How Q fever bacteria survive inside our cells
Coxiella survival mechanisms in the intracellular niche
This research explores how the bacteria that cause Q fever survive inside human cells, aiming to find new ways to treat this serious infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123892 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Q fever is a serious illness caused by the Coxiella burnetii bacteria, which can lead to long-term health problems. These bacteria are tricky because they hide and thrive inside our own cells, creating a special protective bubble around themselves. This project aims to uncover the secrets of how these bacteria manage to survive in this harsh environment, especially how they control the acidity inside their protective bubble. By understanding these survival tactics, we hope to discover new weaknesses in the bacteria that future medicines could target.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients suffering from acute or chronic Q fever, especially those who require long-term antibiotic treatment, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without Q fever or those whose infection is easily resolved with current treatments may not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for Q fever, reducing the need for lengthy antibiotic courses.
How similar studies have performed: This research delves into specific molecular mechanisms of bacterial survival, building upon existing knowledge but exploring novel aspects of how Coxiella burnetii manipulates its environment.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilk, Stacey D — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gilk, Stacey D
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.