Understanding Oral Bacteria in Young Children Affected by HIV in Kenya
Longitudinal Oral Microbiome for HIV/HEU/HUU Children Aged 3-4 in Western Kenya
This project looks at the mouth bacteria in young children in Western Kenya who are living with HIV, exposed to HIV, or not exposed to HIV, to understand how their oral health develops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195547 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The project aims to understand how the types of bacteria in the mouths of young children change over time. We know that children exposed to HIV, even if they don't have it themselves, often face more health challenges, including oral diseases. This work will collect oral swab samples from children aged 3-4 in Western Kenya over one year. By comparing children with HIV, those exposed to HIV but uninfected, and those not exposed, we hope to learn more about how their oral health develops. This information could help us find ways to better support their overall well-being.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this work are children aged 3-4 in Western Kenya who are either living with HIV, exposed to HIV but uninfected, or not exposed to HIV.
Not a fit: Patients outside the specified age range or geographic location, or those not in one of the three defined HIV exposure groups, would not directly benefit from participation in this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how oral bacteria contribute to health issues in young children affected by HIV, potentially leading to better ways to prevent or treat oral diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cross-sectional analyses have shown differences in oral bacterial communities in HIV-exposed children, suggesting this longitudinal approach could build on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Yan — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Wang, Yan
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.