Investigating how Gardnerella bacteria cause infections
Official title: Genetic methods for studying Gardnerella virulence
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11094917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Gardnerella bacteria contribute to bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common condition in women, to help find better ways to treat and prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI182550-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who experience symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bacterial vaginosis or related reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Gardnerella bacteria in bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition affecting many women and linked to serious reproductive health issues. The team aims to develop genetic tools to manipulate Gardnerella, allowing them to study its virulence factors more effectively. By creating targeted mutations and optimizing gene expression methods, the researchers hope to uncover how these bacteria contribute to BV and its complications. This work could lead to better treatments and prevention strategies for women affected by BV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for bacterial vaginosis, enhancing reproductive health for many women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic manipulation techniques to study bacterial virulence, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dillard, Joseph P — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Dillard, Joseph P
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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.