How some bacteria survive antibiotics inside body tissues
Identifying the pathways associated with bacterial antibiotic persistence within host tissues
Researchers are looking for the ways bacteria survive antibiotic treatment in tissues to help people who get relapsing or hard-to-treat bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250015 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model of Yersinia infection treated with doxycycline to mimic how bacteria behave inside body tissues after antibiotics. Scientists will examine surviving “persister” bacteria in the spleen to find the stress-response pathways they use to endure treatment. They will compare bacteria in host tissues to ones grown in lab dishes to pinpoint host-specific survival strategies and potential drug targets. The goal is to identify ways drugs or treatment changes could clear these hidden bacteria so infections don't come back.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had relapsing or persistent bacterial infections, especially deep-tissue infections that don't fully clear with standard antibiotics, would be most likely to benefit.
Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or straightforward bacterial infections that respond fully to standard antibiotics are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that eliminate persister bacteria, shorten antibiotic courses, and reduce relapsing infections.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have long identified persister cells and some experimental strategies show promise, but targeting persisters within host tissues remains a relatively new and unproven area.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Kim — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Davis, Kim
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.