Investigating a new toxin in antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Official title: Novel Bacteroides fragilis Competition Factor in Carbapenem-Resistant Strains
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11040316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new toxin made by certain bacteria in the gut that can make infections harder to treat, and it aims to find out how this toxin helps these bacteria survive and resist antibiotics, which could help us come up with better ways to fight these tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI182916-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Bacteroides fragilis or those at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Bacteroides fragilis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a newly discovered toxin, Bcf1, produced by certain strains of Bacteroides fragilis, contributes to the competition among bacteria in the gut. These strains are known for their resistance to critical antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. By examining the molecular mechanisms of this toxin, the research aims to uncover how it helps these bacteria thrive and resist treatment. This could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic resistance in these harmful bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections caused by Bacteroides fragilis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting the Bcf1 toxin is novel, previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial competition and antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bubeck Wardenburg, Juliane — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Bubeck Wardenburg, Juliane
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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.