Using viruses to balance gut bacteria in patients with severe infections
Bacteriophages as Modulators of Bacterial Colonization
This study is looking at how special viruses called bacteriophages can help people who have had stem cell transplants by balancing their gut bacteria and fighting off harmful germs, which can lead to serious infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10977074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target bacteria, can help restore the balance of gut bacteria in patients who have undergone hematopoietic cell transplants. These patients often suffer from infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms due to antibiotic use, leading to serious complications like bacteremia. By administering bacteriophages, the study aims to reduce the colonization of harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial gut flora, potentially improving patient outcomes. The research will involve analyzing stool samples and understanding the interactions between phages and gut microbes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have received hematopoietic cell transplants and are experiencing complications from multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of hematopoietic cell transplants or are not affected by multidrug-resistant bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce infections and improve recovery for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplants.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could be effective in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El Haddad, Lynn — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: El Haddad, Lynn
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.