Understanding complex bacterial infections and new ways to treat them
Advancing studies of polymicrobial diseases via streptococcal genetics
This research explores how different types of bacteria work together in human infections to find better ways to fight them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130982 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many human infections involve several types of bacteria working together, making them hard to treat with current antibiotics. We want to understand the basic rules of how these bacteria cooperate to cause disease. By studying specific oral bacteria as a model, we hope to uncover the genetic controls that make them harmful and discover new strategies to stop their combined effects. This work could lead to more effective treatments for challenging infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not recruiting patients directly but aims to help individuals suffering from complex, polymicrobial infections, such as abscesses, in the future.
Not a fit: Patients with single-bacterium infections or those whose conditions are well-managed by existing antibiotic therapies may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for complex bacterial infections that are currently difficult to manage with traditional antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: The field of polymicrobial disease mechanisms is still emerging, and traditional antibiotic therapies have limited utility, suggesting this approach explores novel and untested strategies.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merritt, Justin — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Merritt, Justin
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.