Using broad genetic testing to find causes of persistent trachoma
Exploring the role of metagenomic deep sequencing for trachoma
Researchers will use a broad genetic test on stored eye swabs from children and communities where trachoma keeps returning after mass azithromycin to look for chlamydia, other microbes, or resistance genes that might explain ongoing infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or children in your community gave eye swabs in past field studies, those swabs could be analyzed with metagenomic deep sequencing to read all DNA and RNA in the samples. The team will compare genetic signals over a four-week period to see how stable chlamydia sequences are and to spot genes linked to antibiotic resistance. They will also look for non-chlamydial organisms or signs of other reservoirs (for example, rectal carriage) that might spread infection. Results will be linked to clinical information to help explain why some communities remain highly affected despite repeated azithromycin distributions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and other people from communities where trachoma remains common despite repeated mass azithromycin, especially those who can provide eye (and possibly rectal) swabs or whose samples are already stored.
Not a fit: People without trachoma, from areas where trachoma has already been eliminated, or those who cannot or will not provide samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help public health teams change treatment strategies or develop new approaches to stop trachoma transmission and prevent blindness.
How similar studies have performed: Metagenomic sequencing has successfully identified pathogens and resistance genes in other infections, but applying this approach specifically to persistent trachoma is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keenan, Jeremy David — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Keenan, Jeremy David
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.