Gastrointestinal Colonization of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter hormaeae (ECC) in the gut
Official title: Gastrointestinal Colonization Mechanisms of Carbapenem-Resistant?Enterobacter hormaechei
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11442316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how a deadly gut bacteria (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter hormaeae) takes hold in the intestines and spreads, with the goal of preventing infections in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $436,309 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202631-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11442316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include neonates and adults at risk for CRE infections, particularly those in hospital or ICU settings.
✕Less likely to help
Caregivers and patients not exposed to CRE in healthcare settings may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
The project uses a neonatal mouse model to study how ECC bacteria colonize the gut, which nutrients support their growth, and which factors help them attach to the intestinal lining. Researchers aim to identify key steps in colonization that could be blocked to prevent hospital-acquired and invasive infections. The findings could inform new strategies to reduce transmission and severity of CRE infections in vulnerable patients. This work targets understanding a human health threat while using an animal model to reveal mechanisms relevant to patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Improved understanding of how CRE colonizes the gut could lead to interventions that prevent serious infections in newborns and high-risk adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models and studies have shown that gut colonization is a critical step in CRE infections, with potential for translation to prevention strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dirita, Victor J. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Dirita, Victor J.
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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.