Investigating how a specific bacterium causes infections and develops antibiotic resistance
BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
This study is looking at a germ called Acinetobacter baumannii, which can cause infections in hospitals and among soldiers, to find out how it changes from being harmful to harmless and how it resists antibiotics, with the goal of developing a live vaccine and discovering new ways to treat tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10951547 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium known for causing infections in hospitals and among military personnel. The project aims to understand the mechanisms that allow this bacterium to switch between harmful and harmless forms, as well as its resistance to antibiotics. By using genetic and biochemical methods, the researchers are exploring how certain genes influence the bacterium's virulence and how a live vaccine can be developed to combat it. Additionally, the study seeks to identify new vulnerabilities in antibiotic-resistant strains to create effective treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include hospitalized patients or military personnel who are at risk of infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria that are not Acinetobacter baumannii may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new vaccines and treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines and treatments targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Decatur, UNITED STATES
- Veterans Health Administration — Decatur, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rather, Philip N. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Rather, Philip N.
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.