Creating genetic tools to study a disease-causing bacterium.
Official title: Development of genetic tools for overexpression and targeted mutagenesis of Orientia tsutsugamushi TPR proteins
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10999454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a germ called Orientia tsutsugamushi, which causes scrub typhus, to help scientists find new ways to understand how it makes people sick and to develop better treatments, especially for tough strains that don't respond to regular antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $217,581 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AI179999-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in or traveling to regions where scrub typhus is prevalent, particularly in rural subtropical areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of scrub typhus or those who do not live in affected regions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Orientia tsutsugamushi, the bacterium responsible for scrub typhus, a serious disease transmitted by chigger bites. The project aims to develop genetic tools that will allow scientists to manipulate the bacterium's genes, which is currently a significant challenge. By understanding how this bacterium infects humans and causes disease, researchers hope to uncover new insights into its pathogenic mechanisms. This knowledge could lead to better treatments and strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacterium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for scrub typhus and potentially save lives by addressing antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: While research on scrub typhus is limited, similar genetic manipulation approaches have shown promise in understanding other bacterial pathogens.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weber, Mary — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Weber, Mary
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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.