Understanding how certain bacteria kill competitors in the urinary tract
Official title: Investigating a novel contact-dependent killing system and its contribution to pathogen dominance in the urinary tract
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10755337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a specific bacteria called Proteus mirabilis fights off other bacteria in the urinary tract, which is important for understanding and improving treatments for urinary tract infections related to catheters, so patients dealing with these infections might find better ways to prevent and manage them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 16, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,238 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173594-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10755337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are catheterized and at risk for urinary tract infections, particularly those with recurrent infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use catheters or have no history of urinary tract infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific bacteria, particularly Proteus mirabilis, interact with and kill competing bacteria in the urinary tract, which is crucial for understanding catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The study focuses on the mechanisms of these interactions, particularly the contact-dependent killing system that allows P. mirabilis to dominate over other pathogens like E. coli. By examining these competitive dynamics, the research aims to uncover new insights into how biofilms form and contribute to infections, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies. Patients with CAUTIs may benefit from the findings, as they could lead to better prevention and management of these infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating catheter-associated urinary tract infections, reducing morbidity and mortality in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial interactions in urinary tract infections, but the specific contact-dependent killing system being investigated here is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Behnsen, Judith — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Behnsen, Judith
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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.