Detailed genetic look at C. difficile and the gut microbiome in infection and relapse
High-resolution genomic interrogation of pathogen-microbiome interactions in Clostridioides difficile infection
Researchers will sequence C. difficile and gut bacteria from thousands of patient stool samples to find genetic and microbial patterns linked to severe or recurring infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will analyze more than 30,000 patient stool samples with linked clinical records to map C. difficile strains and the surrounding gut microbiome at high genomic resolution. By comparing bacterial genomes, microbial community features, and patient health data, the team will look for genetic elements and microbe interactions that track with disease severity or recurrence. The work combines advanced sequencing, computational genomics, and clinical metadata to build detailed maps of pathogen–microbiome–host dynamics. Results are intended to point to biomarkers or intervention targets to reduce recurrent and severe C. difficile infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or currently have C. difficile infection and who can provide stool samples or allow access to their clinical records would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without C. difficile infection, those unwilling or unable to provide stool samples or medical data, or whose samples are not part of the cohort are unlikely to be included or directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help predict who is most likely to have severe or recurrent C. difficile and guide more personalized prevention or treatment approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Prior microbiome and genomic studies have linked loss of gut bacteria and specific C. difficile strains to relapse risk, but this very large, high-resolution genomic analysis is broader and relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dantas, Gautam — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Dantas, Gautam
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.