Understanding how dormant Toxoplasma gondii infections survive in the body
Official title: Metabolic basis for the persistence of dormant Toxoplasma gondii infection
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-10975369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Toxoplasma gondii parasites can stay hidden in the body, especially in the brain, and how they use sugar from our bodies to survive, with the goal of finding new ways to help treat infections caused by these parasites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | November 23, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $397,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172811-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975369 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of Toxoplasma gondii infection, particularly those who may be experiencing complications related to dormant infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never been infected with Toxoplasma gondii or those with active infections that are being effectively treated may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the metabolic processes that allow dormant Toxoplasma gondii parasites to persist in the human body, particularly within the central nervous system. The focus is on how these parasites, which exist in a dormant state, rely on host glucose for their survival and the challenges in developing treatments that can eliminate them. By exploring the metabolic needs of these dormant parasites, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could disrupt their dormancy and lead to effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively eliminate dormant Toxoplasma infections, improving health outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach to targeting dormant Toxoplasma infections is challenging and not widely tested, there is ongoing research into similar metabolic strategies for other dormant pathogens, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bzik, David J — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Bzik, David J
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.