Understanding how the Mayaro virus spreads through urban mosquitoes
Official title: Evolution of Mayaro virus and its impact on transmission by urban vectors
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-10883659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the Mayaro virus spreads through urban mosquitoes, like the ones that bite in cities, to help keep people in South America and the Caribbean safe from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI179094-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in or traveling to areas where the Mayaro virus is prevalent, particularly in South America and the Caribbean.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in or travel to regions affected by the Mayaro virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Mayaro virus, which is increasingly causing illness in South America and the Caribbean. The study focuses on how this virus is transmitted by urban mosquito species, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. By analyzing different strains of the virus from various years, the researchers aim to understand the factors contributing to the virus's spread and its adaptation to urban environments. This work involves laboratory studies to assess how effectively these mosquitoes can transmit the virus, which is crucial for public health responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for controlling the spread of the Mayaro virus and protecting public health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the transmission dynamics of similar viruses, indicating that this approach has potential for valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aguilar, Patricia Veronica — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Aguilar, Patricia Veronica
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.