Understanding how viruses that infect bacteria affect children's growth
Official title: Propagation and Characterization of Phage Related to Human Growth
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10766811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses that attack bacteria in the gut might affect the health and growth of young children, especially those in rural Malawi who are having trouble growing due to gut issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | January 20, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171362-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10766811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool children aged 1-5 years, particularly those from low and middle-income countries experiencing growth stunting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preschool-aged or those without growth-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target bacteria, in influencing gut health and growth in young children. By studying the interactions between these phages and bacterial populations in the gut, the research aims to uncover how changes in these communities may contribute to growth issues in preschool-aged children, particularly those suffering from environmental enteric dysfunction. The study involves analyzing samples from children in rural Malawi to identify specific phages associated with growth patterns and health outcomes. Through this work, researchers hope to better understand the complex dynamics of gut microbiomes and their impact on child development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving growth and health in children affected by malnutrition and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiomes in health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holtz, Lori R — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Holtz, Lori R
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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.