Using harmless viruses that kill cholera bacteria to prevent cholera
Phage Resistance in Emergent Vibrio cholerae and Phage Prophylaxis of Cholera
Researchers are trying harmless bacteriophages—viruses that kill Vibrio cholerae—to stop cholera in people at high risk, like household contacts of patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262823 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at bacteriophages, viruses that specifically kill cholera bacteria but are safe for people, as a way to prevent infection. The team studies how well different phages and phage combinations kill clinical cholera strains in the lab and in animal models, and tracks whether bacteria develop resistance. Because many cholera cases come from water and household exposure, the researchers are exploring using phage cocktails as a short‑term preventive treatment for people exposed to an index case. They are also monitoring emerging multidrug- and multiphage-resistant strains to adapt the phage approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who are household contacts or recent close contacts of someone diagnosed with cholera in areas where cholera is common.
Not a fit: People infected with phage‑resistant Vibrio cholerae strains, those living outside cholera‑endemic areas, or individuals under the study's age criteria may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could become a new preventive option to protect people exposed to cholera, especially where antibiotics are failing or resistance is rising.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies and field observations have shown that phages can reduce Vibrio cholerae levels and transmission, but human prophylactic use is still early and faces challenges from emerging resistant strains.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Tufts University Boston — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camilli, Andrew — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Camilli, Andrew
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.