Creating a universal vaccine to prevent leptospirosis

Development of a Universal Vaccine Against Leptospirosis

NIH-funded research University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11139395

This study is working on creating a universal vaccine to protect people and animals from leptospirosis, a serious infection caused by bacteria, especially aimed at helping those most at risk like farmers and city dwellers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States)
Project IDNIH-11139395 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a universal vaccine against leptospirosis, a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria that can affect both humans and animals. The project focuses on identifying vaccine candidates that can provide protection against the diverse strains of the bacteria responsible for this disease. By evaluating specific strains and their immune responses, the researchers hope to create a vaccine that is effective for a wide range of populations, including those at higher risk such as farmers and urban residents. The approach involves advanced immunological techniques and animal models to test the efficacy of the vaccine candidates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas with high exposure to leptospirosis, such as farmers, military personnel, and urban populations engaged in water sports.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of exposure to leptospirosis or those with pre-existing immunity to the disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a widely applicable vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of leptospirosis in both humans and animals.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been attempts to develop leptospirosis vaccines, this research is exploring novel approaches that have not yet been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

Storrs-Mansfield, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.