Using antibiotics to improve imaging of bacterial infections related to implants
Official title: Antibiotic-based PET Imaging of Implant Associated Gram-positive Bacterial Infections
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10889540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to spot tough infections caused by certain bacteria on medical devices like catheters and joint replacements, using a special tool that combines an antibiotic with a tracking agent, which could help doctors diagnose these infections more quickly and accurately.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $384,863 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB034882-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with implanted medical devices who are at risk for Gram-positive bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without implanted devices or those not at risk for Gram-positive infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the detection of Gram-positive bacterial infections that can occur on medical implants like catheters and joint replacements. By using a specialized antibiotic, vancomycin, conjugated with a chelation agent, the study aims to create a new imaging technique that can specifically identify these bacteria rather than relying on general signs of infection. The approach involves testing the binding capabilities of this new imaging agent in laboratory settings and in live models to assess its effectiveness. If successful, this method could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of difficult-to-treat infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more precise method for diagnosing bacterial infections associated with medical implants, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using antibiotic derivatives for imaging, suggesting that this approach could be a valuable advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thorek, Daniel Lyndon Jaffe — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Thorek, Daniel Lyndon Jaffe
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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.