Investigating the impact of the bacteria found in the nose on granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Disease - Vasculitis

Lead applicant - Professor David Jayne

Organisation - Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Type of grant - Special Strategic Award

Status of grant - Active

Amount of the original award - £290,430.64

Start date - 1 January 2016

Reference - 21132

Public Summary

What are the aims of this research?

This project aims to increase our understanding of the impact of bacteria found in the nose on the development of granulomatosis with polyangiitis, as well as how changes in the types of bacteria in the nose can lead to disease recurrence.

Why is this research important?

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of small blood vessels and can be life-threatening. The type of bacteria found in the nose, namely Staphylococcus aureus, has been implicated in many diseases, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis. This research will help identify a pattern between any changes in the bacteria in the nose and disease recurrence, which may enable clinicians to predict those patients with a high risk of disease recurrence.

How will the findings benefit patients?

The results from this research should lead to a clinical trial looking at a way to change or control the bacterial strains in the nose to prevent disease recurrences in patients at risk. Identifying those patients at risk of recurrences would allow them to receive effective treatment or preventative measures in good time, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.