Improving diagnosis and treatment of infections in diabetic wounds
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring of Polymicrobial Infections in Diabetic Wounds
This study is looking at a new way to help heal diabetic wounds by using a special substance that makes harmful bacteria glow, so doctors can spot and treat infections more easily without using traditional antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145815 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on diabetic wounds, which are often complicated by bacterial infections that hinder healing and can lead to severe complications like amputation. The study explores a bacterial metabolite called Glutamate 1-Semialdehyde (GSA), which can cause bacteria to fluoresce, making them easier to detect and treat with light-based therapies. By using diabetic mice and mini-pigs, the research aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of this innovative approach for diagnosing and treating infections without relying on traditional antibiotics. This multifaceted strategy seeks to enhance patient care by providing timely diagnosis and effective treatment options for chronic diabetic wounds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetic wounds that are at risk of infection.
Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those not suffering from chronic wounds may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for infections in diabetic wounds, potentially reducing the need for amputations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using light-based therapies for bacterial infections, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yongli — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Li, Yongli
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.