Finding breath markers for antibiotic-resistant lung infections in children with cystic fibrosis
Identifying breath biomarkers for S. aureus methicillin resistance and small colony variants
This study is working on a new breath test that can help find certain harmful bacteria in kids with cystic fibrosis, making it easier to check for lung infections without needing to collect mucus samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10797006 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a breath test that can identify specific types of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant strains and small colony variants, which are common in children with cystic fibrosis. By analyzing volatile compounds in breath, the study seeks to create a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can detect these harmful bacteria without the need for sputum samples. This approach is crucial as sputum production is decreasing in patients receiving improved cystic fibrosis treatments, yet the risk of lung infections remains high. The research will involve testing breath samples to establish the accuracy of these biomarkers in diagnosing lung infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who are at risk for lung infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Not a fit: Patients without cystic fibrosis or those not experiencing lung infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a simple and non-invasive method for early detection of dangerous lung infections in children with cystic fibrosis, potentially improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While breath analysis for biomarkers is a novel approach in this specific context, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of infectious disease diagnostics.
Where this research is happening
Tempe, United States
- Arizona State University-Tempe Campus — Tempe, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bean, Heather Denise — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Bean, Heather Denise
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.