Using special imaging techniques to detect bacterial infections in lung diseases

Siderophore based molecular imaging of pulmonary infections

NIH-funded research University of Cincinnati · NIH-10878899

This study is testing a new imaging method to help doctors better identify bacterial infections in people with COPD, so they can provide more effective treatments when symptoms worsen.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Cincinnati NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-10878899 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of bacterial infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by developing a new imaging method. The approach utilizes unique bacterial transporters and their metallophores as imaging agents to non-invasively identify live bacteria in the lungs. By distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections, this method aims to enhance treatment strategies for acute exacerbations of COPD. Patients will be monitored using advanced imaging technology to better understand their condition and tailor interventions accordingly.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who experience acute exacerbations potentially caused by bacterial infections.

Not a fit: Patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or those not experiencing acute exacerbations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses of bacterial infections in COPD patients, improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using metallophores for imaging in this context is novel, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other areas of infectious disease diagnosis.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, 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 2026-06-15 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.