Investigating bacterial infections related to antibiotic use in older adults
BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
This study is looking at how to better understand and treat infections caused by Clostridioides difficile, especially in older adults who have taken antibiotics, by working with both human and animal health experts to find new ways to fight these infections and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Arizona VA Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11101290 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Clostridioides difficile, which can occur after antibiotic treatment in older adults. The team employs a One Health strategy, collaborating across human and veterinary medicine to explore the mechanisms of these infections. They conduct surveillance in hospitals to gather data and have developed innovative approaches to identify and combat the virulence of harmful bacterial strains. The ultimate goal is to create effective treatments that can improve health outcomes for older patients suffering from these infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have experienced or are at risk for antibiotic-related infections.
Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without a history of antibiotic use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the incidence and severity of antibiotic-related infections in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding and treating antibiotic-related infections, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- Southern Arizona VA Health Care System — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vedantam, Gayatri — Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Vedantam, Gayatri
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.