Optimizing antibiotic combos to kill CRAB and CR-Klebsiella pneumoniae in mouse pneumonia models
Official title: Building and prospective validation of promising mono- and combination regimens that optimize killing of CRAB and CR-Klebsiella pneumoniae and for resistance suppression in murine pneumonia models
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11413428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests antibiotic combinations in mouse models to rapidly kill stubborn bacterial infections and prevent resistance, with the goal of better treatments for CRAB and CRKP pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $384,943 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI179409-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include patients with severe CRAB or CRKP infections where combination antibiotic therapy could be tailored to prevent resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CRAB/CRKP infections or without access to the proposed antibiotic regimens may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Florida will use mechanistic assays and a new mouse pneumonia model to test highly effective antibiotic combinations against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). They will quantify how well these regimens kill bacteria and how resistance emerges or is suppressed, and will compare neutropenic and immunocompetent mice to understand the role of the immune system. The study aims to identify dosage regimens that maximize early bacterial killing while minimizing resistance, with a plan to prospectively validate these regimens. By focusing on combination therapies, the work seeks to inform better treatment strategies for these difficult infections in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective antibiotic regimens for CRAB and CRKP infections, potentially improving survival and outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that combination therapies can enhance killing and delay resistance in other Gram-negative infections, but this specific mouse pneumonia model and regimens are being prospectively validated.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Louie, Arnold — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Louie, Arnold
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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.