Finding new ways to prevent infections caused by urinary catheters

Harnessing polymicrobial interactions in the catheterized urinary tract to identify novel inhibitors of Proteus mirabilis urease activity

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO · NIH-11061285

This study is looking at how certain bacteria can cause urinary tract infections in people with catheters and is trying to find safer ways to stop these infections by exploring natural substances from other bacteria that can help prevent problems like blockages and stones.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AMHERST, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11061285 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), which are a major cause of bloodstream infections in hospitals. It investigates how certain bacteria, particularly Proteus mirabilis, produce urease, an enzyme that leads to complications like catheter blockage and urinary stones. The researchers are exploring metabolites from other bacteria that can inhibit urease activity, aiming to identify safer alternatives to the currently used drug, acetohydroxamic acid, which has significant side effects. By analyzing bacterial interactions and metabolites, the study seeks to develop new treatments to prevent these infections and their complications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with long-term indwelling urinary catheters who are at risk for catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Not a fit: Patients without urinary catheters or those who do not experience urinary tract infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for preventing urinary catheter-related infections and their serious complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial interactions to mitigate infection severity, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

AMHERST, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.