How rectal and urethral STIs relate to rectal and penile bacteria in men who have sex with men
The Clinical History of Rectal and Urethral STIs among MSM: characterizing microbiome host immune interactions for diagnostic and vaccine advances
This project looks at whether the bacteria in the rectum and penis affect immune responses and the risk of rectal and urethral chlamydia and gonorrhea in men who have sex with men in Kenya.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139624 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to join a one-year study in Kisumu or Nairobi where researchers collect rectal and penile swabs and blood samples, plus information about behaviors and living conditions. The team will use 16S RNA sequencing to map the bacterial communities at these sites and measure local mucosal immune markers. They will track new cases of urethral and anorectal chlamydia and gonorrhea over time to see which bacterial and immune patterns link with infection. The researchers hope to learn whether inflammation tied to certain bacteria could make infections more likely or interfere with future STI vaccines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men who have sex with men living in or near Kisumu or Nairobi who can provide penile and rectal samples and attend follow-up visits over one year.
Not a fit: People who are not men who have sex with men, who live outside the study areas, or who cannot provide samples or return for follow-up are unlikely to participate or gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help design better prevention and vaccine strategies by identifying bacterial and immune patterns that increase STI risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has linked specific rectal bacterial patterns to inflammation, but using this information to improve STI vaccine effectiveness is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Supriya Dinesh — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Supriya Dinesh
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.