Developing a new vaccine for C. difficile infections
Official title: Oklahoma C. difficile U19 Challenge Core
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10892822 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make a better vaccine for C. difficile by figuring out why some vaccines don't work as well as they should, using tests on mice and hamsters to find ways to improve the vaccine and help prevent infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $85,438 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174994-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892822 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for C. difficile infections, such as those with a history of antibiotic use or gastrointestinal disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for C. difficile infections or those who have already been vaccinated may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on advancing a second-generation vaccine for C. difficile by investigating the mechanisms that limit the effectiveness of vaccine-induced immune responses. Using animal models, including mice and hamsters, the project will conduct challenge experiments to test the efficacy of the vaccine. The research aims to standardize these experiments to ensure reliable results and improve the overall understanding of how to enhance vaccine responses. By optimizing these models, the research seeks to provide valuable insights that could lead to better prevention strategies against C. difficile infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of C. difficile infections in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines for C. difficile, but this approach aims to refine and enhance existing methodologies, making it a novel effort in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ballard, Jimmy D. — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ballard, Jimmy D.
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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.