Effects of HIV medications during pregnancy on infant gut health and development
Official title: Influence of fetal antiretroviral exposure on gut microbiota, systemic inflammation and neurodevelopment in infants exposed to HIV
Funded at University of Cape Town · NIH-10789993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different medications taken by pregnant women with HIV might affect the gut health and development of their babies who are not infected, to help understand how these treatments can influence their little ones' health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $140,547 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD110305-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10789993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants who were exposed to HIV in utero but are uninfected, particularly those whose mothers were on different ART regimens during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to HIV in utero or those who are HIV positive themselves may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to different antiretroviral therapies (ART) during pregnancy affects the gut microbiota, inflammation levels, and neurodevelopment in infants who were exposed to HIV in utero but are uninfected. The study will analyze the gut microbiome and systemic inflammation in these infants to understand the potential impacts of maternal ART regimens, particularly comparing protease inhibitors to integrase strand transfer inhibitors. By examining these factors, the research aims to uncover links between maternal medication and infant health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment guidelines for pregnant women with HIV, ultimately enhancing the health and development of their infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal ART regimens can influence infant health outcomes, but this specific investigation into gut microbiota and neurodevelopment in HIV-exposed infants is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Happel, Anna-Ursula — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Happel, Anna-Ursula
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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.