Understanding why trachoma persists in some communities after treatment
Impact of ocular microbiome, immune response and Chlamydiae on trachoma following MDA
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11092919
This project aims to understand why some communities continue to suffer from trachoma, a leading cause of infectious blindness, even after receiving mass antibiotic treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11092919 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Trachoma is a serious eye infection that can lead to blindness, affecting millions worldwide, especially children. While mass antibiotic treatments have helped many communities, some still struggle with the disease. This research looks closely at the eye's natural bacteria (microbiome) and the body's immune response, along with the Chlamydia infection itself, to figure out why the treatments aren't always working. By understanding these factors, we hope to find better ways to protect people from trachoma and prevent blindness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly children under 10, living in regions where trachoma remains a significant health problem despite previous antibiotic treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in trachoma-endemic regions or who have already been successfully treated for trachoma may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective strategies for preventing and treating trachoma, ultimately reducing infectious blindness globally.
How similar studies have performed: While mass drug administration has successfully eliminated trachoma in some areas, this research explores why it fails in others, representing a novel approach to understanding persistent disease.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEAN, DEBORAH ANNE — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: DEAN, DEBORAH ANNE
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.