Understanding how the St. Louis encephalitis virus spreads and survives
Transmission dynamics and fitness of reemerging St. Louis encephalitis virus
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-10880542
This study is looking into how the St. Louis encephalitis virus, which can make people very sick, is coming back in California and Arizona, and it aims to understand how it spreads between mosquitoes and birds to help keep everyone safe.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10880542 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), a mosquito-borne pathogen that can cause serious illness, including encephalitis. The study focuses on how SLEV has reemerged in California and Arizona, examining the virus's infectivity and transmissibility in both mosquito and bird populations. By analyzing the genetic differences between historical and contemporary strains of SLEV, the research aims to identify factors that contribute to its resurgence and spread. This could involve studying the interactions between the virus and its mosquito vectors, particularly the Culex species, to understand how these dynamics affect human health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals living in areas with known SLEV activity, particularly in California and Arizona.
Not a fit: Patients who live in regions where SLEV is not present or who are not at risk of mosquito exposure may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and public health responses to SLEV outbreaks, ultimately reducing the incidence of related illnesses in humans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research on the West Nile virus has shown success in understanding its transmission dynamics, suggesting that similar approaches may yield valuable insights for SLEV.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COFFEY, LARK L — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: COFFEY, LARK L
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 below.