Dissertation
Insights from a different vantage point: New modelling of vaccination and epidemiology of Chlamydia infections
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00083
Abstract
Chlamydia are intracellular pathogens that infect a broad range of host species including humans and koalas. Depending on the bacterial strain, chlamydial infections can lead to severe reproductive or ocular disease, potentially resulting in infertility or blindness. Many infections are subclinical and may persist, complicating control strategies for this pathogen. Vaccination is a potential control strategy that could result in protecting vaccinated individuals against Chlamydia-related disease. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate efficacy of candidate Chlamydia vaccines using novel biostatistical approaches to determine the effects of vaccination on measures of success, including changes in chlamydial load, host immune cytokine expression or anti-Chlamydia antibody production, and chlamydial disease. Vaccination success can be measured for its protective (against pathogen infection or disease from non-disease hosts) or therapeutic effect (reducing pathogen shedding or disease from diseased hosts). An additional research chapter using similar methodologies and focussing on Chlamydia, but departing from the vaccine focus, evaluated epidemiological factors likely to affect repeat chlamydial infection in women in Australia.
Details
- Title
- Insights from a different vantage point: New modelling of vaccination and epidemiology of Chlamydia infections
- Authors
- David Lizarraga
- Contributors
- Peter Timms (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00083
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99557908702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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