Understanding how a parent-to-child nasal microbiota transplant affects newborns' nasal bacteria
Official title: Characterizing the Neonatal Nasal Microbiome Following a Parent-to-Child Nasal Microbiota Transplant
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11052795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how giving newborns a nasal bacteria transplant from their parents might help protect them from infections, especially from a common germ called Staphylococcus aureus, by making their nasal bacteria healthier and more diverse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,191 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI179644-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include newborns, especially those with very low birth weight or those at risk of S. aureus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newborns or those without risk factors for S. aureus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a parent-to-child nasal microbiota transplant on the nasal microbiome of newborns, particularly focusing on the common pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. The study aims to understand how this transplant may influence the diversity of bacteria in the nasal passages of neonates, which could help prevent serious infections. By analyzing nasal swab samples from infants, researchers will assess the relationship between bacterial community diversity and the risk of S. aureus infections. The ultimate goal is to develop new strategies to protect vulnerable newborns from life-threatening infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative methods for preventing severe infections in newborns, particularly those at high risk.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches have shown promise in other studies, but this specific method of parent-to-child nasal microbiota transplant is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milstone, Aaron M — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Milstone, Aaron M
Related research
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-
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Gut Restore-PAH: Microbiota Transplant to Help Pulmonary Angiopathy
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Microbiota Transplant Therapy to Prevent HE Recurrence in Veterans with Cirrhosis
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Understanding how Fecal Microbiota Transplant helps with C. difficile infection
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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.