How Pseudomonas aeruginosa evolves in plumbing and affects cystic fibrosis
Official title: Evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in premise plumbing and impact on cystic fibrosis respiratory disease pathogenesis
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11082322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause serious lung infections, changes and grows in building plumbing, especially to help protect people with cystic fibrosis from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $105,213 |
| NIH project number | 5K22AI173802-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cystic fibrosis who are at risk of respiratory infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cystic fibrosis or those not exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause severe respiratory infections, evolves in the plumbing systems of buildings. It focuses on understanding the conditions in plumbing that allow this bacteria to thrive and potentially lead to infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis. By studying the biofilms that form in water pipes and faucets, the research aims to uncover how these bacteria adapt to their environment and how this adaptation may influence their ability to cause disease. The findings could help in developing strategies to prevent infections in vulnerable patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that understanding bacterial evolution in specific environments can lead to significant advancements in infection control, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Armbruster, Catherine Rebecca — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Armbruster, Catherine Rebecca
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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.