Why some people get sicker from Babesia (tick-borne) infections
Host heterogeneity affects susceptibility of Babesia microti infection using vector-mediated transmission
The team looks at how genetic differences change how Babesia microti from ticks causes illness, aiming to help people at risk of babesiosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292404 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses specially bred mice with a wide range of genetic backgrounds to model how people respond to tick-transmitted Babesia microti. Researchers let infected ticks transmit Babesia to these mice to mimic natural infection instead of injecting the parasite directly. They will map which mouse genes and immune pathways link to mild versus severe illness to find genetic patterns tied to worse outcomes. Findings will help point to human genes or biomarkers to predict risk and guide future prevention or treatment studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this research include those living in areas where Babesia is common, older adults, people without a spleen, immunocompromised patients, and anyone who receives blood transfusions.
Not a fit: People without risk of tick exposure or those affected by unrelated infections are unlikely to get direct benefit from this preclinical mouse-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic markers that predict who is more likely to develop severe babesiosis, guiding better prevention, screening, and treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related mouse model studies have helped identify immune mechanisms in other tick-borne infections, but using the Collaborative Cross resource to map host genetic effects on tick-transmitted Babesia is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tufts, Danielle M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Tufts, Danielle M
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.