How viruses that infect bacteria can help prevent cholera infection
Official title: Phage mobilization and microbiota dynamics driving colonization resistance to Vibrio cholerae invasion
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-10990526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses that target bacteria, called bacteriophages, can help change the bacteria in our gut to better fight off cholera infections, which could lead to new ways to prevent this illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $177,476 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181381-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cholera infection or those at high risk for cholera due to environmental factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for cholera or have no history of gastrointestinal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, in shaping the gut microbiota and its ability to resist cholera infections. By examining how these phages interact with gut bacteria, particularly Bacteroidota, the study aims to understand how they can alter bile metabolism and influence the virulence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera. The researchers will explore changes in gene expression and metabolic activity in the gut that may enhance resistance to cholera colonization. This work could lead to new strategies for preventing cholera by harnessing the natural interactions between phages and gut bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative methods for preventing cholera infections through the manipulation of gut microbiota.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using phages to manipulate gut microbiota and combat bacterial infections, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Degnan, Patrick H — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Degnan, Patrick H
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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.