Investigating how Group B Streptococcus affects newborns' intestines and causes infections.
Official title: Group B Streptococcus surface determinants of neonatal intestinal colonization and infection
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11043401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a bacteria called Group B Streptococcus (GBS) can stick to and invade the intestines of newborns, which can cause serious infections, and it aims to find ways to prevent these infections, like developing vaccines or treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | February 26, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $534,916 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182835-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and infants, particularly those under 4 weeks old, who are at risk for GBS infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have already been diagnosed with GBS infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonizes the intestines of newborns, which can lead to serious infections like sepsis and meningitis. The study aims to identify specific proteins that GBS uses to attach to and invade the intestinal surfaces of infants. By analyzing these interactions, researchers hope to develop new strategies, such as vaccines or antibody therapies, to prevent these infections. The approach involves advanced genetic techniques to explore the behavior of GBS in a controlled environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective prevention methods for late-onset GBS infections in newborns, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial colonization and developing preventive strategies, but this specific approach to GBS is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hooven, Thomas a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hooven, Thomas a
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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.