Bronchiectasis (BE) is a chronic lung disease thought to result from chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. In children BE usually presents as a persistent moist cough, asthma-like symptoms and recurrent respiratory tract infections. The prevalence of BE in Northern Territory children is disproportionately high compared with urban Australia.

Respiratory infections early in life and recurrent respiratory infections are common elements in children with BE. This challenge to a young child’s developing lung and developing immune system may be paramount to the development of an aberrant immune response and progression to chronic lung disease.

This project will explore the proposition that the immune system in children with BE has developed along a pathway which predisposes them to respiratory infections and chronic airway inflammation. This will contribute to our understanding of the aetiology of BE and influence the management of children with BE.