Study Of Infections Associated With Eczema.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infections Disease has awarded a five-year $31 million contract to National Jewish Health, which is leading a consortium of academic medical centers seeking to better understand skin infections associated with atopic dermatitis. The researchers will focus on antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and widespread viral infections of the skin, both of which are more prevalent among atopic dermatitis patients. "MRSA is a significant public health threat that needs to be contained," said principal investigator Donald Leung, MD, PhD, Professor of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at National Jewish Health. "We want to find out why these patients are susceptible to staph infections, particularly MRSA, and learn how we can prevent them from developing and spreading to others."