How herpes virus differences affect newborn health
The impact of viral genomic variation on neonatal disease outcomes
['FUNDING_R01'] · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · NIH-11285434
Researchers are linking genetic differences in herpes viruses from newborns to whether babies develop severe brain or widespread infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11285434 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a parent's perspective, this work will sequence herpes viruses collected from newborns and test how different viral variants behave in lab-grown cells and animal models. The team will combine those lab findings with de-identified clinical records about each baby's symptoms and outcomes to look for patterns tied to invasive CNS disease or infection limited to the skin. Building a larger dataset aims to identify viral markers associated with worse outcomes and to support future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Newborns (0–4 weeks) diagnosed with HSV infection—or their parents willing to provide viral samples and de-identified clinical information—are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: Adults without neonatal HSV, people with unrelated conditions, or those unable to provide viral samples would not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify which newborns are at higher risk for brain or disseminated herpes infection and guide faster, more targeted care.
How similar studies have performed: A prior small pilot found viral genetic patterns linked to invasive spread, but larger-scale confirmation and animal-model testing are new.
Where this research is happening
UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES
- PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE — UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SZPARA, MORIAH — PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE
- Study coordinator: SZPARA, MORIAH
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.
Conditions: CNS infection