​​Capsule Endomicroscopy for Visualization of the Small Intestine in EED Population in Pakistan​​

Principal Investigator: Dr. Asad Ali, Dr. Guillermo J. Tearney

Co-PI: Dr. Kamran Sadiq

Funded by: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation​

Project duration: Three years

Project sites: Matiari and AKU, Karachi​.

Primary objective: The primary objective of this research is the translation and dissemination of minimally-invasive medical devices (TNIT and a -compatible image-guided brush biopsy, cryobiopsy, and IPD) that will enable the detailed evaluation of the small intestines of infants for the development of effective environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) interventions. This result will be achieved upon demonstration of the use of these devices in infants in settings where EED is endemic (e.g. Matiari district in Pakistan) and the capability of these technologies to differentiate the EED intestine. Sustainability will be addressed by developing infrastructure/partnerships to fabricate and support these devices so that they can be widely deployed and utilized for EED studies​.​