Tracking how infections spread in hospitals using genetic sequencing
Genomic methods for studying microbial transmission in healthcare settings
This project uses whole-genome sequencing to trace how bacteria and other microbes move between patients, staff, and hospital locations to help prevent infections in people receiving care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004986 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will sequence the complete genomes of bacteria and other microbes found in patients, healthcare workers, and hospital sites and link those results to medical and location records. By combining genetic data with clinical information, they aim to tell when an infection was spread inside the hospital versus brought in from outside and to identify hospital areas or practices that help transmission. The team will also develop analytical methods to address challenges posed by widespread antibiotic-resistant strains that make transmission links hard to identify. Findings could inform clearer, targeted infection-control actions so hospitals can stop outbreaks faster and reduce the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients receiving care in participating hospitals—especially those with suspected or confirmed infections or colonization by antibiotic-resistant organisms—and staff who agree to provide samples.
Not a fit: People without exposure to participating hospitals or whose infections are unrelated to healthcare settings may not see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help hospitals pinpoint and stop sources of spread so patients face fewer hospital-acquired and antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: Whole-genome sequencing has already helped solve many hospital outbreak investigations, but distinguishing in-hospital spread from infections imported from the community remains a known challenge.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Snitkin, Evan — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Snitkin, Evan
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.