Tong Group

Project Details

1. Clinical trials for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections
   
   Bloodstream infections due to Staphylococcus aureus are common and dangerous. There are >5000 such infections in Australia every year, with a 20% mortality with each episode. We are currently conducting multi-centre clinical trials to improve the management of these infections. A major focus of our work is to develop a novel adaptive platform trial to optimise management of all subgroups of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia. There are many elements involved in setting up such a platform trial, ranging from Bayesian statistical modelling, protocol development, streamlined consent processes and ethical considerations.
2. SNAP - Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform Trial
   
   We are developing a novel adaptive platform trial to optimise management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia. There are many elements involved in setting up such a platform trial, ranging from Bayesian statistical modelling, protocol development, streamlined consent processes and ethical considerations. We are looking for motivated individuals keen to learn about applying these novel methodologies to a key clinical infectious diseases syndrome.
3. Genomic and clinical epidemiology of emerging Staphylococcus aureus clones
   
   The epidemiology of staphylococcal infections is dynamic. The reasons for the waxing and waning of clones is not well understood. Our work seeks to elucidate drivers of emerging clones and especially the role of antibiotic resistance. We have a particular interest in S. aureus clones from remote northern Australia where rates of MRSA dwarf that of elsewhere in Australia.
   
   We have also defined and named a new species of Staphylococcus. Staphylococcus argenteus (so named as it lacks the golden pigment of S. aureus) is increasingly recognized as a cause of serious infections globally. Our work aims to understand the population biology and clinical consequences of this new species.

Researchers

• Associate Professor Steven Tong
  Infectious Diseases Physician
• Jake Lacey
  Post-doctoral Researcher