Understanding the harmful factors of Shigella bacteria causing dysentery
Official title: Characterization of virulence factors in shigellosis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10877174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Shigella flexneri bacteria make people sick with severe diarrhea, using baby rabbits to mimic human infections, so we can learn more about the bacteria and find better ways to treat and prevent this illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $198,039 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178051-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of or currently suffering from bacillary dysentery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with dysentery caused by other pathogens or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the virulence factors of the Shigella flexneri bacteria, which causes bacillary dysentery, a severe form of diarrhea. Using a newly developed infant rabbit model, the research aims to replicate the symptoms seen in human infections, allowing for a better understanding of how the bacteria cause disease. The study employs advanced techniques like Transposon-sequencing to identify the specific bacterial factors that contribute to the severity of the infection. This approach could lead to new insights into treatment and prevention strategies for dysentery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive measures for bacillary dysentery, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agaisse, Herve F — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Agaisse, Herve F
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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.