Understanding how Chlamydia infections affect women's reproductive health
Official title: A spatial transcriptional analsysis of Chlamydia-mediated upper genital tract pathology
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10904668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Chlamydia infections can affect women's reproductive health, especially how they might lead to serious issues like pelvic inflammatory disease and damage to the fallopian tubes, so we can better understand the different strains of the infection and their impact on recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173599-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced Chlamydia infections and are facing reproductive health challenges, particularly those related to infertility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with Chlamydia or who do not have reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of Chlamydia trachomatis infections on the female upper genital tract, focusing on how these infections can lead to serious reproductive health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease and scarring of the fallopian tubes. By utilizing advanced transcriptional profiling technologies, the study aims to analyze cellular and gene expression changes from the onset of infection through to recovery and the resulting tissue damage. The research will also explore the role of different Chlamydia strains in causing varying degrees of pathology, providing insights into the cellular mechanisms that contribute to long-term reproductive complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for women suffering from infertility related to Chlamydia infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the cellular responses to Chlamydia infections, but this specific approach using advanced transcriptional profiling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valdivia, Raphael H — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Valdivia, Raphael H
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.