Host-parasite differences in Toxoplasma gondii and how they spread in South American cats and people
Official title: Host associations and phylogenetics of virulent Toxoplasma gondii
Funded at Northern Arizona University · NIH-11361374 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant looks at how different strains of Toxoplasma gondii behave in cats and people, especially in South America, to understand why some strains become more dangerous.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Arizona University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flagstaff, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $586,952 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI194254-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361374 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk of toxoplasmosis, including pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals, especially in regions with diverse parasite lineages.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals with low exposure risk may see limited direct benefit in the short term.
What this research studies
The project will study how non-clonal, diverse Toxoplasma gondii lineages interact with felid hosts and spread through communities in South America. Researchers will analyze genetic variation, virulence, and transmission patterns, using field samples and molecular tools to map host-parasite relationships. The goal is to better understand the evolution of hypervirulent strains so that future prevention and outbreak management can be more effective. The work builds on prior studies in parasitology and host–pathogen evolution to illuminate how parasite diversity affects human health. Results could inform strategies to reduce severe toxoplasmosis risk in vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to better prevention and outbreak response for severe toxoplasmosis in at-risk groups.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that understanding parasite diversity can clarify virulence patterns; this area has shown value but remains expanding.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Speer, Kelly Anne — Northern Arizona University
- Study coordinator: Speer, Kelly Anne
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.