Understanding how gestational diabetes affects immunity and infections during pregnancy
Characterizing the Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Immunity and Group B Streptococcal Virulence in the Maternal Reproductive Tract
This study is looking at how gestational diabetes might make pregnant women more likely to get infections from group B Streptococcus (GBS), and it aims to find out why this happens so we can improve ways to prevent and treat these infections for moms and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10992632 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gestational diabetes and the risk of infections caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women. It aims to uncover the mechanisms that make women with gestational diabetes more susceptible to GBS, which can lead to serious complications for both mothers and their babies. Using a specialized mouse model, the study will explore how GBS ascends in the reproductive tract and the immune responses involved. The findings could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for GBS infections in pregnant women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes who are at increased risk for group B Streptococcus infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without gestational diabetes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for pregnant women with gestational diabetes, reducing the risk of severe infections and complications for both mothers and infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the microbiota and immune responses in pregnancy can lead to significant advancements in maternal and neonatal health, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mercado, Vicki — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Mercado, Vicki
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.