Our research in gut disorders and obesity

Our research in gut disorders and obesity takes place in the Gastroenterology Stream of the Children's Research Centre, and is focused on developing treatments for common digestive disorders in children and adolescents. We are especially concerned with diarrhoeal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity and intestinal mucositis (the most common side effect of chemotherapy).

Our program also aims to develop non-invasive tests for these disorders, so that we may be able to monitor gastrointestinal diseases with greater effectiveness. To date we have pioneered a sucrose breath test that allows detection of damage to the lining of the small intestine without penetrating the body. This test has made it possible for us to identify potential interventions to repair or prevent gut damage.

In addition, we have collaborated with our peers at SA Pathology to uncover the existence of Bocavirus, a highly infectious virus responsible for 10% of all gastroenteritis cases. We have also entered into a research partnership with the Royal Adelaide Hospital to innovate a potential new therapy for gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants.

The gastroenterology team also contributes to altruistic programs such as HarvestPlus and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help improve the micronutrient nutrition of children in the developing world, and has instigated its own scheme to better the gut health of indigenous Australians.