Understanding how urinary tract infections in pregnant women affect preterm birth
Official title: Characterizing the impact of maternal immune response to urinary tract infection on preterm birth
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10982475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how urinary tract infections in pregnant moms might lead to early births, using mice to understand how certain bacteria can cause inflammation and affect the pregnancy, with hopes of finding ways to help women who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | December 9, 2022 |
| Project end | December 8, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $51,474 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HD111236-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women in their third trimester who have experienced urinary tract infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have a history of urinary tract infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between maternal urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the risk of preterm birth. Using a mouse model, the study examines how infections caused by specific bacteria can lead to inflammation that may trigger early labor. By analyzing the immune response and bacterial presence in the bladder and placenta, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to preterm birth. The findings could provide insights into potential interventions for at-risk pregnant women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing preterm births in women with urinary tract infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the immune response to infections can lead to significant advancements in maternal and neonatal health, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ottinger, Samantha — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ottinger, Samantha
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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.