Understanding how Leishmania parasites persist in infected humans
Official title: Host and parasite determinants of Leishmania Viannia persistence in naturally infected human populations
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10986099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Leishmania parasites can stick around in people, even if they don’t have symptoms, and how they might cause problems later on, so we can better understand what helps these infections last a long time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | December 28, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $595,744 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172887-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in endemic areas who have been infected with Leishmania Viannia, whether they show symptoms or not.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to Leishmania Viannia or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term persistence of Leishmania Viannia parasites in humans, focusing on both asymptomatic and symptomatic infections. It aims to understand how these parasites can remain in the body without causing symptoms, or lead to conditions like mucosal or cutaneous leishmaniasis later on. The study will analyze the immune responses of the host and the characteristics of the parasite to uncover the mechanisms that allow for this persistence. By examining various tissues and immune interactions, the research seeks to provide insights into the factors that contribute to chronic infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with leishmaniasis, potentially reducing the incidence of chronic infections and associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding chronic infections caused by similar parasites, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Sayed, Najib M — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: El-Sayed, Najib M
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.