http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/services/Feed ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11572 Background: Acute exacerbations of COPD reflect in part an inappropriate host response to abnormal bacterial colonization. Orally administered inactivated nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) can drive a specific T-cell response that by promoting intrabronchial phagocytosis down-regulates bronchus inflammation. Methods: Subjects with recurrent exacerbations of COPD were studied in a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, to test efficacy of an NTHi oral immunotherapeutic (HI-164OV). This report describes the outcome in 38 subjects with severe COPD defined as having an FEV₁ ≤ 50% of predicted normal. Results: Exacerbations defined as an increase in volume and purulence of sputum were reduced by 16% (not significant) in the active group. However, moderate-to-severe exacerbations (defined as requiring corticosteroid therapy) were reduced by 63% (P=.05). The proportion with any acute exacerbation was little changed with treatment, but the proportion with episodes requiring corticosteroid therapy was reduced by 56% (P=.07). The mean duration of episodes was reduced by 37% (P=.01) and prescribed courses of antibiotics were reduced by 56% (P=.03) following therapy. Exacerbations requiring admission into hospital were reduced by 90% (P=.04) in the active group. No specific adverse effect was detected. Conclusions: Treatment of severe COPD with frequent exacerbations with HI-164OV was safe and effective, especially with respect to reduction in parameters of severity. 2012-09-20T01:42:13.906Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10306 Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 2012-03-12T07:51:31.969Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:5674 The Mucosal Immunology Special Interest Group (SIG-MI) of the Australasian Society of Immunology was formed 14 years ago and has run regular symposia and workshops in conjunction with the Australasian Society of Immunology since that time. In December 2007 the Mucosal Immunology Special Interest Group held a 1-day satellite workshop in conjunction with the annual Australasian Society of Immunology scientific meeting in Sydney to celebrate the decade since hosting the 9th International Congress of Mucosal Immunology (9-ICMI) in 1997, which was also held in Sydney. The meeting that was attended by 65 delegates focussed on 4 session themes: reproductive immunology, respiratory immunology, mucosal immunology of the gastrointestinal tract and mucosal vaccines. 2010-04-27T04:49:55.825Z ]]>