How HIV affects oral health in children

Dynamics of HIV-infection, Oral Innate Immunity and The Development of Oral Diseases in Children

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10653227

This study is looking at how HIV affects oral health in children by checking their saliva to see if certain natural defenses can help prevent dental problems, and it's for kids getting care at a hospital in Kenya.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10653227 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between HIV infection and oral diseases in children, particularly focusing on the role of salivary antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in preventing dental issues. The study will follow a cohort of children receiving care at a major hospital in Kenya, assessing how HIV influences the development of oral diseases over a year. By analyzing saliva samples, researchers aim to understand the immune response in these children and its impact on their oral health. This collaborative effort between the University of Washington and the University of Nairobi leverages over two decades of experience in pediatric HIV research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-14 living with HIV in Kenya.

Not a fit: Children who are not living with HIV or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health strategies for children living with HIV, potentially reducing the incidence of dental diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of AMPs in oral health, but this specific focus on HIV-infected children is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.