Understanding how staphylococci bacteria resist viruses and transfer antibiotic resistance
Official title: Mechanisms of anti-phage defenses and their mobilization in staphylococci
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10973601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain bacteria on our skin, like S. aureus and S. epidermidis, protect themselves from viruses and share resistance to antibiotics, with the goal of finding new ways to treat infections caused by these germs, which could help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | November 10, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $498,496 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173022-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from skin infections or those with indwelling medical devices that may be at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than staphylococci may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which staphylococci, common bacteria on human skin, defend themselves against viruses and how they share antibiotic resistance genes. The study focuses on two main species, S. aureus and S. epidermidis, which are known to cause serious infections. By examining the interactions between these bacteria and their viral counterparts, the research aims to uncover ways to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for infections caused by these bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating and preventing antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using phages as therapeutic agents against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hatoum, Asma — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Hatoum, Asma
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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.