Parasite genetics and parasite load in Trypanosoma cruzi infections
Official title: Determining the relationship between parasite genetics and pathogen burden in Trypanosoma cruzi infected hosts
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11441895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how differences in the parasite’s genes relate to how many parasites persist in people or animals with Chagas disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $228,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202296-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals or animals with Trypanosoma cruzi infection where parasite burden and parasite genetics can be studied using the described methods.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or patients without Chagas infection would not be expected to benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project will use samples from infected hosts to measure parasite levels over time with new, sensitive methods. It will then link those parasite-load measurements to the genetics of the parasite population using low-coverage whole-genome sequencing. Understanding these relationships could explain why some people develop symptoms while others do not and why the infection persists in some hosts. The work involves non-human primate–derived parasite lines and host material to explore genetic factors in both parasite and host contexts. Findings could guide future approaches to diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapies for Chagas disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could illuminate why parasite load varies among patients and identify parasite genetic factors that influence disease progression, informing better management of Chagas disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown wide variation in parasite burden between hosts, and applying parasite-genome data to understand this variation is a logical next step with potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tarleton, Rick L — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Tarleton, Rick L
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.