Exploring how oral bacteria from cannabis use affects brain function in people with HIV
Official title: Investigating the effect of oral microbiome on cognition in HIV-infected chronic cannabis users
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10886770 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the mouth might affect thinking skills in people with HIV who use cannabis regularly, to see if certain types of bacteria can help or hurt their brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $702,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055523-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886770 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-infected individuals who are chronic users of cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or do not use cannabis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the oral microbiome and cognitive performance in individuals with HIV who are chronic cannabis users. The study aims to understand how specific bacteria, particularly Actinomyces species, may influence cognitive decline or enhancement in this population. By examining both clinical and preclinical models, researchers will assess the impact of cannabis-associated oral bacteria on neurocognitive function. Participants will undergo evaluations to determine the connection between their cannabis use, oral microbiome composition, and cognitive abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive issues in HIV-infected individuals who use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on the oral microbiome in this context is novel, related research has shown varying effects of cannabis on cognition in HIV-infected populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fitting, Sylvia — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Fitting, Sylvia
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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.