Exploring vision loss caused by CMV in people with HIV-related meningitis
Identifying CMV Retinitis as a Reversible Cause of Vision Loss in Persons with HIV-associated Meningitis
This study is looking at how common a specific eye infection called CMV retinitis is in people with advanced HIV who are in the hospital with meningitis, and it aims to see if using smartphones for eye exams can help doctors, even those without special training, spot this problem better, so more people can get the eye care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10752843 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis may be a reversible cause of vision loss in individuals with advanced HIV disease who are experiencing meningitis. The study aims to determine the prevalence of CMV retinitis among Ugandan patients hospitalized with HIV-associated meningitis, utilizing innovative smartphone technology for eye examinations. By comparing the diagnostic accuracy of general physicians using mobile imaging to that of trained ophthalmologists, the research seeks to improve access to eye care in low-resource settings. Additionally, it will explore the relationship between viral presence in the body and the severity of eye disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are hospitalized with symptoms of meningitis.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or are not experiencing meningitis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for vision loss in patients with HIV-associated meningitis.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using mobile technology for eye examinations is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving healthcare access in resource-limited environments.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skipper, Caleb P — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Skipper, Caleb P
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 below.