Interactions between the common lung bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
Cooperation and antagonism in polymicrobial infection
This project looks at how two common bacteria that infect people with cystic fibrosis, wounds, and medical devices interact and make infections worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325428 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work examines how Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus behave when they are both present in an infection. Scientists will focus on specific bacterial factors—like the P. aeruginosa exopolysaccharide Psl, the molecule HQNO, and S. aureus pigment staphyloxanthin—to see how they help or harm each other's growth. Experiments will use bacterial cultures and animal models that mimic chronic lung, wound, and device-related infections to recreate real conditions. The goal is to explain why mixed infections can be more severe so future therapies can target these interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cystic fibrosis, chronic lung infections, persistent wound infections, or infections related to medical devices would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without bacterial infections or whose infections are caused by unrelated organisms would be unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new targets or strategies to reduce harmful bacterial interactions and improve treatment of chronic lung, wound, and device infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and clinical isolate studies have shown Pseudomonas–Staphylococcus interactions are important, but the specific role of Psl and the cooperative mechanisms proposed here are relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wozniak, Daniel J — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Wozniak, Daniel J
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.