Understanding why some bloodstream infections persist despite treatment
Official title: Systems Epigenomics of Persistent Bloodstream Infection
Funded at Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center · NIH-11091661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some infections in the bloodstream stick around even when they should respond to treatment, focusing on common germs like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, and it aims to find new ways to help patients by understanding how these germs adapt to our immune system and antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Torrance, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,326,682 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI172713-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091661 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing persistent bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are easily treated with standard antibiotics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind persistent bloodstream infections, which occur when pathogens are resistant to being cleared from the bloodstream despite being susceptible to treatment in laboratory tests. The study focuses on common pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, exploring how these infections adapt to the human immune system and antibiotic treatments. By analyzing the genetic and epigenetic factors involved, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies to combat these challenging infections. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help understand these complex interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from persistent bloodstream infections, potentially reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of persistent bloodstream infections are still being explored, similar research has shown promise in understanding antibiotic resistance and improving treatment outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeaman, Michael R — Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yeaman, Michael R
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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.