Skin fungi and the microbiome in indigenous Malaysians
Official title: The skin microbiome and fungal infections of indigenous Malaysians
Funded at University of Malaya · NIH-11327285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in Peninsular Malaysia will explore how skin fungi and bacteria interact to cause chronic skin infections in the Orang Asli people, with hopes to improve prevention and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Malaya NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) |
| Project start | April 22, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $124,924 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI183416-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11327285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are members of the Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia with or at risk for chronic dermatophyte infections like tinea imbricata.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure to the studied infections or who do not have or are not at risk for chronic dermatophyte infection may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why a chronic skin fungal infection called tinea imbricata is common in the Orang Asli communities and how the skin’s microbiome, environment, and host factors influence its persistence. Researchers will collect samples from villagers, perform fungal cultures and metagenomic sequencing, and examine how environmental exposure relates to infection and potential antifungal resistance. The study aims to reveal biological links between the skin microbiome and chronic dermatophyte infections under real-world exposure conditions that aren’t present in the United States. Findings could guide public health measures in similar settings and inform future strategies to prevent and manage skin fungal diseases. The work is conducted in Malaysia and is not designed as a clinical trial in the U.S. context, but it centers on human disease in a specific population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for chronic skin fungal infections and improve readiness for emerging fungal pathogens.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from the study site show notable associations between skin microbiome changes and infection, suggesting the approach could yield actionable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Malaya
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Yvonne Al — University of Malaya
- Study coordinator: Lim, Yvonne Al
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.