Understanding how the patient microbiome affects infections after spine surgery
Official title: Targeting the Patient Microbiome for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Spine Surgery
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11299862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your body might affect the chances of getting an infection after spine surgery, and it’s for patients who are having procedures like spinal fusion to help find better ways to prevent these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,530 |
| NIH project number | 3K23AR080209-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299862 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients scheduled for instrumented spine surgery, particularly those with conditions that may predispose them to infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing spine surgery or those with conditions unrelated to the musculoskeletal system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the patient microbiome in the development of surgical site infections (SSIs) following spine surgery. By examining the bacteria present in patients before and after surgery, the study aims to identify how these microorganisms contribute to infections and how they may resist standard antibiotic treatments. The research will involve collecting microbiome samples from patients undergoing procedures like spinal fusion and analyzing them to better understand the relationship between the microbiome and infection risk. This approach seeks to develop more effective strategies for preventing SSIs in spine surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for surgical site infections, enhancing patient safety and recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's role in infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Dustin R — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Long, Dustin R
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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.