Understanding the Role of Viruses in Vaginal Health for Women with HIV
Influence of the Cervicovaginal Phageome on Health and Disease in Women Living with HIV.
This research looks at how tiny viruses in the female reproductive tract might help keep women healthy or contribute to conditions like bacterial vaginosis, especially for women living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163240 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are home to many tiny microbes, including bacteria and viruses, which together form what's called the microbiome. In the female reproductive tract, a healthy balance of these microbes, particularly certain bacteria, helps prevent infections and other health issues. This project focuses on bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target and can control bacteria. We want to understand how these bacteriophages interact with bacteria in the vagina and how they might influence vaginal health and disease, particularly in women living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for women living with HIV and AIDS, as well as healthy women who serve as a comparison group.
Not a fit: Patients not living with HIV or AIDS may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat vaginal infections and improve overall reproductive health for women, especially those with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown that bacteriophages in the female reproductive tract are linked to certain diseases, but how they regulate bacterial populations is still largely unknown.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monaco, Cynthia L. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Monaco, Cynthia L.
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.