How viruses in the vagina affect bacterial vaginosis and HIV risk in women
Official title: Viral determinants of Bacterial Vaginosis and HIV acquisition risk in the female genital tract
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-10838846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses and bacteria in the vagina might affect bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the risk of getting HIV in women, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent infections and improve women's health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $315,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD114512-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10838846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who experience recurrent bacterial vaginosis or are at risk for HIV acquisition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of bacterial vaginosis or are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the vaginal virome, which includes various viruses, in influencing bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the associated risk of acquiring HIV in women. It aims to understand how the presence of certain bacteria and viruses in the female genital tract can affect immune responses and overall reproductive health. By examining the interactions between bacteria and bacteriophages, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms that lead to BV and its recurrence after treatment. This research could provide insights into better prevention strategies for STIs and improve maternal health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing bacterial vaginosis and reducing the risk of HIV acquisition in women.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of the vaginal microbiome in reproductive health has been studied, the specific focus on the vaginal virome and its impact on bacterial vaginosis and HIV risk is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Bryan P — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Brown, Bryan P
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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.