How a bacterial response helps Clostridioides difficile survive in the human body
The role of the (p)ppGpp-mediated stringent response in Clostridioides difficile's resilience to nutrient and immune stresses typically found within a mammalian host
This study is looking at how the Clostridioides difficile bacteria manage to survive in our bodies even when we take antibiotics, and it aims to find ways to make those antibiotics work better against these tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10514305 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how Clostridioides difficile, a bacterium responsible for severe infections, survives and thrives in the human body despite antibiotic treatments. The study focuses on a specific bacterial response mechanism known as the stringent response, which helps the bacteria adapt to various stresses, including nutrient scarcity and immune challenges. By understanding this mechanism, researchers aim to identify ways to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics against this resilient pathogen. The approach includes both chemical inhibition and genetic techniques to explore how disrupting this response affects the bacterium's survival and virulence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have experienced recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections or are at high risk for such infections.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Clostridioides difficile infections or are not at risk for these infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for Clostridioides difficile infections, reducing recurrence rates and enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in targeting bacterial stress responses to improve treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach may also be effective for Clostridioides difficile.
Where this research is happening
Norfolk, United States
- Old Dominion University — Norfolk, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Purcell, Erin Bridget — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Purcell, Erin Bridget
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.