A New Approach to Remove Bladder Bacteria Causing UTIs
Targeted ablation of bladder-resident uropathogenic bacteria with a novel cell penetrating dye
This project explores a new method using a special dye to find and get rid of bacteria hidden inside the bladder walls that cause recurring urinary tract infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178679 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people experience recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) because bacteria can hide deep within the bladder walls, where antibiotics often can't reach them. Current treatments, like electrofulguration, can be painful and damage healthy tissue because they can't specifically target only the infected areas. This project is developing a special dye designed to find and attach to these hidden bacteria inside bladder cells. The goal is for this dye to then be activated to destroy only the bacteria and the cells they infect, leaving healthy bladder tissue untouched. This could lead to a much more precise and less uncomfortable way to treat stubborn recurrent UTIs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals who experience recurrent urinary tract infections, especially those where standard antibiotic treatments have not been fully effective.
Not a fit: Patients whose urinary tract infections respond well to typical antibiotic treatments or who do not have bacteria hidden within their bladder tissue may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new method could provide a more effective and less painful treatment option for individuals suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the existence of hidden bladder bacteria is confirmed and some current therapies exist, this specific approach using a novel cell-penetrating dye for targeted destruction is a new and untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gassensmith, Jeremiah J. — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Gassensmith, Jeremiah J.
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.