Investigating skin fungal infections in indigenous Malaysians
Official title: The skin microbiome and fungal infections of indigenous Malaysians
Funded at University of Malaya · NIH-11077834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the skin bacteria and fungi of the Orang Asli people in Malaysia to better understand how these tiny organisms relate to a common skin infection they have, with the hope of finding new ways to help treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Malaya NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) |
| Project start | April 22, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $124,924 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI183416-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from the Orang Asli community who are experiencing symptoms of tinea imbricata.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of the Orang Asli community or those not suffering from fungal skin infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the skin microbiome of the Orang Asli, an indigenous population in Peninsular Malaysia, who experience a high prevalence of tinea imbricata, a fungal skin infection. The study aims to explore the relationship between this infection and the skin microbiome, which is not well understood in these underserved communities. By analyzing skin samples and conducting metagenomic sequencing, researchers hope to uncover novel interactions between the skin microbiome and fungal pathogens, potentially leading to new therapeutic interventions. The findings could also contribute to global databases on skin microbiomes, enhancing our understanding of skin health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for fungal skin infections and a better understanding of skin health in indigenous populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on the Orang Asli is novel, similar research on the skin microbiome and fungal infections has shown promising results in other populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Malaya
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Yvonne Al — University of Malaya
- Study coordinator: Lim, Yvonne Al
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.