Understanding how antibiotic-resistant germs spread in hospitals
Official title: Inference of heterogeneous transmission of antimicrobial resistant pathogens in health care settings
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10993600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how germs that resist antibiotics spread in hospitals, so we can find out where they come from and how to stop them, helping keep patients safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,672 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180492-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include hospitalized patients who may be at risk of carrying or being affected by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not hospitalized or do not have any risk factors for antimicrobial resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to investigate the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in healthcare settings, particularly hospitals. By analyzing electronic health records, hospitalization data, lab results, and genetic sequences, the study will develop new methods to identify where and how these resistant germs spread. The goal is to pinpoint specific locations and individuals that contribute most to the transmission of these pathogens, ultimately leading to better containment strategies. This innovative approach combines advanced modeling techniques with real-world data to address a critical public health issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for controlling the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in healthcare settings, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using advanced modeling techniques to understand the spread of infectious diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for impactful results.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pei, Sen — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pei, Sen
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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.