How new antibiotic resistance in C. difficile affects treatment
Decoding the clinical impact of the recent evolution of metronidazole resistance on Clostridium difficile infection.
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-11262328
This project looks at how recent changes that make C. difficile resistant to metronidazole and vancomycin could affect people with C. difficile infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11262328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I have C. difficile, researchers will compare bacteria taken from patients to find genetic changes that make the bugs resistant to metronidazole and vancomycin. They will analyze bacterial genomes, run lab tests that mimic drug levels in the colon, and review clinical records to link resistance patterns to patient outcomes. The study uses bacterial samples from infected people and hospital data to understand why some strains cause worse or recurring infections. That work could point to clearer antibiotic choices and ways to limit spread of dangerous strains.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a confirmed C. difficile infection, especially those with severe, recurrent, or treatment-resistant cases, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without C. difficile infection or whose infections respond quickly to standard antibiotics are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors pick antibiotics that work better and reduce severe or recurrent C. difficile infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have identified resistant C. difficile strains and linked some resistance to worse outcomes, but this project aims to detail the specific resistance mechanisms and their clinical effects.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HURDLE, JULIAN G — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- Study coordinator: HURDLE, JULIAN G
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.