Detecting active infections caused by P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients
Sensing living P. aeruginosa using D-alanine derived radiotracers
This study is working on a new way to help doctors find infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients, especially those caused by a specific bacteria called P. aeruginosa, by using special imaging tools that can show living bacteria more clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10771263 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of infections in cystic fibrosis patients, particularly those caused by the bacteria P. aeruginosa. It aims to develop new PET radiotracers derived from D-alanine that can specifically identify living bacteria in the lungs, overcoming limitations of current imaging techniques. By utilizing metabolic pathways unique to bacteria, these radiotracers can provide clearer images of active infections, helping physicians make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. The study will involve synthesizing and testing these radiotracers in preclinical models to validate their effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cystic fibrosis patients who are experiencing respiratory infections.
Not a fit: Patients without cystic fibrosis or those not experiencing respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients, improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise with similar radiotracer approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, David M — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wilson, David M
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.