How pet ownership affects gut health and Clostridioides difficile infections
Official title: Impact of pet contact on antimicrobial-associated dysbiosis and Clostridioides difficile infection
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11044056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having pets might help your gut health bounce back after taking antibiotics, especially when it comes to fighting off infections like Clostridioides difficile, and we’d love for you to join us by sharing some samples and information to help us learn more!
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 9, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $179,426 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AI163351-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced Clostridioides difficile infections, particularly those who own pets.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of Clostridioides difficile infections or do not own pets may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between pet ownership and the gut microbiome's ability to resist Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). It aims to understand how contact with pets may help restore gut health after antibiotic treatment, which often disrupts the natural microbiome. By analyzing the shared microbiota between pets and their owners, the study seeks to identify protective factors that could enhance recovery from CDI. Patients may be involved in providing samples and data to help uncover these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Clostridioides difficile infections by leveraging the benefits of pet ownership.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested that pet ownership may provide protective effects against CDI, indicating that this research builds on promising findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Redding, Laurel Elizabeth — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Redding, Laurel Elizabeth
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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.