How the location of C. difficile bacteria affects the severity of infection
Official title: Effect of epithelium association and toxin gene expression on Clostridioides difficile disease severity
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11162044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the location of Clostridioides difficile bacteria in the colon affects how serious the infections can get, helping us understand why some people have worse symptoms than others, even when the bacteria seem similar.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $45,180 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI191587-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile infections, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Clostridioides difficile infections or those with mild cases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the positioning of Clostridioides difficile bacteria in the colon influences the severity of infections caused by this pathogen. It focuses on understanding the relationship between the bacteria's ability to penetrate the mucus layer and its toxin production, which damages the intestinal lining. By examining the spatial distribution of these bacteria and their toxin gene expression, the study aims to uncover why some infections are more severe than others, despite similar levels of toxins in fecal samples. The research employs a combination of laboratory experiments and analysis of bacterial behavior in the colon to gather insights.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for Clostridioides difficile infections, potentially reducing their severity and associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding bacterial behavior in relation to host tissues can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dibenedetto, Nicholas Vincent — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Dibenedetto, Nicholas Vincent
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.