Understanding how RNA viruses persist in bats and how this could affect human health
Official title: Assessing mechanisms for the persistence of RNA viruses in bats using a captive and wild Eidolon helium colonies
Funded at University of Ghana · NIH-11421425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how RNA viruses stick around in bats, using both captive and wild colonies, to learn about risks to people and how outbreaks might start.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Ghana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Legon, Ghana) |
| Project start | September 24, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $146,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI183446-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people living in areas where bat-borne viruses are being studied or communities near West and Central African bat habitats who may benefit from improved outbreak surveillance.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure to bat habitats or without public health interventions informed by this research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses bats as a model to uncover how RNA viruses persist and spread within bat populations. It combines long-term molecular surveillance, broad serology testing, and full virus genome sequencing to map transmission dynamics. The goal is to reveal mechanisms that could lead to spillover into humans and to identify potential points for intervention or monitoring. The study centers on Eidolon helvum bats in West and Central Africa, where there are known hot spots for virus emergence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform public health strategies to monitor and prevent bat-related virus outbreaks that could threaten people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked bat viruses to human outbreaks, but this study adds longitudinal and genome-wide analyses to better understand persistence and transmission.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Ghana
Legon, Ghana Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quaye, Osbourne — University of Ghana
- Study coordinator: Quaye, Osbourne
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.