Understanding how antibiotic-resistant infections return
Genetic and phenotypic adaptations of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium during recurrent bloodstream infection
This project looks at how a tough-to-treat germ called VREfm changes to cause repeat bloodstream infections in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144425 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
VREfm is a common germ that can cause serious bloodstream infections, especially in high-risk patients, and it's hard to treat because it resists many antibiotics. Sometimes, these infections come back even after treatment. We want to understand how VREfm adapts inside the body to avoid being killed by medicines and cause these recurring problems. We will compare the genetic makeup of VREfm from patients with repeat infections to find clues about why they keep coming back. This work also explores new ways to fight these infections, like using special viruses called bacteriophages.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced recurrent bloodstream infections caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients without VREfm infections or those whose infections are easily treated with current antibiotics may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to treat and prevent recurring VREfm bloodstream infections, offering new hope for patients with limited options.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored VREfm adaptations, systematic genomic and phenotypic assessments in recurrent VREfm infections are largely unknown, making this approach novel.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stellfox, Madison Elaine — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Stellfox, Madison Elaine
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 below.