Investigating blood complications caused by Babesia infections
Official title: Hemolytic Complications in Babesia Infections
Funded at New York Blood Center · NIH-10880426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Babesia infections can make things worse for people with sickle cell disease by causing more blood problems, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Blood Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $656,618 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL149626-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Babesia infections, particularly those with sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Babesia infections or related hemolytic complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Babesia infections lead to hemolytic complications, particularly in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). It examines the role of extracellular vesicles produced by both the Babesia parasite and the host's immune response, which may contribute to increased hemolysis and anemia. By analyzing these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover the underlying causes of severe complications in infected patients, which could inform better treatment strategies. The study also seeks to draw parallels with other infectious diseases that cause similar blood-related issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management and treatment of hemolytic complications in patients with Babesia infections and potentially other infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding pathogen-derived extracellular vesicles can provide insights into the pathogenesis of various infectious diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable findings.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Blood Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lobo, Cheryl Ann — New York Blood Center
- Study coordinator: Lobo, Cheryl Ann
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.