Understanding how Acinetobacter baumannii survives and spreads
Official title: Elucidating regulatory control of Acinetobacter baumannii persistence and spread
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11042144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a germ called Acinetobacter baumannii, which can cause serious infections in hospitals, manages to survive tough conditions and spread, with the goal of finding better ways to treat and prevent these infections for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 22, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $108,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K22AI166265-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are hospitalized and at risk of Acinetobacter baumannii infections, particularly those on ventilators or with compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not hospitalized or do not have risk factors for Acinetobacter baumannii infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow Acinetobacter baumannii, a significant cause of pneumonia and other infections in hospital settings, to persist and spread. The study focuses on how this pathogen survives harsh conditions, particularly desiccation, and how these survival strategies affect its ability to cause disease. By examining the genetic factors that contribute to its resilience, the research aims to uncover new targets for treatment and prevention. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to better control and treat infections caused by this antibiotic-resistant bacterium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial persistence and resistance mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Erin Rebecca — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Green, Erin Rebecca
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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.