Researcher Jeanette Villanueva and Professor Jennelle Kyd from the Capricornia Centre for Mucosal Immunology conduct research in CQU laboratories that aim to prevent bacteria infections that cause middle ear and lung infections.Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Jennelle Kyd will present a public presentation on preventing middle ear and lung infections next Wednesday, August 8, from 1 to 2pm.

The presentation titled 'The agony & the ecstasy: preventing bacterial middle ear and lung infections' will be staged at the Rockhampton campus, building 33/G.14, and video-streamed to Mackay, Bundaberg and Gladstone campuses.

Middle ear infection is one of the most common conditions in children with over 70% suffering in the first few years of life.

Australian indigenous children have one of the highest incidence rates in the world, with many becoming chronic sufferers resulting in persistent effusions, ruptured ear drums and hearing loss at a crucial stage in their development.

The same bacteria are responsible for many respiratory conditions, but also exist as part of the normal nasal bacterial flora.

This presentation will highlight the most recent findings from over 15 years of studies aimed at understanding the pathogenesis, host responses and mechanisms for preventing disease. The ecstasy: the breakthroughs in our knowledge; the agony: the obstacles impeding preventing these infections.

CQU Rockhampton is the headquarters of the Australian research team seeking better ways to prevent bacterial infections, such as middle ear and lung infections.

The Capricornia Centre for Mucosal Immunology has been established under the leadership of Professor Kyd, whose research on immunity and vaccines is recognized internationally.