Understanding how sex differences affect urinary tract infections in children
Cellular and Molecular Basis of Sex Specificity in UTI Pathogenesis
This study is looking at how differences between boys and girls, especially related to hormones, might affect how kids get urinary tract infections (UTIs) and why some kids have more severe cases, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent and treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10896477 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how male and female biological differences, particularly related to androgen exposure, influence the development and severity of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. By using advanced mouse models, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to complications such as kidney scarring and chronic infections. The findings could help identify why certain groups, like boys and girls with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, are more susceptible to severe UTIs. This research could ultimately lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric UTIs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have experienced urinary tract infections or are at risk for them.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have a history of urinary tract infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for urinary tract infections in children, reducing complications and long-term health issues.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding sex differences in infection responses, making this approach promising but still requiring further exploration.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hunstad, David — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Hunstad, David
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.