Investigating how lactate affects the harmful effects of Campylobacter jejuni
Official title: Role of the gut metabolite lactate on Campylobacter jejuni pathogenicity
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-10988285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance made by our gut called lactate affects the harmful effects of a bacteria called Campylobacter jejuni, which can cause stomach infections, and it's using young ferrets to help find new ways to treat infections that don't respond to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | November 16, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180600-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, particularly those with infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with gastroenteritis caused by other pathogens or those who do not exhibit symptoms related to Campylobacter jejuni may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the gut metabolite lactate influences the pathogenicity of Campylobacter jejuni, a major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. The study aims to explore the dynamics of C. jejuni infections, particularly during the inflammatory response, using a young ferret model that closely mimics human infection. By examining the changes in gut metabolites and the behavior of the bacteria during infection, the research seeks to identify alternative therapeutic approaches to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of C. jejuni.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for patients suffering from gastroenteritis caused by Campylobacter jejuni.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial infections through similar approaches, but the specific role of lactate in C. jejuni pathogenicity is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dirita, Victor J. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Dirita, Victor J.
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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.