Staph on the skin and viral risk in children with atopic dermatitis
Biomarker Identification, Viral Susceptibility and Management in S. aureus Colonized AD Patients
This project looks for skin markers and new ways to prevent serious viral infections in children with atopic dermatitis who carry Staphylococcus aureus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321656 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You or your child may be asked to give skin swabs, blood samples, and clinical information so researchers can find biological markers linked to Staphylococcus aureus colonization and worse eczema. The team will compare children with and without staph on their skin, study how staph affects the skin barrier and immune signals, and test whether the common skin microbe Cutibacterium acnes can suppress staph. Lab experiments will include exposing skin samples to viruses to understand why some children develop severe complications like eczema herpeticum or dangerous reactions to vaccinia. The plan combines patient samples, clinical data, and laboratory work to guide better prevention and treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (infants through about 11 years) with diagnosed atopic dermatitis, especially those who are known or suspected to carry Staphylococcus aureus on their skin, are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without atopic dermatitis, adults, or children who do not carry Staphylococcus aureus on their skin are less likely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify children at high risk for severe eczema and viral complications and point to new ways to prevent or treat those risks.
How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical and laboratory studies have linked staph colonization to worse eczema and higher risk of viral complications, and lab models have shown staph can increase viral susceptibility, but turning these findings into protective treatments remains relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beck, Lisa Ann — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Beck, Lisa Ann
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.