How a Drug-Resistant Fungus Spreads on Skin
Mechanisms of Candida auris Colonization in the Skin
['FUNDING_R01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11136540
This project explores how the tiny organisms on our skin and our body's defenses work together to control the spread of a dangerous, drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136540 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Candida auris is a serious fungal infection that often starts by living on the skin without symptoms, especially in hospital and nursing home patients. This fungus can then spread quickly and cause severe, life-threatening infections, and it's very hard to treat because it resists many medications. Our goal is to understand how the natural bacteria and other tiny organisms on our skin, along with our body's own defenses, help prevent Candida auris from taking hold. By learning these natural controls, we hope to find new ways to stop outbreaks and protect vulnerable patients from this urgent health threat.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who are at risk for or have experienced Candida auris infections, particularly those in hospitals or nursing homes, could eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without a risk of Candida auris infection or those with other types of fungal infections may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent Candida auris infections and outbreaks, especially in healthcare settings.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of skin microbiota in general is known, this specific approach to understanding its control over Candida auris colonization is a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: THANGAMANI, SHANKAR — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: THANGAMANI, SHANKAR
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.