Understanding why antibiotics fail to treat bone infections

Mechanisms of antibiotic failure during osteomyelitis

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10877937

This study is looking into why antibiotics sometimes don't work for people with osteomyelitis, a tough bone infection, so we can find better ways to treat it and help patients heal.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877937 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind the failure of antibiotic treatments in patients suffering from osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The study aims to identify specific bacterial and host factors that contribute to antibiotic tolerance, which can lead to treatment failure. By using a murine model, researchers will analyze how bacteria develop resistance and how they are shielded from antibiotics within the body. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment strategies and develop new methods to effectively combat these infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with osteomyelitis, particularly those who have not responded well to standard antibiotic therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with osteomyelitis who have already achieved successful treatment outcomes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for osteomyelitis, reducing the rate of treatment failure and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of antibiotic failure in osteomyelitis are being explored in this research, similar studies have shown promise in understanding antibiotic resistance in other bacterial infections.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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 Bacterial Infections
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.