Using genomics to improve care for cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV
Genomic Research Capacity Building for Cryptococcal Meningitis
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-11381310
This project builds lab and training capacity to use genomic and immune testing to help adults with HIV who get cryptococcal meningitis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11381310 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is strengthening labs and training doctors and scientists in Uganda so they can do genomic and immune-system studies on cryptococcal meningitis. They will collect clinical samples from people with HIV and meningitis at partner hospitals and analyze fungal genes and host immune responses. The work links local clinical care with lab-based genomics to look for targets for better diagnostics and treatments. The project is a long-term partnership between Virginia Tech and Ugandan institutions to turn lab findings into practices that could be used in hospitals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with advanced HIV and confirmed cryptococcal meningitis treated at participating hospitals who can consent to sample collection and follow-up.
Not a fit: Children under 21, people without cryptococcal meningitis, or those not treated at participating sites are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new tests or treatment strategies that reduce death and long-term brain injury from cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: The team and others have made important discoveries about cryptococcal biology and immune responses, but translating those findings into widely used treatments remains limited.
Where this research is happening
BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV — BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NIELSEN, KIRSTEN — VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV
- Study coordinator: NIELSEN, KIRSTEN
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.
Conditions: AIDS Associated Opportunistic Infection, AIDS opportunistic infections, AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome