Effects of topical antimicrobials on skin bacteria in households with Staphylococcus aureus
Microbial Community Disruption Following Topical Antimicrobial Application in Staphylococcus aureus-Affected Households
This study is looking at how using skin and nasal treatments can change the bacteria on your skin and in your nose if you live with someone who has Staphylococcus aureus, and it aims to find ways to prevent infections without making antibiotic resistance worse, so you might be asked to share your experiences and provide some samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093991 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the application of topical antimicrobials affects the microbial communities on the skin and in the nasal passages of individuals living in households with Staphylococcus aureus. By analyzing over 13,000 skin and nasal swabs, the study aims to understand the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria and how antimicrobial treatments may disrupt this balance. The goal is to identify strategies that can prevent infections while minimizing the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients may be asked to provide samples and participate in discussions about their experiences with antimicrobial treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults living in households affected by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those who have used topical antimicrobials.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in households with Staphylococcus aureus or who have not used topical antimicrobials may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections while preserving healthy skin microbiota.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding microbial communities can lead to better infection control strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fritz, Stephanie Ann — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fritz, Stephanie Ann
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.