Researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) have made a medical breakthrough into Kawasaki disease.

The study, which was one of the largest in the world, analysed almost 500,000 genetic markers in patients from Australia, Europe, the US, Canada and Asia.

Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) patient Axel Molina is 20-months-old and was rushed to the RCH after his temperature increased to 40 and his eyes turned red. Axel was later diagnosed with Kawasaki disease.

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Dr David Burgner said it was a first step to better understanding the illness that causes swollen hands, red eyes, enlarged glands and a high fever.

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