Understanding how rat fleas respond to plague infection
Official title: Emerging understanding of the rat flea response to Yersinia pestis infection
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-10739323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how rat fleas react when they get infected with the plague bacteria, aiming to understand how they handle their blood meals and toxins, which could help us find better ways to prevent diseases spread by fleas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | November 11, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,954 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI164730-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where plague is endemic or those who have been exposed to fleas that may carry Yersinia pestis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in or travel to regions where plague is a concern may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological responses of rat fleas when infected with Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague. The study aims to uncover how the fleas process their blood meals and manage toxins during infection, which is crucial for developing new strategies to control flea-borne diseases. By examining the role of a specific factor called Ymt, the researchers hope to gain insights into the flea's immune response and its implications for disease transmission. This knowledge could lead to innovative methods for managing and preventing plague outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for controlling plague and other flea-borne diseases, ultimately protecting public health.
How similar studies have gone: While research on flea biology and vector control is ongoing, this specific investigation into the Ymt factor's role in flea responses to plague is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vadyvaloo, Viveka — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Vadyvaloo, Viveka
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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.