Could viruses replace antibiotics for bladder infections in spinal cord injury?

NCT ID NCT06559618

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Barbara Trautner Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage study tests whether a mixture of viruses (called phages) that specifically kill E. coli bacteria is safe for people with spinal cord injuries who have bacteria in their bladder. Thirty adults will receive the phage solution directly into the bladder twice daily for a week. The main goal is to check for side effects and see how the body handles the treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: bacteriophage therapy (viruses that target E. coli bacteria)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to control bladder bacteria in spinal cord injury patients without using antibiotics.
What could go wrong: This is a very early (Phase 1) study with only 30 people, so it's mainly checking safety, not effectiveness. The therapy is personalized and may not work for everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bacteriuria escherichia coli infection spinal cord injury Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ASYMPTOMATIC BACTERIURIA BACTERIURIA ESCHERICHIA COLI SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
Washington University in St Louis
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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