RESPIRATORY HEALTH AND THE MICROBIOME IN THE LUNG ENVIRONMENT

Dr Steven Taylor, Postdoctoral Researcher,
Head of Respiratory Health Group
South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)
Adelaide, South Australia

RESEARCHER PROFILE 
Filmed in Adelaide, South Australian | December 2024

Dr Taylor leads the Respiratory Health Group within the Microbiome and Host Health Program. His research employs tailored techniques that allow the lung environment to be characterised to a high level of accuracy, including detailed measurements of airway microbiology (microbiome), mucus composition, and inflammation. This information is used to identify predictive markers of chronic lung disease severity as well as determine effective forms of therapy.

Dr Taylor is one of the researchers leading The GRACE study, a project that aims to investigate the carriage and transfer of resistant bacteria or ‘superbugs’ in residential aged care.

Funded by the National Health & Medical Research Council’s Medical Research Future Fund, this study will produce new evidence to help us to improve facility management, including cleaning and hygiene practices, to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, and ultimately improve the health of aged care residents and the wider community.

Dr Taylor also recently led a study that showed genetics may play a crucial part in the efficacy of probiotics. Published in ISME Journal in June the study, focussed on the interactions between probiotics and individual genetic traits. Researchers say their findings suggest a more tailored approach to using probiotics may have the potential to significantly enhance gut microbiome regeneration and related health benefits.