Using phages to reduce the harmful effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Exploiting Pf phage superinfection to lower Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence via evolutionary tradeoffs
This study is exploring how special viruses that target harmful bacteria can help make infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa easier to treat, especially for people with cystic fibrosis who often deal with these tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10928123 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain viruses that infect bacteria, known as bacteriophages, can be used to lower the virulence of the harmful bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By studying the competition between different phages when they infect the same bacterial host, the researchers aim to understand how these interactions can be manipulated to make bacterial infections easier to treat. The focus is particularly on cystic fibrosis patients who often suffer from chronic infections with this bacterium. The goal is to develop a novel phage therapy approach that leverages these evolutionary dynamics to improve treatment outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cystic fibrosis patients who are chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have cystic fibrosis or are not infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that make it easier to treat chronic bacterial infections in patients, particularly those with cystic fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using bacteriophages for treating bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could be a viable option.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kubota, Nanami — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kubota, Nanami
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 below.