How diet and gut bacteria affect Giardia infections in children
Interactions of dietary protein intake and intestinal resident microbiota affecting susceptibility to persistent Giardia infection and Giardia mediated enteropathy
This study is looking at how what kids eat, especially their protein intake, affects their gut bacteria and how that might make them more or less likely to get sick from a parasite called Giardia, with the goal of finding better ways to help kids stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10895367 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between dietary protein intake and the gut microbiota in children, particularly focusing on how these factors influence susceptibility to Giardia infections. Using advanced mouse models, the study aims to understand how changes in gut bacteria due to low protein diets can affect the body's ability to fight off Giardia, a parasite that can cause long-term health issues. By examining the interactions between diet, gut microbes, and Giardia, the researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk for Giardia infections, particularly those with inadequate nutrition.
Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those who do not have dietary deficiencies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations and treatments for children at risk of persistent Giardia infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartelt, Luther a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Bartelt, Luther a
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.