NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding genetic diversity in bacteria causing bloodstream infections

Official title: Within-host diversity of Gram negative bacteria from bloodstream infections

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10991019 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how different types of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, which can cause serious infections in the blood, behave in the gut and how their genetic differences might affect how well antibiotics work, helping doctors find better ways to treat these infections for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startNovember 21, 2023
Project endOctober 31, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$205,990
NIH project number5R21AI176369-02
Project IDNIH-10991019 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing bloodstream infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, particularly those with a history of antibiotic use.

Less likely to help

Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Klebsiella pneumoniae may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how genetically diverse strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause serious bloodstream infections, develop within the gastrointestinal tract. By using advanced whole genome sequencing techniques, the study aims to identify the genetic variations among these strains and their implications for antibiotic resistance and treatment outcomes. Patients with bloodstream infections may have different strains that respond differently to antibiotics, which this research seeks to clarify. The findings could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for infections caused by these bacteria.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for bloodstream infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding genetic diversity in bacteria can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Nguyen, M. Hong Thi — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Nguyen, M. Hong Thi

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.