Viruses in the vagina and their link to bacterial vaginosis and HIV risk
Viral determinants of Bacterial Vaginosis and HIV acquisition risk in the female genital tract
Researchers are looking at whether viruses that live in the vagina change bacterial communities and inflammation in ways that could raise women's chances of having bacterial vaginosis or getting HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194327 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will collect vaginal samples from women to map the viruses present, including bacteriophages and RNA viruses. The team will use genomic sequencing and laboratory tests to see how viruses interact with vaginal bacteria and trigger immune responses. They will compare samples from women with and without BV and study factors tied to recurrent BV after antibiotics. The goal is to reveal viral–bacterial and immune links that could point to new ways to prevent or treat BV and reduce HIV susceptibility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women with a female genital tract, especially those with current or recurrent bacterial vaginosis or who are at higher risk for HIV, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without a female genital tract or those not at risk for BV or HIV are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new tests or treatments that prevent recurrent BV and lower HIV risk by targeting vaginal viruses or virus–bacteria interactions.
How similar studies have performed: Bacterial causes of BV and links to HIV risk are established, but the role of the vaginal virome and phages is largely new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Bryan P — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Brown, Bryan P
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.