How antibiotics affect the gut bacteria and immune system in premature infants with infections
Official title: Antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiome and immune response in neonatal late-onset sepsis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10886752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how antibiotics affect the gut bacteria and immune system of premature babies who might get infections, using a special mouse model to help understand the best ways to treat these little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $163,524 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI159384-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are receiving antibiotic treatment for infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or who do not require antibiotic treatment for infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of antibiotics on the gut microbiome and immune response in premature infants who are at risk for late-onset sepsis. The study utilizes a unique mouse model that mimics the infant gut environment, allowing researchers to observe how different antibiotic treatments affect gut bacteria and the body's immune response. By analyzing fecal samples from a large repository of hospitalized neonates, the research aims to identify specific combinations of antibiotics and gut bacteria that may lead to severe infections. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment strategies for vulnerable infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better antibiotic treatment protocols that minimize harmful effects on the gut microbiome, potentially reducing the incidence of severe infections in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the relationship between antibiotics and the microbiome can lead to significant advancements in treating infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, Drew Joel — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, Drew Joel
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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.