Understanding how schistosome larvae find their snail hosts
Official title: Molecular Determinants and Behavioral Fingerprints of Schistosome Miracidia Host-Seeking
Funded at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire · NIH-10875010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny schistosome larvae find their snail hosts by responding to things like chemicals and light, with the goal of finding new ways to help control the spread of schistosomiasis without harming the environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin Eau Claire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eau Claire, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $369,431 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI183095-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in regions where schistosomiasis is endemic and who may benefit from improved disease control measures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in endemic areas or who are not affected by schistosomiasis may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior and molecular mechanisms that schistosome larvae, known as miracidia, use to locate their snail hosts. By examining how these larvae respond to environmental cues such as chemicals and light, the study aims to develop new strategies for controlling the spread of schistosomiasis. The approach includes analyzing the sensory modalities of miracidia and their behavioral patterns to identify potential interventions that could reduce the prevalence of infected snails without harming the ecosystem. This research could lead to innovative methods for managing schistosomiasis in endemic areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, environmentally friendly strategies to control schistosomiasis by targeting the host-seeking behavior of the schistosome larvae.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using behavioral and ecological approaches to manage other parasitic diseases, suggesting that this innovative strategy could also be effective for schistosomiasis.
Where this research is happening
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University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheeler, Nicolas J — University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
- Study coordinator: Wheeler, Nicolas J
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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.