Understanding how Group B Streptococcus infection affects pregnancy outcomes
Official title: Signal transduction, metabolic shifts, and host interactions during group B Streptococcus infection
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11117131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a common bacteria called Group B Streptococcus can sometimes cause serious problems during pregnancy, like preterm labor or harm to the baby, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how this bacteria changes from being harmless to harmful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $483,995 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177991-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals who are at risk of Group B Streptococcus infection or have experienced complications related to such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have a history of Group B Streptococcus infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which Group B Streptococcus (GBS) can lead to serious complications during pregnancy, such as fetal injury and preterm labor. The team will analyze how GBS transitions from a harmless bacterium in the gut to a harmful pathogen in the amniotic fluid, focusing on the role of nutrient availability and cellular stress responses. By studying these processes, the researchers aim to uncover the factors that contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with GBS infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for infections caused by Group B Streptococcus during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding bacterial behavior and its impact on health, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hooven, Thomas a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hooven, Thomas a
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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.