistance with Structure Destabilizing Compounds," aims to develop a novel class of antimicrobials that inactivate the structural integrity of the biotin protein ligase, a validated drug target in critical ESKAPE pathogens such as Escherichia, Klebsiella and Enterobacter species. This project will produce essential pilot data for an NHMRC Ideas Grant application in 2026 - Tackling Antibiotic Resistance with Structure Destabilizing Compounds.