Ongoing Projects
Understanding Infant Immunity to RSV and Long-Term Health Impacts
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common winter virus that can cause serious lung infections in babies, especially those under six months old. Although most infants catch RSV in their first winter, younger babies seem to have weaker immune responses, and those infected early may be more likely to develop asthma later in childhood. Our research explores how the age at which a baby is exposed to RSV shapes their immune response and future respiratory health. In this five-year study, we are comparing immune responses in infants infected at different ages (0–3 months vs. 4–6 months) and investigating how early RSV infections may increase asthma risk. By identifying key immune pathways involved in early-life protection, our goal is to inform better RSV vaccine strategies and improve long-term health outcomes for children in Canada.
Uncovering Why Preterm Infants Have Weak Immune Defenses
Preterm infants are especially vulnerable to serious infections, but we still don’t fully understand why their immune systems don’t respond as effectively. Our research investigates how energy metabolism and protein production in immune cells are linked to poor immune responses in preterm babies. We’ve found that these cells struggle to generate energy and activate key immune pathways, partly due to changes in a molecule called DDIT4L, which may block important signals needed for immune activation. In this project, we are studying how this disrupted metabolism limits the immune system’s ability to fight infections, and how these deficits relate to the risk of sepsis. Our goal is to identify new ways to enhance immune function in preterm infants and discover biomarkers that can help predict and prevent life-threatening infections in the neonatal period.
To support research, we developed the BC Women’s Hospital Preemie Biobank, the first biobank dedicated to infants born below 33 weeks of gestation in Canada, in partnership with the BC Children’s Hospital Biobank and the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI).
Tracking RSV Infections in Young Children Across British Columbia
We study the epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and young children across British Columbia. By analyzing administrative health databases, hospital records, laboratory-confirmed RSV cases, and demographic data, we identify patterns in RSV hospitalizations and risk factors for severe disease, including age, prematurity, chronic conditions, and geography. Our research helps guide provincial immunization programs by identifying high-risk groups, evaluating the impact of new prevention strategies, and monitoring seasonal trends. These findings support more equitable and effective delivery of RSV protection for children throughout BC.
Improved Diagnosis and Antibiotic Resistance Detection in Pediatric Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection, and it remains a leading cause of mortality in infants and young children around the world. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical, but current diagnostic tools, including blood cultures and antibiotic resistance testing, are often too slow, taking one to two days or more. This delay can lead to inappropriate treatment and worse outcomes. In this project, we are studying the epidemiology of sepsis in children across BC using provincial hospital data to identify who is at greatest risk, how sepsis presents in different age groups, and how outcomes vary by geography and underlying health conditions. At the same time, we are developing DNA-based methods using advanced sequencing technologies to detect both the presence of bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics directly from blood samples. Our goal is to develop a faster, more accurate way to diagnose sepsis and guide treatment decisions in real time. This approach could improve survival, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and help tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in children.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in asymptomatic individuals
To determine if someone has been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, testing for antibodies in blood could be useful. People with mild disease can develop antibodies within about a week. The process through which people develop antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (like any other virus) is called seroconversion. Antibodies generally last for months after an infection. For SARS-CoV-2, we do not know to what extent they can recognize other coronaviruses such common ones, and how these antibodies can protect or enhance disease following a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Recently Completed Projects
Tracking COVID-19 for safer schools
The main objective of this study is to determine the extent to which school workers can be exposed to COVID-19 as part of their occupation. Results of this study have been used to develop strategies to help make Canadian schools safer for everyone. This project has been completed. Check out our latest study findings by visiting this link: https://www.bcchr.ca/COVIDatschools
Immunogenicity of current SARS-CoV-2 vaccine schedules currently used in Canada
The objectives of the study are to determine the level of protection individuals have after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with this extended dosing schedule, and to understand how a previous exposure to common cold viruses affect an individual’s response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.