Understanding how certain bacteria survive antibiotic treatment in urinary tract infections

Investigating metabolism and DNA damage repair in uropathogenic Escherichia coli fluoroquinolone persisters

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT · NIH-10918085

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

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT (nih funded)
Locations1 site (FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10918085 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections, particularly those who have had treatment failures.

Not a fit: Patients with UTIs caused by non-uropathogenic bacteria or those who do not experience recurrent infections may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.