Understanding how different strains of a parasite affect Chagas disease in macaques
Official title: Intra-host Trypanosoma cruzi parasite dynamics in naturally-infected macaques and Chagas disease progression
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10778616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite affect the progression of Chagas disease in macaques, with the goal of finding ways to improve care for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | February 6, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $229,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175523-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10778616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Chagas disease and may be at risk for developing chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are asymptomatic and do not have a diagnosis of Chagas disease are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite within naturally-infected macaques to better understand how different strains influence the progression of Chagas disease. By monitoring a cohort of these macaques over time, researchers aim to identify factors that contribute to severe manifestations of the disease, particularly chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. The study will utilize advanced methodologies to track parasite diversity and its impact on disease outcomes, which could lead to improved patient care strategies for those affected by Chagas disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification of patients at risk for severe Chagas disease, enabling more effective monitoring and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of monitoring parasite dynamics in macaques is novel, previous research has shown that understanding parasite diversity can significantly impact disease management in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dumonteil, Eric — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Dumonteil, Eric
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.