Understanding how fungal and bacterial infections become deadly together
Fungal-bacterial dynamics driving dysregulated host responses and lethal synergism
This research explores why combined fungal and bacterial infections in the abdomen are so dangerous for hospitalized patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138593 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many hospitalized patients face serious infections involving both fungi and bacteria, especially in the abdomen. These combined infections, particularly those with Candida albicans and bacteria, lead to much higher death rates than bacterial infections alone. We want to uncover the specific ways these different germs work together to make the infection more severe. This includes looking at how they increase harmful toxins, affect the body's immune system, blood clotting, and bone marrow.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience severe intra-abdominal infections involving both fungal and bacterial pathogens, especially those caused by Candida albicans, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by only bacteria or only fungi, or those with infections in other body parts, may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat or prevent the severe and often deadly outcomes of combined fungal and bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the high mortality of polymicrobial infections is known, the specific mechanisms of synergistic lethality between fungi and bacteria are not fully understood, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, Brian M — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Peters, Brian M
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.