Investigating how the respiratory microbiome affects COVID-19 severity in older adults
Official title: The Respiratory Microbiome in COVID-19: Associations with Severity, Risk Factors, and Host Pathways
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10954709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the germs in our lungs might affect how seriously older adults get sick from COVID-19, by checking samples from over 200 hospitalized patients to see if certain germs are linked to worse outcomes, especially for those with other health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170550-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have been hospitalized due to COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who have not been hospitalized for COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between the respiratory microbiome and the severity of COVID-19, particularly in older adults. By analyzing samples from over 200 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the study aims to identify specific microbial species and their potential roles in influencing disease outcomes. The researchers will also examine how pre-existing health conditions may alter the microbiome before infection and investigate the biological pathways involved in these associations. This comprehensive approach could lead to a better understanding of COVID-19 and its varying impacts on patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for predicting and managing COVID-19 severity in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that the microbiome can influence respiratory infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merenstein, Carter — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Merenstein, Carter
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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.