NIH-funded research R01 grant

How the fungus Candida albicans interacts with the bacteria Salmonella in the gut

Official title: Inter-kingdom interactions of Salmonella Typhimurium and Candida albicans in the gut

Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10983774 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a common fungus and a type of bacteria interact in the gut, especially in people with gut inflammation, to see if their relationship affects infections and antibiotic resistance, which could help improve treatment options for those dealing with multiple infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project startNovember 9, 2023
Project endOctober 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$532,995
NIH project number5R01AI175223-02
Project IDNIH-10983774 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who have experienced gastrointestinal infections or inflammatory bowel diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients without gastrointestinal issues or those not colonized by Candida albicans may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between the fungus Candida albicans and the bacteria Salmonella Typhimurium in the human gut. It aims to understand how the presence of Candida can influence Salmonella infections, particularly in patients with gut inflammation. The study will involve analyzing how these two pathogens coexist and affect each other's behavior, potentially leading to increased antibiotic resistance. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to uncover new insights into treating polymicrobial infections.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for infections caused by multiple pathogens in the gut.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding polymicrobial interactions can lead to significant advancements in treating complex infections, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Behnsen, Judith — University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Behnsen, Judith

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.