Using bacteriophages to treat infections from orthopedic devices
Official title: Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Orthopaedic-Device Related Biofilm Infections with Local Delivery of Lytic Bacteriophage
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10794979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with tough infections from orthopedic devices by using special viruses that can kill the bacteria causing the problem, making treatment easier and more effective for those dealing with bone infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 22, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $230,279 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176067-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10794979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries who are at risk of developing infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections not related to orthopedic devices or those who do not have multidrug-resistant bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with orthopedic devices. It focuses on using lytic bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria, delivered locally to the site of infection. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from osteomyelitis related to orthopedic device infections, which are often resistant to traditional antibiotics. By utilizing biodegradable microspheres for delivery, the research aims to provide a more effective and less invasive treatment option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the need for prolonged antibiotic treatments and multiple surgeries for patients with orthopedic device-related infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of bacteriophages for treating infections is a promising area of research, this specific approach targeting orthopedic device-related infections is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaplan, Heidi B — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Kaplan, Heidi B
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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.