Preventing cholera outbreaks in African communities
Epidemiology and Ecology of Cholera in Africa
Using lab testing and mapping to track how cholera spreads so people in affected African regions can stop outbreaks.
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-11508803 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you live in an area that gets cholera, this project aims to find where and how the bacteria move between districts so outbreaks can be stopped. Teams collect health information and bacterial samples, use genetic testing to trace Vibrio cholerae lineages and vibriophages, and map spread with GIS tools. Work focuses on Nigeria and Uganda and follows how local interventions change transmission. Results will be used to create a national "cholera elimination scorecard" to show progress toward fewer districts with cholera.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in cholera-affected districts in Nigeria, Uganda, or other endemic African countries, especially those with recent symptoms or exposure, may be asked to provide health information or samples.
Not a fit: People outside cholera-affected regions, those not providing health data or samples, or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct medical benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help communities and health teams pinpoint transmission routes and stop outbreaks, reducing the number of districts affected by cholera.
How similar studies have performed: Previous molecular surveillance and mapping work in Africa has successfully tracked cholera lineages moving between regions and helped target control measures, and this project builds on that evidence.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sack, David a — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sack, David a
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.