Understanding fungal CAUTI in catheters and how the bladder fights back
Official title: Understanding the bladder inflammatory and immune responses to fungal catheter-associated urinary infections
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11390738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at Notre Dame is studying how the fungus Candida albicans causes infections in people with urinary catheters and how the bladder's immune system responds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $614,655 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI200307-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11390738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with urinary catheters or a history of catheter-associated infections may be eligible for related studies or future trials within this program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without catheter use or ongoing CAUTI may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
People who need a urinary catheter can develop infections in the bladder caused by both bacteria and fungi like Candida albicans. This project looks at how the bladder’s inflammatory and immune responses react to Candida during catheter use and what fungal factors drive infection. The work combines laboratory studies with patient-relevant asks to uncover why a fungus can thrive in catheterized bladders and how the body fights it. Findings could point to new ways to prevent CAUTIs and improve treatment for fungal infections in the urinary tract.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better prevention and management of fungal CAUTIs in catheter patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored bacterial CAUTIs, but fungal CAUTI research is expanding and shows promise for new intervention targets.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flores-Mireles, Ana Lidia — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Flores-Mireles, Ana Lidia
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.