Targeted antibiotic treatment for diarrhea caused by Shigella in young children

Targeted antibiotic therapy for Shigella among children in low-resource settings

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-10938142

This study is looking to make it easier and faster to diagnose Shigella infections in young children with diarrhea in Tanzania, so they can get the right antibiotics to help them recover quickly and grow healthy, while also helping to prevent the overuse of antibiotics.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10938142 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the treatment of Shigella infections, a major cause of diarrhea and death in children under five in low-resource countries. It aims to develop better methods for diagnosing Shigella at the point-of-care, ensuring that children receive the appropriate antibiotics while minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use. By studying children hospitalized with diarrhea in Tanzania, the research will assess the impact of targeted antibiotic therapy on health outcomes, including recovery time and growth. The goal is to enhance treatment protocols and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under five years old who are hospitalized with diarrhea in low-resource settings.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing diarrhea or are older than five years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce mortality and improve recovery rates for children suffering from Shigella-related diarrhea.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted antibiotic therapies can improve outcomes in similar infectious diseases, suggesting a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.