Understanding the skin bacteria in preterm infants and their link to infections
Official title: Characterizing the preterm infant skin microbiome and microbial shifts that precede neonatal late onset sepsis (LOS)
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11062447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the skin bacteria of preterm babies changes during their first month of life and how it’s different from full-term babies, with the goal of finding ways to help protect these little ones from infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $161,568 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AR081568-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants born before 37 weeks of gestation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those who do not have any skin-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the skin microbiome of preterm infants develops over the first four weeks of life and how it differs from that of full-term infants. By systematically sampling the skin microbiome at specific time points, the study aims to identify patterns and changes in microbial diversity that may influence the risk of neonatal late-onset sepsis. The research will also analyze the relationship between skin bacteria and the occurrence of infections in these vulnerable infants. This approach could provide valuable insights into how to better protect preterm infants from serious infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing infections in preterm infants by understanding their unique skin microbiome.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on the skin microbiome in infants, this study's systematic approach is novel and aims to fill significant gaps in current knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoch, Jennifer Jane — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Schoch, Jennifer Jane
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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.