Understanding which Rickettsia genes help these bacteria infect people and spread through ticks and fleas
Transposon mutagenesis of Rickettsia for studying Rickettsia-host-vector interactions
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11247986
This project is learning which Rickettsia genes let the bacteria cause typhus and spotted fever and spread through blood-feeding insects, aiming to help people at risk of these infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will make many random genetic changes in Rickettsia bacteria to find which genes affect how the bacteria move, survive in blood vessels, and live inside ticks, fleas, or lice. They will grow and study these mutant bacteria in lab cell cultures and in arthropod vectors to see which changes stop transmission or disease-related behaviors. The team will track known features like actin-based movement and surface O-antigen to connect specific genes to how the bacteria cause illness. Results are laboratory-based and do not require patient visits, though the findings are intended to guide future treatments or prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit are those at risk of or concerned about tick-, flea-, or lice-borne rickettsial infections, such as residents in areas where these infections occur or people with prior rickettsial disease.
Not a fit: Patients with health conditions unrelated to rickettsial infections are unlikely to see any direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments, vaccines, or ways to block transmission of typhus and spotted fever to people.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier genetic studies have found a few Rickettsia genes involved in movement and immune interactions, but broad transposon-based mapping of many genes is newer and still developing.
Where this research is happening
STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES
- STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK — STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIM, HWAN KEUN — STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK
- Study coordinator: KIM, HWAN KEUN
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.