Understanding how Leptospira bacteria spread in the environment
Official title: Leptospira prevalence, cycling, and infection in the peridomestic environment
Funded at Northern Arizona University · NIH-10878873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Leptospira bacteria, which cause leptospirosis, spread in the environment and affect people, especially in tropical areas, to help find ways to better protect those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Arizona University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flagstaff, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $699,966 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172924-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878873 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in tropical regions who may be at risk of exposure to Leptospira bacteria, particularly those with close contact with animals or contaminated environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in tropical areas or who have no exposure to potential animal reservoirs of Leptospira may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the prevalence and cycling of Leptospira bacteria, which cause leptospirosis, a disease transmitted from animals to humans. By using a new culture-free method for high-resolution genotyping, the study aims to identify how these bacteria survive and spread in the environment, particularly in tropical regions. The research focuses on understanding the complex interactions between various host species and the environmental factors that contribute to human infections. This could lead to better identification of risk factors and sources of infection for individuals living in affected areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and public health interventions for leptospirosis, reducing infection rates and associated mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using molecular tools to study other pathogens, suggesting that this novel approach could yield valuable insights into leptospirosis transmission.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearson, Talima Ross — Northern Arizona University
- Study coordinator: Pearson, Talima Ross
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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.