How COVID-19 affects saliva production and oral infections
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 mediated salivary gland dysfunction on secreted salivary antimicrobial peptides and the risk for oral opportunistic infections
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-10594559
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects your salivary glands and may lower a key protein that helps fight off oral infections, especially from a fungus called Candida, by testing saliva from people who have had COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10594559 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how COVID-19 impacts the function of salivary glands, leading to reduced levels of an important antimicrobial peptide called histatin-5. By analyzing saliva samples from COVID-19 patients, the study aims to understand the relationship between salivary gland dysfunction and the risk of oral infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans. The researchers will use specialized immunoassays to measure histatin-5 levels and assess the presence of Candida in the oral cavity. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that may contribute to oral health issues in individuals recovering from COVID-19.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and are experiencing oral health issues.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had COVID-19 or do not have any oral health concerns may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of oral health complications in COVID-19 patients.
How similar studies have performed: Similar research has shown that salivary gland dysfunction can lead to increased risk of oral infections, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JABRA-RIZK, MARY ANN Y — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: JABRA-RIZK, MARY ANN Y
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.