Using soil to track intestinal worm infections in communities.
Soil epidemiology: a new tool for environmental surveillance of soil-transmitted helminth infections in endemic settings.
This study is looking at whether testing soil samples can help us better understand and track soil-transmitted worm infections in people, especially in places like Benin and India where these infections are common, and it could be a simpler and cheaper way to monitor health instead of taking stool samples from people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045205 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of soil samples as a new method for monitoring soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, which affect billions worldwide. By analyzing soil from areas with high human activity, researchers aim to determine if this method can provide accurate estimates of STH prevalence, potentially replacing more invasive and costly human stool sampling. The study will be conducted in Benin and India, where community-wide deworming efforts are underway, and will involve collecting and analyzing samples over three years. This innovative approach could enhance the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at controlling these infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in endemic areas with high rates of soil-transmitted helminth infections.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in endemic regions or who are not affected by soil-transmitted helminth infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more efficient and cost-effective monitoring of intestinal worm infections, improving public health outcomes in affected communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using environmental samples for disease monitoring, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pickering, Amy J. — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Pickering, Amy J.
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.