Investigating how a bacterial infection affects brain inflammation in premature infants
Official title: Neuroinflammation in response to ascending reproductive tract ureaplasma infection
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11066446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a Ureaplasma infection affects brain inflammation in premature babies and is testing whether the antibiotic Azithromycin can help protect their brain health, all while using a special model with monkeys to learn more about this important issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $739,864 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112337-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk of preterm labor due to Ureaplasma infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose preterm labor is not associated with Ureaplasma infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of Ureaplasma infection on neuroinflammation in premature infants. Using a unique model involving rhesus monkeys, the study will monitor physiological changes and collect samples over time to evaluate the effects of antibiotic treatment, specifically Azithromycin, on fetal brain health. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind brain injury related to intrauterine infections and how treatments can mitigate these effects. By exploring these relationships, the research aims to improve outcomes for infants born prematurely.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preventing neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in using antibiotics like Azithromycin to improve outcomes in similar contexts, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelleher, Meredith Anne — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Kelleher, Meredith Anne
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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.