Understanding how fungal and bacterial infections interact to worsen patient outcomes
Official title: Fungal-bacterial dynamics driving dysregulated host responses and lethal synergism
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10981752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different germs, like the fungus Candida albicans, work together in infections that can make hospitalized patients very sick, with the goal of finding better ways to treat these serious conditions.
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 start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $822,646 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI177615-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are hospitalized patients suffering from polymicrobial infections involving fungal and bacterial pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with isolated bacterial infections or those not hospitalized may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between fungal and bacterial pathogens in polymicrobial infections, particularly focusing on how these interactions can lead to increased mortality rates in hospitalized patients. The study centers on the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, which is known to cause severe invasive infections. By examining the mechanisms that contribute to the heightened lethality of these infections, the research aims to uncover how microbe-microbe interactions affect immune responses and blood coagulation. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from these dangerous infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of polymicrobial infections, potentially reducing mortality rates for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While research on polymicrobial infections is limited, there is growing recognition of their significance, suggesting that this approach could yield novel insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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.