Why some Pseudomonas infections in cystic fibrosis survive antibiotics
Prevalence, Consequences and Mechanisms of Antibiotic Heteroresistance in Cystic Fibrosis
This project looks at why some Pseudomonas bacteria in people with cystic fibrosis survive inhaled tobramycin and how that may affect treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect sputum samples from people with CF who have chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection while they are on and off inhaled tobramycin. In the lab they will measure whether bacterial populations contain small, highly resistant subgroups (heteroresistance) and whether resistance becomes sensitive again when antibiotics are stopped. They will compare these bacterial patterns with clinical responses to inhaled tobramycin and use genetic and cellular methods to identify mechanisms behind unstable resistance. The findings aim to improve how susceptibility tests and treatment choices are made for CF lung infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with cystic fibrosis who have chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections and who use or are starting inhaled tobramycin.
Not a fit: People without CF, without chronic Pseudomonas infection, or not treated with inhaled tobramycin are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors choose antibiotics more accurately and improve infection control for people with CF.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work has shown heteroresistance in bacteria, but applying these findings to predict treatment responses in people with CF is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Pradeep K — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Singh, Pradeep K
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.