How gut bacteria influence the severity of malaria in children
Official title: Role of the Gut Microbiota in Shaping Severity of Malaria
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11083735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might influence how severe malaria can be in children, with the hope of finding new ways to help prevent and treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $763,382 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI183911-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083735 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years living in regions where malaria is prevalent, particularly in Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or those living in non-endemic malaria regions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and the severity of malaria in children. It aims to identify specific gut bacteria that affect the immune response to the malaria parasite, Plasmodium. By studying both human and mouse models, the research seeks to understand how certain gut bacteria can increase susceptibility to severe malaria. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating malaria by targeting gut microbiota.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for malaria in children, potentially reducing the severity of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in various diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into malaria.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmidt, Nathan — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Schmidt, Nathan
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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.