Understanding the role of mouth bacteria in COVID-19 severity
Official title: The Oropharyngeal Microbiome in COVID-19
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10906737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our mouths might affect how seriously older adults get sick from COVID-19, hoping to find ways to improve treatment by understanding these bacteria's role in the immune response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE031902-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without a COVID-19 diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria present in the mouth may influence the severity of COVID-19 infections, particularly in older adults. It aims to understand the relationship between the oropharyngeal microbiome and the body's immune response to the virus. By examining how these bacteria interact with the virus and affect its replication, the study seeks to uncover mechanisms that could lead to more severe respiratory issues. The research will involve analyzing samples from patients to identify patterns that could inform treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating severe COVID-19 outcomes in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that the microbiome can influence respiratory infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collman, Ronald G — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Collman, Ronald G
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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.