Staphylococcus aureus infections of the cornea (bacterial keratitis)
Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus Corneal Infections
Researchers are finding which Staph aureus genes make corneal infections worse so treatments for people with bacterial keratitis can be improved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323610 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project searches for the Staph aureus genes that make corneal infections severe. The team will sequence bacterial genomes and use genetic screening tools to identify bacterial factors linked to corneal damage, and they will test key findings in lab models and on bacteria collected from patients. By combining bioinformatics with laboratory experiments, they aim to create a shortlist of bacterial targets that could be blocked by new therapies. The hope is to explain why some eye infections cause rapid vision loss so better treatments can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who currently have or recently had Staphylococcus aureus bacterial keratitis, or who can provide corneal bacterial samples, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial eye conditions or infections caused by organisms other than Staphylococcus aureus are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or therapies that prevent vision loss from Staphylococcus aureus corneal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Genomic and genetic screening methods have revealed virulence factors for S. aureus in other infection sites, but applying these approaches specifically to corneal infections is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wozniak, Rachel a F — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Wozniak, Rachel a F
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.