Better detection of infections spreading in hospitals
Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission of Infection
This project uses rapid genetic testing of germs and smart computer analysis to find and stop infections spreading among hospital patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers collect germs found in patients and read their genetic code to see which infections are linked. They combine those genetic results with electronic health records and machine learning to spot outbreaks and map how infections move through the hospital. The team has already used this system to find hidden bacterial outbreaks and now plans to add regular testing for respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The goal is to give infection-control teams earlier, clearer information so they can stop transmission and protect patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adult patients receiving care at participating hospitals who have an infection or respiratory symptoms and whose clinical samples can be tested.
Not a fit: Patients not hospitalized, those at non-participating hospitals, or people whose infections are not sampled or tested may not see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help hospitals detect outbreaks sooner and prevent infections, complications, and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work by this team showed that proactive genome sequencing combined with EHR data and machine learning can uncover previously unrecognized bacterial outbreaks, while routine respiratory virus surveillance is a newer addition.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Lee H — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Lee H
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.