How Babesia parasites change red blood cells
Structural and Functional Alteration of host RBCs by Babesia
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER · NIH-11054221
This study is looking at how Babesia parasites, which are spread by ticks and can make people and animals sick, change red blood cells, and it aims to find out which specific proteins from the parasites are involved in these changes to help us understand the disease better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11054221 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how Babesia parasites, which are transmitted by ticks and cause disease in humans and animals, alter the structure and function of red blood cells (RBCs). The study aims to identify specific proteins from the Babesia parasites that interact with RBCs, leading to significant changes in their properties. By using advanced techniques like image flow cytometry and machine learning, the research will analyze the morphological and functional alterations in infected RBCs. Understanding these changes could provide insights into the disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been diagnosed with babesiosis or are at high risk for severe disease due to compromised immune systems.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have babesiosis or are not at risk for severe complications from the infection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from babesiosis, particularly those who are immunocompromised.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding similar parasite-host interactions, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BERI, DIVYA — NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER
- Study coordinator: BERI, DIVYA
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.
Conditions: Babesia infection