Leptospira in homes and yards: where infection comes from in peridomestic settings
Official title: Leptospira prevalence, cycling, and infection in the peridomestic environment
Funded at Northern Arizona University · NIH-11404870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a new molecular method to pin down exactly where Leptospira infections come from in people’s homes and nearby outdoor areas in the US.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Arizona University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flagstaff, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $553,076 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172924-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living in or around peridomestic environments where Leptospira transmission is suspected.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure to peridomestic environments or those not at risk for Leptospira infection may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a culture-free, high-resolution genetic test to trace Leptospira transmission across humans, animals, soil, and water in peridomestic environments. By studying cases in Ecuador as a model, it aims to identify concrete sources of infection that could be avoided or controlled to protect Americans at risk of exposure. The work will combine human case data with environmental sampling over time to map how pathogens move through homes, yards, and surrounding areas. Insights from this study could guide targeted prevention efforts in domestic settings and improve public health responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to better prevention strategies that reduce human infections from household and near-household exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary molecular methods have shown promise in linking infections to sources, supporting potential impact of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearson, Talima Ross — Northern Arizona University
- Study coordinator: Pearson, Talima Ross
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.