Improving Chagas Disease Treatment
Treatment outcome requirements for disease prevention in Chagas disease
This research explores how quickly treatment for Chagas disease can prevent heart damage and provide lasting protection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173624 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, can lead to serious muscle damage, especially in the heart, if the infection persists. While early treatment is thought to improve outcomes and prevent heart issues, there isn't much specific information to confirm this. This project uses a natural setting of infection in working dogs, which develop a similar disease pattern to humans, to understand how treatment timing affects the disease. Researchers are comparing a new, effective treatment given soon after infection versus several years later. They will look at parasite levels, immune responses, and signs of heart disease to see which approach works best.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Chagas disease, especially those newly infected or at risk of heart complications, may benefit from future treatment strategies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients without Chagas disease or those whose condition is not related to the T. cruzi parasite would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Successful findings could help doctors decide the best time to treat Chagas disease in patients to prevent serious heart problems and offer long-term protection.
How similar studies have performed: This research addresses a gap in understanding the optimal timing for Chagas disease treatment, building on general acceptance but lacking specific supporting data.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tarleton, Rick L — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Tarleton, Rick L
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.