Investigating how Cryptosporidium parasites develop drug resistance
Official title: Methods to study Cryptosporidium drug resistance
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10739817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the germs that cause severe diarrhea can become resistant to treatments, so we can find better ways to help people, especially kids and those with weakened immune systems, get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | November 14, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168909-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children suffering from severe diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium and AIDS patients experiencing chronic diarrhea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of diarrheal diseases not caused by Cryptosporidium may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Cryptosporidium parasites, which cause severe diarrhea, develop resistance to treatments. The project aims to develop methods to study this resistance, which is crucial for improving the effectiveness of new drugs being developed. By learning from past experiences with other diseases, the researchers hope to create strategies that prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This work is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as children and AIDS patients, who are severely affected by this disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for Cryptosporidiosis, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on drug resistance in related parasites has shown that understanding resistance mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huston, Christopher D — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Huston, Christopher D
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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.