How the mouth affects KSHV shedding in Ugandan adults with HIV
Official title: Effects of the oral environment on KSHV shedding in Ugandan adults living with HIV
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11160993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the health of the mouth affects the reactivation of a virus linked to a type of cancer in Ugandan adults living with HIV, and it involves following 600 people over two years to see how their oral health might play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $545,999 |
| NIH project number | 7DP1CA291173-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Ugandan adults aged 21 and older who are living with HIV, either on antiretroviral therapy or newly diagnosed, as well as HIV-uninfected individuals for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or are outside the age range of 21 and older may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the oral environment and the shedding of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Ugandan adults living with HIV. It aims to understand how HIV infection alters the oral cavity and contributes to KSHV reactivation, which can lead to Kaposi’s sarcoma, a common cancer in this population. The study will involve a longitudinal approach, following 600 participants over two years, including those on antiretroviral therapy, newly diagnosed individuals, and HIV-uninfected controls. Participants will undergo oral health examinations to assess conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, which may influence KSHV behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of KSHV shedding, potentially reducing the incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma in HIV-positive individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on the oral environment's impact on KSHV shedding is novel, related research has shown that understanding viral reactivation in the context of HIV can lead to significant advancements in patient care.
Where this research is happening
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University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sabourin, Katherine R — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Sabourin, Katherine R
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.