Support for a black fly colony and its biological resources
Official title: TASK D02: BLACK FLY REPOSITORY SUPPORT
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11307419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about keeping black flies healthy so scientists can learn more about the parasites that cause river blindness, which could help improve treatments for people affected by this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $176,113 |
| NIH project number | 75N93024D00035-0-759302500001-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11307419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals living in regions where onchocerciasis is endemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by onchocerciasis or do not live in endemic areas may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on maintaining a colony of black flies, which are important for studying the parasites they carry, particularly Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of river blindness. By providing biologic reagents derived from these flies, the research aims to facilitate further studies in the scientific community. Patients may benefit indirectly through advancements in understanding and treating onchocerciasis, a disease caused by these parasites. The research employs a systematic approach to ensure the colony's health and the quality of the reagents produced.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the understanding and treatment of onchocerciasis, potentially leading to better health outcomes for affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: While this research supports ongoing studies, the specific approach of maintaining a black fly colony for reagent production is a well-established method in parasitology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Batzer, Darold — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Batzer, Darold
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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.