Gut bacteria chemicals that help protect against cholera
Microbiome-derived small molecules and host resistance against Vibrio cholerae
This project looks at chemicals made by gut bacteria to find ways to prevent or reduce cholera infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Lawrence NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lawrence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11333190 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We study chemicals made by the human gut microbiome that can change how Vibrio cholerae, the cholera bacterium, behaves. Scientists extract small molecules from human stool samples and test their effects on cholera bacteria in the lab and in cell or animal models. The team aims to identify which gut microbes and compounds reduce bacterial motility and virulence, and to characterize how those compounds work. Over time these findings could guide new microbiome-based treatments or preventive approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people willing to provide stool samples, including healthy volunteers and individuals at risk for cholera exposure.
Not a fit: People with acute, severe cholera who need immediate medical care are unlikely to benefit directly from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new microbiome-based treatments or preventives that reduce cholera severity or lower the risk of infection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies found that microbiome-derived extracts can suppress virulence in pathogens like Salmonella and influence gene expression in V. cholerae, but translating these lab findings into patient therapies remains new.
Where this research is happening
Lawrence, United States
- University of Kansas Lawrence — Lawrence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Antunes, Luis Caetano Martha — University of Kansas Lawrence
- Study coordinator: Antunes, Luis Caetano Martha
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.