The role of gut bacteria in malaria infections
Official title: Gut microbiota and human malaria
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10851996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in children's guts might affect how serious their malaria infections become, especially those caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, to help us understand if keeping their gut healthy can make a difference in their fight against malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $680,075 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI148525-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk of malaria infections, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or who do not reside in malaria-endemic regions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gut microbiota may influence the severity of malaria infections in children, particularly those caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. By analyzing the gut bacteria present in young patients, the study aims to understand how these microorganisms affect the immune response and the progression of malaria from asymptomatic to severe forms. The research utilizes advanced gene sequencing techniques to profile the gut microbiota and correlate these profiles with clinical outcomes in malaria. This could lead to new insights into how gut health impacts malaria susceptibility and severity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing severe malaria in children by targeting gut microbiota.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that gut microbiota can influence immune responses in various infections, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmidt, Nathan — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Schmidt, Nathan
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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.