Nosocomial pneumonia and brain blood vessels: a study in people
Official title: Nosocomial pneumonia impairs the cerebrovasculature
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11330181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research tests how pneumonia after surgery may damage brain blood vessels and contribute to memory problems in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $187,370 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135147-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who developed pneumonia after surgery, or who are at high risk of postoperative pneumonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without postoperative pneumonia or those not at risk for cognitive decline may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
The project explores how pneumonia acquired around the time of surgery can trigger toxic proteins that travel from the lungs to the brain, potentially harming cognitive function. It will examine mechanisms like blood-brain barrier changes and pericyte loss, using human data and relevant models to understand how infection links to dementia risk. The study aims to identify biomarkers and pathways that could be targeted to protect brain health after pneumonia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to strategies that prevent cognitive decline after pneumonia and improve recovery times for surgical patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests lung infections can impact the brain, but this project seeks to clarify mechanisms and causal links in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Amy R — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Amy R
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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.