Understanding how a parasite responsible for amoebic dysentery develops and survives
Official title: Entamoeba histolytica as the new model system for studying excystation
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11042796 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the parasite that causes amoebic dysentery lives and spreads, with the goal of finding new ways to treat infections, so people suffering from this condition can have better options for recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | February 23, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $68,843 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI182414-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042796 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with amoebic dysentery or are at risk of infection due to living in endemic areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of amoebic dysentery or are not at risk of infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the life cycle of the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which causes amoebic dysentery in millions of people worldwide. The researchers have developed a method to reproduce the encystation process of this parasite in the lab, and they aim to also establish a method for excystation, which is crucial for understanding how the parasite spreads and survives in different environments. By studying these processes, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could lead to better treatments for infections caused by this parasite. Patients may benefit from improved understanding and treatment options for amoebic dysentery as a result of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for amoebic dysentery, improving health outcomes for millions of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While research on related parasites has shown promise, this specific approach to studying Entamoeba histolytica is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ingram-Smith, Cheryl Jean — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Ingram-Smith, Cheryl Jean
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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.