Understanding how vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium adapts during bloodstream infections
Official title: Genetic and phenotypic adaptations of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium during recurrent bloodstream infection
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10948391 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tough bacteria called vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) changes when it keeps causing infections in patients, and it’s also exploring a new treatment option using viruses that can target these bacteria, so if you join, you might help us find better ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $171,089 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AI185312-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948391 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have experienced recurrent bloodstream infections caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had bloodstream infections or those with infections caused by other pathogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) adapts within patients during recurrent bloodstream infections. By analyzing genetic and phenotypic changes in VREfm isolates from affected patients, the study aims to identify factors that contribute to the bacteria's ability to evade treatment. Additionally, the research explores the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a new treatment option for these challenging infections. Patients may be involved in providing samples for genomic analysis and may benefit from insights into more effective treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from recurrent bloodstream infections caused by VREfm.
How similar studies have gone: While bacteriophage therapy has shown promise in small-scale studies, this research aims to expand on these findings and address gaps in knowledge regarding VREfm adaptations, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stellfox, Madison Elaine — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Stellfox, Madison Elaine
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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.