Respiratory viruses:tackling upper respiratory infections

Title: Respiratory viruses: tackling upper respiratory infections

Speaker: Prof Kirsten Spann, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Health, QUT

Abstract: Respiratory virus infections cause a significant burden of disease in the upper respiratory tract through acute infections and also exacerbations of chronic conditions such as rhinosinusitis and otitis media. The burden on quality of life and the healthcare system from these infections is significant and yet there are very few treatments and very little is known regarding susceptibility to infection and disease. Controlling upper respiratory infections is also key to controlling the spread to the lungs and more severe disease, and also the key to controlling transmission within a population. Our group has been using human primary nasal cells to investigate the mechanisms of disease in the upper respiratory tract for the past 15 years; to understand susceptibility to infection and identify biomarkers of susceptibility, and to explore novel treatment options.

Bio: Prof Kirsten Spann has been working with respiratory viruses such as RSV, hMPV, IAV, NL63, RV and SARS-CoV-2 for over 25 years. Her research has ranged from host-virus cellular interactions and innate immune responses to modes of transmission and exploring the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory potential of probiotics. She is currently the Associate Dean (Research) for QUT Faculty of Health and continues to lead her own research group. Her research has been funded by NHMRC, ARC, Hospital Foundations and international philanthropic organisations.