Improving testing for Strongyloides infection in people at risk
Optimizing Strongyloides Testing in an At-Risk US Population
This project seeks clearer ways to find Strongyloides infections in adults who are at higher risk, like those with weakened immune systems or who lived or worked in tropical areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11270631 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your point of view, the team will work to make blood and other tests better at finding Strongyloides, a parasitic worm that can hide for years. They will examine test results and samples from people in Houston and central Texas who are at higher risk, including organ transplant patients and those with past exposure to tropical or agricultural settings. The researchers will compare different testing methods and timing to see which finds infections earlier and more reliably. The goal is to identify a practical screening approach so infections can be treated before people start medicines that weaken the immune system.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with risk factors such as a history of living or working in tropical/subtropical areas, agricultural work, or people preparing for organ transplant or immunosuppressive therapy.
Not a fit: People without exposure to endemic areas, children, or those already tested and treated for Strongyloides are unlikely to benefit directly from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help catch and treat Strongyloides before it causes life-threatening spread in people who become immunosuppressed.
How similar studies have performed: Small regional studies and case reports show serologic tests can detect past Strongyloides infection, but large practical screening programs in US at-risk groups are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Eva H — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Clark, Eva H
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.