Improving methods for tracking diseases spread by ticks and other vectors
Official title: Developing New Statistical Methods for Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance to Improve Accuracy while Reducing Cost
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10931750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better and cheaper ways to track diseases spread by ticks, so healthcare providers can know where these illnesses are happening and make better decisions for treating patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $741,116 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179840-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in areas where vector-borne diseases are prevalent, particularly those at risk of exposure to ticks and other vectors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in regions affected by vector-borne diseases or those who are not at risk of exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the surveillance of vector-borne diseases, which are illnesses transmitted by organisms like ticks. It aims to develop cost-effective strategies for monitoring the geographic spread of these diseases by using innovative testing methods that combine multiple samples into one for analysis. This approach not only reduces costs but also improves the understanding of where these diseases are prevalent, which is crucial for healthcare providers in making informed diagnostic and treatment decisions. By utilizing advanced statistical models, the project seeks to analyze complex data from these pooled tests effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and affordable disease surveillance, ultimately improving public health responses to vector-borne diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using pooled testing methods for disease surveillance, indicating that this approach could be effective in improving accuracy and reducing costs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Self, Stella Coker Watson — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Self, Stella Coker Watson
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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.