Alexa Pragman, M.D., Ph.D.

Alexa Pragman, M.D., Ph.D.

Regents of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Research Project:
Can Bacteria from the Mouth be Used to Study COPD?

Grant Awarded:

  • Biomedical Research Grant

Research Topic:

  • basic biologic mechanisms

Research Disease:

  • COPD

In order to better understand how lung microbes affect the progression of COPD, we need to study bacteria found in the lungs of COPD patients over time. Such research would be much easier if we could substitute bacteria that are more easily accessible, such as those found in the mouth, nose or airways. We will compare lung bacteria obtained during lung surgery with bacteria found in the patients' mouths, noses, airways and sputum. By comparing the lung bacteria to bacteria from the other sites, we will determine if a non-invasively obtained sample can be substituted for an invasive lung sample in future studies.

Page last updated: May 2, 2024

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