# Understanding and optimizing the potential public health impact of a gonococcal vaccine

> **NIH NIH U19** · GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $577,662

## Abstract

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo), the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea, is a 
major public health problem worldwide. The clinical outcomes of gonococcal infection range from asymptomatic 
infection to severe sequelae that include pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neonatal 
complications and infertility. Infection with Ngo also increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. The 
increasing incidence of gonococcal infection and the emergence of multidrug resistant ‘superbug’ strains of Ngo 
make it clear that a vaccine-based intervention is urgently needed. 
In this project our overall goal is to gather the data required to understand any potential barriers to the 
widespread implementation of a gonococcal vaccine, to determine what information might increase uptake, and 
to identify the vaccine features and vaccination strategy that will have the maximum impact on reducing the 
prevalence of gonorrhea. 
These studies are highly significant given that the ability to rapidly evaluate and implement a gonococcal 
vaccine, once available, is essential. 
The specific aims are: 
AIM 1: Describe the distribution and transmission of Ngo with different phenotypes, and determine variability 
among vaccine targets. 
AIM 2: Among various populations, describe understanding of gonococcal disease and perceptions of risk as 
well as assess acceptance of a gonococcal vaccine. 
AIM 3: Model the potential impact of different vaccine formulations and different target populations to guide 
gonococcal vaccine development and implementation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10595574
- **Project number:** 5U19AI144182-05
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kate Louise Seib
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $577,662
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-03-25 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10595574

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10595574, Understanding and optimizing the potential public health impact of a gonococcal vaccine (5U19AI144182-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10595574. Licensed CC0.

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