Gut bacterial markers that predict drug‑resistant germs after organ transplant

Microbial biomarkers of intestinal MDR colonization after solid organ transplantation

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11239138

This project looks at patterns in gut bacteria to find transplant patients who carry or are likely to get drug‑resistant infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11239138 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If you have a solid organ transplant, researchers will collect stool samples and medical data over time to study the community of gut bacteria. They will use genetic and microbial tests to look for specific microbial signatures linked with carriage of multi‑drug resistant organisms (MDROs) and later infection. The team aims to identify who is at high versus low risk so doctors can avoid unnecessary broad‑spectrum antibiotics in low‑risk people. They will also explore non‑antibiotic ways to clear MDROs from the gut to lower infection risk and prevent spread.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have received or will receive a solid organ transplant and can provide stool samples and clinical follow‑up data.

Not a fit: People without a solid organ transplant or those unwilling/unable to provide stool samples and follow‑up are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors spot transplant patients at high risk for drug‑resistant infections and better target treatments, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked lower gut microbial diversity with MDRO carriage, but reliable predictive biomarkers and non‑antibiotic clearance strategies remain novel and under development.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.