Investigating how Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria are stored in the human body
Official title: Acinetobacter baumannii reservoirs within the host
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11098535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections in hospitals might be hiding in bladder cells, even in people who don’t show any symptoms, so we can find ways to stop these infections from spreading in healthcare settings.
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 | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181334-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have undergone medical procedures that may involve catheterization or those with a history of Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of Acinetobacter baumannii infections or who are not undergoing relevant medical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, known for causing serious infections in hospitals, can be hidden within the human body, particularly in bladder cells. The study aims to understand how these bacteria can remain undetected and potentially reactivate after medical procedures, leading to infections. By using mouse models, researchers will investigate the conditions under which these bacteria can be introduced into hospitals from patients who may not show symptoms. The goal is to identify reservoirs of infection that could help prevent outbreaks in healthcare settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial reservoirs can lead to successful infection control strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldman, Mario — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Feldman, Mario
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.