How Salmonella evolves in cockroaches
Official title: Evolution of Salmonella in a cockroach vector
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11232134 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the bacteria Salmonella can grow and change inside German cockroaches, which are common pests, to help us understand how they might spread and how we can better control them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | February 4, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $229,127 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AI183477-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11232134 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals at risk of Salmonella infections, particularly those in environments where cockroaches are prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of Salmonella infections or who do not live in environments with cockroach infestations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium evolves within German cockroaches, which are common pests in human environments. The study focuses on how these cockroaches can harbor and transmit Salmonella, providing a unique environment for the bacteria to adapt and evolve. By examining the interactions between the bacteria and the cockroach's gut microbiota, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind Salmonella's survival and replication in this host. This could lead to insights into how Salmonella spreads and how to control its transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing Salmonella infections in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying Salmonella evolution in cockroaches is novel, previous research has shown that understanding pathogen evolution in animal hosts can lead to significant public health advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pietri, Jose Enrique — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Pietri, Jose Enrique
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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.