Shigella infection in children: Does antibiotics help non-dysenteric watery diarrhea in kids 0-11?
Official title: The impact of shigellosis and recommended treatment in children
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11604328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In kids aged 0-11 with non-dysenteric watery diarrhea caused by Shigella, this study tests whether giving antibiotics improves recovery and growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $211,877 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI179562-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11604328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children aged 0-11 years with non-dysenteric Shigella-associated watery diarrhea in the study regions.
✕Less likely to help
Children without Shigella infection or with severe dysentery may not benefit from this antibiotic approach.
What this research studies
This project randomizes children with non-dysenteric Shigella diarrhea to receive antibiotics or placebo in Bangladesh and Zambia, aiming to see if treatment improves clinical outcomes and growth. It also tests a rapid RLDT diagnostic test to quickly identify Shigella at the point of care. By focusing on vulnerable young children in resource-limited settings, the study seeks to generate evidence that could change treatment guidelines and reduce severe illness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could lead to better treatment guidelines and fewer complications for children with Shigella infection.
How similar studies have gone: There is ongoing debate about antibiotics for non-dysenteric Shigella; this trial could provide definitive evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakraborty, Subhra — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Chakraborty, Subhra
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.