News & Stories from the Infection Research Program

The first results from the SNAP trial were presented at the ESCMID Global conference in April 2025. These results were widely felt to be practice changing – look out for publications to follow in major medical journals. In the meantime, the results are discussed in Dr Paul Sax's blog (ID Editor of NEJM Journal Watch).

To access the blog, click here. 

​Australia is currently experiencing a concerning measles outbreak, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. Measles is extremely contagious and can lead to severe complications, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. The safe and effective measles vaccine remains the best defense against the disease, underscoring the need for continued public health efforts to ensure widespread immunization.

To access the full article, click here. 

Australia has approved two RSV vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) targeting older adults, pregnant women, and infants under six months. Arexvy demonstrated 83% effectiveness against lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV types A and B. Vaccination is recommended for adults aged 75 and older, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and older, and adults over 60 with risk factors such as chronic diseases. However, the vaccine is currently not funded under public health programs and must be purchased privately.​ 

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​Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a long-known seasonal respiratory virus that causes cold and flu-like symptoms, typically resulting in mild illness for healthy adults. However, it can lead to more severe complications in vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. Recent increases in HMPV cases align with expected seasonal patterns and do not indicate a new pandemic threat like COVID-19. 

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​In 2024, a study by HMRI and the University of Newcastle found that rhinovirus (common cold) was the most prevalent respiratory virus in the Hunter region, accounting for 50% of infections, followed by COVID-19 at 21%. The research also revealed that while over 75% of virus detections were symptomatic, viruses like rhinovirus and bocavirus often resulted in asymptomatic cases, whereas COVID-19 and RSV were more likely to cause noticeable symptoms. ​ 

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In 2024, Australia experienced a record-breaking surge in whooping cough cases, surpassing 40,000 for the first time. This spike is attributed to decreased exposure during COVID-19 lockdowns and declining adult vaccination rates. Health experts stress the importance of regular booster shots, especially for pregnant women, childcare workers, and those at higher risk, as the vaccine does not provide lifelong immunity.  

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​Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises when microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, develop the ability to resist the effects of medications designed to kill them, rendering standard treatments ineffective. This resistance leads to more severe illnesses, increased hospitalizations, and a higher risk of complications and death. AMR is a significant global health threat, with bacterial resistance directly causing 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019 and contributing to 4.95 million more. The issue has been recognized since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, when Alexander Fleming warned about the potential for resistance due to misuse of antibiotics. ​ 

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​Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes mild respiratory infections, often referred to as "walking pneumonia," characterized by symptoms like a dry cough and headache. Unlike many bacteria, it lacks a cell wall, rendering common antibiotics like penicillin ineffective. Instead, specific antibiotics such as azithromycin are used for treatment. Recent increases in cases are attributed to cyclical patterns and waning community immunity, with improved testing methods like multiplex PCR leading to more frequent diagnoses. While most infections are mild and manageable at home, severe cases, particularly in children and the elderly, may require hospitalization.  

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​HMRI researchers are proactively monitoring and predicting potential future pandemics through the Pandemic Respiratory Virus Surveillance Trial (PREVENT). Building upon the FluTracking platform, the study involves 50 volunteers who self-collect weekly nasal swabs and report symptoms, enabling the detection of both known and unknown respiratory viruses using multi-plex PCR and advanced metagenomic testing. With over 85% compliance and plans to expand nationally, this initiative aims to establish a scalable early warning system to identify emerging viral threats before they escalate into pandemics. 

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Professor Nathan Bartlett, a leading researcher in the HMRI Infection Research Program, was named Citizen of the Year in the 2024 City of Newcastle honours. Recognised for over 20 years of pioneering medical research, he has significantly advanced treatments for COVID-19 and respiratory viruses, focusing on protecting vulnerable communities. Beyond his research, Professor Bartlett dedicates considerable time to educating the public and mentoring future medical professionals and biomedical researchers.  

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Professor Nathan Bartlett's journey from a childhood fascination with viruses to becoming a leading virologist at HMRI exemplifies a lifelong commitment to science. His early exposure to nature documentaries and encouragement from his mother sparked a deep interest in the natural world, leading him to pursue a career in science. Through rigorous education and international research experiences, including positions at Oxford University and Imperial College London, Professor Bartlett has dedicated his career to understanding and combating respiratory viruses, aiming to translate his findings into tangible public health solutions.

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Professor Nathan Bartlett and Team, are investigating the potential of PUREnFERRIN® lactoferrin, a milk-derived protein, as a preventive treatment against common respiratory viruses like the cold, influenza, and COVID-19. In preclinical studies, lactoferrin has demonstrated antiviral properties by binding to and deactivating viruses, as well as enhancing the immune system's ability to prevent viral entry into cells. The research, in collaboration with Noumi Ltd., aims to develop a nasal spray that could serve as a safe and effective tool to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and improve public health outcomes. 

To access the full article, click here.