Why some Klebsiella pneumoniae infections resist key carbapenem antibiotics
Mechanisms of Resistance and Clinical Outcomes of non-Carbapenemase Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections
This project looks at why certain Klebsiella pneumoniae infections resist carbapenem antibiotics and how those infections affect adult patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11508411 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine bacterial samples from adults with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae to identify genetic changes and outer membrane alterations that block antibiotics. They will measure which carbapenem drugs each isolate is resistant or susceptible to and link those patterns to patient outcomes using medical records. The team will study lab results (antibiotic susceptibility, gene copy number, porin changes) and compare local patient cases with broader isolate data to better understand clinical impact. Findings will help explain why some infections fail standard treatments and point to better diagnostic or treatment choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with confirmed carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, such as bloodstream or other serious infections treated at participating hospitals, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without a carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella infection, children under 21, or those with infections caused by different bacteria would not be expected to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors choose more effective antibiotics and guide development of better diagnostics for these hard-to-treat infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has largely focused on carbapenemase-producing strains and led to new diagnostics, while focused clinical data on non-carbapenemase resistant Klebsiella are limited and this work is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, William R — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Miller, William R
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.