Towards effective use of anti-infectives

Supervisors: Dr. David Kong, Dr. Jian Li and Professor Roger Nation

Contact: david.kong@pharm.monash.edu.au  or  jian.li@pharm.monash.edu.au  or roger.nation@pharm.monash.edu.au
David Kong                                                       Jian Li                                       Roger Nation
Tel: 9903 9579
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Monash University [Parkville Campus]

Honours, Masters or PhD project for 2008

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to public health due to increased mortality, morbidity and cost. It has been prioritized for international action by the World Health Organisation. The emergence of multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) organisms (eg. Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) is influenced by inappropriate use of anti-infectives. Whilst there are considerable publications related to the microbiology of MDR organisms, inappropriate prescribing, cost implication, pharmacodynamic-pharmacokinetic of anti-infectives and risk factors associated with MDR microbial infections, more research is still required in these areas.

A number of research projects are available to Honors, Masters and PhD candidates interested in anti-infectives and/or microbiology. These projects include non-laboratory and laboratory-based research. The successful candidates will have the option to undertake project which is either non-laboratory-based, laboratory -based or a combination of both.

The non-laboratory-based projects may focus, for example, on cost-effective use of anti-infectives, cost associated with the management of infection, epidemiology of MDR organisms and identification of risk factors associated with specific infections. Projects involving pharmacokinetic & pharmacodynamic will often involve combination of non-laboratory and laboratory work. Laboratory -based activities are such as those listed in the website of the Facility for Anti-infective Drug Development and Innovation (FADDI).

Successful candidates will be based within FADDI & the Dept of Pharmacy Practice. Depending on the nature of the project, candidate may have opportunity to work collaboratively with other researchers in various institutions (eg. hospitals & universities).