Discover the pathogenic mechanisms behind post‐acute infection syndromes.

Post‐acute infection syndromes (PAIS) are debilitating chronic conditions which disproportionately affect women as early as adolescence and into midlife. Triggered by infection with viruses and other pathogens these syndromes include Long COVID, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).  These conditions share symptoms and are often diagnosed in parallel. However, the pathogenic causes of these conditions remain unknown and therefore limiting treatment options and delaying diagnosis. There are multiple hypothesised causes of these chronic conditions including self‐reactive autoantibodies which can target tissue causing damage, immune dysfunction, metabolic impairments and perturbations of coagulation pathways, amongst others. The aim of this project is to understand the disease mechanisms behind post‐acute infection syndromes in different populations and to identify biomarkers for diagnostic and intervention development. The student/s will have opportunities to learn advanced spectral flow cytometry, proteomics, transcriptomics, serological and cellular response techniques, and apply high dimensional analytical approaches. The student/s will develop skills in cohort study research, including study coordination, clinical data collection and processing of biospecimens taken from study participants. The student will also have opportunities to collaborate with clinicians, consumer health organisations and to perform quality of life research in parallel.