Understanding how hookworm genetics affect treatment response to deworming drugs
Official title: Genomic approaches to define hookworm population diversity and deworming drug response
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11053503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the different types of hookworms in Ghana to see how their genetics affect how well they respond to deworming medicine, which will help improve treatment and prevention strategies for people dealing with hookworm infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | March 11, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,056 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182301-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053503 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old living in areas where hookworm infections are prevalent, particularly in Ghana.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in endemic regions or who are not infected with hookworms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic diversity of hookworm populations and how it influences their response to deworming medications like albendazole. By studying hookworms in Ghana, the researchers aim to create a reference genome that accurately represents local strains, which may differ from those studied in other regions. The project will involve field-based studies to assess how genetic variations in hookworms affect their susceptibility to treatment and their ability to spread within communities. This work is crucial for improving public health strategies aimed at eliminating hookworm infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective deworming strategies and improved health outcomes for children and women in endemic regions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using genomic approaches to understand drug resistance in various parasites, indicating that this method could be effective for hookworms as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cappello, Michael — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Cappello, Michael
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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.