Creating genetic tools to study a deadly bacteria causing scrub typhus
Official title: Development of genetic tools for Orientia tsutsugamushi
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11001964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to change the genes of the bacteria that cause scrub typhus, which could help us learn more about how it makes people sick and eventually lead to better treatments for the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $261,247 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AI179996-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in regions where scrub typhus is endemic or those who have been diagnosed with scrub typhus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in endemic areas or who have not been exposed to Orientia tsutsugamushi may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing genetic manipulation tools for Orientia tsutsugamushi, the bacteria responsible for scrub typhus, a serious infectious disease. The team has made progress by creating methods to insert specific genes into the bacteria's DNA, which will help in understanding its behavior and virulence. By generating a library of mutant strains, they aim to identify key factors that contribute to the bacteria's ability to cause disease. This work is crucial for advancing our knowledge of scrub typhus and could lead to better treatment options in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of scrub typhus, potentially reducing its impact on affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the genetic manipulation of Orientia tsutsugamushi is a novel approach, similar methods have been successful in studying other bacterial pathogens.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carlyon, Jason a — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Carlyon, Jason a
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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.