Using blood antibody tests to track and help eliminate trachoma
Seroepidemiology of trachoma for the elimination endgame
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11047562
This project uses antibody blood tests in children and communities to track recent trachoma spread and guide when elimination has been reached.
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-11047562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or your child live in a trachoma-affected area, researchers may use a small blood sample to measure antibodies that show past and recent exposure to the eye infection that causes trachoma. The team is combining over 100,000 blood specimens from many studies around the world and comparing antibody results with clinical exams and infection tests. They will develop and apply methods that read age-based antibody patterns to tell whether transmission is ongoing or has dropped to near zero. Results are meant to help local health programs decide when it is safe to stop mass treatments and move toward certification of elimination.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and community members in trachoma-endemic areas who can provide a small blood sample for antibody testing.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate medical treatment for active eye infections are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from this surveillance-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could give communities clearer, evidence-based signals that trachoma transmission has stopped so mass antibiotic campaigns can be targeted or ended safely.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody testing for trachoma has shown promise in research settings and field surveys, but standard methods for using those results in the elimination phase are still being developed.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ARNOLD, BENJAMIN F — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: ARNOLD, BENJAMIN F
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.