Understanding how the syphilis-causing bacteria spread in the body
Official title: Extracellular Matrix Adhesins of Treponema pallidum
Funded at University of Victoria · NIH-11002261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the syphilis-causing bacteria spread in the body, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent infections, which could eventually help in creating vaccines or other protective methods for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Victoria NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Victoria, Canada) |
| Project start | December 19, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $306,534 |
| NIH project number | 5R37AI051334-21 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for syphilis infection, particularly those in areas experiencing outbreaks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with syphilis and receiving treatment may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the bacterium Treponema pallidum, responsible for syphilis, spreads throughout the body. By studying how this pathogen interacts with various tissues and cells, the research aims to uncover new strategies for preventing syphilis infections. The approach involves detailed analysis of the extracellular matrix and the bacterial adhesins that facilitate infection. Insights gained from this research could lead to the development of effective vaccines or other preventive measures against syphilis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing syphilis infections, potentially reducing the incidence of this disease globally.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on syphilis treatment, this investigation into the specific mechanisms of T. pallidum dissemination is relatively novel and could provide new insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of Victoria
Victoria, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cameron, Caroline E — University of Victoria
- Study coordinator: Cameron, Caroline E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Chimeric vaccine to prevent syphilis and congenital transmission
This project is creating a combined vaccine designed to stop syphilis infection, its spread through the body, and transmission to unborn babies.
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How the syphilis bacterium sticks to and moves through body tissues
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A direct, point-of-care test to detect infectious and congenital syphilis
A new diagnostic test is being developed to directly detect active syphilis infections, including congenital cases, and to work at the point of care.
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Creating a new vaccine to prevent syphilis infections
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect against syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that's becoming more common, by testing important proteins from the bacteria that cause it in animals to see if they can help the body fight off the infection.
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Creating a new test to diagnose infectious and congenital syphilis
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use test for syphilis that can quickly and accurately tell if someone has an active infection or if a newborn has congenital syphilis, especially in places where healthcare is hard to reach.
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.