How cold stress affects Chlamydia genital infections in mice
Official title: Effects and mechanisms of cold-induced stress on the development of Chlamydia muridarum genital infection in a mouse model
Funded at Bluefield State University · NIH-10730819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to cold stress might affect the immune response to chlamydia infections in mice, which could help us understand how managing stress might improve health for people dealing with this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bluefield State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bluefield, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $444,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI174169-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals at risk for chlamydia infections, particularly those experiencing high levels of stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for chlamydia infections or do not experience stress-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of cold-induced stress on the development of Chlamydia muridarum genital infections using a mouse model. The study involves exposing mice to cold water daily for 21 days to simulate chronic stress, which may influence their immune response to the infection. By examining the changes in stress hormone levels and immune cell behavior, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which stress affects susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. The findings could provide insights into how stress management might improve health outcomes related to chlamydia infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of chlamydia infections, potentially reducing the incidence of related complications such as infertility.
How similar studies have gone: While the effects of stress on immune responses have been studied, this specific approach using cold-induced stress in relation to chlamydia infections is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
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Bluefield State University
Bluefield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belay, Tesfaye — Bluefield State University
- Study coordinator: Belay, Tesfaye
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.