Investigating whether patients with C. difficile colonization should be placed on contact precautions
Official title: An infection prevention dilemma: should we place patients with C. difficile colonization on contact precautions?
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11021238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether patients who carry Clostridioides difficile should be kept away from others in hospitals to help prevent infections, and it aims to find out how often this bacteria is found and how different hospital practices affect safety for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $500,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HS030223-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients who are colonized with C. difficile but not currently experiencing an active infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are actively infected with C. difficile or those who do not carry the bacteria will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the dilemma of whether patients who are colonized with Clostridioides difficile should be placed on contact precautions in healthcare settings. It will analyze the frequency and locations of C. difficile colonization and assess the impact of current practices on patient safety. By comparing hospitals that implement contact precautions versus those that do not, the study seeks to clarify the risks and benefits associated with these practices. The findings could lead to more standardized and effective infection prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved infection control practices, reducing unnecessary precautions and enhancing patient safety.
How similar studies have gone: While the issue of contact precautions for C. difficile colonization is recognized as unresolved, similar research has not yet established a consensus, indicating this is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Deverick John — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Deverick John
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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.