Understanding how human milk affects the spread of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Blocking CMV transmission through the human milk metabolome and microbiome

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-10827507

This study is looking at how Cytomegalovirus (CMV) spreads through breast milk and how the good bacteria and other substances in the milk might help protect babies from getting the virus, with the goal of finding ways to keep infants safe from CMV infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10827507 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is transmitted through human milk and the role of the milk's microbiome and metabolites in this process. By studying the interactions between CMV and the components of human milk, including beneficial bacteria and specific molecules, the research aims to uncover factors that influence CMV transmission to infants. The approach involves analyzing samples from mothers to identify how these elements can block or facilitate the virus's spread. This could lead to new strategies for preventing CMV infections in vulnerable populations, particularly infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include mothers who are either seronegative or seropositive for CMV and have infants aged 0-11 years.

Not a fit: Patients who are not mothers or do not have infants, as well as those who are not affected by CMV, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for preventing CMV transmission in infants, reducing the incidence of related diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding viral transmission dynamics through human milk, but this specific approach focusing on the microbiome and metabolome is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.