How gestational diabetes affects Group B Streptococcus and the immune response during pregnancy
Official title: The impact of gestational diabetes on Group B Streptococcal virulence and host immune response
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10873328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gestational diabetes might affect the way a common bacteria, Group B Streptococcus, behaves and how this could lead to infections in newborns, with the goal of finding better ways to protect mothers and their babies during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $198,614 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173448-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes who are at risk for Group B Streptococcus colonization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without gestational diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gestational diabetes and the virulence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a significant cause of neonatal infections. It aims to understand how maternal immunity and GBS adaptations contribute to increased risks of infection and adverse birth outcomes in mothers with gestational diabetes. The study utilizes animal models to explore these dynamics, focusing on the immune response and bacterial behavior in the presence of diabetes. By identifying these factors, the research seeks to inform better prevention strategies for GBS infections during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for Group B Streptococcus infections in pregnant women, potentially reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between maternal health conditions and pathogens can lead to significant advancements in maternal and neonatal care.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patras, Katy — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Patras, Katy
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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.