Investigating treatments for Tuberculous Meningitis using animal models
Preclinical modeling to study Tuberculous Meningitis
This study is looking at how to make treatments better for tuberculous meningitis, especially for young kids and people with HIV, by using rabbits to see how well different medicines can reach the brain and reduce inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10805504 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on Tuberculous meningitis, a severe disease that primarily affects young children and individuals with HIV. It aims to improve treatment outcomes by utilizing a rabbit model that mimics the disease's neurological features. The study employs advanced imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), to assess how well various antimicrobial drugs penetrate the central nervous system and to evaluate inflammation and blood-brain barrier function. By optimizing treatment strategies based on these findings, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of therapies for this life-threatening condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include young children and HIV-infected individuals who are at high risk for Tuberculous meningitis.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of meningitis or those who are not within the vulnerable age group or HIV-infected population may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for Tuberculous meningitis, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term neurological damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using animal models and advanced imaging techniques to study infectious diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Sanjay — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Jain, Sanjay
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.