Why some gut and urinary bacteria resist common penicillin-type antibiotics
Genetic Factors associated with phenotypic beta-lactam resistance in extended-spectrum beta lactamase-producing Enterobacterales
Using whole-genome data from ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, researchers will build tools to predict which beta-lactam antibiotics will work for people with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231283 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at the full genetic code of Enterobacterales bacteria that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), including the mobile DNA pieces that can move resistance genes around. Researchers will measure how much antibiotic it takes to stop these bacteria (MICs) and link those results to genomic features. They will build and tune statistical models that include mobile genetic elements to better predict resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. The goal is to make genomic predictions accurate enough to help doctors pick effective, carbapenem-sparing treatments sooner.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections caused by Enterobacterales—especially ESBL-producing strains—or patients who can provide bacterial samples (for example urine, blood, or wound isolates) are the ideal candidates to contribute to this work.
Not a fit: People with infections caused by non-Enterobacterales bacteria, viral or fungal infections, or those unable to provide bacterial samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help clinicians choose effective beta-lactam antibiotics faster and avoid overuse of last-resort carbapenems.
How similar studies have performed: Whole-genome approaches have successfully predicted resistance for some antibiotic classes, but predicting beta-lactam resistance in ESBL-producing Enterobacterales has been relatively poor so far, so adding mobile genetic elements is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez-Simmonds, Angela — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Gomez-Simmonds, Angela
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.