The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded the Regents of the University of Michigan $2.284 million on August 1, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to conduct research on microbial interactions combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MI-CARB).
The research employs a systems biology approach to understand pathogenesis of nosocomial infections caused by three pathogen groups: vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenamase-producing Enterobacterales (including multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae), and Clostridioides difficile. The work identifies genetic and microbial targets mediating pathogen-pathogen interactions and pathogen-microbiota interactions in patient specimens and bacterial isolates; studies how microbial interactions determine clinical outcomes ranging from pathogen clearance to persistent colonization to overt infection; and develops novel control measures for antimicrobial-resistant organisms. The multidisciplinary investigator team leverages extensive patient clinical specimens and bacterial isolates to address these research objectives.
Performance occurs in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The project runs through June 30, 2031. This is a Project Grant, the assistance type under which NIH funds investigator-initiated research addressing specific scientific questions.