Award
NIH Reporter #5R01AI173138-04
Clinical Impact of the Cefazolin Inoculum Effect
Recipient
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Award Amount
$425,805.00
Ceiling
$425,805.00
Awarded
August 14, 2026
Identifier
5R01AI173138-04
This award funds a project to study the clinical impact of the cefazolin inoculum effect in severe MSSA infections and develop a rapid diagnostic tool for U.S. labs, involving international collaboration and aiming to improve patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship.
Description
The project aims to define the clinical impact of the cefazolin inoculum effect (CzIE) in severe MSSA infections and develop a deployable diagnostic tool for U.S. microbiology laboratories. It leverages international epidemiologic, clinical, and microbiologic resources, including collaboration with the Australian-led SNAP trial, to assess the prevalence and impact of CzIE, which varies geographically (approximately 25% in the U.S. and up to 40% in South America). The study will evaluate a rapid nitrocefin-based colorimetric assay for detecting CzIE, aiming to improve patient outcomes, reduce toxicity and healthcare costs, and enhance antimicrobial stewardship.