Understanding how Acinetobacter baumannii resists antibiotics and causes disease

Global Circuitry that Controls Acinetobacter Resistance and Virulence

NIH-funded research Northeastern University · NIH-10877925

This study is looking at how a tough germ called Acinetobacter baumannii avoids being killed by antibiotics and causes serious infections, focusing on a special system that helps it stay protected, with the hope of finding new ways to treat infections for people affected by this bacteria.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNortheastern University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877925 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which Acinetobacter baumannii, a highly antibiotic-resistant bacterium, evades treatment and causes severe infections. The focus is on a unique regulatory system called BfmRS, which controls the bacterium's protective cell envelope and its ability to resist antibiotics and evade the immune system. By studying this system, researchers aim to uncover how it contributes to the pathogen's virulence and resistance, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. The research involves laboratory experiments to analyze the genetic and biochemical pathways involved in this process.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria that do not involve Acinetobacter baumannii may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that effectively combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in targeting bacterial regulatory systems to combat antibiotic resistance, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.