How rectal Chlamydia infections affect women's immunity and urogenital infections
Official title: The influence of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infections on immunity and incident urogenital infections in women without an indication forrectal screening
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10883623 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how rectal chlamydia infections might affect women's immune systems and their chances of getting other infections, specifically focusing on women who are at high risk for chlamydia but haven't had anal sex, to see if these infections could help protect them or if they might cause more problems.
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 | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $777,815 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176999-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883623 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women under 25 or those at high risk for chlamydia who have never engaged in anal sex.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have a history of anal sex or those not at risk for chlamydia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infections on women's immune responses and the occurrence of urogenital infections. It focuses on women who are at high risk for chlamydia but have not engaged in anal sex, aiming to understand whether rectal infections can provide immunity against urogenital infections or if they pose a risk of cross-contamination. Over a year, participants will provide monthly swabs and quarterly blood samples to monitor infections and immune responses, while also reporting their sexual behaviors and symptoms. The findings could help determine the need for rectal screening and the feasibility of developing a mucosal vaccine for chlamydia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening practices and potential vaccine development for chlamydia, enhancing women's health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of investigating rectal infections in women is relatively novel, animal studies have suggested potential benefits, indicating a need for further exploration in human subjects.
Where this research is happening
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Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jordan, Stephen J. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Jordan, Stephen J.
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.