Understanding how genital inflammation affects HIV risk in women in sub-Saharan Africa
Official title: Identifying drivers of genital inflammation and HIV acquisition in women living in sub-Saharan Africa
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11007561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in the female genital area might cause inflammation and increase the risk of getting HIV in women living in sub-Saharan Africa, with the goal of finding better ways to help protect them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $819,227 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184095-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young, healthy women living in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those who may be at higher risk for HIV due to their genital microbiota.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not women or those living outside of sub-Saharan Africa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between genital inflammation and the risk of HIV acquisition in women living in sub-Saharan Africa. It focuses on the female genital tract microbiota, particularly the presence of certain bacteria that may increase inflammation and susceptibility to HIV. By analyzing samples from a large cohort of women, the study aims to identify specific bacterial communities and their mechanisms that contribute to higher HIV risk. The findings could lead to better prevention strategies tailored for women in this region.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention methods for HIV in women, potentially reducing infection rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding the role of vaginal microbiota in HIV acquisition can lead to significant insights, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwon, Douglas — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kwon, Douglas
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.