Understanding and reducing soil-transmitted helminth infections in India
Official title: Changing the Landscape of Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections in India Using a One Health Approach
Funded at Christian Medical College · NIH-11064828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how infections from worms, like hookworms and Ascaris, spread in rural India by examining the connections between people, animals, and their surroundings, so we can find better ways to prevent these infections, especially in places with poor sanitation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Christian Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Vellore, India) |
| Project start | March 20, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $346,893 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI168611-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in rural areas of India, particularly children and adults who are at risk of STH infections due to close contact with animals and poor sanitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those with no exposure to zoonotic sources of infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) such as hookworms and Ascaris in rural India, focusing on the interactions between humans, animals, and the environment. By employing a One Health approach, the study aims to identify how zoonotic infections spread through contact with livestock and poor sanitation practices. The research will involve collecting epidemiological data and analyzing environmental factors to better understand the burden of these infections and develop effective intervention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for controlling and preventing soil-transmitted helminth infections, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using a One Health approach to address zoonotic infections, indicating that this methodology has the potential to yield valuable insights and effective interventions.
Where this research is happening
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Christian Medical College
Vellore, India Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ajjampur, Sitara Swarna Rao — Christian Medical College
- Study coordinator: Ajjampur, Sitara Swarna Rao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Reducing intestinal worm infections in India by targeting people, animals, and the environment
This project tries to lower intestinal worm infections in children and adults in rural India by treating people, animals, and contaminated soil and water together.
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Stopping intestinal worm infections in people and animals in rural India
This project works with families, their animals, and local environments in rural India to reduce intestinal worm infections that affect children and adults.
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.