Understanding how Leishmaniasis spreads in high-risk areas and animals
Official title: A multidisciplinary approach to study ecotypes driving transmission and pathogenesis of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in Eastern Africa
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11520490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to map how Leishmaniasis spreads in Eastern Africa and how animal hosts and vectors influence transmission, with goal of protecting people and military personnel deployed to endemic regions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $75,451 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI168619-05S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11520490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in endemic regions and military personnel deployed to areas with Leishmaniasis exposure may benefit from improved prevention and risk reduction.
✕Less likely to help
People in non-endemic regions with no exposure to Leishmaniasis are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at the eco-epidemiology of Leishmaniasis in high-endemic areas to find what drives transmission. Researchers will study factors like vector biology, reservoir animals, and human exposure to understand how the disease moves through communities. The work combines field observations, sample collection, and analyses of how environment and behavior affect spread. Findings could inform targeted prevention efforts and public health strategies for at-risk populations, including service members deployed overseas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: The research could lead to better prevention and control strategies to reduce Leishmaniasis in humans and animals.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that vector and reservoir dynamics influence transmission, but this project seeks to deepen understanding in a high-transmission setting.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Satoskar, Abhay R — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Satoskar, Abhay R
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.