Investigating a dangerous strain of bacteria causing eye infections
Official title: Extensively drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis outbreak strain: virulence mechanisms and mitigation
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10993725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into a tough eye infection caused by a super-resistant bacteria that doesn't respond to any current antibiotics, and it's trying to find out how this bacteria works and what new treatments might help people who are suffering from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $488,639 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036686-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with keratitis caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with keratitis caused by non-resistant strains of bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on an outbreak of keratitis caused by an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has shown resistance to all current antibiotics used for treatment. The study aims to understand the virulence mechanisms of this strain and explore potential mitigation strategies. By analyzing genetic data and conducting experiments in animal models, researchers hope to uncover unique qualities of this bacteria that contribute to its severe impact on patients. The findings could lead to new treatment options for those affected by this serious eye infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective treatments for patients suffering from antibiotic-resistant bacterial eye infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms, but this specific strain's virulence and resistance profile is novel and requires further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shanks, Robert M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Shanks, Robert M
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.