A targeted PET scan to find lung bacterial infections
Siderophore based molecular imaging of pulmonary infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · NIH-11136290
A new PET imaging method uses bacteria's iron-seeking molecules to find and tell apart bacterial lung infections in people with COPD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136290 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project aims to create a PET scan that uses bacteria's iron-seeking molecules to find harmful bacteria in the lower airways. The team will attach a safe radioactive tag to those molecules so the scan lights up only where live bacteria are present. They will test the probes in the lab and in models before moving to clinical imaging to see how reliably the scan can tell bacterial from viral flare-ups. If it works, this could give you a non-invasive way to know whether antibiotics are needed during a COPD exacerbation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with COPD who are experiencing an acute worsening of symptoms (AECOPD), especially when a bacterial infection is suspected.
Not a fit: People without suspected lower airway infection, those with purely viral respiratory illnesses, or anyone who cannot undergo PET imaging are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help doctors quickly identify bacterial lung infections so patients get antibiotics only when they are truly needed.
How similar studies have performed: Similar bacteria-targeted molecular imaging approaches have shown promise in laboratory and animal studies, but human clinical use remains limited and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI — CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOTAGIRI, NALINIKANTH — UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
- Study coordinator: KOTAGIRI, NALINIKANTH
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections