Examining the oral microbiome in young children affected by HIV in Kenya

Longitudinal Oral Microbiome for HIV/HEU/HUU Children Aged 3-4 in Western Kenya

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10837955

This study is looking at how the bacteria in the mouths of young children, ages 3 to 4, changes based on whether they are HIV-positive, have been exposed to HIV but are not infected, or have never been exposed to HIV, to help improve their oral health and care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10837955 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the oral microbiome changes in children aged 3-4 who are either HIV-positive, HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU), or HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU). By collecting oral swab samples from 360 children over a year, the study aims to understand the differences in bacterial communities among these groups. The findings could help identify oral health risks and inform better healthcare strategies for these vulnerable populations. The research focuses on the critical period of primary dentition, which is essential for understanding oral health development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 3-4 years who are HIV-positive, HIV-exposed uninfected, or HIV-unexposed uninfected.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 3-4 years or those not affected by HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health interventions for children affected by HIV, potentially reducing mortality and morbidity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the oral microbiome can lead to significant insights into health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.