Impact of microbes working together on catheter-related urinary infections
Official title: Impact of polymicrobial interactions and within-host adaptation on CAUTI pathogenesis
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11404937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how multiple bacteria interact inside the bladder and catheter to drive serious urinary infections and antibiotic resistance, with a focus on common culprits Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $782,322 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK140371-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404937 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with catheters or at high risk for CAUTI who could benefit from improved infection prevention or treatments.
✕Less likely to help
The findings may not directly benefit individuals without catheter-associated risk or current infections.
What this research studies
UTIs tied to catheter use are a major health problem, especially for older adults. The project studies how a few key bacteria interact inside the catheterized urinary tract and how these interactions change as the infection progresses toward sepsis and antibiotic resistance. Researchers will look at both single and mixed-species infections to understand biofilm formation and disease severity, using mouse models and human-relevant conditions. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better prevention and treatment for CAUTI patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could guide new strategies to prevent catheter-associated infections and curb antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show that co-colonization with key bacteria alters biofilm growth and infection severity in models, suggesting a promising but still developing area.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Armbruster, Chelsie Elizabeth — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Armbruster, Chelsie Elizabeth
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.