Viruses that infect the bacteria that cause gonorrhea
Investigating Neisseria gonorrhoeae double-stranded bacteriophage
['FUNDING_R21'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11199646
Finding out whether viruses that attack gonorrhea bacteria exist and how that might matter for people with gonorrhea.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11199646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will work in the lab to see if pieces of the gonorrhea bacterium's DNA can make complete double‑stranded viruses (bacteriophages). They will use CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to turn down specific bacterial genes and watch whether virus particles appear, using electron microscopy to visualize them. The researchers will also test whether any produced phages can infect other Neisseria strains or species. This is basic laboratory work done at Northwestern rather than a human treatment trial.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; however, people with gonorrhea — especially antibiotic‑resistant infections — could be future candidates for therapies developed from these findings.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for gonorrhea will not get direct benefit from this lab-based research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could open new ways to treat or prevent gonorrhea by revealing natural viruses or weak points in the bacteria that might be used as therapies.
How similar studies have performed: A few prior reports hinted at phage-like elements in gonorrhea but were inconclusive, and using CRISPRi to trigger phage production is a relatively new and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SEIFERT, HANK S. — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SEIFERT, HANK S.
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.