Direct from patient samples: whole genome sequencing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to map STI spread in African communities with high HIV burden
Official title: Direct from sample whole genome sequencing of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae to reveal patterns of STI epidemic synergy in African populations with high HIV burden
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11600906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will test a faster way to read the genetic makeup of Neisseria gonorrhoeae directly from patient samples to better understand how sexually transmitted infections spread in communities with high HIV rates.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $28,279 |
| NIH project number | 3R21AI189301-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11600906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are individuals with confirmed Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection from the outlined STI studies in Rakai, Uganda, and related cohorts where HIV data are available.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without Ng infection or without access to the STI studies may not directly benefit from these methods.
What this research studies
Researchers will develop and validate methods to perform whole genome sequencing directly from patient swabs without needing to culture bacteria, then apply these methods to Ng-positive samples from large population studies in Africa. The study will link genomic data with detailed HIV epidemiology to explore how the gonorrhea and HIV epidemics interact. Data from roughly 250 positive samples will be analyzed to identify transmission patterns and resistance markers in real-world settings. This work blends microbiology with public health surveillance to inform prevention and treatment strategies for both infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable faster, culture-free genomic surveillance of gonorrhea and strengthening of strategies to curb both gonorrhea and HIV transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Similar direct-from-sample sequencing approaches are under development, with promising potential but still emerging in real-world surveillance.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grabowski, Mary Kathryn — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Grabowski, Mary Kathryn
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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.