Stopping Staph from hiding and moving inside bone
Elucidating the Mechanisms of S. aureus Motility in Bone and Developing Interventions
This project looks for ways to stop Staphylococcus aureus from invading tiny spaces in bone and causing long-lasting bone infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178448 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I take part, researchers will examine how Staph aureus changes shape to slip into the microscopic channels of bone that protect it from antibiotics. They'll use high-resolution imaging of infected bone from patients and animal models, plus laboratory tests of bacterial behavior and drug responses. The team will try new antibiotic approaches and materials, including 3D-printed implant coatings or local drug delivery, intended to reach and clear bacteria inside bone. Their work aims to prevent recurrence after joint replacement and to improve treatment for chronic osteomyelitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have or are recovering from Staphylococcus aureus bone or joint infections, especially after joint replacement surgery.
Not a fit: People without bone or joint infections, or with infections caused by organisms other than Staphylococcus aureus, would be unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or implant options that reduce chronic bone infections and the need for repeat surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous efforts to eliminate chronic bone infections have largely failed, so this approach based on a new discovery about Staph hiding in bone is relatively novel, although some antibiotic and implant strategies have shown limited benefit.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Awad, Hani a — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Awad, Hani a
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.