University of Washington
Grant: $195,000 - National Institutes of Health - Jul. 20, 2009
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Award Description: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a huge impact on public health. Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections globally, and is the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases in the United State, with an estimated 3 to 4 million cases in the United States per year. Infection of the mucosa results in cervicitis, endometritis, and salpingitis. The pathological consequences of untreated infections may result in severe reproductive tract disease including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Despite the high morbidity and cost burden, there are currently no effective vaccines. A promising alternative preventive approach is the development of topical microbicides that can be applied in a gel, cream, or other formulation. In this application, we propose to determine the feasibility of anti-adhesive therapy as a novel topical microbicide approach to prevent C. trachomatis genital tract infection.
Project Description: Sexually transmitted infections have a huge impact on public health. Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections globally and is the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases in the United State, with an estimated 3 to 4 million cases in the United States per year. The World Health Organization has estimated a staggering 92 million cases worldwide. Infection of the mucosa results in cervicitis, endometritis, and salpingitis. Because infection is often asymptomatic, the health burden on women is especially severe as the pathological consequences of untreated infections may result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Despite the high morbidity and cost burden, there are currently no effective vaccines. A promising alternative preventive approach is the use of topical microbicides that can be applied in a gel, cream, or other formulation; however, of the candidates tested thus far in appropriate models, only partial efficacy has been obtained for C. trachomatis. While some of the current microbicides show promise, alternative preventive approaches should be considered for development. The goal of this current study is test a novel method for prevention of C. trachomatis sexually transmitted infections that is based on our studies demonstrating that high mannose oligosaccharides prevent chlamydial infection of host cells. The ultimate goal is to determine the feasibility of anti-adhesive treatment for prevention of C. trachomatis sexually transmitted infection. Since this grant was awarded on 7/23/09, a research scientist has been hired to perform these studies. The first phase of the study, which is underway, is to test different oligosaccharides in cell culture experiments to determine the oligosaccharide or combination of oligosaccharides that is the most effective in preventing C. trachomatis infection of host cells
Jobs Summary: PROFESSOR WITHOUT TENURE-Requires outstanding, mature scholarship and research as evaluated in terms of national or international recognition, and evidenced by accomplishments in full range of academic responsibilities. PROFESSOR-Requires outstanding, mature scholarship and research as evaluated in terms of national or international recognition, and evidenced by accomplishments in full range of academic responsibilities. RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 1-Perform routine science or engineering work, responsible for evaluating, selecting and applying scientific techniques or procedures to assignments with clear and specific objectives. (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
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