Understanding how treating malaria infections affects children's brain health and learning.
Official title: Assessing the Impact of Treatment of Asymptomatic Malaria Infections on Inflammation and Cognition in Schoolchildren
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11015891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how treating hidden malaria infections in schoolchildren in sub-Saharan Africa can help reduce inflammation and improve their thinking skills, with the hope of boosting their learning and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 25, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $115,309 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180840-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are school-aged children living in sub-Saharan Africa who are asymptomatically infected with the malaria parasite.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with malaria or those who are older than the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of treating asymptomatic malaria infections on inflammation and cognitive abilities in schoolchildren. It focuses on children in sub-Saharan Africa who may not show symptoms but still carry the malaria parasite, which can impact their health and learning. The study will measure inflammation levels and cognitive performance before and after treatment to determine if addressing these infections can improve children's academic outcomes. By analyzing the relationship between malaria, inflammation, and cognition, the research aims to provide insights into better health strategies for affected populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive performance and academic achievement in children suffering from asymptomatic malaria infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that treating malaria infections can have positive effects on health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tran, Tuan Manh — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Tran, Tuan Manh
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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.