Understanding how children develop immunity to Shigella infections
Mechanisms of protection against shigellosis in children
This study is looking at how young children, especially those under five, build immunity to Shigella, a germ that causes diarrhea, by examining samples from mothers and babies in Malawi to see how mom's antibodies help protect their little ones in their first months of life, with the hope of finding better ways to prevent this illness in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090464 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how children, particularly those under five years old, develop immunity against Shigella, a major cause of diarrhea and dysentery. By studying clinical specimens from mothers and infants in Malawi, the research aims to uncover the role of maternal antibodies in protecting infants from Shigella infections during their early months of life. The study will analyze the immune responses over time to identify factors that contribute to long-term protection against this disease. This approach could lead to better prevention strategies and vaccine development for vulnerable populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of five, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries where Shigella is prevalent.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than five years or those living in regions where Shigella is not a significant health concern may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and vaccines that protect young children from severe Shigella infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding immunity mechanisms in adults, but this specific focus on young children and maternal antibodies is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasetti, Marcela F — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Pasetti, Marcela F
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.