Using viruses to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Phage-Bacteria Evolution via Next-Generation Phage Bioreactors
This study is exploring how special viruses called bacteriophages can help treat stubborn infections that don’t get better with regular antibiotics, aiming to create a smart treatment that can keep up with bacteria that change over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11018620 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target bacteria, as a treatment for infections that do not respond to traditional antibiotics. The approach involves creating a system that allows for the continuous growth of bacteria, enabling the production of phages that can adapt to bacterial mutations. By developing phage cocktails that can anticipate and counteract bacterial resistance, the research aims to provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from multi-drug resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with infections that are not caused by bacteria or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that effectively treat infections resistant to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using phage therapy to treat bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maresso, Anthony W — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Maresso, Anthony W
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.