Understanding Staphylococcus aureus infections in a Native American community
Official title: The molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in households in aSouthwest Native American community with a high burden of disease
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11094122 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how common a bacterial infection called Staphylococcus aureus is in a Southwest Native American community and what social factors might be causing higher infection rates, with the goal of finding helpful ways to prevent these infections through community-based education and health strategies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $163,967 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185902-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094122 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older from the Apache Nation who are at risk of or currently experiencing Staphylococcus aureus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of the Apache Nation or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the prevalence and impact of Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterial infection, within a Southwest Native American community. It aims to understand how social factors contribute to the higher rates of infection in Indigenous populations compared to the general U.S. population. The study will explore effective strategies for decolonization and prevention of recurrent infections through community-informed interventions that combine education and biomedical approaches. By collaborating with local health organizations, the research seeks to develop tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by the community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and managing Staphylococcus aureus infections in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in community-informed health interventions for infectious diseases, indicating potential for this approach to be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hammitt, Laura — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Hammitt, Laura
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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.