Developing methods to grow Babesia microti in the lab
Official title: In vitro culture of Babesia microti
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11022841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on growing the Babesia microti parasite in the lab to help find better treatments for people with babesiosis, especially those who have infections that don't respond to current medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 23, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,143 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AI187098-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with babesiosis or those at high risk of infection due to tick exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have babesiosis or are not at risk of tick-borne infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding ways to culture the Babesia microti parasite, which causes babesiosis, a disease that has become more common in the northeastern United States. The team aims to develop new methods for continuous propagation of the parasite in vitro, particularly using tick cells and erythrocyte lysates. By overcoming the challenges of culturing this parasite, the research hopes to facilitate the development of new treatment options for patients suffering from drug-resistant babesiosis. The project combines expertise in tick biology, population genetics, and clinical experience to address this pressing health issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for babesiosis, particularly for patients with drug-resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been challenges in culturing Babesia microti, similar approaches in other parasitic infections have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel research.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Telford, Sam R — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Telford, Sam R
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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.