How chlamydia spreads in the female reproductive tract
Natural History of Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract infection in women
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11234243
Researchers will look for signs in cervical samples that show which women with chlamydia are more likely to have the infection move up and cause reproductive problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11234243 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect a cervical specimen and use gene-expression tests and microbiome analysis to study local immune and bacterial signals. They will compare samples from women with different stages of chlamydial infection, including those without symptoms, to find patterns linked to infection ascension and endometritis. The team aims to identify biomarkers in the cervix that signal higher risk for reproductive damage or markers of protective immunity. The work builds on earlier pilot data and focuses on women at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women of reproductive age with current or recent Chlamydia trachomatis infection, especially those at higher risk for STIs and able to provide cervical samples, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without chlamydia, men, or women unable to provide cervical specimens are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors identify women at higher risk for reproductive complications and inform prevention or vaccine strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies showed cervical gene-expression and microbiome profiling can reveal infection-related patterns, but using these markers to predict ascending disease and guide vaccines remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'CONNELL, CATHERINE MARY — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: O'CONNELL, CATHERINE MARY
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.