Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus causes corneal infections
Official title: Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus Corneal Infections
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11072086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus causes eye infections that can harm your vision, with the goal of finding new ways to treat these infections and help patients see better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $394,083 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033735-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of bacterial keratitis or those at high risk for developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial causes of corneal infections or those who do not have any ocular infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of bacterial keratitis, which can lead to severe vision loss. By utilizing advanced genomics and bioinformatics, the study aims to identify the specific genetic determinants that contribute to the severity of these infections. The research focuses on the unique conditions of the ocular surface, which may influence how the bacteria cause damage. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies developed based on the findings of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for bacterial keratitis, potentially reducing the risk of blindness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified virulence factors in other bacterial infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for keratitis as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wozniak, Rachel a F — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Wozniak, Rachel a F
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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.