Understanding how parasitic worms resist treatment with certain medications
Official title: Cholinergic anthelmintics: Tachyphylaxis mechanisms and control in a parasitic nematode model,Brugia malayi
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-10868740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of parasitic worm can become less responsive to certain medications used to treat infections, with the goal of finding better ways to help kids who are most affected by these worms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $223,622 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173819-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children living in developing countries who are infected with soil-transmitted helminths.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with soil-transmitted helminths or who live in developed countries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which parasitic worms, specifically Brugia malayi, develop resistance to cholinergic anthelmintics, which are medications used to treat infections caused by these parasites. The study focuses on a phenomenon called tachyphylaxis, where the worms adapt to the drugs over time, making treatment less effective. By examining specific proteins and transcription factors involved in this resistance, the research aims to identify new strategies to improve the effectiveness of existing treatments. This could lead to better management of soil-transmitted helminth infections, particularly in children who are most affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for parasitic infections, improving health outcomes for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding resistance mechanisms in parasites can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kashyap, Sudhanva Srinivas — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Kashyap, Sudhanva Srinivas
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.