Understanding how gut bacteria affect antibiotic resistance in children
Official title: Bacterial Community Barrier to Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11103176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the intestines of children with weakened immune systems can affect the growth of a harmful germ called vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), with the goal of finding ways to help prevent infections in these kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | June 4, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180489-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103176 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised children under the age of 11 who are at risk for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not immunocompromised or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome influences the colonization of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) in immunocompromised children. It aims to identify specific bacteria in the intestines that can either promote or inhibit the growth of VRE. By using advanced molecular techniques and bioinformatics, the study will explore the interactions between these gut microbes and VRE, providing insights into how antibiotic resistance develops. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing infections in vulnerable pediatric populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies against antibiotic-resistant infections in children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the role of the microbiome in antibiotic resistance, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Margolis, Elisa B H — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Margolis, Elisa B H
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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.