Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | Dynamics of enteric microbial communities in early childhood - assessing the effects of soil transmitted helminths and deworming |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Prof. Sitara SR Ajjampur, Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu |
Timeline Start Year : | 2022 |
Timeline End Year : | 2025 |
Contact info : | sitararao@cmcvellore.ac.in |
Details
Executive Summary : | Soil transmitted helminths (STH) are a prevalent infectious disease affecting around 1.5 billion people globally. Children with STH infections experience stunting, malnutrition, and poor cognition, which affects school performance and future economic productivity. Malnutrition affects the maturation of the microbiome in early childhood in developing countries, including India. This study aims to determine the species-specific effects of STH on microbiome diversity and composition in children under 3 years in a rural setting in India. The research will assess microbiome maturation in the presence of STH and explore its effect on stunting in early childhood. The study will use community-based studies and a birth cohort on STH, utilizing bio-banked samples. Extensive meta-data will be used to analyze STH, microbiome maturation, and stunting in the context of other key covariates, including biological and environmental factors. The data will extend our understanding of host-helminth interactions and their effect on the developing microbiome in early childhood, providing additional impetus for policies for eliminating STH. The computed microbiota for age Z scores will also help evaluate environmental covariates associated with immature microbiome and stunting in early childhood, aiding in planning and monitoring future microbiota-directed repair strategies. In conclusion, this research will address two major public health priorities in India: community-wide deworming and improving growth trajectories in young children. |
Co-PI: | Dr. Sudhir Babji, Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu-632004, Dr. Mahesh Moorthy, Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu-632004 |
Total Budget (INR): | 27,34,600 |
Organizations involved