Understanding antibiotic resistance in bacteria
Heteroresistance Interdisciplinary Research Unit (Project 3)
This study is looking at how some bacteria can be resistant to antibiotics while most of them are not, and it aims to find out how these resistant bacteria act during treatment and if they can become sensitive again after treatment stops, which could help doctors create better ways to diagnose and treat infections, especially for patients dealing with Acinetobacter baumannii.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11037958 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a phenomenon called heteroresistance, where small populations of antibiotic-resistant bacteria exist alongside mostly susceptible bacteria. The project aims to uncover how these resistant subpopulations behave during antibiotic treatment and how they can revert to being susceptible once the treatment stops. By combining experimental testing with mathematical modeling, the research seeks to improve diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for infections caused by resistant bacteria, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii. Patients may benefit from more effective treatments and better detection of antibiotic resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii or other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not resistant to antibiotics may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostics and treatment options for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding antibiotic resistance dynamics, but this specific approach to studying heteroresistance is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levin, Bruce Richard — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Levin, Bruce Richard
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.