Investigating the characteristics of a common strain of C. difficile bacteria
Official title: Epidemiological and Genomic Characteristics of the Widely Disseminated C. difficile Strain, REA Group Y
Funded at VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System · NIH-10950314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific strain of C. difficile that’s been causing more infections in the community, and it aims to understand its characteristics and how we can better prevent these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX005609-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced C. difficile infections, particularly those with community-acquired cases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never had a C. difficile infection or those with infections caused by strains other than REA group Y may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the epidemiological and genomic features of the C. difficile strain known as REA group Y, which has been increasingly associated with community-acquired infections. The study aims to analyze the molecular characteristics of this strain and its clinical implications, particularly as it relates to rising infection rates in the community. By employing advanced genomic sequencing techniques, researchers will gather detailed data on the strain's prevalence and its potential reservoirs in the community. This comprehensive analysis could provide insights into how to better manage and prevent C. difficile infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating C. difficile infections, ultimately reducing infection rates and associated healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on C. difficile, this specific focus on the REA group Y strain represents a novel approach that has not been extensively studied before.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skinner, Andrew Michael — VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Skinner, Andrew Michael
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.