Understanding STIs and immune responses in men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa
Official title: The Clinical History of Rectal and Urethral STIs among MSM: characterizing microbiome host immune interactions for diagnostic and vaccine advances
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-10909998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa have high rates of sexually transmitted infections, by exploring how the bacteria in their bodies and their immune systems might play a role, and it involves testing samples from 500 participants in Kisumu and Nairobi.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $603,017 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177005-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are men who have sex with men living in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those in Kisumu and Nairobi.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as men who have sex with men or those outside the sub-Saharan African region may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the relationship between the microbiome and immune responses. By analyzing samples from 500 MSM in Kisumu and Nairobi, the study aims to characterize the penile and rectal microbiomes, immune profiles, and the incidence of STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. The approach includes advanced gene sequencing techniques to understand how these factors may influence STI susceptibility and vaccine effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and vaccine strategies for STIs in high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding microbiome interactions and immune responses, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Supriya Dinesh — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Supriya Dinesh
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.