Investigating the causes of persistent trachoma infections
Official title: Exploring the role of metagenomic deep sequencing for trachoma
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10942851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why trachoma, a common cause of blindness, keeps happening in some areas even after people get antibiotics, and it hopes to find answers that could help improve treatments and public health for everyone affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036443-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old living in areas where trachoma is hyperendemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions affected by trachoma or who are over the age of 11 may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why trachoma, a leading cause of blindness, continues to persist in certain regions despite widespread antibiotic treatment. By utilizing metagenomic deep sequencing, the study aims to analyze previously collected samples to identify potential reasons for ongoing infections, such as antimicrobial resistance or the presence of other pathogens. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to improved treatment strategies and better public health interventions. The research will assess the genetic material of Chlamydia trachomatis and other organisms to uncover factors contributing to the disease's persistence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for eliminating trachoma and preventing blindness in affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using metagenomic deep sequencing is relatively novel in this context, similar methodologies have shown promise in other infectious disease research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keenan, Jeremy David — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Keenan, Jeremy David
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.