Understanding how certain bacteria survive antibiotic treatment in urinary tract infections
Official title: Investigating metabolism and DNA damage repair in uropathogenic Escherichia coli fluoroquinolone persisters
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-10918085 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common bacteria that causes urinary tract infections can survive even when antibiotics are used, focusing on how the nutrients available to the bacteria might help them resist treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to help people who keep getting UTIs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | September 7, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,715 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK136259-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918085 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections, particularly those who have had treatment failures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with UTIs caused by non-uropathogenic bacteria or those who do not experience recurrent infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), can survive antibiotic treatment despite not showing genetic resistance. The study focuses on the role of nutrient availability, particularly carbon sources, in influencing bacterial metabolism and DNA damage repair during treatment with fluoroquinolone antibiotics. By examining how these factors affect the bacteria's ability to persist and repopulate infections, the research aims to uncover new insights that could lead to more effective treatment strategies for recurrent UTIs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial persistence mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treating antibiotic-resistant infections, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lagree, Travis — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Lagree, Travis
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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.