Investigating how aging affects gut bacteria and the risk of infections in nursing homes
Official title: Aging Microbiome, Immunosenescence, and risk of Multi-drug Resistant Organism Colonization and Infection in the Nursing Home
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10988308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the gut of older adults living in nursing homes can affect their chances of getting infections from tough-to-treat germs, and it hopes to find ways to help keep them healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $631,844 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG075283-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults living in nursing homes who may be at risk for infections due to their age and health status.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not reside in nursing homes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the aging microbiome influences the risk of colonization and infection by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in nursing home residents. It employs advanced techniques to measure the presence of these harmful bacteria and examines how changes in gut bacteria and immune function contribute to increased vulnerability in older adults. By studying these factors, the research aims to identify potential interventions to reduce the burden of MDROs in this high-risk population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms in nursing home residents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the microbiome can lead to significant advancements in managing infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haran, John Patrick — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Haran, John Patrick
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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.