Far North research to treat tuberculosis and prevent dementia

##MP##

A breakthrough treatment for tuberculosis and ways to prevent dementia were unveiled today at the Cairns Hospital annual research and innovation symposium.

The annual event featured more than 40 presentations from the Far North Queensland medical and allied health research community.

The symposium heard about research into harnessing the power of immune cells for treating tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s deadliest diseases, causing more than 1.5 million deaths a year.

##BA##

Doctor Saparna Pai, from the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine at James Cook University, said his team had discovered immune cells called Q+ cells, which could help fight TB.

“When Q+ cells were purified and deposited in mice, they provided good protection against TB.

“In a pilot study, we found that patients with active TB that responded well to standard drug treatment had an increased number of Q+ cells.

“Our studies suggest that Q+ cells, if present in appropriate numbers, provide good protection against Mycobacterium in both mice and humans.

##PQ##

TB risk is low in Queensland, but it’s frequently reported in Papua New Guinea and health authorities are concerned about potential spread through Torres Strait to mainland Australia.

Another study presented today has found a substantial proportion of dementia in Far North Queensland Indigenous people could potentially be prevented.

Lead study author, Fintan Thompson, said dementia is an emerging health issue among Indigenous people in the Far North.

“We have found that more than half of the dementia burden in the First Nations population in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area may be attributed to 11 preventable risk factors.

“Vascular risks, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking were important contributors, which is somewhat similar to other populations."

##PQ2##

Cairns Hospital acting director of research, Eddy Strivens, said the symposium is an important event in the Far North’s research calendar.

“Health care has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds in recent years, and it is great to be able to listen and learn from researchers across our region, all gathering with the intent purpose of improving our sector.

“Research is one of the major priorities for our Health Service.”