THE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTE Incorporating FOR AND PUBLIC HEALTH | AUTUMN 2006 Research for Life

VACCINES FOR CANCER? New hope for prevention and treatment INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM Sexual health and risk behaviour in young men BURNET & AUSTIN RESEARCH INSTITUTES

MERGEWorld-class researchers join together to form a new ‘Super-Institute’

SPECIAL REPORT ENCLOSED> www.burnet.edu.au 2 Information on the the on Information Associate Professor Professor Associate Spotlight Staff 11 Events 11 Partnerships Working 10 Hogarth, Mark Professor Heads Talking 9 Burnet’s from Updates around from Words Brief 8 in News REGULARS 6 people young engaging Why 7 to approach Anovel 4 risk and health Sexual FEATURES 3

are tax deductible. tax are $2 over donations All 984 349 49 007 ABN Institute. Research Austin the incorporating now Institute) (Burnet Ltd Health Public and Research Medical for Institute Burnet Macfarlane the of IMPACT SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL Austin Research Institutes. Research Austin and Burnet the of merger Institute Research Austin incorporating Institute Burnet Magdalena Plebanski. Magdalena Laboratory. Infl Diseases ammatory Trust Smith Macpherson Helen the of Head Tibet. and Mozambique in work world the important. fi the so in is HIV against ght &HIV sexuality Risk, treatment. and prevention cancer? for clubs. football regional and rural in men young among behaviours room locker the Inside is the newsletter newsletter the is www.burnet.edu.au [email protected] 2100 +61Fax 39282 2111Tel +61 39282 3001 Australia 2284 Box GPO 3004 Australia Melbourne Road Commercial 85 INSIDE DIRECTOR’S Burnet Institute – across th –across Institute Burnet – organisation one as operating now year, is this and 1 January on Institute Burnet the with merged Institute Research Austin The Institute. Research Austin We look forward to a very productive future together. future productive avery to forward We look Burnet. to Institute Research Austin the of supporters many the and staff the welcome to opportunity this take to like I would world. ahealthier for outcomes improved to leading vigour agreater with programs health public and research innovative our pursue to us enable will it and Burnet of development the in stage exciting avery is institutes two the of merging The campuses. Burnet both at collaboratively performed being infl work the of avian for some with uenza, strategies prevention of development the for awarded being grants research new with recognised, being Benefi already are merger the of ts colon. and lung as breast, such cancers for vaccines also but the region, threatening diseases infectious the not major only for of vaccines in the development capacity research our infland rotavirus as malaria, such enhanced and uenza; diseases to include our research broadened have we of the merger a result As AMREP. at staff Burnet join will campus Austin the from staff and completed, be to expected are building existing Burnet’s to adjacent laboratories new when 2007/08, until sites two over operate to continue will Institute The challenges. disease new tackle to us enable and programs, health public and research current our enrich will ‘Super-Institute’ new this of creation the professionals, W fi the to Welcome of issue rst potential to into develop and these programs extend the future. nature ofofand institutes, thethetheprograms two research The merger campus. Hospital Precinct Austin (AMREP)and incorporating incorporating Professor Steve Wesselingh, Director Wesselingh, Steve Professor ith an increased critical mass of 200 scientists and public health health public and scientists 200 of mass critical increased an ith www.austinresearch.org.au [email protected] Fax + 61 3 9287 0600 Tel + 61 3 9287 0666 Heidelberg Victoria 3084 Studley Road Kronheimer Building Austin Hospital AUSTIN CAMPUS was was a logical and step strategic given the complementary

Research for Life for Research

REPORT

e Alfred Medical Research andEducation IMPACT oversubscribed, excess funds included in this newsletter are Where special purpose appeals have any infectious diseases. implication that these people permission. There is no photographed with their in this newsletter were appear in images included Where possible people that

the newsletter of the former former the of newsletter –the for 2006 which is now now is which 2006 for

that funds are redirected to. notified of the specific project Institute. Contributors will be of the Director of the Burnet similar nature at the discretion will be allocated to projects of a and risk behaviours sexual health UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS AND KEY POSITIONS sexual health and risk behaviours IN YOUNG MEN IN RURAL AND REGIONAL FOOTBALL CLUBS Young men are not typically known for their candidness when it comes to matters relating to sex. Apart from the boastful comment here or there to a mate, discussing sexual health and behaviours is generally avoided as much as humanly possible. Or so goes the stereotype. MBI3671 HealthInfo z-card 6/16/05 9:47 AM Page 1

If you are a male aged 15-29 in o develop strategies to help improve the past three months. Condom use in Australia you are approximately 24 MBI3671 HealthInfo z-card 6/16/05 9:47 AM Page 1 times more likely to get an STI than die on Australian roads the health of young people in the past year was irregular, with only 21 > T 417 times more likely to get an STI Common STIs include chlamydia, , genital than catch measles warts, gonorrhoea ("the clap"), and HIV/AIDS.

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rural and regional Victoria, the Burnet (25.6%) of sexuallyIf you active are a male aged participants 15-29 in times more likely to get an STI STIs may cause NO SYMPTOMS so you might not know

u u Australia you are approximately than be struck by lightning condom! a use you (or your partner) are infected.

1,249,490 s > CommonCommon STIs include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital s >

STIs include chlamydiatimes, gen imoretal likely to get an STI STIs may cause long term illness and infertility, e Institute’s Centre for Epidemiology and always using a condom,24 times and more likely18 to(55%) get an STI herpes, genital e

warts,warts, ggonorrhoeaonorrhoea (("the"th clap"), hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. particularly for females (e.g. chlamydia).

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than die on Australian roads clap"), hthanepa twinitis BPowerball and HIV/AIDS. alcohol a a > STIsSTIs maymay causecause NO SYMPTOMSInfinity so you might not know a > 417 times more likely to get an STI NO SYMPTOMStimes so yo umore mig hlikelyt no to get an STI alcohol Condoms can help prevent the spread of STIs. Is the most widely used

youyou (or your partner) are infected. t know c Population Health Research (CEPHR) participants with new sexual partners only (or your partner) a c >

than catch measles did you know? re infectethand. a Melbourne team getting a free kickIs the most widelyMost used STIs are easy to diagnose and easy to treat. and most commonly on > on 49,980 STIsSTIs maymay causecause longlong termterm illnessillneiinsn frontf andront infertility,of goal at Football Park in Adelaideand most commonly abused drug in Australia. times more likely to get an STI s and ionff egrotaillity, drugs

particularlyparticularly fforor femalesfema (e.g. chlamydia). at Foot Guidelines recommend that drugs d implemented a study to investigate the using condoms some ofthan the be struck time by lightning or never. les (e.g. chlamydia). ball Pa d abused drug in Australia.

> rk in A Remember "treatmentDrug is good use canbut be prevention problematic is best" o CondomsCond can help prevent the spread of STIs. o delaiGuidelines recommend that males consume on average no Drug use can be problematic

1,249,490 times more likely to get an STI oms can help prevent the spread de for some people. If you decide m

of STIs. m MBI3671 HealthInfo z-card 6/16/05 9:47 AM Page 1 > males consume on average no more than for some people. If you decide than win Powerball MostMuseacondom! ost STIsSTIs areare easyeas to diagnose and easy to treat. so alwaysto USEuse drugs A CONDOM you should

sexual health and risk behaviours of young Three urine samples tested positive y to diagnose and easy to treat. a day four standard drinks to use drugs you should !

! more than Infinity four standard drinks be informed of potential (28 per week) and no more times more likely to get an STI than six standard drinks in any be informed of potential a day (28 per week) and no more harms than a Melbourne team getting a free kick (see information harms men in these areas. Judy Gold, a member for chlamydia infection> – a prevalence of RememberRemember "treatment is good but prevention is best" than six standard drinks in any one day, with If you are a male aged 15-29 in did you know? Common STIs include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital "treatment is good bu services overleaf). (see information in front of goal at Football Park in Adelaide alcohol t prevention is best" alcohol-free daysone toper two week. services overleaf). Australia you are approximately warts, gonorrhoea ("the clap"), hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. soso alwaysalways USEUSE A CONDOMCONDOM one day, with one to two Is the most widely used drugs alcohol-free days per week. times more likely to get an STI > STIs may cause NO SYMPTOMS so you might not know of the team at CEPHR, undertook this24 3.9% amongst sexually active participants. and most commonly Drug use can be problematic than die on Australian roads you (or your partner) are infected. abused drug in Australia. for some people. If you decide investigation as part of her Honours 417 times more likelyThirty to get an STIone participants> STIs may (35.6%) cause long term illnesswere and infertility, Guidelines recommend that to use drugs you should than catch measles particularly for females (e.g. chlamydia). males consume on average no be informed of potential four standard drinks 49,980 times more likely to get an STI > Condoms can help prevent the spread of STIs. more than harms (see information program. And where better to track downthan be struckdeemed by lightning ‘at risk’ of contracting an STI a day (28 per week) and no more > Most STIs are easy to diagnose and easy to treat. services overleaf). than six standard drinks in any 1,249,490 times more likely to get an STI one to two young men then at local footy clubs… than win Powerballas they had two or more sexual partners one day, with Remember "treatment is good but prevention is best" alcohol-free days per week. Infinity times more likely to get an STI so always USE A CONDOM than a Melbourne team getting a free kick

The study titled: Uncontested Possessionsin front of goalin at the Football past Park in Adelaideyear or a new sexual partner did you know? you did and Key Positions investigated sexual in the past three months and did not use Some educational information health and risk behaviour in young males, condoms all of the time. Interestingly given to participants. a high-risk population that has been however, only nine (29%) correctly traditionally diffi cult to study. Football perceived themselves to be ‘at risk’. Department of Human Services with the clubs provide an ideal opportunity to The questionnaire showed that aim of improving information and services reach young males from non-metropolitan knowledge of STIs, HIV and hepatitis for young men in non-metropolitan areas. areas and outside the education system. C was low, with many of the questions “Recently the Commonwealth One hundred and eight young men, having ‘Don’t Know’ nominated by a Government nominated chlamydia aged between 16 and 29, from four majority of participants. Although few control and prevention as a national STI football clubs outside of metropolitan had ever discussed sex or STIs with their priority area and identifi ed that further Melbourne were recruited for the project. doctor, 80 (74%) stated they would be information, such as prevalence and Participants were asked to complete comfortable with a yearly STI check-up. risk-factors in different sub-populations, a 10-minute questionnaire on their Alcohol and other drug use were is needed before a screening program sexual activity, knowledge and history very common, with reported levels of can be introduced,” Dr Hellard said. of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) short-term risky alcohol consumption The study methodology and results and alcohol and drug use. In addition, exceeding national fi gures. High levels from Uncontested Possessions and Key 92 participants provided a urine sample of alcohol consumption, as well as Positions will help inform future research which was tested for three common STIs. drug use in the past month, were more and the development of suitable public Participating clubs received two signed common among participants who had health chlamydia screening programs match-day footballs and each participant higher numbers of sexual partners in the in non-metropolitan regions. received a ‘show bag’ containing health past three months and the past year. information materials and condoms. Dr Margaret Hellard, Head of the For more information on this project, contact The project revealed 86 participants Centre for Epidemiology and Population Dr Margaret Hellard, Head of the Centre (80%) were sexually active, with 33 (39%) Health Research said the results of the for Epidemiology and Population Health Research on + 61 3 9282 2111. reporting new sexual partners within study would be provided to the Victorian 3 More than 88,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year, and while the disease has relatively high awareness within the community, effective treatments are still to be found for many cancers. Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, senior researcher, The Sir Zelman Cowen Research Fellow and NHMRC R Douglas Research Fellow has been part of the research team who over the past decade have made several major discoveries in cancer research.

forfor CCancer?ancer? VaccinesVA nnovelovael aapproachpprcoach totco preventionprevienntion andande treatmenttreatmsent

espite increasing survival rates team and many other colleagues at the frequently make very large amounts for many common cancers, Institute, are investigating how cancer of a protein called mucin 1 (MUC1), Dcancer is still the leading cause cells are recognised or ignored by the which distinguishes tumour cells from of death in Australia. One in three immune system, and are developing normal tissues. Scientists can make a men and one in four women will be techniques to stimulate immune responses synthetic fragment of MUC1 and link directly affected by cancer before the to destroy specifi c cancer cells. it to the sugar molecule, mannan, to age of 75 – that’s more than 36,000 Work is focusing on the most commonly form a antigen (M-FP). The people dying from cancer each year. diagnosed such as vaccine antigen stimulates T-cells (white Scientists at the Burnet Institute breast, lung, colon, ovary and pancreas, blood cells) to destroy the cancer cells. are taking a novel approach to cancer where the outcome of this research will Professor Apostolopoulos said the prevention using vaccines which are have the greatest impact. These are much development of the vaccine had the providing hope for the development of more diffi cult to immunise against than potential to revolutionise the treatment for a more effective, preventative strategy, virus-associated cancers, such as cervical people living with a range of cancers and and perhaps a less traumatic treatment cancer, where strong immune responses opened up new possibilities for the use of program for those with the disease. can be very effective as recently shown vaccines as a cancer prevention strategy. Professor Apostolopoulos, the head by Professor Ian Frazer in . While it will be some time before of Burnet’s Austin campus Immunology The science behind the vaccine is the use of vaccines for the treatment and Vaccine Laboratory, with her based on the fact that these cancers and prevention of cancers becomes 4 >Head, Immunology and Vaccine Laboratory (Austin campus) PROFESSOR VASSO APOSTOLOPOULOS Vasso started at the Austin Research Institute as a BSc (Hons) student, working there until February 1998 when she was awarded a CJ Martin Research Fellowship to work at the Scripps Research Institute in the United States. Returning to Australia in 2001, Vasso established the Immunology and Vaccine Laboratory where she is continuing her work on developing cancer vaccines.

Early this year, Vasso gave birth The team at the Immunology and Vaccine Laboratory. to her fi rst child, Vivian. Vasso’s achievements have been recognised with over 70 major awards including: specifi c features of the research strategy • Young do stimulate a strong immune response in Award 1997 (Victoria); patients. However, it is too soon to assess • Order of Brigadier General from if these immune responses provide a long- the President of Greece 1997; • Network Ten/Herald Sun Young term benefi t to assist in cancer treatment. Achiever of the Year Award 1997; The effect of the vaccine can be rapidly • Gold Cross of St Andrews 1998; measured in ovarian cancer; this is one of • Scientifi c Achievements the objectives of a current Phase II clinical Award from the University trial to be completed within a year. of Patras, Greece 2000; Using similar technology, research • Victorian Tall Poppy Award 2002; by several groups at the Institute is also • Victorian Honour Roll of being directed to develop vaccines against Women 2004 inductee; infectious diseases such as malaria, • Australia Day Ambassador 2005. infl uenza, HIV and other common diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Much of the M-FP vaccine work undertaken in this program has been supported by the Austin Breast Cancer available, clinical trials are currently the effi cacy of the vaccine by further Foundation. The Foundation was underway in a number of centres helping in the stimulation of the T-cell initially established in 1994 by Bill Jane around Australia and overseas. response against the cancer cells. OAM to promote and assist in funding “Phase I clinical trials of the vaccine In addition, other research at the the breast cancer research undertaken have been completed in patients with Institute is investigating the use of the at the Austin Research Institute MUC1+ adenocarcinomas in Victoria, vaccine with dendritic cells to stimulate a – now part of the Burnet Institute. Queensland and Athens, and have shown greater immune response to cancer cells. The Foundation raises around promising results. On the basis of these Dendritic cells are the body’s cells $100,000 annually through several results an expanded is now in principally responsible for recruiting activities, but largely its Bosom Buddies progress,” said Professor Apostolopoulos. the immune system against invading Ball, all proceeds of which are donated Professor Apostolopoulos said if results microbes or mutated cells. Patients’ to the Institute to fund their breast from new clinical trials proved favourable dendritic cells are collected by a cancer research projects. This year, the commercialisation of the vaccine process known as leukapheresis and the Bosom Buddies Ball will be held could begin with treatments available exposed to the M-FP vaccine. These on Saturday 12 August. For more to patients within ten years or so. vaccine-loaded cells are then injected information about the Ball, contact The vaccine treatment approach is into the skin of the cancer patients. Claire Gorst on +61 3 9287 0621. also being improved by using special It has become clear during the past hormones (cytokines) which improve four years that this method and the Source: The Cancer Council Australia 5 news in brief

Spectacular! CONFLICT IN CONGO: Thank you to those world’s deadliest humanitarian crisis who generously donated their old Nearly four million people have died since spectacles to be used conflict began in the war-torn Democratic by the elders in the Republic of Congo, a nationwide household tea plantations of Sri mortality survey by the Burnet Institute and Lanka. One of the the International Rescue Committee (IRC) issues raised through has shown. The report was published in working with the international medical journal, The Lancet on elders on our project 7 January 2006. is the high proportion The report was co-authored by Ben Coghlan, of older people Brad Otto and Tony Stewart, all from Burnet’s needing glasses. The Centre for International Health, and by donated spectacles colleagues from the IRC. Lead author of the have been taken to report, Dr Ben Coghlan says, “The war in Congo is the world’s deadliest humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka where they BENCOGHLAN will be processed and the past 60 years. There has been little response classified in Colombo from the international community to this disaster The report has received widespread attention in and distributed to and international engagement remains completely the international media, and the US has recently those who need them. out of proportion to humanitarian need.” introduced a Bill to increase aid to the DR Congo. More spectacles are Findings from the report indicate that The report was instrumental in the launch of welcome – please send improvements in security, coupled with an humanitarian action plan by the United or drop them into the the provision of humanitarian aid, would Nations and the European Commission to meet Burnet Institute. save hundreds of thousands of lives. the needs of 30 million vulnerable Congolese.

Christmas Appeal Thanks Clinical trial for new hep C treatment process Thank you to all those A clinical trial will shortly “The current best practice treatment for the who supported Burnet’s get underway to test a new infection is a combination Christmas Appeal. hepatitis C treatment process, therapy with interferon and ribavirin that can $23,000 has been raised developed by Professor Eric eliminate the infection in approximately 50 per to help support our Gowans and his team at Burnet, which is likely cent of individuals. However, this therapy is Prof Eric Gowans peer education program to minimise the damaging outcome of the virus. highly toxic and expensive, and patients need to in Laos. Funds raised Only patients who have failed conventional be selected carefully,” Professor Gowans said. will help those most therapy will be eligible to enrol in the new trial. The project forms part of a collaboration vulnerable protect The new treatment process will involve between the Burnet Institute, Melbourne themselves from the the maturing of a patient’s dendritic cells University, Monash Medical Centre, The Red spread of HIV and other Cross Blood Bank, The Alfred hospital and sexually transmitted (white blood cells) in the laboratory, and then infections. transfusing the cells back into the patient. the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute.

Avian flu research projects underway STOP PRESS New avian influenza vaccines which are heat stable and easy to administer are The National Health and Medical urgently needed to help protect Australia’s poultry industry. Avian influenza is Research Council have just announced common in birds and can cause devastating outbreaks in chickens. The Burnet funding in excess of $600,000 for four Institute, , Monash University and Dow AgroSciences new Burnet Institute avian influenza are involved in an Australian Research Council-linkage project working on the research projects. The projects will hypothesis that an oral, plant-made avian influenza vaccine will protect chickens focus on the development of new from disease. Plant-made vaccines represent a rapid and feasible alternative vaccine approaches for humans and the to traditional egg-based production systems, with real potential to provide development of rapid diagnostic tests. protection against disease. 6 RISK, SEXUALITY & HIV

It is estimated that half the world’s population is under the age of 25 – the largest youth generation in history. Sadly, the majority of this generation will never have known a world without AIDS.

the importance of engaging young people JOHAYTER

> Everyday 14,000 people are infected with Health, says in many resource-poor Through Burnet’s peer education HIV, and UNAIDS estimates that half countries around the world there are programs we design brochures and the new HIV infections worldwide are multiple reasons why young people are posters highlighting the risks of HIV and among 15-24 year olds. Of those in this particularly vulnerable. STI transmission which are in the local age group living with HIV, 63 per cent live “It’s not simply a sense of freedom language for the local people. In the in sub-Saharan Africa and 21 per cent in or curiosity that can lead young Lao PDR, Burnet’s young peer educators the Asia Pacifi c region. In Eastern Europe people to engage in risky behaviours. design and implement their own program and Central Asia, more than 80 per cent Unemployment and an uncertain future interventions to work with young people of those living with HIV are under the can drive youth to experiment – often in their community. Given the freedom age of 30. But statistics aside, why is it so unsafely – with relationships, sexual to respond to HIV in their own way, these important to engage young people around behaviour, alcohol and drugs. young people have developed innovative issues of risk, sexuality and HIV? “ can force both young women and culturally effective methods to mobilise Around the world, young people are and men into circumstances where their peers around responding to the threat facing challenges that push them to the earning money takes precedence over of HIV. Some of the activities include: forefront of risk and vulnerability. What protecting themselves. Sex work or sex for outreach in discotheques and beer halls; do we mean by risk and vulnerability? favours carries the risk of infections such involving dance troupes, games and quizzes; Risk taking and experimentation with as HIV, particularly when negotiation radio spots on popular radio programs for sexual behaviour, alcohol and drugs – all for safer sex with someone older or more young people; health education camps; of these are seen as a common ‘rite of powerful is diffi cult,” she said. vocational training; and sponsoring of passage’ for many young people. Without In many countries, sex and drugs can soccer and other sporting teams. the knowledge and skills to protect be taboo topics, where basic education “Peer education is one of most successful themselves, what is considered by their on sexual health and HIV is seen as models for reaching young people, where peers as ‘normal’ behaviour can quickly inappropriate or is simply not available youth are engaged in designing and become high-risk for young people – in some cases, condoms or family delivering interventions for their own peer especially in terms of their health. planning advice are only made available group. The Burnet Institute realises this Lisa Renkin, International HIV and to married couples. and understands that continuing to work Development Specialist with the Burnet While youth represent a signifi cant with young people to prevent the spread Institute’s Centre for International percentage of those being affected by of HIV and other sexually transmitted HIV,HIV, yyoungoung ppeopleeople aalsolso rrepresentepresent tthehe infections is vital,” Lisa said. biggestbiggest hhopeope wwee hhaveave fforor bbattlingattling tthehe The Institute is working with vulnerable epidemic.epidemic. LLisaisa ssaysays tthathat fforor iinformationnformation groups – including young people – in toto translatetranslate intointo behaviourbehaviour change,change, itit the Lao PDR, the Pacifi c, Papua New needsneeds ttoo bebe ccommunicatedommunicated inin waysways Guinea, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, thatthat areare creativecreative andand appropriateappropriate Tibet and Mozambique. – culturally,culturally, sociallysocially andand relevantrelevant ttoo youth.youth. MMessagesessages nneedeed ttoo bebe accessibleaccessible ttoo youngyoung ppeopleeople This year, the Burnet Institute will be – uusingsing methodsmethods tthathat youngyoung scaling-up its global peer education program. If you would like to make a donation please ppeopleeople ccanan oorr wwantant ttoo contact Gillian on +61 3 9282 2207. relaterelate toto andand accept.accept.

MIKETOOLE 7 words from around the world

Tibet, China | ERIKA JACOBSON The Burnet Institute offi ce in Tibet, China has been actively involved in the dissemination of HIV awareness information within the Lhasa community since 1999. With a team comprising of fi ve national staff and one expatriate program manager, our work centres on intensive outreach to vulnerable groups and the continued production of behaviour change communication materials in Tibetan and Chinese languages. Our range of materials is always growing and thanks to recent support from the Canada Fund we have added six new products to our selection of HIV awareness materials. We now have a sexually transmitted infections (STIs) booklet tackling the fi ve most common STIs in the region, an HIV and hygiene booklet aimed at sex workers, a condom

poster that has been distributed for use ERIKAJACOBSEN in schools, and a set of playing cards Women at a family planning training workshop receive Burnet’s HIV awareness booklets. with HIV information. We also widely distribute condoms and lubricants. disseminating sexual health, STI and experts, Dr Wendy Holmes, Dr Chris The Burnet offi ce has strong links HIV information to the public. Morgan and Dr Damien Morgan. This with government agencies, especially the In November last year, over 100 people was followed the next day with a World health bureau, and on their request we from government and non-government AIDS Day outreach in the streets of have recently started to hold presentations agencies attended a seminar organised Lhasa. We are proud to say that most to members of the general public. These by the Burnet offi ce. It was probably of the materials used by government presentations have been well received the fi rst of its kind in Lhasa and talks agencies about HIV awareness are and we’ve been invited to continue were delivered by Burnet’s technical developed and produced by Burnet.

FAR LEFT: Wangmo giving a condom demonstration.

LEFT: Burnet Tibet team – from left to right: Project Offi cer Choedak; Project Offi cer Wangmo; Program Manager Erika Jacobson; Finance and Administration Offi cer Kelsang Dikye; and front, Project Coordinator Tenzin Norbu. ERIKAJACOBSEN DAMIENMORGAN 8 Mozambique | ROBYN WHITNEY Our capacity building work with currently working in Papua New Guinea affected communities. The Mozambican Mozambican non-government and is looking forward to returning to government cannot respond to the organisations (NGOs) is progressing Mozambique after thirteen years. Paulo epidemic comprehensively without very well, despite the unexpected was the World Health Organization the involvement of strong civil society departure of our Country Representative, representative in Mozambique during organisations. Therefore, Burnet’s fi ve- Lindsey Breslin, in December due to a very diffi cult time in the country’s year capacity building program focuses on her father’s ill health. Lindsey made a history. We are looking forward to building both technical and organisational signifi cant contribution to Burnet’s work working with Paulo over the next three skills of local NGOs. We are currently in Mozambique and we miss her very years to further increase the capacity in the process of training a core group of much. She reports life back in the United of local organisations to respond to the local trainers and mentors who will soon States and Colorado takes a bit of getting increasing HIV epidemic in Mozambique. commence training programs for NGOs. used to after many years of living and Mozambique has high HIV prevalence Training on its own would be pointless. working in tropical Southern Africa. and in the central provinces where Burnet Therefore, Burnet’s approach involves Our new Country Representative, works it is estimated that close to 17 per the trainers and mentors continuing Dr Paulo Proto de Souza, a Brazilian cent of the adult population and around to provide ongoing technical support public health clinician with many years 21 per cent of pregnant women are HIV (during and after training) as the NGOs experience in HIV programming, will positive. Statistics on rates of infection are start to seek funding and apply their arrive in Maputo in early April. Paulo is conservative estimates only as surveillance newly acquired skills in HIV responses is limited and deeply entrenched stigma and organisational management. By and discrimination within communities supporting the development of local continues to prevent many people from organisations, Burnet is assisting key being tested and seeking treatment. community organisations to gain the Local civil society organisations are practical skills they need to access their relatively new in Mozambique and own resources and implement HIV lack basic organisational and technical prevention, care and support programs skills to both mobilise resources and to meet the increasing needs of children,

ROBYNWHITNEY effectively deliver quality prevention, families and communities in the hard- Burnet Mozambique staff. care and support services to HIV- hit central provinces of Mozambique.

TALKING HEADS Professor Mark Hogarth, Head, Helen Macpherson Smith Trust Infl ammatory Diseases Laboratory

Our laboratory has made major and have many roles, normally viruses cleverly try to ‘hijack’ discoveries looking at the controlling immune responses these receptors in a bid to avoid way white blood cells, which and eliminating bacteria and their own destruction; they normally protect us from viruses. Our studies on the role include dengue virus, Ross River infection, can also become of Fc receptors in disease focus fever virus and bacteria such as unregulated and cause diseases on two distinct areas – fi rst, golden staph. The Fc receptors such as rheumatoid arthritis where the Fc receptors play are also important in resistance and lupus, where the immune a key role in the destruction to HIV infection. We are studying commercial partners which system attacks the body it of tissues such as joints and how the ‘hijacking’ occurs and has led to the development of is supposed to protect. kidneys by an aberrant immune ways to prevent it. possible new treatments for Our studies focus on system in autoimmune diseases Our studies over the rheumatoid arthritis, and we are Fc receptors which are one like rheumatoid arthritis and last 15 years have involved continuing to expand our studies of the most important families lupus. Our second area relates multidisciplinary teams of to apply this knowledge to the of molecules in the immune to infection. Fc receptors are scientists, doctors and students development of treatment and system. They are found on the important in resistance to from around the world. We vaccines for lupus, cancer and outside of white blood cells infection – some bacteria and have also been involved with infectious disease. 9 working partnerships

> to follow clinically relevant changes. The Clinical trials – Burnet Austin campus, research has provided a strong foundation Austin Hospital, Centre for Blood Cell for better basic research and potential for Therapies and PRIMA BioMed Ltd further translation to clinical trials and Since 2001, Bruce Loveland and his perhaps commercialisation. Austin Research Institute (now Burnet Institute) colleagues and laboratory > group have been collaborating with Simon Baldwin, Rapid Assessment clinicians and cancer trial nurses at the of Drug Issues, Myanmar Austin Hospital, and with the Centre For three months in 2005, Simon Baldwin LOKENDRABUBU RAI Local researchers trained to undertake for Blood Cell Therapies (CBCT) at from the Burnet Institute’s Centre for Harm the rapid assessment in Myanmar. the Peter Macallum Cancer Centre. Reduction lived and worked in Myanmar. The research is focused on translating Simon worked with CARE, the Asian laboratory studies of human immunity Harm Reduction Network and Medecins rapid assessments in different townships. in cancer to clinical trials. This work du Monde, to design and implement a rapid Eighteen township sites, chosen from a has largely been funded by the biotech assessment of drug use in 18 townships. list of HIV hot-spots, were selected to company, PRIMA BioMed Ltd. It is clear Simon’s work involved training 25 local participate. that immune responses are important in researchers in how to collect data about The results from the rapid assessments whether cancer appears and progresses, drug use and risk behaviours associated will be used to continue Burnet’s efforts to or regresses. However, the immune with the spread of HIV. Researchers were reduce the burden of HIV in Myanmar. system walks on a knife-edge between also trained in how to identify and design being effective and being overwhelmed. appropriate interventions which can be > This collaborative work took data from quickly implemented to prevent further Burnet and laboratory studies of specifi c human white spread of HIV. Helen Macpherson Smith Trust blood cells (monocyte-derived dendritic Injecting drugs with unsterile The Helen Macpherson Smith Trust has cells) and their ability to be loaded with equipment remains a major driving force provided funds for the Burnet Institute protein antigens into Phase I and Phase behind the HIV epidemic in Myanmar, to engage Dr Ian Birchall to investigate II trials. It also investigated the immune and right across Asia. Because HIV can philanthropic funding opportunities in responses cancer patients had to this spread extremely quickly among people the USA to limit HIV transmission in vaccine antigen and how these responses who inject drugs, it is important that the resource-poor regions of Papua New could be measured using assays of researchers don’t spend large amounts of Guinea (PNG) and the South West Pacifi c antibody and T-cell-mediated immunity time documenting risk behaviours using Islands. The proposed collaboration sophisticated and timely research designs. between Rush University Medical Centre, Rather, the principle of a rapid assessment Chicago, the Burnet Institute, and the is to use quick, effi cient and the least PNG Institute for Medical Research will technical methods to collect enough build upon basic immunological and information so that interventions can be virological research to produce point- quickly developed. of-care diagnostic tests and intervention The implementation of the rapid strategies for a range of sexually assessment occurred in three phases. transmitted infections. Firstly, the Burnet Institute’s Centre As current test procedures are for Harm Reduction was responsible expensive, require modern laboratory for designing the methodology used in facilities and are inappropriate for use in the rapid assessment. Following this, resource-poor environments, the proposed a series of trainings were conducted consortium will employ its proven ability with staff from partner agencies in the to translate new biodetection technologies techniques required to conduct the rapid into economical, rapid, easy to perform assessment.The third phase involved each and read diagnostic tests designed for use Bruce Loveland partner agency conducting a series of in primary care clinics. 10 STAFF SPOTLIGHT Magdalena events Plebanski

Like the nightmare fl at mate, pathogens make themselves at home in our bodies, moving the furniture around so it doesn’t even feel like home anymore… Indeed, Anaconda vaccines designed to act in a healthy More than 900 competitors took part in host often fail to eliminate pathogens the Anaconda Adventure Race, which the that have evolved ways to sabotage the Sex, Drugs and Burnet Institute was the offi cial charity immune system. partner. Five dollars from every corporate The adaptive interplay between host

Rock n’ Roll ANNEMASON team entry, along with funds raised from a and pathogen has fascinated me since Burnet was at the Melbourne Big raffl e and auction were donated to Burnet. starting infectious diseases/immunology Day Out again this year, surveying research some 20 years ago in Mexico. young people as part of the Centre for I moved to the UK for my PhD, and as Epidemiology and Population Health Burnet Open Day a Postdoctoral Fellow in Oxford, during Research’s study investigating sexual Ever wanted to go behind the scenes of a fi eld trip in The Gambia, West Africa, I behaviour and drug use in young people. a research lab? Or wondered how an was convinced by the eminent Australian Almost 1000 surveys were completed, overseas development agency works? immunologist, Ian McKenzie, to come which will form the basis of an 18-month Burnet is planning an Open Day on here: vibrant immunology, great city… study looking at the impact of SMS Sunday 21 May – check our website for How could I resist? and email messaging on the sexual risk details or call + 61 3 9282 2240. behaviour of young men and women. I feel fortunate as I see my team duck behind benches as I prowl for ‘beautiful data’. It is not only fascinating to try to outwit pathogens to design Melbourne World AIDS Day Concert vaccines, but vaccines are critically At the Melbourne World AIDS Day Concert last year, the World AIDS Day fl ags needed. Third World killer diseases of were fl ying high in the heart of Melbourne’s Federation Square. From noon until children such as rotavirus and malaria, well after nine on Sunday 27 November, bands and special guests entertained and as well as diseases of the elderly such informed the crowd who kept up a steady fl ow throughout the day. The concert was as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) offi cially opened by Burnet patron, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja and cancer affect millions. We work on and Burnet’s Director, Professor Steve Wesselingh. Around defi ning mechanisms of immune evasion 500 names were added to the World AIDS Day ‘I Promise’ by pathogens, as well as developing petition, urging government to increase HIV funding for practical vaccine approaches. Our simple, countries overseas. For info on our next concert, keep nano-vaccine approaches are currently an eye on worldaidsday.com.au throughout the year. being used in collaborations working on Alzheimer’s and foot-and-mouth disease. My scientifi c roots in Poland, Mexico, England and Africa commit me to try COURT

c to prevent human suffering. Here in Australia, I make my stand in the war against pathogens…and cheeky fl at mates! NORMANM EDUCATION 2006 > > > The Centre for International Courses and workshops run The Centre for Harm Reduction For detailed information on Health coordinates the Graduate by the Centre for International also coordinates two short these courses visit our website Diploma of International Health, Health cover topics including: courses – Harm Reduction: www.burnet.edu.au the Master of Public Health primary health care, HIV Controlling HIV in drug users, > – International Health stream and strategic planning, behaviour and the Global Impacts of Drug Burnet has a number of PhD and offered for the fi rst time in 2006, change, applied research, Use, both in conjunction with the Honours students from a variety the Master of International Health health information systems University of Melbourne. These of universities, both locally (Monash University). and refugee health. courses draw on the expertise of and internationally. Burnet staff across the Institute. also hosts Bachelor of Science undergraduate students as part of their coursework. 11 12th Annual Bosom Buddies Charity Ball Saturday 12 August 2006 | Savoy Ballroom, Grand Hyatt, Melbourne

Since 1994, the Austin Breast Cancer Foundation has raised much-needed funds to support vital breast cancer research at the Austin Research Institute. Under the leadership of the Chairman, Mr Bill Jane OAM, the Foundation’s voluntary committee raises in excess of $125,000 each year from the annual black tie Bosom Buddies Ball. We extend a special invitation to you to participate in and support this year’s Annual Bosom Buddies Ball - supporting cancer research at the Burnet Institute incorporating the Austin Research Institute. Proudly sponsored by Network Ten.

Black Tie event | To make a booking please contact Claire Gorst on +61 3 9287 0621.

AUSTRALIA FIJI INDONESIA – JAKARTA MYANMAR 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 30 MacGregor Road, Suva Jl Ungaran 16, Guntur – Setiabudi, 4th Floor, 226 Wizaya Plaza, Victoria 3004 T: + 679 3317 945 Jakarta Selatin 12980 U Wisaya Road, T: + 61 3 9282 2111 F: + 679 3317 949 T: + 62 21 8379 4713 Bahan Township 11201, Yangon F: + 61 3 9282 2100 E: [email protected] +62 21 8370 3138 T: + 951 248 194 E: [email protected] W: www.prhp.org.fj F: +62 21 8370 3139 E: [email protected] W: www.burnet.edu.au INDONESIA – BALI LAO PDR CHINA (TIBET) Austin Campus Jl Raya Bypass Ngurah Rai No.287 Luangprabang Road, Building 06, 3rd fl oor, Old Red Cross Building, Austin Hospital, Kronheimer Building, Sanur, Bali 80228 2A/03, Ban Sihom, Vientiane 4 Niangre Road, Lhasa 850000 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 T: +62 361 284 064 T: + 856 21 250 853 T/F: + 891 634 6546 T: + 61 3 9287 0666 +62 361 284 065 F: + 856 21 250 854 E: [email protected] F: + 61 3 9287 0600 F: +62 361 284 065 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] VIETNAM W: www.austinresearch.org.au W: www.burnetindonesia.org MOZAMBIQUE 108 Linh Lang, Cong Vi Ward, Praceta Tomas Nduda – No 22, Maputo Ba Dinh District, Hanoi T/F: + 258 21 490465 T: + 84 4 766 5553 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]