Investigating how to improve treatment for chronic Helicobacter pylori infections
Understanding and manipulating chronic Helicobacter pylori to enhance treatment
This study is looking into why Helicobacter pylori infections don’t always go away with antibiotics and how reducing stomach acid with certain medications might actually help the bacteria grow, with the goal of finding better ways to treat ulcers and stomach cancer for people who are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand why chronic Helicobacter pylori infections are resistant to antibiotic treatments. It focuses on the role of stomach acid in controlling the growth of this bacteria and how proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce stomach acid, can actually promote its growth. By studying the metabolic processes of H. pylori in a low-acid environment, the researchers hope to identify new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. This could lead to better treatment options for patients suffering from related conditions such as ulcers and gastric cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic Helicobacter pylori infections, particularly those who have not responded well to standard antibiotic treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a Helicobacter pylori infection or those who have already been successfully treated may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for chronic H. pylori infections, reducing the incidence of ulcers and gastric cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial metabolism and growth conditions can lead to improved treatment strategies, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Santa Cruz, United States
- University of California Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ottemann, Karen M — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Ottemann, Karen M
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 below.