Creating a new model to study how ticks spread relapsing fever bacteria.
Official title: Development of a novel multipurpose model to propagate and study the tick transmission cycle of relapsing fever spirochetes from Eurasia.
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10881963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a better way to grow and understand the germs that cause relapsing fever in kids, using chicken eggs to help researchers learn how these germs spread through ticks, so they can find better ways to prevent the illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $240,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176037-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk of relapsing fever due to tick exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or those who do not live in areas where relapsing fever is prevalent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a cost-effective model to propagate and study the transmission cycle of relapsing fever spirochetes, which are significant pathogens affecting children. The project aims to utilize embryonated chicken eggs as a medium for growing these bacteria, addressing the challenges faced in resource-limited settings where traditional methods are impractical. By leveraging advanced genomic tools, the researchers hope to better understand the biology of these pathogens and their transmission by ticks, ultimately leading to improved prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and control of relapsing fever, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality in affected children.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, previous research has shown success in using alternative models for studying vector-borne diseases, suggesting potential for this novel method.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez, Job E — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lopez, Job E
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.