Candida yeast and bacterial interactions in C. difficile infection
Multi-omics integration to model the differential metabolic activities of Candida glabrata and bacteria in humans with C. difficile infection
This work looks at how a common yeast called Candida glabrata and bacteria act together in people with C. difficile infection to find new ways to prevent persistent or recurrent illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Juniata College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntingdon, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11385916 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research will look at biological samples from people with and without C. difficile infection to compare microbes and their metabolic activity. Researchers will combine multiple types of molecular data (multi-omics) and computer models to map how Candida glabrata and C. difficile interact. They will also use mouse experiments to help explain how these interactions change disease severity. The goal is to identify fungal-driven pathways that could become targets for treatments to reduce recurrence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a current C. difficile infection or a recent history of recurrent CDI would be the most relevant candidates to provide samples or join related clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People without C. difficile infection or those not able or willing to provide stool or clinical samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets that reduce persistence and recurrence of C. difficile infection by disrupting harmful fungal–bacterial interactions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse and human microbiome studies, including work by the PI, have shown fungal enrichment and worsened disease with Candida glabrata, but turning those findings into therapies is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Huntingdon, United States
- Juniata College — Huntingdon, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamendella, Regina — Juniata College
- Study coordinator: Lamendella, Regina
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.