Creating a new oral treatment to prevent the spread of C. difficile infections
Official title: Development of Oral Immunotherapy against Clostridioides difficile Transmission
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11119635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using special probiotic yeast to help deliver antibodies that fight C. difficile infections, aiming to make it easier for people in healthcare settings to stay healthy and avoid getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $511,553 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI190438-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at high risk for C. difficile infections, such as those in healthcare settings or with weakened immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for C. difficile infections or those who have already been diagnosed and are symptomatic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative oral immunotherapy using engineered probiotic yeast to deliver antibodies that target the C. difficile bacteria. By administering these antibodies, the goal is to reduce the bacteria's ability to colonize the gut and produce spores, which are responsible for spreading infections. The approach involves screening various antibody fragments to identify the most effective ones for preventing disease transmission. If successful, this treatment could significantly lower the incidence of C. difficile infections in healthcare settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new preventive treatment for patients at risk of C. difficile infections, potentially reducing severe gastrointestinal complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using engineered probiotics is innovative, similar strategies targeting bacterial infections have shown promise in other research, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yongrong — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yongrong
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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.