Understanding how viruses and bacteria interact during infections

Consequences of Direct Viral-Bacterial Interactions

NIH-funded research St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11013322

This study is looking at how the flu virus works together with a common bacteria that can cause pneumonia, to better understand how they can make respiratory illnesses worse, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent and treat these infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11013322 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between the influenza A virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common bacterium that can cause pneumonia. It explores how the virus binds to the bacteria, enhancing their ability to adhere and spread within the body. By studying these interactions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that facilitate co-infections, which can lead to more severe respiratory diseases. The findings could help identify new strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by these pathogens.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk for respiratory infections, particularly those with a history of influenza or pneumonia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have respiratory infections or are not at risk for such infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between viruses and bacteria can lead to significant advancements in treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Airway infectionsco-infectioncoinfection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.