How bacteria help fungi resist harmful drugs
Official title: Bacterial partners as a mode of fungal resistance to antimicrobial compounds
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11081054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain bacteria help fungi survive in tough environments by soaking up harmful substances, which could lead to better treatments for stubborn fungal infections that are hard to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $368,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150797-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with fungal infections, particularly those resistant to standard antifungal treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those not affected by antimicrobial resistance may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between bacteria and fungi within microbial communities, focusing on how certain bacteria can protect fungi from harmful antimicrobial compounds. By understanding these relationships, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that allow sensitive fungi to thrive in environments filled with toxic substances. The approach involves studying the protective role of bacteria as 'toxin sponges' that sequester harmful compounds, potentially leading to new insights into microbial community formation and resilience. Patients may benefit from this research through improved treatments for fungal infections that are currently difficult to manage due to drug resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating fungal infections by leveraging bacterial protection mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interactions being studied are novel, there is existing research that supports the idea that microbial interactions can influence resistance to antimicrobial agents.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahlstrom, Kurt M. — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Dahlstrom, Kurt M.
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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.