Preventing spread of drug-resistant germs in nursing homes
Simulating the Spread and Control of Multiple MDROs Across a Network of Different Nursing Homes
Using computer simulations to model how multiple drug-resistant germs move between nursing homes and which control steps might keep residents safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332688 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a nursing home resident or family member, this project builds computer-based 'agent' simulations that mimic how several multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) spread across a network of nursing homes in Orange County, California. The team combines epidemiologic, operational, and economic data to test policies like contact precautions and decolonization and to see how those actions affect multiple germs at once. By modeling the whole regional ecosystem rather than single facilities or single pathogens, the simulations can reveal system-wide consequences and trade-offs of different control strategies. The findings are meant to guide practical infection-control policies that could reduce colonization, infections, and deaths in nursing homes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are nursing home residents or nursing facilities in Orange County, California, or those willing to share facility-level data from that region.
Not a fit: People who do not live in or interact with nursing homes, or those outside the modeled region, should not expect direct personal benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could inform policies and practices that reduce multidrug-resistant infections and related deaths across nursing homes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior models focusing on single pathogens have informed infection-control practices, but simultaneous multi-MDRO modeling is newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Bruce Y — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Lee, Bruce Y
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.