Effect of electronic cigarette vapor on ear infections and bacterial communities in kids
Official title: The effect of electronic cigarette vapor on formation of intracellular bacterial communities and recurrence of otitis media
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11455078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests how exposure to e-cigarette vapor may affect kids’ risk of ear infections and the behavior of bacteria that cause them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $448,686 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES038306-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents at risk for otitis media or with exposure to e-cigarette aerosols, including those with a history of recurrent infections.
✕Less likely to help
Children without exposure to e-cigarette aerosols or those without recurrent ear infections may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how e-cigarette aerosol and nicotine exposure influence nasal and ear infections in children, focusing on intracellular bacterial communities that can make infections harder to treat. Researchers will study host and bacteria interactions in cells and may use animal models to model exposure effects. The goal is to identify how air pollutants and e-cigarettes change inflammation and infection recurrence to guide future therapies. If the results are positive, they could point toward preventive strategies for children at risk of recurrent ear infections and related respiratory issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new ways to prevent or reduce recurrent ear infections in children exposed to aerosols and nicotine.
How similar studies have gone: Past work shows bacterial persistence and recurrence can be influenced by environmental exposures, but specific links to e-cigarette aerosols are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mason, Kevin M — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Mason, Kevin M
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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.