How sugars in the diet help C. difficile grow in the gut
The role of sugar transport in C. difficile colonization and disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · NIH-11291291
This project looks at how sugar in modern diets helps C. difficile grow and cause illness in adults to find ideas for prevention and treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291291 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying how C. difficile uses sugars from our food to live and make toxins in the gut. They will examine specific bacterial sugar-transport genes to see which sugars the bacteria prefer and whether those genes change how harmful the bacteria are. The work will include lab tests of bacterial strains, experiments that model gut communities and disease, and studies of how dietary sugar affects asymptomatic carriage. The aim is to find ways drugs or diet changes could block colonization and reduce infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who have had C. difficile infection, are at high risk for CDI, or are known asymptomatic carriers would be the most relevant people for this research.
Not a fit: Children, people without C. difficile exposure, or patients whose infections are driven by factors unrelated to bacterial sugar metabolism may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or diet-based measures to prevent or lessen C. difficile infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked diet and gut bacteria to C. difficile risk, but targeting specific bacterial sugar transport systems is a newer approach with limited clinical testing to date.
Where this research is happening
LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE — LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COLLINS, JAMES TRISTAN — UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- Study coordinator: COLLINS, JAMES TRISTAN
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.