Tracing how Campylobacter and Shigella spread among children and their homes in Dhaka
Source Attribution and Transmission Dynamics of Campylobacter and Shigella Using Culture-Independent Molecular Methods in an Urban Slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Using sensitive DNA-based tests, the team will track where two bacteria that cause diarrhea appear in children, household members, animals, and the environment in an urban Dhaka neighborhood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098571 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows households in a low-income area of Dhaka to look for Campylobacter and Shigella using modern culture-independent molecular tests that find bacteria missed by standard culture. Study teams will collect samples from children, other household members, animals, water, and household surfaces on a regular schedule. Researchers will combine the test results with mathematical models to map likely transmission routes between people, animals, and the environment. The goal is to get a clear picture of how these germs move so communities can target prevention efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are households in the selected Dhaka urban slum neighborhoods with children under age 11, including those children, other family members, and household animals.
Not a fit: People living outside the study area or those seeking immediate medical treatment for an acute infection are unlikely to receive direct personal health benefits from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify common sources and routes of infection to guide targeted hygiene, animal-handling, or sanitation steps that reduce diarrhea in children.
How similar studies have performed: DNA-based diagnostics have already shown higher detection of enteric pathogens than culture, but combining intensive household and environmental sampling with transmission modeling for these two bacteria is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taniuchi, Mami — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Taniuchi, Mami
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 below.