Identifying gut and blood bacteria to predict infections in kidney transplant patients

Microbial Biomarkers for Diagnosing and Predicting Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11094873

This study is looking for better ways to spot and predict infections in people who have had a kidney transplant by checking for certain markers in their stool, blood, and urine, which could help keep them healthier and reduce complications.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11094873 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop new methods for diagnosing and predicting infections in kidney transplant recipients by analyzing microbial biomarkers found in stool, blood, and urine. The study will focus on creating assays that measure short-chain fatty acids in feces and cell-free DNA in blood and urine, which may indicate the risk of infections. By understanding the relationship between these microbial markers and infection rates, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications associated with immunosuppression. The approach is based on previous findings that link specific bacteria to lower infection rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have received a kidney transplant and are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone kidney transplantation or those who are not on immunosuppressive therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and prevention of infections in kidney transplant patients, significantly improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results in using microbial biomarkers for predicting infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions bacteria infectionbacterial diseaseBacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.